Winter is coming, and for the thousands of Texans who’ve chosen RV living as their path to affordable housing, winterizing your RV takes on a whole new meaning. You’re not storing it—you’re living in it. You can’t just drain everything and walk away. You need heat, water, and comfort while protecting your home from freezing temperatures.
At RV Depot, we’ve helped hundreds of full-time RVers navigate their first winter. Whether you’re escaping high rent, rebuilding after financial challenges, or simply choosing a simpler life, winterizing your RV for occupied use requires a different approach than traditional storage winterization. This guide will show you exactly how to stay warm, prevent costly damage, and keep your monthly expenses manageable through the cold months.
The Reality of Winter RV Living: Why It Matters More When It’s Your Home
When your RV is your primary residence, frozen pipes aren’t just an inconvenience—they’re a housing crisis. A burst water line can mean:
- No running water for days or weeks
- Repair costs of $500-3,000
- Potential need for temporary housing
- Lost work time dealing with repairs
- Damage to your belongings
That’s why winterizing your RV while living in it requires careful planning and the right techniques. The good news? With proper preparation, winter RV living can be comfortable and affordable.
Step 1: Choosing the Right RV Park for Winter Living
Not all RV parks are equipped for winter residents. When winterizing your RV starts with selecting the right location:
Must-Have Winter Amenities:
- Full hookups with freeze-resistant connections
- Propane delivery service (crucial for heating)
- Heated bathhouse for backup facilities
- Snow removal if applicable
- On-site maintenance for emergencies
- Year-round management
Best Texas Locations for Winter RV Living:
- South Texas (Corpus, McAllen): Minimal freezing
- Hill Country (protected valleys): Moderate winters
- East Texas (Tyler, Longview): Tree protection
- Gulf Coast: Warmer but watch for storms
Money-Saving Tip: Many parks offer reduced winter rates for long-term residents. Ask about 3-6 month contracts.
Step 2: Spring Planning While Winter Living
Smart full-timers start planning for spring while winterizing your RV:
Late Winter Tasks:
- Schedule de-winterization service
- Plan any major repairs
- Budget for summer setup
- Research summer RV parks
Tax Season Opportunities:
Many full-time RVers use tax refunds for:
- Paying down RV principal
- Major upgrades (AC units, solar)
- Emergency fund rebuilding
- Summer travel fund
Step 3: Creating Your Heated Water System
Traditional winterization drains all water—but you need water to live. Here’s how to modify winterizing your RV for full-time occupancy:
The Partial Winterization Method:
What to Winterize:
- Outdoor shower
- Outdoor kitchen (if equipped)
- Washing machine connections
- Any lines running through unheated storage
What to Keep Active:
- Kitchen sink
- Bathroom sink
- Toilet
- Indoor shower
Protecting Active Water Lines:
- Heat Tape Installation ($30-50 per line)
- Wrap exposed pipes under RV
- Focus on areas near edges
- Use thermostatic tape that self-regulates
- Insulation Barriers ($50-100 total)
- Foam board around exposed plumbing
- Pipe insulation on all accessible lines
- Seal gaps with spray foam
- Cabinet Ventilation
- Keep cabinet doors open on cold nights
- Small fans circulate warm air
- Prevents freezing behind walls
Step 4: Moisture Control in Winter RV Living
Winterizing your RV for occupancy means managing condensation. Breathing, cooking, and showering create moisture that becomes a serious problem in cold weather:
Signs You Have a Moisture Problem:
- Windows dripping water
- Mold on walls or ceiling
- Musty smell
- Warped cabinet doors
- Respiratory issues
Essential Moisture Solutions:
- Ventilation is Key
- Crack a window (even in cold)
- Run exhaust fans while cooking/showering
- Install vent covers for rain protection
- Dehumidifier Operation
- Small units use 300-500 watts
- Remove 1-2 gallons daily
- Cost: $20-30/month in electricity
- Daily Habits
- Wipe down windows each morning
- Dry shower completely after use
- Cook with lids on pots
- Hang wet clothes outside when possible
Step 5: Protecting Your RV’s Exterior While Living In It
You can’t cover your RV while living in it, so winterizing your RV requires active maintenance:
Monthly Exterior Checklist:
- Roof inspection after storms
- Seal check around all openings
- Slide-out maintenance (if equipped)
- Awning tie-downs in wind
- Tire pressure (cold affects PSI)
DIY Weatherproofing ($100-200 total):
- Foam strips for slide-out gaps
- Window film for single-pane windows
- Door sweeps for better seals
- Reflectix for window insulation
- Skirting for underneath (controversial but effective)
Step 6: Emergency Preparedness for Winter RV Living
When winterizing your RV is about survival, not storage, you need backup plans:
Essential Emergency Supplies:
- Water: 5 gallons minimum stored inside
- Propane: Extra tank always full
- Food: 72-hour supply minimum
- Heat: Battery-powered heaters/blankets
- Power: Generator or battery backup
Common Winter Emergencies:
- Frozen water line
- Furnace failure
- Roof leak from ice
- Power outage
Insurance Tip: Make sure your RV insurance covers full-time living and freeze damage.
Step 7: Budgeting for Winter RV Living
Let’s talk real numbers for winterizing your RV while living in it:
One-Time Winterization Costs:
- Heat tape and supplies: $100-150
- Insulation materials: $100-200
- Dehumidifier: $150-250
- Emergency supplies: $200-300
- Total Setup: $550-900
Monthly Winter Increases:
- Extra propane: $100-200
- Higher electricity: $50-100
- Emergency fund: $100
- Total Monthly Increase: $250-400
Compared to Apartment Living:
Even with winter costs, you’re still ahead:
- Average Texas apartment: $1,400/month
- Winter RV living total: $800-1,100/month
- You Still Save: $300-600/month
Why RV Depot Makes Winter Living Possible
When banks see a credit score, we see someone deserving of warm, safe housing—even in winter. Our in-house financing means:
- No perfect credit required
- Income-based approval
- Understanding of full-time living needs
- Support beyond the sale
- Commitment to your success
Remember: Every winter you survive in your RV is another year of rent you didn’t pay, equity you built, and proof that you made the right choice.
Take Action Before Winter Arrives!!! Don’t wait for the first freeze to start winterizing your RV. Whether you’re already living full-time or planning to start, we’re here to help make winter comfortable and affordable.
Need Help with Installation?
Don’t let Jack Frost wreck your RV. 🥶 If you’d like professional help winterizing your RV or installing heat tape, insulation, or other winter preparations, our service department is here for you. Many of our customers prefer to have our experienced technicians handle these installations to ensure they’re done right the first time. We can:
- Install heat tape on vulnerable water lines
- Add proper insulation to exposed pipes
- Set up your partial winterization system
- Test and prepare your heating systems
- Perform a complete winter readiness inspection
Ready to Winterize? We’re Here to Help:📍 Visit: 4319 N. Main St, Cleburne, TX 76033 📞 Call: (817) 678-5133
Winter doesn’t have to be scary. With proper preparation, your RV can be a warm, comfortable home that costs a fraction of traditional housing. Let RV Depot help you make it happen—whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer professional installation.
Already living full-time? Share your winter tips in our Facebook community and help others succeed. Questions about financing an RV for year-round living? Our team understands your unique needs—call today.
