Dustin and Sarah are firm believers that the best adventures are found far off the beaten path. In June 2020, they purchased a Tiffin Wayfarer Class C in an effort to extend their adventuring and enjoy the outdoors for longer periods of time. They like to spend their free time biking, hiking and packrafting, all while making new friends and memories along the way.
Featured RV: 2020 Tiffin Wayfarer 25RW
As experienced RV enthusiasts, we understand the thrill of hitting the open road and exploring new destinations throughout the year. However, to fully enjoy the wonders of travel in your RV, it is crucial to keep it prepared for the seasons and to know your RV’s capability when it comes to temperature and seasonal travel. Whether you're braving the chilly winters or embracing the sizzling summers, taking the necessary steps to maintain and protect your RV will ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey. In this article, we will explore the various seasons and their impact on your RV, providing you with valuable tips and tricks to keep your mobile home in top shape all year round.
Please Note: Each season brings its own set of challenges and considerations for RV owners, and not all RVs are equipped for four season travel. So, before you explore the tips below, make sure to read your OEM manual to understand the temperature and terrain limitations. If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your dealer before heading out into extreme weather.
As winter bids farewell and spring blossoms, it's time to give your RV the attention it deserves. Start by conducting deep maintenance checks, inspecting the engine, tires, and all essential components. This will help identify any potential issues and address them promptly. Then a thorough deep clean, both inside and outside, will remove any dirt or grime accumulated during the winter months. Pay special attention to your tires, sanitize your tanks (and change your filters), and make sure you have winter and summer supplies packed to be ready for the temperature swings. With the heat comes increased chances of bacteria growth in your RV tanks. It’s crucial to sanitize again later if needed and filter your water consistently.
We also refresh our emergency kits by checking the expiration dates and restocking essential items such as first aid supplies, non-perishable food, and extra batteries. We often reach for allergy meds in the spring and have found our supply was used the year prior before. Don't forget to include sunscreen and insect repellent to protect yourself during outdoor excursions.
Now is also a great time to ensure that your RV is packed with clothing suitable for both warm and cold weather, as spring can be unpredictable. We use vacuum sealed bags for all of our winter bedding and extra coats, but leave them in the RV since we often get surprised with late cool snaps and want them back out.
Ah, the glorious summer season! With longer days and warmer temperatures, it's time to embrace the great outdoors. To keep your RV comfortable during this season, consider investing in window reflection shades to minimize heat buildup inside, we made ours to be flexible for all seasons by adding thick insulation fabric to one side. In the high heat, we put the reflective side out. Don’t forget to also cover skylights with reflective covers to reduce solar heat infiltration. Since we aren’t always hooked up to electricity to run A/C, we like to bring a couple of battery and USB run table-wall fans. They can provide a refreshing breeze, especially during those scorching afternoons without using a lot of energy.
For pet owners and extra monitoring, we use a dog temperature monitoring system. We have a Temp Stick, but there are a few brands on the market to choose from. They are a small wifi connected thermometer that constantly reads the temp and humidity rate in your RV. They then send alerts directly to you by text and email if your RV gets out of your set limits, giving you peace of mind and ensuring your furry loved ones safety.
When choosing camping spots, opt for shaded areas to avoid excessive sun exposure. Booking higher altitude campsites can also provide relief from the intense summer heat.
Temperature sticks provide instant alerts when the temperature or humidity hits critical levels, allowing you and your furry friends to stay stafe.
As the leaves change color and a crispness fills the air, fall brings a different kind of beauty to the RV lifestyle. To keep your RV comfortable during this season, pay attention to filters and perform safety checks on furnace carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and extinguishers. Now is a great time to verify you have the appropriate antifreeze windshield fluid, just in case temps drop suddenly.
Maintaining water sanitization is crucial during the fall season too. Clean and sanitize your water tanks again to ensure no growth of bacteria or algae occurred in the summer. Additionally, make sure to pack extra antifreeze to add to your tanks if you get stuck in colder weather. This will help prevent any damage caused by freezing water.
It should be noted that you should refrain from RVing in the winter months if your RV is not built for four-season travel. Be sure to consult your manual to understand the temperature thresholds for your specific RV and research your travel destination high and low temperatures for that season. But if your RV is equipped and you’re not headed south to warmer weather or winterizing and storing it and your RV, there are a few things you can do to keep extra comfortable. As the winter chill sets in, it's time to prepare your RV for the colder months ahead. Vent covers are a great investment to prevent condensation and protect against drafts. We made ours with more of the reflective material for our windows, just measured to size and added magnets. Insulating pipes with foam sleeves will prevent them from freezing and bursting. Don't forget to insulate cabinets that contain water lines to avoid any potential damage.
On the inside, consider using the other side of reflective window covers to retain heat and reduce heat loss. This will help keep your RV cozy and warm during the winter nights. Additionally, grabbing those extra blankets and warm bedding will ensure a comfortable sleep even in the coldest of temperatures.
A great tip to keep you cozy is to add a couple rugs or carpet pieces down in winter. It’ll add extra insulation and look great too!
While each season requires specific preparations, there are essential maintenance tasks that should be performed throughout the year to keep your RV in optimal condition.
Keeping your RV prepared for all seasons is not only crucial for your comfort and safety but also for the longevity of your home on wheels. By understanding the impact of different weather conditions and following the recommended maintenance tasks, you can ensure that your RV remains in top shape throughout the year and keeps you, your family and your pets comfortable. From deep maintenance checks to sanitizing water tanks, insulating against freezing temperatures to investing in window shades, each season requires specific preparations. Stay proactive, take the necessary steps and embark on your RV adventures with the confidence knowing that your home on wheels is ready for any season that comes your way.
Class C motorhomes offer outdoor experiences for larger families at a lower price point than Class A Motorcoaches. Recognizable by their raised sleeping or storage areas which extend over the cab of the RV, Class C Motorhomes offer more living space than Class B Motorhomes but are smaller in size and can offer better gas mileage than Class A Motorcoaches.
Whether you're new to the world of RVing or you're ready to narrow your search, we're here to help you sort through it all and find the RV that's right for you. Explore RVs based off of your lifestyle and the features important to you.
