Travel Tips For The Winter RVer

If you’re reading this post, then congratulations! You’re one of the few, brave RVers who doesn’t let the cold, harsh weather of winter keep you from enjoying the great outdoors and making memories with your family. While RVing during the winter can actually be quite enjoyable, mainly because you face less crowds, less traffic, and enjoy the peace and serenity of parks that are nearly empty, it does pose different challenges than summer RVing. Now, if you’re unsure whether RVing during the winter is for you or are intimidated by the thought of driving in less that perfect conditions, don’t fret. You too can enjoy the pleasures of winter RVing by following our tips to make winter RVing easier.

In ice and snow take it slow.

Drive Slower | This might seem obvious, but the serene conditions and less populated roads make it easier to speed when traveling during the winter. We’ve heard stories from RVers who have mistakenly thought the roads were safe, hit a patch of black ice, and lost control of their vehicle. Don’t let this happen to you. If you’re driving in an area with known black ice, drive slower and with caution. Remember, this isn’t a race. You can take your time getting to your destination. That’s the great thing about RVing!

Carry Kitty Litter | Even if you’re not planning on bringing fluffy along with you, carrying basic cat litter with you can help get you out of sticky situations. If you find yourself driving during the winter and end up getting stuck, placing kitty litter underneath/around your tires can provide you with the traction needed to get out.

Brake Gently | You might be inclined to slam on your breaks if an emergency situation arrives, but this is actually the worst thing you can do during winter driving. Hard braking can lock up your brakes and cause you to skid. Instead, try stopping earlier and braking gently by slowly easing your foot on the brake pedal.

Both Hands on The Wheel | It’s easier to lose control of your vehicle during the winter. Keeping both hands on the wheel allows you to exercise the most control over your vehicle. Using both hands might be less comfortably and you may have to take breaks more often, but maintaining control over your vehicle is worth the fatigue it might cause.

Check Weather | It’s easy to look at the crisp, blue skies that come with winter and assume it might be cold, but not slippery. Remember to use a tool like Intellicast (they also have an app available for iPhone and Android) to look at the radar and track any potential winter storms. While driving in snow isn’t bad, if you face an impending ice storm you’re probably better off delaying your trip.

When it comes to RVing during the winter, the most important thing is to plan ahead and take it slow. Treat your winter RV travels as an adventure. Pack extra snacks and use the time to soak in the beauty around you. You’ll be surprised what you notice when you slow down and just enjoy your surroundings and the people you’re traveling with. Do you have any winter driving tips? Share with us on Facebook or Google+.