When the forecast starts throwing around numbers like 21 degrees, it’s time to stop pretending your RV will “probably be fine” and start getting intentional with cold weather preparation.
I’m parked at Kick Back Ranch & Event Center in Ramer, Alabama, and with a cold snap rolling in, I wanted to walk through exactly how I prep Bertie Bea for freezing temperatures. This isn’t theory. This is what I actually do when winter decides to show up early and uninvited.
If you’re full-time, part-time, or just stretching your camping season a little longer, these steps can save you from frozen lines, cracked fittings, and expensive repairs.
Cold Weather Changes Everything
Cold weather doesn’t care how nice your rig is. It doesn’t care how experienced you are. Water freezes. Propane runs out. Plastic fittings crack.
That’s why cold weather RV prep isn’t about panic—it’s about preparation.
When I saw Monday morning was shaping up to be 21°, I knew it was time to switch into cold-weather mode and make a few smart changes before the temperature dropped.
Propane: Know Your Numbers Before the Cold Hits
The first thing I check is propane.
On Bertie Bea, I run an Extend-A-Stay system on my internal propane tank, paired with a GasStop for added safety. This setup lets me easily connect an external propane tank and gives me peace of mind knowing I’ve got protection in place if something goes sideways.
Before the cold arrived, I checked my external tank using the Mopeka Propane Check app. It showed 34%, which told me everything I needed to know—time to fill up.
I ran over to Tractor Supply and topped it off. The tank took four and a half gallons, and now I know I’m ready to keep the furnace running without stressing about running out at the worst possible time.
👉 If you’re looking at upgrading your propane safety setup, this is gear I trust and use myself:
🔗 https://technorv.com/collections/gasstop?Click=12127
Water Connections: Less Is More When It’s Freezing
Here’s where a lot of folks get into trouble.
When freezing temps are coming, the only thing connected in my wet bay is the sewer hose. That’s it. No freshwater hose. No unnecessary risks.
Why? Because water hoses, fittings, and valves don’t forgive freezing temperatures. All it takes is one cold night to turn a simple hose into a cracked mess.
I don’t reconnect city water until temperatures are consistently back in the 30s and 40s, which in this case should happen later in the week.
Until then, I rely on my onboard systems.
Freshwater Tank Strategy: Fill It and Let It Work for You
Before the cold hits, I make sure my freshwater tank is nearly full.
Why? Because:
- A full tank is less likely to freeze than a partially full one
- My freshwater tank is protected with a heat blanket
- I can still use water normally without risking frozen hoses outside the rig
This setup lets me stay comfortable, functional, and protected without pushing my luck with external hookups.
It’s one of those simple habits that pays off big when winter shows up.
Rolling Smooth Through Cold Weather
Cold weather RVing doesn’t have to be stressful—but it does require intention.
For me, that means:
- Knowing my propane levels before the cold hits
- Disconnecting water hoses when freezing temperatures are coming
- Keeping my freshwater tank full and protected
- Letting the systems designed for cold weather do their job
These are the same principles I talk about throughout the Rolling Smooth series—learning your rig, respecting the conditions, and making smart moves before small problems turn into big ones.
If you want more real-world RV tips, stories, and lessons learned the hard way, you can find them here:
🌐 https://wanderinggypsyrvlife.com
Winter will come whether you’re ready or not.
The goal is to roll smooth right through it.
