With the 38th Annual Idaho RV Super Show approaching, you may be eager to try out your new toy. If you have yet to experience camping in the winter, then consider giving it a try! Camping in the winter is not for everyone, but it can be if you are well prepared. Here is our guide to a safe and comfortable RV winter trip.
Where to Go Winter Camping in Idaho
First and foremost you may want to know the places you can camp. According to an article from OnlyInYourState, these are the top 8 destinations in Idaho:
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- Harriman State Park
- Lake Cascade State Park
- Heyburn State Park
- Idaho City
- Stanley
- Farragut State Park
- Bear Lake State Park
- Lake Walcott State Park
- Before packing your things, make sure the campgrounds are open on the dates you’d like to go. The tranquility of a snow-covered landscape can bring some much needed peace after the holiday chaos. Camping, in general, can help you escape from the busy city life in Boise too.
How Cold Is Too Cold?
An RV is a great way to stay protected from the chilly nights. However, if you find the temperatures sinking to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, which it most likely will in Idaho winters, you may want to invest in small space heaters. Also, be sure to cover up any areas where cold air may creep in through window sills or doorways.
Preventing Exterior Damage to Your RV
If you are new to RV camping, then knowing how to properly store and care for your vehicle is a must. You may already know that RVs and other types of travel trailers are not immune to sun damage. However, it’s still important to know that even if you’re leaving your RV in the sun for camping, you still shouldn’t park it in the sun for an extended amount of time when it’s not being used. RVs like any other vehicles can still suffer from sun damage, scratches, dents, and paint chips when not taken care of.
Investing in a well-fitting RV cover will help to protect your investment. But, we all know the elements can get the best of us from time to time. Especially with some harsh winter winds and snow your RV is bound to become dented or scratched at some point. If you want these to be buffed out, then going to a scratch and dent repair shop in Boise will be your best bet. Not only is it affordable, but it will also help your vehicle look as good as new.
Preventing RV Upholstery Damage
The cold air and warm air from within the RV can cause some major condensation. Your RV is at risk for mold if the moisture is not handled properly. This can really put a damper on your camping trip. To prevent your RV’s upholstery from smelling like mildew, invest in a dehumidifier, or raise the temperature from within. Surprisingly, if you keep the inside of your RV warm enough, it can slow condensation on glass surfaces like windows. Thus, your RV upholstery won’t be at risk for mold.
Prepping Your RV for Winter Camping
The same stuff you pack for summer camping is not necessarily the same stuff you’ll be packing for winter. For this season you’ll want to bring the obvious heavy blankets and coats. But if you didn’t already know, you need to do extra maintenance and double the packing to ensure your trip is a safe and comfortable one. Consider following this bulleted list to make sure your RV is prepped and ready for the road ahead.
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- Make sure the batteries are charged
- Have your headlights restored
- Bring tire chains
- Double-check your RV furnace
- Bring a snow shovel
- Bring heavy-duty sleeping bags
- Always check the weather before leaving
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Where to Have Your RV Restored
After a trip in the snow, your vehicle may have come back with a few dings and dents. If you’re looking for a place that can repair your RV upholstery or exterior body, McDowells is the perfect place to have both taken care of. On the flip side, if you attended the Idaho RV Super Show and want to make a few changes to the upholstery in your RV or travel trailer, then McDowells can help with that too.