Stay Warm and Dry: Extra Insulation Tips for your RV

Winter can be an enchanting time for RV life—snow-capped mountains, misty forests, and quiet campgrounds all lend a sense of magic to your travels. But the flip side is dealing with cold air that seeps in through every possible crevice, threatening to turn your small space into a chilly, damp cave. If you want to conquer winter camping (or even moderately cold temperatures) in comfort, mastering extra insulation is essential.

Hi there—we’re the McCartys, and we’ve been RVing for three years, experiencing winter RV living each season. During our first year in the RV, we learned the hard way how quickly cold weather can turn your cozy rig into a shiver-fest. Ever since that frosty introduction, we’ve made it a priority to line our cupboards and closets with reflective insulation. It was such a big difference that we’ve never looked back! In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to insulate your rig—from adding foam boards to weatherstripping—and we’ll share practical tips that’ll help you stay toasty all season long.

So, grab a mug of something warm, and let’s explore how to make the inside of the rv a comfortable temperature, even in colder months.

Why Insulation Matters in Winter RV Camping

Spending the winter months in an RV can be downright dreamy—fewer crowds, stunning snowy scenery, and the chance to enjoy a different side of nature. However, cold climates introduce unique challenges, especially if you’re battling heat loss through thin walls or poorly sealed windows. Good RV insulation is your first line of defense against cold air, moisture, and the dreaded chill that sets in as soon as the sun dips below the horizon.

Here are a few key reasons why proper insulation is a good idea:

• Maintain Comfortable Temperature: It’s no fun bundling up in five layers of warm clothes indoors or relying on propane heaters nonstop. Good insulation traps warm air, keeping the inside of the RV cozy.

• Reduce Condensation: Extreme cold can cause moisture to form inside your rig, leading to mold, mildew, or that unpleasant damp smell. Insulation helps mitigate heat loss and trap heat, reducing the temperature difference that promotes condensation.

• Cut Down on Energy Usage: Whether you’re using electrical hookups for your electric heater or powering portable heaters via solar power, an insulated RV requires less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature.

• Extend the Life of Your Rig: Insulation helps protect against high winds, cold air, and winter weather, preventing wear on your RV doors, walls, and structural components over time.

In short, winter rv camping is infinitely more enjoyable when you’re not shivering in your seat.

Read More: Stay Warm and Dry: Extra Insulation Tips for your RV

Key Areas That Lose Heat

Before jumping into insulation strategies, it’s helpful to know where most of your heat loss is happening. Common culprits include:

1. RV Windows

   • Single-pane windows are notorious for letting in cold air. Upgrading to double-pane windows or adding thermal curtains can be a great way to reduce drafts.

2. Doors and Screen Doors

   • The RV door and screen doors often lack the extra layer of protection you find in a residential setup.

3. Floor and Underbelly

   • Cold creeps in from below, especially if you haven’t added foam board insulation to the underbelly or used RV skirting.

4. Roof Vents

   • While roof vents help with ventilation, they also allow warm air to escape if not covered or insulated.

5. Closets and Cupboards

   • These areas, surprisingly, can lose a lot of heat if they’re part of the exterior walls.

Now that you know the major hotspots for heat loss, let’s dive into the solutions.

Closet Insulation: Turning Cold Storage into Cozy Space

Closets in an RV might not seem like a huge priority, but they actually play a major role in winter RV living. Thin walls around or behind closets can let in cold air, dropping the temperature in your living space. Plus, who wants to grab a coat from a frigid closet?

Foam Insulation for Closets

• Foam boards are an inexpensive way to block cold temperatures from creeping in. Cut them to size and line the interior walls.

• If your closet has a small window or vent, consider adding reflective insulation or thermal curtains to trap warm air.

Weatherstripping and Seals

• Check for gaps in the closet door itself. Even a tiny crack can let in a surprising amount of outside air.

• Weatherstripping is easy to install and can be found at most hardware stores. It’s a good idea to keep some on hand for quick fixes.

Thermal Curtains or Blankets

• For closet doors, you can hang thermal curtains or even blankets to add an extra layer of protection. It might sound odd, but it works wonders in older RVs lacking modern insulation standards.

  Read More: Your Ultimate Guide To RV Winter Living

Cupboard Upgrades: Reflective Insulation for the Win

Cupboards are another area often overlooked, yet they can lead to chilly drafts. Over time, we discovered that reflective insulation does a fantastic job at trapping heat inside these storage compartments—plus, it helps keep your food from freezing if you’re storing it in a cupboard near an exterior wall!

Foam Board Insulation

• Similar to closets, foam boards act as a barrier. Line the back and sides of your cupboards with them, especially if they’re on an outer wall.

• Foam insulation can also help reduce moisture, which is a big concern in colder months.

Reflective Insulation

• Reflective insulation is lightweight and easy to cut, making it a great way to reduce heat loss in small window areas (if your cupboard happens to have one) or in places where standard foam might not fit.

• Attaching reflective panels to cupboard doors can prevent cold air from filtering in and keep the inside of the rv warmer overall.

Weatherstripping & Seals

• Don’t forget to inspect the cupboard doors for gaps. A simple piece of weatherstripping can block out outside air effectively.

Our Personal Story: Surviving Three Winter Seasons

When we began full-time winter RV living three years ago, we knew nothing about keeping an RV warm beyond closing the windows and cranking up the propane heaters. Needless to say, it didn’t take long for us to realize we needed a better way to maintain a comfortable temperature—especially when we woke up to a 40-degree interior after a particularly frosty night!

On a friend’s recommendation, we tried installing reflective insulation in our closets and cupboards. The big difference amazed us. Suddenly, we weren’t layering up in wool socks and jackets just to cook breakfast. Over time, we added foam board insulation here and there, plus thermal curtains and RV skirts, and now we can ride out winter storms without that persistent chill creeping in. It’s proof that even older RVs can feel downright cozy with the right upgrades!

Read More: How To DIY Your Own RV Skirting

6. Recommended Gear Box

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, but we only recommend products we truly believe in.

• Reflective Insulation Sheets
  Great for lining cupboard walls, closet interiors, or around windows. Lightweight, easy to cut, and helps reflect warm air back into the RV.

• Foam Board Insulation
  An inexpensive way to add a layer of insulation behind cabinets, closets, or even under the bed area. Pick boards with higher R-value for extreme weather.

• Thermal Curtains
  Perfect for covering windows or using as closet and cupboard door covers, keeping cold air at bay.

• RV Skirting: Use Code- mccartysonthemove for $100 off
  A good idea if you’re parked for the winter. Skirting prevents cold air from circulating under your rig, helping keep the floors warmer.

• Heated Blanket or Heated Mattress Pad
  Great if you’re battling colder months and want an easy way to stay cozy at night without blasting a portable heater.

  Read More: Top Amazon Products You Need for RV Winter Living

Extra Tips for a Warm & Dry RV

1. Seal Up Windows & Doors

• RV windows can be notorious for letting in drafts, especially if they’re single-pane. Apply weatherstripping or install thermal curtains.

• Add door sweeps or insulating strips to your rv door to reduce heat loss.

  Read More: The Magic of Winter RV Window Covers!

2. Manage Condensation

• Cooking and showering release moisture into your living area. Crack open your roof vents or a window for proper insulation and ventilation.

• If you’re dealing with major dampness, a small portable heater with a built-in fan can help dry the air.

  Read More: Easy Tips on How to Control Moisture in Your RV

3. Maintain Propane & Heat Sources

• Keep an eye on your propane levels if you rely on a vent-free propane heater or standard propane furnace. Running out mid-blizzard is no fun!

• Consider a heated water hose if you’re using city water in extreme cold. This protects your rv pipes from freezing.

  Read More: Double the Warmth: Maximizing Heat Sources in Your RV

4. Don’t Overlook the Floor

• Throw rugs or carpet squares can act like extra layers of insulation. Your feet will thank you, and it’s a practical tip that’s easy to implement.

  Read More: Winter RV Living: How to Keep Your Water Pipes from Freezing

5. Layer Up

• No matter how well-insulated your RV is, wearing warm clothes like sweaters or cozy slippers helps conserve your body heat.

• Electric blankets or heated mattress pad can be a lifesaver on truly frigid nights.

  Read More: The Ultimate Guide To Heated Blankets For RV Winter Living

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will foam board really make that big of a difference?
A: Yes! Even a thin layer of insulation can significantly reduce heat loss, especially in confined space areas like cupboards, closets, or the underbelly. You’ll likely notice a difference in comfort right away.

Q: Can I use solar panels for extra heat?
A: Solar panels can help run your electrical needs (like electric space heaters), but they won’t physically heat your RV. They’re more about generating power to offset utility costs or help with dry camping.

Q: What about older rigs with single-pane windows?
A: Older RVs can benefit hugely from thermal curtains, reflective insulation, or even upgrading to double-pane windows if your budget allows. At the very least, seal around your windows with weatherstripping to block cold air.

Q: Do I need to invest in a heated mattress pad?
A: It’s optional, but a heated mattress pad or heated blanket is an easy way to keep warm overnight without draining your propane. They’re particularly handy in extreme weather or high-altitude winter camps.

Q: Should I be worried about ventilation when using a portable heater?
A: Absolutely—proper insulation doesn’t mean you ignore proper ventilation. Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors and occasionally crack a window to let fresh air circulate, especially if you’re using propane or vent-free heat sources.

Conclusion

Embracing winter adventures in your RV can be both cozy and thrilling—provided you take the time to insulate effectively. From lining your cupboards with reflective insulation to adding foam boards behind closets and extra layers on the floor, there are countless easy ways to make your rig winter-ready. The payoff? Less reliance on propane heaters, reduced heat loss, and the confidence to explore extreme cold or colder months without freezing your toes off.

Remember: A warm RV isn’t just about comfort—it’s about peace of mind, too. When you know you’ve done your best to lock out cold air, you can focus on enjoying those glistening snowbanks, frosty sunrises, and any winter rv camping adventures that come your way.

Still craving more tips? Follow us on social media for day-to-day updates, RV hacks, and behind-the-scenes peeks of how we survive (and love) winter weather on the road. Here’s to snuggly nights, frosty mornings, and making the most of every season in your home on wheels!