🔥 Keeping Your RV Warm (Without Blowing a Breaker)

Cold Nights. Cozy RV.

Cold-weather RV camping can be downright cozy — if you heat your rig smartly. The biggest mistake we see campers make in winter is trying to stay warm by plugging in too many electric heaters at once, which is a fast way to trip breakers or lose power altogether. Here’s how to stay comfortable without overloading your RV or the campsite pedestal.

🔥 Use Your RV Furnace as the Backbone

Your built-in propane furnace is designed to heat the entire RV evenly — including areas where water lines and tanks may run.

Why it matters:

• Keeps plumbing compartments warmer
• Prevents cold pockets in slides and under cabinets
• Reduces freeze risk compared to space heaters alone

💡 Many experienced winter RVers run the furnace at night and supplement with electric heat during the day.

⚡ Be Smart With Electric Space Heaters

Electric heaters are great — in moderation.

Best practices:

• Use one heater per circuit, not per outlet
• Stick to ceramic or oil-filled heaters
• Avoid extension cords (especially cheap ones)
• Never run heaters unattended or while sleeping

⚠️ Remember: most RV sites are 30-amp or 50-amp, and multiple heaters, microwaves, coffee makers, or hair dryers can trip breakers quickly.

Read more: Space Heater Safety Myths (What Really Matters in an RV)

🛌 Don’t Forget Personal Heat

Sometimes it’s more efficient to warm people, not air.

Great options:

• Heated blankets or mattress pads
• Warm socks and layered clothing
• Throw blankets for evenings

These use far less electricity than heaters and add instant comfort.

🌬️ Circulate Warm Air Inside the RV

Heat naturally rises — and in RVs, that means cold floors and warm ceilings.

Simple fixes:

• Run ceiling fans on low (reverse direction)
• Open cabinet doors under sinks at night
• Use small fans to move warm air into slides and corners

This helps prevent cold spots and condensation buildup.

💧 Control Moisture & Condensation

Cold weather + warm air = condensation.

Tips to reduce it:

• Crack a window or roof vent slightly
• Use a dehumidifier or moisture absorbers
• Wipe windows and frames in the morning

Less moisture = warmer air and fewer mold issues.

🔌 Know Your Power Limits

Every winter season we see it: one too many heaters and click — power’s out.

To avoid that:

• Spread electric usage throughout the day
• Heat water, cook, and run appliances one at a time
• If power trips, unplug extras before resetting

💡 If you’re unsure what your site can handle, just ask — we’re happy to help.

✅ Warm, Comfortable & Stress-Free

Staying warm in cold weather RV camping isn’t about using more heat — it’s about using the right combination of heat sources. When you balance propane heat, electric support, and smart airflow, winter camping becomes one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the campground.