Tips for Driving your RV in the Winter Safely!

Winter weather conditions can make driving an RV especially risky. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can cause dangerous road conditions, making it essential to take extra precautions to ensure your safety. We’ll share several tips for driving an RV safely during the winter season, so you can continue to enjoy your travels without any added stress.

Preparation is key!

The better prepared you are for any possible outcome, the more confident you can feel about your journey. It is important to check weather apps and road conditions before you depart.

Upgrading your tires before a winter journey will make your trip significantly safer. Winter tires stay soft and flexible no matter how cold it is, and they have a lower air pressure which helps to grip the roads. It is a good idea to upgrade your RV and tow vehicle tires if you plan to RV during the winter season.

It should be a regular habit to always perform a pre-trip inspection before you tow your RV anywhere. However, during the winter there are certain things that you should pay extra close attention to.

First, check that the brakes on your rig are in perfect working condition. Next, check the coolant and antifreeze levels in your vehicle.

In the winter, it gets dark significantly earlier, so don’t forget to double check that all signal lights and headlights on your rig are functioning perfectly.

You’ll likely need good windshield wipers, so replace those if necessary. Always check that your batteries are in good condition as the cold temperatures can quickly wear out an older battery and leave you stranded.

A weight distribution hitch is a useful accessory for towing during any time of the year, but it’s especially handy in winter when the roads are slippery.

Pre Trip Inspection Download

Emergency kit list Download

On The Road!

Now that you have checked your rig over, reviewed the road conditions on your route, and packed your emergency bag, you are ready to depart!

Driving an RV in winter conditions requires careful attention, as RVs handle very differently than cars. It’s crucial to exercise caution by driving slowly, avoiding sudden braking or turning, as this may cause the RV to slide or skid. When crossing bridges or overpasses, be extra vigilant as the higher elevation makes them more prone to freezing. Black ice is also a common hazard to watch out for. Always leaves plenty of distance between your RV and the vehicle in front of you.

In snowy conditions, bright headlights can actually impair visibility due to the reflection of light on the white snow. Similarly, the use of high beams in foggy weather can also contribute to decreased visibility. Switching to low beams in such situations is advisable. If you are driving during a sunny day in snowy conditions, it is a great idea to wear a pair of sunglasses to help reduce the glare from snow.

high beams can make it harder to see while driving in snow or fog

sunglasses help reduce the glare of snow during winter driving

Utilizing Your Vehicles Features

Today, tow vehicles and motorhomes have plenty of built in features to help drivers. Some of them are helpful for winter conditions, and others should be avoided. To prevent heating up your brakes from overusing them, switch on your vehicle’s tow / haul mode and utilize the engine braking system to help slow you down instead.

Avoid using cruise control when road conditions are poor. Your vehicle can not detect the road conditions and may automatically accelerate over an icy area causing your vehicle to lose traction. Additionally, it is easy for the driver to lose focus and react slower when the vehicle is in cruise control.

Windy and Rainy Conditions

If the weather app is calling for winds above 25 miles per hour, it might be best to stay home until it calms down. An RV is a much bigger vehicle than a car, and therefore gets pushed around by the winds much more. The higher the speed, the greater the risk, so avoid highways if winds are higher than 20 miles per hour. If you are driving in windy conditions, be prepared and on the lookout for flying debris that may come across your path.

If you are driving and start to feel unsafe due to the winds, pull over beside a windbreak such as a large building and point your RV’s nose towards the winds.

Never drive through a large body of water if you don’t know how deep it is.

Driving an RV in bad weather can be challenging, but with proper preparation, it can be done safely. Stay updated on the weather forecast, maintain your RV before traveling, and drive carefully while keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. Patience, focus on safety, and alertness are key to navigating through poor weather conditions.