11 Best Cold-Weather Winterized RVs For Extreme Cold 2024

BySean Williams
Cold Weather Winterized RVs FI

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Looking for a Winterised RV so you can camp in all four seasons and still stay cozy?

How can you prepare yourself for an extreme cold-weather road trip without breaking the bank? 

The answer is simple – get a fully winterized RV. 

In this article, we’re going to be checking out:

  • The 12 Best Cold Weather Winterized RVs – with Pros and Cons of each;
  • Top Tips for winterizing your RV;
  • Your TopNotch Winter RV Checklist;
  • Frequently Asked Questions;
  • Lots more…

Let’s face it; not ALL RVs are made to withstand extreme cold weather, so your only solution would be to find one that includes insulation and heat sources not only for your comfort but your travel companions, too. 

Think about it: 

Having a travel trailer with a water heater, a heat duct system, a holding tank, fresh water, and good temperature maintenance – sounds like one of the best ways to enjoy your camping trips, yes? 

So, if you’re on the hunt for a travel trailer like this – you’ve come to the right place. 

Here are 12 of the best cold weather RVs worth considering.

12 Best Cold-Weather RVs For Extreme Cold

Windjammer 3008W Travel Trailer

Windjammer 3008W Travel Trailer

Overview: 

Travel trailers are ideal for beginners still getting used to the RV life, and the Windjammer 3008W Travel Trailer won’t disappoint. 

With room for up to five beds, you can feel free to bring your best friends or family. 

With a 7,482-pound ship weight and an 897-pound hitch weight, this trailer is not exactly lightweight, but it will keep you toasty. 

Its large size lends itself space for a black water tank that can hold as much as 45 gallons as well as a gray water tank with a 75-gallon capacity and a freshwater tank with a 45-gallon capacity.

Other notable features are the two slides, wardrobe in the master bedroom space, linen closet, 44-inch dinette space, oven with microwave hookups, gas grill connector, and outdoor awning. There’s even a collapsible table in the master bedroom, which has room for a bed that measures 60×10.

Key Features: 

  • Insulation across the whole trailer
  • Electronically-controlled heated holding tanks
  • Thermo-pane window upgrades
  • Heated mattress in the master bedroom area
  • Fireplace upgrade
  • Floor-ducted furnace
  • Vent cover and Maxxaire ventilation fan
Pros
  • There’s a lot of features in this trailer. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much, but if you’re a fan of camper trailers and you love to drive in the winter, the Windjammer could soon become your new favorite.
Cons
  • This vehicle is heavy, as previously mentioned, especially for a camper trailer. It’s also quite lengthy, so you’ll have to be a more experienced driver to be able to maneuver it.

Jayco Redhawk 26XD

Jayco Redhawk 26XD

Overview:

The beauty and warmth of the Jayco Redhawk 26XD know no bounds, especially if you get a newer model like a 2017 or 2018 one. 

Those models of the Redhawk have up to five floor plans available. All of them feature a Ford chassis, linen closets, an eight cubic-foot refrigerator, a 13-foot awning, and a walk-around queen bed.

Key Features:

  • A queen bed
  • A spacious linen closet
  • A full bathroom, including a shower, toilet, and sink
  • A microwave, kitchen countertop, upper shelving, and a large sink
  • A two-seater sofa
  • A television towards the driver’s seat
  • Auto-igniting furnace
  • Huge fuel tank
  • Large capacity water heater
Pros
  • What’s not to love? The Redhawk is practically like living in a mini apartment, and you can heat it up to sustain you during the colder days.
Cons
  • Unless you have nearly $100,000 to spend for a new Redhawk, you’ll have to go with an older model, which may not have as many luxury features.

Related: 
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Lance 4 Seasons Travel Trailer

Lance 4 Seasons Travel Trailer

Overview:

Certified for both warm-weather and cold-weather driving, the Lance 4 Seasons Travel Trailer is another awesome choice for wintertime journeys. Here’s an overview of its seasonal features:

Key Features:

  • Insulated hatch covers, which can be snapped on or off depending on how cold it is outside. The covers are intended to prevent the cold from invading your RV, keeping you and your passengers comfy and dry.
  • Azdel insulation, which replaces wood. This thermoplastic composite insulation stops the mildew, mold, and rot that often develops when the wood is exposed to wet and wintry conditions for too long. Not only that, but this insulation adds soundproofing, too!
  • A water heater bypass, which is winterized for cold-weather use.
  • A ducted heating system made by Lance manufacturers themselves. This has hold tanks that can direct flow to the whole vehicle, so each room is adequately and evenly warmed.
  • Dual-pane insulated tinted windows that also have soundproofing qualities.
Pros
  • With so much insulation, you don’t have to worry about being cold ever again if you’re driving a Lance RV. The soundproofing is just icing on the cake.
Cons
  • None. Lance’s 4 Seasons package is also available for toy trailers and truck campers, making it a versatile unit.

Forest River Arctic Wolf

Forest River Arctic Wolf

Overview:

With six floorplan options, the Arctic Wolf from Forest River fits most RV enthusiasts’ needs. The biggest model weighs more than 10,000 pounds, with a hitch weight of 1,452 pounds at most. 

These vehicles also have a max width of 35 feet and a max height of 11 feet.

Moving on to the features, you can either choose the Arctic Package or the Extreme Weather Package for your wintertime adventures. 

Let’s unpack them both.

Key Features: 

Arctic Package

  • Upper bunk windows
  • Solar wiring and prep
  • A pullout kitchen faucet
  • Option for an outside TV bracket and outside shower
  • A home entertainment system
  • Friction hinge entry doors
  • Dinette drawers

Extreme Weather Package

  • Upgraded arctic insulation
  • Racetrack ducted air conditioning
  • A Quick Cool Fantastic Fan
  • Insulated upper decking
  • A high-circulation ceiling fan
  • An enclosed and heated underbelly
  • Enhanced fiberglass high-gloss sidewalls
  • A furnace that can run at 35,000 BTUs
Pros
  • The Extreme Weather Package makes the Forest River Arctic Wolf worth taking along on your next cold trip. You’ll be completely insulated and comfortable no matter how cold it is outside.
Cons
  • The hefty weight of this vehicle might make maneuvering it a challenge for some beginner RV drivers, especially when making turns, parking, and other challenging activities.

Jayco 327CKTS Eagle

Jayco 327CKTS Eagle

Overview:

Another great Jayco cold weather RV is the 327CKTS Eagle, which I’ll call Eagle for short. The latest model, new for 2018, includes a 21-cubic foot refrigerator, a 60”x80” queen bed, walk-in closets with shelving, a washer and dryer, and a TV chest.

You’ll also get a 19-foot outdoor awning, a full bathroom (with a shower, toilet, sink, and linen closet), steps, a kitchen hutch with a second sink and closet space, an L-shaped sofa, and extra recliners.

Want more? 

You can choose from interior décor packages that will make this RV feel just like home. There are also these optional features:

Key Features: 

  • Dual-pane frameless tinted safety glass windows
  • The Dry Camping Package, which adds extra LP capacity and storage
  • The Sani-con Turbo Waste Management System
  • The Girard Gen3 Tankless Water Heater, which includes a digital thermostat
  • A second power awning
Pros
  • As mentioned above, the Jayco brand is especially well-known for its four-season options. The luxury additions in the 2018 Eagle take RV living to another level. Like some of the other RVs on this list, you’ll be so comfortable you might want to stay on the road forever.
Cons
  • Unless you shell out several thousand dollars for the new Eagle, the above features may not be included.

Heartland Bighorn

Heartland Bighorn

Overview:

This won’t be the first Heartland RV featured on this list, and for a good reason. 

This is one of the top manufacturers of all-weather vehicles, and the Bighorn lives up to the hype. This camper trailer has nearly a dozen floorplans (yes, you read that right), so no matter what your budget or space limitations are, you should be able to find a Bighorn that fits your needs.

The sizing of these units varies, with the biggest being more than 14,000 pounds (dry weight), a hitch weight of nearly 3,000 pounds, and a length of almost 45 feet.

Most floorplans include the following toasty features:

Key Features:

  • An insulated in-roof A/C duct system
  • A furnace that runs at 42,000 BTUs
  • A below-floor heating duct that’s a single piece
  • R-14 upper deck flooring insulation values, R-38 main flooring, and radiant insulation values, R-34 roofing insulation values, and R-11 wall insulation values
  • An insulated, heated underbelly
Pros
  • The features mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg. The level of detail and craftsmanship that Heartland put into the Bighorn is astounding. Also, the number of floor plans available will impress any RV lover.
Cons
  • There’s practically no way you can go wrong with the Heartland Bighorn.

Keystone Raptor

Keystone Raptor

Overview:

Yet another camper trailer of note is the Keystone Raptor. All the same features you expect from the Keystone brand, such as a fantastic arctic package, are also here along with some extras.

For instance…

… there are eight floor plans for the Raptor to choose from. You’ll get the same rooms, like the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, as well as handy storage space, but each one is arranged somewhat differently.

The MaxFlo zone-controlled air conditioner runs at 15,000 BTUs and is one of the standout cold-weather features.

Key Features:

Pros
  • If you want a Keystone camper trailer, the Raptor is a reliable choice. With many floor plans available and plenty of heating features, you’ll spend more time out driving in the winter than ever before.
Cons
  • None. This is one beloved cold-weather RV option.

Heartland LM Arlington

Heartland LM Arlington

Overview:

The Heartland LM Arlington comes equipped with the Yeti Extreme Cold Weather Package, one of the most popular arctic packages out there. Of course, this feature is optional, but it’s not one you’re going to want to skip.

Not only that, but with home and away packages, your vehicle will be in stellar shape no matter how often you drive it. Here are some of the features that come standard with the core package:

Key Features: 

  • A power tilt bed as well as bedroom reading lights
  • A stainless-steel oven, high-rise coffee table, and lockable safe
  • A backlit tile backsplash
  • Soft tables
  • USB ports, an 80-amp convertor, and a 1,000-watt inverter with surge protectors
  • A multi-plex lighting system
Pros
  • The inclusion of the Yeti Extreme Cold Weather Package with the Heartland LM Arlington is by far the most significant benefit compared to the other RVs on this list. When it comes to four-season RVs, the Heartland’s Yeti package comes up again and again to the top. It’s undoubtedly one of the best arctic packages available.
Cons
  • The Yeti Extreme Cold Weather Package is not included with a Heartland LM Arlington. You’ll have to pay extra for it, so that might make it an expensive investment.

Northwood Arctic Fox

Northwood Arctic Fox

Overview:

Few cold-weather campers are as beloved as the Arctic Fox from Northwood. That’s with good reason, too: this baby is loaded with features. Let’s delve into some, shall we?

Key Features:

  • USB and 12-volt chargers in the bedroom, which also includes a TruRest queen mattress and bedspread as well as carpeting
  • A full tub with a retractable, hide-away shower screen enclosure and a bath skylight
  • A foot-pedal porcelain toilet
  • Fan vents in the bedroom
  • Skylights with shade in the kitchen, as well as a 10-cubic foot extra-large fridge with multiple raised panels
  • An included microwave with a range cover
  • A booth dinette and a jackknife sofa, complete with decorative throw pillows
  • A digital thermostat and second charge wizard
  • Carbon monoxide, liquefied petroleum gas, and smoke detectors
  • A 19-inch LED TV with an included DVD/CD player with Bluetooth capabilities
  • Roller bearing drawer glides
  • 15-inch aluminum wheels with included shocks for all wheels
  • Four-season foam insulation throughout; the ceiling insulation is R-18 equivalent
Pros
  • Not only is Northwood one of the most renowned brands for cold weather RVs, but their Artic Fox includes all the luxury features, as well.
    You’ll be so comfortable you won’t want the road trip to end!
Cons
  • Like some of the other RVs on this list, for all the luxury features you’ll enjoy, you’re going to pay plenty of dollars. The 2017 and 2018 models are priced in the $58,000 range, and older models won’t be cheaper, too.

Keystone Montana

Keystone Montana

Overview:

The Montana luxury fifth-wheel trailer is so well put together that a Keystone employee spent all year living in one. 

This vehicle has a nearly 15-year reputation of excellence and is a huge seller for Keystone.

In their experiment, the Keystone technician went to LaGrange, Indiana, where the temperatures often drop below zero. The technician would run the Montana’s test chamber at a chilly 0 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Why? 

Because they can.

They also ran the temperature at a much more habitable 72 degrees to see if the Montana could stand up to LaGrange’s variations.

Of course, the test was successful. 

That’s because the Montana includes:

Key Features:

  • A dual thermostat and remote sensor with a ducted second A/C made of frame and wire
  • Free-flow air conditioning at 15k BTUs
  • Heated city water low point drains and a heated exterior convenience center
  • 12v electric tank heaters
  • In-floor water lines
  • Dump valves and holding tanks that are insulated and enclosed
  • A heated underbelly that is also insulated and enclosed
  • A fully-vented attic system
  • A foam core straight line heat duct system that’s 3”x14”
  • Auto-ignition 35,000 BTU furnace
  • Radiant technology insulated roof that’s an R-38 equivalent
  • Insulated double layer supported fiberglass sidewalls that are R-11 equivalent
  • Insulated slideout floors that are R-15 equivalent
  • An insulated main floor that’s R-21 equivalent
Pros
  • When it comes to staying warm inside your RV – even though it’s freezing outside – few options are better than the Keystone Montana. This vehicle is made head to toe to withstand the cold and keep drivers and passengers comfortable.
Cons
  • The price of this vehicle may be a bit much for newer RV enthusiasts.

How to Winterise your RV

RV living is a feat of organization matter, especially during the winter. 

Preparation is everything.  

If you don’t prepare properly, extreme cold can burst your pipes and kill your batteries. 

Even with the RVs with thermal packages installed, the extra insulation isn’t enough for those subjected to sub-zero temperatures. 

It’s a challenging task, I know.  

 Don’t fret. This problem has a fix. 

Skirting or packing a huge pile of snow around the RV bays will help keep the critical components warm.

Think of it as a makeshift Igloo slash RV. 

Your bays, batteries, and plumbing will thank you later! 

On another note, RV windows also lose heat – no matter how the manufacturers make you believe otherwise. 

For this – you can use any of the following:

  • Foam Insulation Boards
  • Solar Blankets, or
  • Bubble Insulation

Add in thick thermal curtains for the final touch! 

You might also want to apply caulk or sealant in every door and window of your RV to make sure it’s weather-proof. 

Double-check your RVs weather stripping around these areas. Replace them if necessary, otherwise, it might be twice the job later on. 

While skirting or packing your RV helps, you can also wrap your pipes and hoses in tape – and not just ordinary tapes but heat tape.

If you have money to spare – spruce it up with a heated RV water hose instead. 

It’s an excellent investment! 

To make sure you can troubleshoot minor issues along the way, you’ll need to prepare the following items:

  • Non-Toxic RV/Marine antifreeze. (About 2 to 3 gallons should be enough.)
  • A water heater bypass kit (You need this if one is not already installed on the water heater.)
  • A tank cleaning wand (To clean and flush the black water holding tank if the RV does not have a built-in tank flushing system.)
  • A water pump converter kit (To connect to the inlet side of the water pump.)
  • Essential hand tools (To remove and install drain plugs.)

Another issue is the HVAC system.

Just remember: Switch to using your RV’s furnace instead of the Heat pump whenever temperatures fall under 45 degrees. 

You’ll increase the risks of burning your pump entirely if you force it to warm an already freezing RV. 

Bad idea. 

The furnace is quicker and more efficient! 

If you want a cozy heated space, (safely) pack up plenty of propane. 

If that’s still not enough for you hot people, either propane or electric space heaters could be an effective added support for the furnace. 

They’re not too expensive and they’re very easy to use. 

Another great investment.

Better than having to entirely replace your plumbing system after a bad freeze, don’t you think?

Make sure to also expose the back pipes to the heat by keeping your cabinet doors open. 

Happy RV Living! 

Useful Tips to RV in Winter

Here are our TopNotch Top Tips for RVing in the coldest months: 

  1. Maintain your tank bay above freezing temperature. 
  2. Don’t be cold AND wet. Use a dehumidifier to avoid mold growth inside your RV.
  3. Install vent covers; they’ll come in handy. 
  4. Use antifreeze for RVs by flushing it down the toilets and drains. 
  5. DON’T USE IT FOR YOUR FRESHWATER TANKS OR WATER HEATER! 
  6. Always have tank heaters. 
  7. Insulate your pipes as much as possible. 
  8. Make sure your black tanks don’t freeze either and don’t dump them until they’re full or almost full.

Winter RV Living Checklist

You already know how to keep the RV warm. Now it’s time to make YOU stay warm too! 

Here’s a list to make sure you don’t miss anything:

  • Winter clothing (e.g., Heavy layered Coats)
  • Winter shoes (Boots and thick shoes)
  • Insulation items (e.g., Heat tape and Thermal curtains)
  • A freeze-proof heated water hose
  • RV Skirt
  • Ice scraper
  • RV antifreeze — and engine antifreeze.
  • Mini indoor space heaters
  • Personal Items (Mugs, blankets, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At what temperature should you winterize your RV?

At 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

How many gallons of RV antifreeze Do I need to winterize?

2 or 3 gallons should be enough.

When should I de-winterize my RV?

Wait until after the last frost to de-winterize your RV.

Will pouring hot water down the drain unfreeze pipes?

Yes, just use salt water for better results.

Conclusion: Cold Weather Winterized RVs

And that’s about everything you need to know to make sure you enjoy the next winter snug and happy in your winterized RV.

It’s incredible what we can do and AVOID with some preparation and a bit of common sense. 

What’s your favorite cold-weather RV? 

I’m sure you have one in mind.

Stay cozy. 

Stay safe. 

And above all – have fun! 

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