travel trailers for extreme cold weather

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Travel Consultants and Travel Tips

Best Cold Weather Travel Trailers

January 15, 2021 by Charlotte Phillips

Last updated on December 10th, 2023 at 07:54 am

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What if your RV season didn’t have to end? What if instead of storing your travel trailer you became one of the brave few who kept on trucking through rain, sleet, and SNOW!

With the right setup, it’s entirely possible.

Not only does RV’ing through the winter allow you to see the world from an entirely different perspective, but it also means lower prices at campgrounds, and in some cases, you’ll have the campground all to yourself. Of course, that’s not for everyone and winter camping isn’t easy. But if you’re one of the brave few who wants to keep the adventure going, I’m going to review my 8 favorite travel trailers for winter and cold weather camping.

Why Travel Trailers?

You’ve got a lot of options when it comes to winter RV’ing but for my money travel trailers are one of the best ways to go. While driving anything in winter conditions is going to be difficult, the big benefit that you have with a travel trailer is the freedom to unhitch and hit the road. While this luxury is always nice, it’s absolutely awesome during the winter.

The last thing you want to do in bad conditions and drag your entire house to the store for a supply run. With a travel trailer, you don’t have to.

Travel trailers can also be just as hardy and warm as any other RV class so there’s no reason not to take advantage of the freedom they offer.

Do I Need An Arctic Package?

You’ve probably seen an RV labeled as being 4-seasons ready or being fully equipped with the arctic package. Unfortunately, there is no standard for what an arctic package  has  to include- which makes things confusing. It also means that one manufacturer’s version of an arctic package could be very different from what you actually need.

That’s why it’s important to not get distracted by the marketing; instead, you need to make sure you understand the specifics of what’s included in the 4-season or arctic packages. The biggest things to look for are additional insulation as measured by the rigs R-Value along with special warming mechanisms for tanks and fluid lines. Obviously being cold isn’t great but if you’ve got a frozen line in the middle of winter you could up with much bigger problems than being a little chilly.

When it comes to insulation, you should focus on the specific R-Value of the rig but make sure to figure out what it is for each part of the RV. Some manufacturers will really focus on a specific part of the rig and advertise super-high roof R-value, for example, which the rest of the rig could be lacking.

So should you put a lot of weight into whether or not an RV has an arctic package? While it can certainly help, at the end of the day it’s going to come down to the specific additions that have been added and not just the 4-season marketing. After all, there’s a big difference between being 4-season ready in Alaska vs Texas so make sure you know what kind of places you plan to roam before you buy.

1. Keystone Montana

• Beautiful residential-style fixtures including hardwood cabinetry
• 22 different floor plans give you plenty of options to pick the perfect one for you
• Four Seasons Package comes standard and includes 12V heating pads for the tanks and R-21 insulation on the floor.
• Higher price compared to some other travel trailers but it’s well worth it if you’re looking for a winter-ready rig.

It doesn’t get much better than the Keystone Montana when it comes to staying warm and comfortable- no matter what the weather. No need to upgrade to an arctic package here since the Montana comes standard with a long list of winter-ready features including heating pads on holding tanks, heated underbelly, state of the art solar panels, and more.

But it isn’t just talk with the folks at Keystone! While I can’t track down the original post from Keystone, Guaranty explains that Keystone put the Montana to the test by placing the rig inside an extreme weather chamber. They then set the thermostat to a toasty 74-degree Fahrenheit while dropping the exterior temperature all the way to 0 degrees. Even with temperatures well below freezing, the interior of the Montana stayed nice and warm and didn’t drop below 70. Not only is that plenty warm, I’d say that’s a little too warm even!

As if that wasn’t enough, the critical tanks, dump valves, and other fluid lines stayed completely unfrozen and entirely operational. All thanks to the long list of features included  standard  in their Four Seasons Package.

The only real downside to the Keystone Montana would have to be the price but even that is hardly a downside. With an MSRP of $85,094, it may appear to be more expensive than other similar-sized Fifth Wheel and travel trailers but a big part of that is the Four Season upgrades that run standard. Let’s look at the R-Value of the flooring for example. A typical RV might have an R-Value of 10 to 15 while the Keystone Montana comes standard with an R-Value of 21!

If you don’t plan on taking advantage of this by braving the winter cold then this going to be overkill and you’ll end up paying for features you don’t really need. But if you’re planning on staying on the road this off-season in sub-freezing temperatures then the Keystone Montanan is probably worth every penny.

2. Northwood Arctic Fox 22G Travel Trailer

• Extra insulation everywhere on this rig from every compartment door, to the roof and holding tank area.
• Beautiful bathroom, especially when you consider the size of this RV
• Luxury fixtures and features with a surprising amount of headroom
• Budget-friendly with rigs available for less than $40,000.
• The 22 foot 22G may be too small for some folks.

As the name implies, the Arctic Fox is ready for tough winter weather with a super tough trailer and plenty of insulation. But just because it’s purpose-built for winter weather doesn’t mean you have to skip the creature comforts and the Arctic Fox is packed with beautiful residential-style fixtures including a stovetop that I absolutely love. There’s also a supringly spacious dry bath, especially for a 22 footer, that includes a porcelain toilet and a skylight above the shower.

The chassis is built by Northwood Manufacturing and is offroad ready with a powerful steel frame. While most Class C or Class B RVs have a chassis that’s connected to a big name like Ford or Dodge, there can be a lot more variation when it comes to the chassis for travel trailers. That also means it can often be overlooked or taken for granted but if you’re planning on hitting the road this offseason, you need a rig that can handle the bumps and bruises that winter is going to dish out.

I believe that this chassis is ready for winter and the folks at Northwood take things a step further by having every chassis reviewed by an independent 3rd party tester. You can check out some footage of the chassis being built in this video:

When it comes to insulation, the Arctic Fox comes jam-packed with extra insulation on every inch of this rig. Including smaller areas that you might not immediately consider like the 1-inch thick insulated doors to all exterior storage areas. While it might not hit all the R-Values of the Keystone Montana, the Arctic Fox is still very comparable and won’t have any problems staying warm. All the usual features you’d expect in a winter-ready travel trailer are there too like extra insulation for fluid lines and extra heaters for the tanks.

Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with the Arctic Fox and with the folks at Northwood. They’ve got a long history of producing high-quality travel trailers that stand the test of time and with used models available for less than $40,000 at the time of writing, the Arctic Fox is a lot more affordable than some of the other specialized winter rigs.

3. Lance 2295 Travel Trailer (With Fireplace!)

• This is one of the only RV’s you’ll find that includes an actual fireplace! What could be better for enjoying winter weather (and saving on propane)?
• Nice sized oven with a beautiful three-burner stove
• Huge slide out dining area with plenty of room for guests
• Beautiful bedroom with a nightstand- which is another thing you’re not going to see in many other RVs!
• The entertainment center in the middle of the overall layout feels a little clunky to me.

The Lance 2295 travel trailer is one of the more interesting travel trailers out there. Not only does it have a unique layout with but more importantly it has an electric fireplace placed in the center of the RV. While this certainly gives the rig a unique feel and ambiance it’s also practical- especially for winter camping. While you can’t exactly throw in a bunch of wood and call it day (although there are plenty of aftermarket wooden stoves you can add to your RV ) the electric stove can save you from burning out on propane when you’re hooked up at a campsite.

But for me, the style points you get for having a fireplace (electric or not) inside your RV are hard to beat!

In order to get the fireplace centrally located, the overall layout of this rig is a little different. There’s a center pillar that partially separates the bedroom from the rest of the RV and also houses the fireplace and television. You end up with a very separate bedroom and a television that’s in a much more central location than usual. I find that most folks either love this layout or hate it without much in between. You can see it in this video tour here:

Besides the fireplace, one of my other favorite features is the bedroom. It has a beautiful sloping window that will let you see the stars at night from the comfort of your own bed. Of course, you can also drop the blinds and sleep in. Because of the pillar in the center of the rig, the bedroom feels more secluded than a lot of other layouts which is actually something I love. If you’re sharing the travel trailer with another person there’s a better chance they can actually leave the bedroom and move about without waking you up.

Another nice touch in the bedroom is the addition of the nightstand. Most RV’s skip this small but really nice to have feature and the Lance has plenty of room for your nighttime needs complete with a simple recessed light. Of course, you’ll need to secure them when you hit the road.

When it comes to staying warm in the winter, the Lance has some nice features but isn’t going above and beyond like some of the other RVs on this list. It does have double-paned windows which can drastically increase the insulation factor of any space. The Lance also includes block foam insulation which is a little different from traditional insulation but still has comparable R-Values based on the research I could find.

Overall, the Lance 2295 is not only a great travel trailer for winter camper but also one of the more unique rigs on this list. You won’t find many RVs with a fireplace that comes standard and if you’re looking to recreate the cozy feel of your traditional home, the Lance might be the perfect fit. You can find used models for less than $50,000 which makes this a great way to get into the world of winter camping!

4. Forest River Cherokee Arctic Wolf with Extreme Weather Package

• The Extreme Weather Package comes with plenty of great features for winter camping including a 35,000 BTU Furnace and upgraded insulation.
• 9+ flexible floor plans so you can find exactly what you need (including bunk beds for the kids)
• Double slide outs make this rig very spacious with plenty of room for the family
• Auto-leveling system which is especially nice if you’re working in tougher terrain
• This RV  also  has a fireplace which may people will absolutely love
• May be too big for some folks to tow

It’s hard to go wrong with an RV from the folks at Forest River and the Arctic Wolf is no exception. This travel trailer is on the larger side and most folks would consider this a fifth wheel. That means you’ll need a heavier duty truck to tow this but if you’re looking to stay comfortable throughout the winter (and any other kind of weather) then this makes a great choice.

For starters, you’ll also find that most floorplans include a fireplace! There are several floor plans and the location of the fireplace changes in each one so it’s worth looking closely at the available options . My personal favorite is the 321BH Floorplan which you can see here . It features a fireplace placed near the kitchen and entertaining area. As someone who loves to cook, I love the idea of having guests, my kitchen, and  the fireplace all in the same area!

But let’s talk about weather. Forest River offers an extreme weather package that will get you ready not only for winter but any extreme temperature with additional fans and air conditioning units. The package includes a 35,000 BTU furnace, heated and enclosed underbelly, upgraded insulation across the entire rigs, several additional fans, and a ducted A/C unit. There’s also the option to even get a second air conditioning unit that specific to the bedroom. Not only is that more efficient since you don’t have to heat or cool the entire rig while you’re sleeping but it also gives you some extra power in terms of temperature control.

Overall, the Arctic Wolf has a great option for winter camping, especially if you pick up the extreme weather upgrade. But this luxurious travel trailer also comes in at a great price and you’re able to find 2021 models for as low as $32,000. That makes this a great option for getting the entire family started on a winter camping adventure this season!

5. Jayco Eagle 330RSTS

• Available with Jayco’s Climate Shield upgrade for serious winter camping
• Electronic leveling which is typically reserved for only fifth wheels
• The beautiful two-tone interior gives this travel trailer a stylish look
• A spacious bathroom which ceilings that are well above 6 feet tall
• Tested by a third party facility for temperatures well below freezing
• The lighting fixtures are nice but I’d personally always prefer recessed lighting over traditional fixtures
• The modern IKEA-style interior design might not be everyone’s favorite

Jayco is another well-known RV manufacturer and they actually have two RVs on our list of the best Class C’s for winter . Jayco seems to specialize in cold weather rigs and they offer a Climate Shield upgrade that goes above and beyond the traditional arctic package. Available on a handful of Jayco RVs (including the Eagle Travel Trailer) the Climate Shield package includes a double-layer of fiberglass on the front cap to keep the bedroom nice and toasty along with a heated underbelly. You’ll also find PEX plumbing that’s tested for -40 degree Fahrenheit temperatures! Like the Forest River rig, this package also protects against hot weather with heavily tinted windows as well.

Jayco even took things a step further and put all this to the test by subjecting their RVs to 0 degrees Fahrenheit in a climate-controlled facility for 8 hours. Even after 8 hours of bitter cold (and some frost-covered tires) the interior of the rig was nice and comfortable with all plumbing working perfectly.

So there’s not really any doubt that the Jayco Eagle can handle cold temperatures- certainly anything most RVer’s will throw at it. But I also love the interior of this RV! It features a beautiful two-tone, black and white design that makes the entire travel trailer look like an IKEA set piece. For some folks, that might sound like a nightmare but I personally love the design. The bathroom includes a huge shower, massive ceilings, and several other nice touches like plenty of counter space. There’s even a backsplash which is not something you’re going to find in many RVs!While that doesn’t exactly bring a lot of function to the RV, it’s still a nice feature that makes this rig feel more like home.

I’m also a big fan of kitchen islands in any travel trailer and the Eagle has a great kitchen layout. There’s also tons of storage in this RV with enough room to squeeze in a washer and dryer in the bedroom .

You can get a feel for the layout and see if it’s something you like in this video:

Overall,  the Jayco Eagle is a great travel trailer for winter camping with one of the most robust climate protection packages available. While not everyone is going to be a fan of the interior, if you like modern design like me you’ll probably love it. Compared to other RVs on this list, the Jayco Eagle is going to be a bit pricey and you should expect to pay a little over $50,000 for some of the newer models.

6. 2020 Heartland Big Horn 3985 RRD

• Raising electric beds is perfect for finding the best tv viewing angle but it’s also extremely practical when it comes to squeezing in extra storage.
• An absolutely beautiful shower that gives you the feel of a full residential home
• Comes standard with underbelly insulation and closure to keep the essential warm
• R-34 insulation is more than enough for most RV’ers
• More expensive than many others on this list with a roughly $70,000 price tag

Heartland is another manufacturer that’s no stranger to producing the 4-season RV market with several models that are purpose-built for cold weather. As a result, you can find a variety of features on the Big Horn fifth wheel that help it stand out from other rigs. For starters, there’s the massive 42,000 BTU furnace. Considering that most RVs have around a 30,000 BTU furnace this upgrade goes a long way to keeping you warm in the winter.

Then there are things like standard underbelly closure and insulation, the R-11 rating on the walls, and the R-34 insulation on the ceiling, and the always awesome PLEX plumbing. Add it all up and you’ve got a solid winter camping rig.

But I also love the interior of this RV with the most notable features being the bed and the bathroom. First off, the entire bed can be raised with the push of a button while that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I love the options this gives for additional storage. I also like the idea of being able to sleep a bit higher off the ground to give my knees a break when I have to get out of bed in the middle of the night. The bathroom is beautifully designed and feels like a bathroom you’d expect in a full-size home with a sliding glass door and a proper vanity!

The only downside is that this RV runs a little on the high side compared to the rest of the rigs on this list and you should expect to pay around $70,000 for the Heartland Big Horn.

7. Northwood Nash 18FM Travel Trailer

• Northwood’s 4 season insulation package includes a combination of batt fiberglass and block foam insulation for cold winters
• Residential style cabinetry gives this travel trailer some extra style
• Fully insulated and heated fluid tanks, pipes, and valves
• Murphy bed for extra space
• Not much natural lighting inside this rig and overall the interior is a bit dark

I don’t think any list of the best travel trailers for winter would be complete without a little more from the folks at Northwood ! They’re well known for building durable and winter-ready rigs and the simply named Nash is a great option for folks that want something smaller than the Arctic Fox but don’t want to sacrifice any winter-readiness.

The Nash is part of the “Absolute Northwood” line which means it comes standard with an off-road chassis that’s great for rougher winter weather. You’ll also get a whole lot of extra insulation on the roof, walls, undercarriage, and tank housing. All of which makes this a truly 4-season RV.

You can check out all the insulation upgrades included in the Absolute Northwood package in this video:

In addition to the usual winter features, the Nash includes a Murphy bed which gives this rig a bit more space but some folks aren’t going to exactly love it. When it comes to smaller travel trailers, something has to give when it comes to space and while the murphy bed is a great addition it’s going to be hard to ever match the comfort of a traditional bed or the memory foam options that we’re seeing in a lot of RVs these days.

The biggest downside to this RV is the interior lighting. You can tell if you watch the walk-through in the video above that the interior is a bit dark and it’s clear that windows aren’t a priority. Part of that comes with the territory when you have a smaller rig that includes a slide-out but I’d still love to see some more windows on this travel trailer. After all, there’s nothing more beautiful than a snow-covered landscape.

The Northwood Nash is also budget-friendly with an MSRP of less than $40,000.

Honorable Mention: Ice Castle All Seasons Travel Trailer

• With a name like “Ice Castle” you know that it’s winter-ready
• Spray foam insulation covering every nook and cranny including plenty of insulation in the underbelly
• Power lift bed that can be lowered or raised with a flip of a switch
• A unique “second-floor” style lounge area that can be converted to an additional sleeping area
• Okay, that much cedar might be everyone’s style and it can get a bit overwhelming
• It’s made for ice fishing so it’s definitely not for everyone

While the Ice Castle is actually purpose-built for folks that love ice fishing, I didn’t think that this list would be complete with a travel trailer like this one! Considering that they named this travel trailer the “Ice Castle” you know that they take 4 seasons’ capability seriously and it shows in the heavy duty insulation you’ll find throughout this RV. They’ve paid extra attention to the underbelly of this RV which makes a lot of sense when you consider that it’s intended to be parked on a sheet of ice!

This travel trailer has a total of 6 holes scattered throughout the main living area that allow you to actually fish while you’re inside the RV. If you’re not planning on ever doing any ice fishing then this is definitely a take or leave it to feature but if some cold weather fishing is on your bucket list then this might be worth a look. You can see the ice fishing holes (and the rest of the travel trailer) here:

Does that mean you  have  to ice fish to consider this rig? Not at all! It’s still a fully functional travel trailer with a dry bathroom and a ton of sleeping space. Still, if you’re spending most of your time at campgrounds or in urban environments the heavy-duty nature of this rig is probably overkill. But if your idea of a good RV adventure is hitting the outdoors and breaking some trail without fearing freezing temperatures than this could be perfect.

One of my favorite features is the bed that can be raised up the ceiling. While this is intended to give you extra space for fishing, you can use it for any kind of extra space or storage. There’s as a unique “second-level” (it’s only a few stairs) that can be converted into additional sleeping areas.

Overall, the Ice Castle is definitely best for the ice fisherman, if you want a no-frills four-season powerhouse then it’s worth a look.

Closing Thoughts

Winter camping can be a lot of fun…if you’re warm! You could go with any of the RVs on this list and stay plenty warm all winter all while getting the flexibility of a travel trailer. But let me know down below if there’s a travel trailer I should have included on this list or which on is your favorite!

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The Best Extreme Cold Weather RVs To Buy In 2022

by Chris Coleman

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Winter camping offers magnificent snowy landscape, but not every RV is meant for days out in such icy temperatures.

If you’d like to take your RV out during very harsh winters, you’ll need to invest in what’s commonly named an “arctic package”, which upgrades the existing insulation and provides additional heating.

Otherwise, if you live in or frequently travel in such weather, investing in the best extreme cold weather RV will give you a peace of mind.

There are certain models of RVs designed and built with extreme winter in mind. These are the vehicles that can brave below-freezing temperatures, icy winds, and even heavy snowing.

Whether you live in bitterly cold weather year-round or you want to enjoy unique winter camping experiences, these best extreme cold weather RVs will keep you warm and toasty. 

We have browsed that market and consulted reviews by professionals and full-time RVers to handpick the best extreme cold weather RV with a wide selection of functional features. Each will be accompanied by highlighting features as well as pros and cons.

That said, a helpful advice from many seasoned RVers is it’s a good idea to first rent an RV to see for yourself if it meets your needs. If you like it, you can buy it afterward.

Arctic Wolf by Forest River 

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The Arctic Wolf by Forest River has consistently been rated among the absolute best  extreme cold weather RV models by professionals and full-time RVers alike. The manufacturer, Forest River, is a name known for excellent quality, customer service and warranty. 

The Arctic Wolf is a worthwhile investment for the avid winter driver, thanks to the expansive and inclusive cold-beating features that are available. Arctic Wolf offers either an Extreme Weather Package or the Arctic Package for harsh winter excursions. 

Regardless of how cold the weather may be on your trip, you can rest easy knowing that the Arctic Wolf will keep you warm, comfortable and very well insulated, particularly with the upgrades in the Extreme Weather option, according to many seasoned winter travelers.

It is available with six floor plans to cater for the different requirements and budget of nearly every camper, so if quality and comfort are your priorities, there is definitely an Arctic Wolf for you. 

The largest models top out at a huge 10,000 pounds, equating to a hitch load of approximately 1,400 pounds. This weight is down to its generous proportions which max out at 35 feet in length and 11 feet in height. That said, for the less avid drivers, probably the only downside of this marvelous vehicle is the challenging parking, turning, and other maneuvers on long road trips.

Arctic Package

• Solar wiring
• Windows for the upper bunk
• Outside shower and outside TV bracket capabilities
• A kitchen faucet that pulls out
• Entry doors with friction hinges
• Home entertainment system
• Dinette drawers
• Top-level bunk windows
• Dinette draws, and the kitchen faucet can be pulled out

Extreme Weather Package

• Arctic insulation fitted throughout
• Ducted air-conditioner
• Featured fast cool fan
• Upper decking with insulation
• Powerful ceiling fan
• Underfloor heating
• High gloss wall construction
• A powerful furnace capable of outputting 35,000 BTUs in a matter of seconds

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Together with the Arctic Wolf, Keystone Montana is another favourite that often comes up in discussions on the best extreme cold weather RV. This fifth wheel Keystone Montana, as well as other Montana models, all come with the four seasons living package to keep you toasty warm and cozy on winter trips. 

Harsh winter means excessive wear and tear on your RV both externally and internally, painful maintenance and loss of comfort, however the Keystone Montana will keep all of these problems at bay with excellent cold-beating features. 

First off, insulation is top-notch. The all-season package includes an enclosed, insulated underbelly as well as 12V electric tank heating devices to prevent freezing damage to your RV. The main floor is kept warm with R-21 insulation while the slide-out floors are protected from cold temperatures by R-5 insulating material. The walls are shielded by a double layer of R-11 insulation, and the roof provides radiant technology R-38 protection for maintaining adequate heat inside your RV. 

In addition, the centralized heated external water and convenience center provides the luxury of an outside shower, water heater bypass, and low-point drains that are enclosed to ensure optimum functionality.

This top-rated RV also offers a dual thermostat and remote sensor and a second duct design air conditioner that is a frame and wire construction. Its foam core straight line heat duct system measures 3 by 14 inches, and this model is equipped with an auto-ignition 35,000 BTU furnace. Additional features of the Keystone Montana RV include in-floor water lines, dump valves, and holding tanks that are enclosed and of course insulated, a well-vented attic system, and a powerful free-flow air conditioning at 15K BTUs.

In case you are willing to pay to get some extras, the Montana also offers models with elite design features such as fireplaces and an expansive walk-in closet for storing your bulky winter clothing and gears. 

In short, with its optimal quality insulation, the Keystone Montana offers the ultimate comfort and convenience for the icy winter months, and it is essentially a solid year-round vehicle. The only con that one can find with this first class winter RV is its price tag. 

This advanced fifth wheel trailer is in the higher price range, selling for $48,000 – $49,000 at most dealerships, however any owner would swear by its value for money.

• 15,000 BTU free-flow air conditioning
• Dual thermostat with a remote sensor with the second A/C
• Insulated holding tanks and dump valves
• Heated, enclosed and insulated underbelly
• Electric tank heaters
• Heated exterior convenience center
• Heated low point drains for city water
• Water lines in floors
• 35,000 BTU auto-ignition furnace
• Heat duct system with foam core
• Electric fireplace embedded
• Fiberglass sidewalls with a double insulated layer (Equivalent to R-11)
• Insulated main floor (Equivalent to R-21)
• Insulated slide-out floors (Equivalent to R-15)
• Radiant technology insulated roof (Equivalent to R-38)

Another solid extreme cold weather RV by the renowned Forest River. Their Rockwood Windjammer 3008W is a travel trailer, which is a much cheaper alternative to full-blown RVs, thus this model is ideal for beginners and budget travelers. 

Despite its relative affordability, the Windjammer, as the name implies, is a fantastic option for camping in the harsh icy months with solid insulation and other features. No matter how freezing it is outside, you and your companions will be comfortably toasty inside.

A huge plus is this trailer is not exactly small, boasting an 897-pound hitch load and it can accommodate a maximum of five beds, so each member of your whole family will enjoy maximum comfort.

In addition to the spacious sleeping quarters, it can hold a generous 45-gallon black water tank, a 75-gallon gray water tank, and a commendable 45-gallon freshwater tank.

Additionally, the Windjammer offers a host of other features such as a wardrobe, linen closet, kitchen space with microwave, gas cooker hook-up and an awning to keep the sun or snow off. To top it all off, the master suite features a clever table that folds away and a large double bed.

Although it’s not much to look at, don’t let it dishearten you. The Windjammer is often included in lists of the best extreme cold weather RV for a good reason: what it lacks in the looks department, it more than makes up for in the functionality department. 

The only downside is it’s a heavy trailer to haul around compared to most other camp trailers. Given its size and weight, it might take a while to get used to driving it around.

The features that make this trailer a good fit for winter excursions:

• Holding tanks that are heated and controlled electronically
• The whole trailer is insulated
• Main bedroom area contains a heated mattress
• Upgrades for thermo-pane windows
• Upgrades for fireplace
• Ventilation fan and vent cover
• Floor-ducted furnace
• Two sliders to separate the living quarters
• Reasonably sized wardrobe in the master bedroom
• A foldable table in the master room
• The master bedroom can fit a bed which measures 60×10
• Linen closet
• Oven with microwave hookups, and a gas grill connector
• 44-inch dinette space
• Outdoor Awning

Northwood is a well-known brand for RVs made for cold weather , and very few arctic campers are held in such high regard as the Arctic Fox all seasons RV. The Arctic Fox guarantees a warm and comfortable winter camping and it also offers a ton of additional features, which means not just comfort but luxury on the road. 

That said, like everything else that borders the line of luxury, you’re going to have to pay for the privilege. The latest models from 2017 onwards will cost at least $56,000, and previous models don’t tend to depreciate a lot in value, which in itself is a testament to their quality and durability.

• Fully insulated through with four-seasons foam insulation, providing exceptional insulation properties
• Built into the bedroom are USB charging ports, as well as a well-proportioned mattress and carpeting throughout
• A fully function bathtub with a skylight and foldable shower screen
• A foot-operated toilet
• Powerful extractor fans in the bedrooms
• Inbuilt skylights and a sizable fridge as well as ample storage space
• A fully equipped kitchen including a microwave
• A booth eating area and L shaped sofa with comfortable pillows
• A digitally monitored and controlled thermostat for perfect heating
• Inbuilt smoke, carbon monoxide, and LPG detectors
• A foldaway 19-inch widescreen TV with Bluetooth connectivity and CD/DVD player
• Clever storage options.

Additional extras are also available, including solar panels, rearview cameras, holding tank heat pads, generators, bathroom and kitchen fan vents, thermal pane windows and an aluminum main awning.

Whereas the Lance brand is not as well known as Forest River or Jayco, they are specialized in all seasons RV models. Manufactured specifically for all-season driving, including winter and warmer weather, the Four Season Travel Trailer by Lance proves that you need not spend a fortune to get one of the best extreme cold weather RV. 

Notable features include easily removable hatch covers that can be added or removed in a matter of seconds depending on the weather. The insulated covers are designed to keep the outdoor weather conditions from encroaching into the indoors of your RV.

Instead of the more traditional wood, this Lance model uses thermoplastic, a natural insulator which is adept at keeping the heat in and the cold out. This insulation won’t rot or is not prone to hosting mildew or mold, unlike wood tends to do. This material will also provide a certain amount of soundproofing, making your trip even more enjoyable. 

An extra cold-beating feature is an impressive ducted warming system. Clever engineering and design mean that the heating is equally directed across the whole interior of the RV, ensuring every room is warmed to the same level.

Lastly, the windows are dual pane and tinted, which provides an additional level of insulation and soundproofing. With such superstar insulation, you can rest assured that winter is kept outside of your toasty mobile home.

• 11 different floor plans available
• Block foam insulation throughout
• Ducted heat is routed into individually insulated holding tanks to keep them, the valves and PEX lines warm.
• Water heater bypass & winterizing valves make draining the system for winter storage a breeze.
• Insulated hatch covers add an additional layer of insulation to vents and skylights.
• Radius acrylic tinted thermopane euro window
• Aluminum-framed floor, ceiling, and sidewalls
• Decorative pull cabinet hardware
• Lite-ply cabinet construction

In addition to Lance, Heartland is another brand known for its all season RVs. Heartland puts an astounding level of craftsmanship and detail into all their all seasons RV products. 

Heartland’s all season RVs are not only functional in terms of guarding against icy cold weather, but also offer luxury aesthetics and great attention to details. Among them, the Bighorn is often regarded as one of the best extreme cold weather RV models. 

It has 11 floor plans to choose from, so you are likely to get one that meets your requirements and budget. There are different Bighorn sizes available, with the largest weighing 14,000lb, with a hitch weight of about 3,000lb, and measuring nearly 45 ft. in length.

Bighorn by Heartland introduced the industry to innovations such as the Universal Docking Center, 88 Degree Turning Radius front cap designs, laminated floors and sidewalls, drop frame Texas Size basement storage and hydraulic landing gear. Bighorn combines all of these industry firsts with the most luxurious interiors producing one of the most sought after luxury fifth wheels available today. 

The craftsmanship and durability is expressed throughout this fifth wheel. The bathroom features water lines Plumb-PLEX, while the fiberglass walls, dark tinted windows and laminated flooring make the camper trailer look sleek. The bedroom has a built-in closet, king-size bed with memory foam mattress, ceiling lights in the bedroom, extra storage shelves, a headboard and a pull-out storage drawer.

The majority of the floor plans offered with the Bighorn range, generally have the following winter comforts:

• The entire RV is fully insulated: R-38 flooring in the main living area, R-11 walls, R-14 flooring on the upper deck , R-34 roofing
• Heated, insulated underbelly
• Insulated air conditioning duct system in the roof
• The below-floor has its own heating system: single piece heating duct
• The roof has an internal air conditioning duct unit
• A high-quality furnace functions at a 42,000 BTU level
• A water system from the Plumb-Plex range so it’s just like your bathroom in your home
• Sleek interior and exterior design and layout
• Plenty of storage space
• A king-sized bed with a comfortable mattress made from memory foam.

The Redhawk 26XD by Jayco has a warmth and beauty not often seen in RVs, especially with the newer models. This trailer has been gaining a lot of popularity for the last couple of years, first making an impression with its huge space and beautiful design, then winning the hearts of seasoned campers with its host of functional features for withstanding winter. 

We do warn you though, that you will need quite some money to enjoy this solid beauty, but if you do, the Redhawk might be the best extreme cold weather RV that you can buy.

These models come with five different floor plans to choose from. All of these are built on a Ford chassis and include a spacious master bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a 13ft. awning, an 8 cubic-ft. refrigerator and linen closets.

Importantly, you will also be able to stay warm during winter in this gorgeous RV with a 15,000-BTU ducted air conditioner with heat pump, a 31,000-BTU furnace with wall thermostat with auto-ignition, a 6-gallon water heater,  solid bead-foam insulation for the roof, floor and all walls and well insulated doors and windows. 

There is no need to worry about space, as it is very spacious. As it can sleep eight passengers, you can hit the road whenever you want with family or friends.

The following are the standard features for this all seasons RV:

• 15,000-BTU ducted air conditioner with heat pump
• 31,000-BTU furnace with wall thermostat with auto-ignition
• Bead-foam insulation (R-15 max roof, R-9 max floor, R-5 max walls)
• Vacuum-bonded, laminated roof, floor and sidewalls
• Aluminum running boards
• Fiberglass, radius-cornered entrance door with screen door
• 6 gallon gas/electric DSI auto-ignition water heater
• Full bathroom
• Fully fitted kitchen, including countertops, upper shelves, large sink and microwaves
• Queen sized bed master bedroom
• Roomy, built-in linen cabinets and other closets.
• The living area comes with a 2-seater sofa and has a lot of space

With a hefty price tag of around $100,000 for a new one, you may have to settle for an old model, which will not necessarily have all these luxury features.

You may also like:

• How To Heat An RV Without Electricity: 5 Inexpensive Methods
• The Complete Guide on How To Winterize An RV

Extreme Cold-Weather RVs: FAQs & Tips

Cold weather packages, also referred to as arctic or polar packages, are a great upgrade to your RV when you are storing it during cold weather or wish to travel occasionally in extreme cold weather. Some of the upgrades include:

• Extra floor and roof insulation
• Double or the triple-paned windows
• Heating pads for freshwater and the wastewater tanks
• Enclosed underbellies
• Temperature guarantees
• Heated storage bays

The key to keeping your RV warm in the harsh winter is effective insulation , that is preventing cold air outside from leaking in and trapping the heat inside the RV. The two areas to focus most of your energy on if you want to improve insulation are windows and vents. 

Below are pro tips on how to keep your RV warmer in icy conditions:

1. Maximizing natural sunlight

Simply positioning your RV so that the largest windows point to the south and west to maximize your RV’s exposure to direct sunlight definitely will warm your RV up. It is one useful tip on how to heat an RV that many new RVers do not know or underestimate.

2. Fixing air leaks

Before trying to do anything to more effectively trap warm air inside your RV, you must make sure cold air cannot leak in from all the nooks and crannies first. Tiny air leaks from the rubber gaskets around your exterior windows, doors and vents are often overlooked, however keeping them in good shape will ensure cold air is not leaking into your interior. 

3. Reflective insulation

Relectix is a reflective insulation accessory consisting of an aluminum foil, which covers all your windows to rebound most of the heat that travels to them. Thus the existing heat will be trapped or condensed inside your RV while only a small amount will escape, thereby more effectively maintaining the ideal temperature. 

Simply attach these rolls to cover the whole area of each window. Also, if your RV comes with a shower skylight, don’t forget to insulate it too.

4. Hatch vent insulator

An RV’s hatch vents, roof and wall vents are also often overlooked and can let cold air in, thus all of them need to be covered. It is best to equip them with extra protection by adding another layer of Styrofoam right below the covers. 

The Styrofoam must be cut to fit precisely. Secure it in place with tape or another adhesive. The second option is to get a vent insulator. A vent insulator is a large piece of insulated foam that may or may not come with a reflective surface. 

5. Solar Heating

This green energy source will save you money in the long term, all the while being environmentally friendly. You can now buy solar panels from many sources. A panel typically costs between $500 and $300, depending on the durability, efficiency and size of the panel. The bigger the panel, the more green energy it can produce to heat your RV without electricity. 

Your RV might suffer substantial damage while in storage during the icy cold winter months, unless you own or rent a heated storage for it. Otherwise, if your budget doesn’t permit you to rent a storage unit, purchasing an RV cover is a great option to protect your RV in cold weather. Renting an RV storage unit is a more effective option but also the most costly.

 RV covers prevent ice buildup and snow accumulation on the exterior of your rig, thus minimizing damage to its surface and also keeping meltwater from seeping into the seams and panels. Below are a few steps that you need to take to safely store your rig under an RV cover during winter:

• Ensure that you drain out all your water systems.
• Clean and let dry the interior and exterior of the RV before covering.
• Remove the batteries and store in a secure place.
• Inflate the RV tires and it is best to cover them thoroughly with RV tire covers to avoid damage and maximize their lifespan, as RV tires alone are expensive.
• Double-check that the cover shelters all sides completely and snugly to avoid the cover billowing against your RV in the wind.
• Check the snow that accumulates on your roof regularly and remove it if required.

About Chris Coleman

Chris Coleman is an interesting travel blogger and outdoor photographer with a great sense of humor. He owns an RV Accessories shop in New York City so he has the knowledge necessary to provide thorough reviews and give advice on how to choose the right products for RV travel. He puts all that RV knowledge and experience to good use in his sharing posts. Besides product buying guides/reviews, Chris also writes informative articles, how-to articles and RV camping guides in his own interesting viewpoint. Chris’s blog is one of the most reliable information sources for RV campers no matter if you're an expert or a determined beginner.

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I’m constantly surprised to never hear about Outdoors RV, who only produce Four Season RV’s. Is there a problem with them?

I would be helpful if you expanded your Cold Weather/Four Season review to 20 or 30,…listed in order of best quality. Even that doesn’t guarantee an Outdoors RV mention,…but it would suggest that it isn’t in your top 20 or 30.

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Written by Johnathan R. Smith • April 27, 2018 • 12:07 am • Travel Trailers

Best 4 Season Travel Trailers (Extreme Cold Weather Trailers)

Is your goal to camp all year long anywhere in the country? Ambitious explorers don’t want to limit their camping experiences to the best times of year when the weather is ideal. Their goal is to travel and see the country throughout the year, including winter, spring, summer, and fall.

If you consider yourself a part of this group of campers and explorers, you’ll need the right vehicle.

There are a variety of RVs and travel trailers that can be used throughout the year, but if you want something you can hitch to your existing vehicle and use during every season, you’ll want a four-season travel trailer.

Four-season travel trailers can be lived in no matter the season.

Most are comfortable regardless of the weather or temperature unless you’re in an area experiencing extreme lows or severe storms. Even then, some people have outfitted their travel trailers to be especially durable and protective against severe elements.

The Best 4 Season Travel Trailers

• Keystone Montana
• Jayco Jay Feather Travel Trailer
• Dutchmen Aspen Trail Travel Trailer
• Livin Lite Camplite Travel Trailer
• Heartland Bighorn

These are just a portion of the 4 season trailers available on the market.

1. Keystone Montana

Trailer Overview

You won’t regret taking a look at the Keystone Montana with the high number of 4 season features that it has built-in. With insulated floors, sidewalls, as well as insulated water lines. It also comes with a 35,000 btu furnace and air conditioning systems in both the living room and bedroom. It’s a true 4 season trailer thats meant to keep its occupants comfortable in even the most extreme weather.

2. Jayco Jay Feather Travel Trailer

3. Dutchmen Aspen Trail Travel Trailer

4. Livin Lite Camplite Travel Trailer

5. Heartland Bighorn

What Is A 4 Season Travel Trailer?

Four-season travel trailers allow you to travel and camp in comfort no matter the season or temperature. They provide a warm environment in the winter and a cool space in the summer months. They also have all of the benefits of any travel trailer, including offering convenience and ease of travel.

You might be wondering what makes a four-season travel trailer different from other options.

The truth is most travel trailers and RVs are not equipped for four-season use. In many cases, manufacturers advertise their travel trailers and RVs as being so, when in reality they just offer a little extra protection if temperatures dip to the 40s or 30s.

To truly have a comfortable four-season experience, you need a trailer that measures up to what is offered. Additionally, you might need to customize your trailer a bit to get the comfort level you want, especially if your goal is to live in the trailer in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

4 Season Travel Trailer: What Does It Actually Mean?

There are no official criteria or standards for a four-season travel trailer. Though there are features that are pretty standard and “must haves” when it comes to a weather durable trailer, it isn’t as if manufacturers need to include certain features to be labeled four-season – it’s not an industry designation.

In fact, just about any travel trailer can be considered a four-season and comfortable year-round if the owner makes the appropriate additions and customizations.

In many ways, “four-season” is a marketing term used to get the attention of those who want to camp year-round or not have any regard for the time of year when they do camp. It can mean a trailer is more durable, but it doesn’t necessarily guarantee what you’re buying will be equipped with any particular feature.

If you do buy a “4 season trailer” you might still need to make some additional adjustments. 

How To Make A Travel Trailer 4 Season Ready

1. Enclosed Tanks

You don’t want to be able to see the tanks on a travel trailer because that means it isn’t protected from the weather. Insulation on the underside or underbelly prevents tanks from freezing or being exposed to too much heat. Some call this an enclosed underbelly, while others just look for the underside to have foam or insulation on the bottom of the trailer. Essentially, the less plumbing and piping you see the better, and in some cases, if you’re planning to camp in extremely cold areas, you’ll want there to be heating elements to keep the tanks warm.

2. Water Connection

The water connection on a four-season travel trailer will be located in an interior compartment, or there will be an outdoor electrical outlet near the water connection. This allows the hose to be heat taped. You can buy heat tape here.

3. Sewer Hookup

The sewer hookup on a four-season travel trailer should allow you to run the hose with as little exposure as possible, so it should be on a close to or slide. This allows you to avoid having to tape the sewer connection with heat tape.

4. Dual Pane Windows

Just as you would want dual pane windows in your home to protect against the elements, you’ll want them in a four-season trailer, assuming your trailer has windows. If your trailer is the kind that breaks down and you don’t have official windows, you’ll want to insulate in whatever way you can once things are set up at a site. It’s also a good idea to have tinted windows because this helps protect against sun damage and keeps temperatures cooler indoors during the hotter summer months.

5. Ducted Heating System

The more efficient the ducting in your trailer, the better. This will prevent there from being hot and cold spots inside, which means the more even the temperature, the less energy you’ll use making the space comfortable.

6. Bypass for the Water Heater

If your trailer has a water heater, you’ll want there to be a bypass and winterizing valve. This makes storing the camper easier and ensures the longest life and best performance.

7. Insulated Hatch Covers

If you intend to camp during the winter months, especially in colder climates, you’ll want to have insulated hatch covers. This makes a big difference when it comes to ensuring the heat you pump into your trailer stays in your trailer, and it allows you to keep the cold outside from seeping in. It’s a must-have feature if you intend to camp year-round, especially if those plans include camping in the dead of winter.

What To Know About Buying A 4 Season Travel Trailer?

In addition to the features you want to look for, there are a few things you should consider about your specific camping experience before investing in a four-season trailer.

There are standard features everyone will want in a trailer that will be used year-round, but there are also things that might be specific to your needs.

Or possibly something you can forego, depending on your situation.

What questions should you ask before you begin shopping for a four-season trailer?

• Do you plan to travel with others or by yourself? If others, how many people at a time?
• Do you usually camp with hookups?
• Do you usually stay at campsites or rugged, off-road areas?
• Do you intend to vacation in your trailer or is your intention, now or ever, to live in your trailer? Most people tend to upgrade to a full-size
• Do you intend to take short-term or long-term trips? Chances are if you’re thinking about a four-season trailer you intend to take longer trips, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes people just want to be able to take their short, enjoyable camping vacations year-round.

Additionally, you should consider the temperature rating, which should be a wider span if you’re planning to travel for extended periods of time. If you’re a weekend warrior, even all year long, look for temperature ratings from 40 to 80 degrees. If you intend to camp for longer than two months at a time, you’ll want to expand that to 30 to 90 degrees.

Once you’ve thought about your situation, you can consider the four most important features in a four-season travel trailer:

• Venting and the trailer’s heating and cooling system

You’ll want to pay attention to the ratings regarding these four things and think of them as the most important considerations when shopping. If you’re going to splurge on any upgrades, do so in these areas if you want the option of four-season camping and traveling.

If you have any other special needs or there’s anything unusual about your circumstances, you’ll want to take that into account, too. Travel trailers can be equipped to handle just about any situation, as long as you plan ahead and have an idea of how you intend to travel and camp.

Other Features 0f 4 Season Travel Trailers

Another important consideration of a four-season trailer is the materials used in construction. There are variations from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the important thing to note is that they are durable and that the trailer was designed and constructed with four-season use in mind.

Four-season trailers tend to have higher quality roofs and walls, insulation in the ceiling, and of course, the enclosed tanks. A good way to determine if the claims a manufacturer is making about its travel trailer are accurate is to check user ratings. If people who are using their trailers year-round in all weather conditions are happy with their purchase, you can assume the manufacturer’s claims are legitimate.

You’ll also want to consider air circulation. It’s one thing to have a trailer that’s capable of heating up to a cozy 72 degrees during the dead of winter, but still have cold spots where it’s not more than 40 degrees. Good circulation of air will allow the entire camper to feel warm in the winter and cold in the summer.

Looking for the Perfect Four-Season Travel Trailer?

The number of things you need to consider when it comes to buying a four-season travel trailer can seem overwhelming. And it doesn’t get better once you begin shopping. It’s common for people to find options that offer all but one or two features they need or want, and to have those missing features be different from manufacturer to manufacturer. It’s a lot like buying a new home – the perfect home is rarely out there, and you need to prioritize the features that are must-haves versus those that are wants.

It can help to make a side-by-side comparison of the materials used in the construction of the trailer. If you are having a difficult time deciding between two different options and there is no comparison between the two available, write a list of each feature and mark side by side which of the two trailers have it. This gives you a broad overview of which choice outweighs the other.

You can also check out online camping forums for more information. You don’t want to use the opinions of others to make your final choice, but if these opinions and reviews can confirm a direction in which you are already leading it can be helpful. For instance, if you think one travel trailer is better than another based on your research and online reviews rave about it, you can have more confidence in your buying decision.

If you do intend to use a forum for information, make sure you conduct some research about the quality of reviews. There are a lot of great options out there, but there are also those using review sites to promote their own products or degrade the competition. When using reviews to purchase any product, look for patterns from various reviewers to get a sense of whether something is truly a problem or benefit, or one bad apple reporting his or her experience.

Ultimately, if you discover the perfect traveler trailer isn’t out there, you can modify one that’s near perfect, so it suits your needs. Among the customizations and modifications that are common for four-season travelers to make are:

• Adding your own insulation to windows, much as you would do in your home if you can’t afford a new window upgrade (You can find a simple DIY insulation kit here
• Adding weather stripping to the doors
• Covering the vents and other seepage areas with foam
• Lining windows with foil-backed insulation that reflects the sun and makes it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature inside of the trailer
• Buying a tank heater separate
• Covering water lines with heat tape
• Using antifreeze in the tanks when the trailer is not in use
• Running a humidifier or dehumidifier inside the trailer

Conclusion on 4 Season Travel Trailers

Finding the right four-season travel trailer to suit your needs can take some time, but it’s an important part of your investment. If you do the appropriate amount of research and go into the process with an open mind, you are more likely to find a trailer that you love and that you’re able to use for years to come.

Recommended RV Articles

• 4 Best Travel Trailers for Couples in 2021
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• Best Family Travel Trailers (4-5 People)
• Best RV To Live In Year Round (Full-Time Living Choice)
• Best RV Memberships To Join (2021 Favorites)
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• 5 Best Travel Trailers with Slide Outs
• 15 Best Bunkhouse Travel Trailers (2020 & 2021 Trailers)

About the Author / Johnathan R. Smith

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Travel Trailers and RVs

8 Best Extreme Cold Weather RVs

By Mark on October 27, 2019

Do you want to enjoy your winter? You might not have time to winterize your RV. In that case, all that you need to do is to purchase a customized RV. It is good to keep in mind that cold weather RVs have been designed for driving in cold weather. They have been known to brave in extremely cold temperatures. Here are the best extreme cold weather trailers.

JAYCO REDHAWK

The beauty and warmth in this trailer make it one of the best trailers you will ever come across in the market. This trailer has been gaining a lot of popularity for the last couple of years. As for now, there are about five-floor plans in the market. What are the best features of this trailer? It comes with plenty of space. This means that you can have almost all your essentials in this trailer.

Video Overview: UPDATED 2019 Jayco 26XD Redhawk Class C Living & Bed Slide Motor Home

LANCE SEASONS TRAILER

Over the years, this trailer has emerged as a perfect choice when it comes to wintertime journeys. The manufacturer has included unique composite insulation. This means that the insulation will never rot. Also, this trailer has been designed with hatch covers. You can stamp these covers depending on the weather outside. This feature has been known to provide trailer users with extreme comfort.

Video Overview: Cold Weather Camping in the 2019 Lance 1995 Travel Trailer

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JAYCO EAGLE TRAILER

If you have been looking for an elegant and yet durable travel trailer, look for no more. This is the right time to purchase this product and join thousands of satisfied customers who are still praising its performance. Do you know that the latest model features an inbuilt refrigerator and washers? Away from that, you will also get a full bathroom when you purchase this trailer. As for now, there are several options like a power awning and glass windows.

Video Overview: 2020 Jayco Eagle HT 272RBOK XL Luxury Travel Trailer BOTH Interiors!

HEARTLAND BIGHORN

Have you ever used this travel trailer? You can agree with me that its performance allows it to be on this list. The mother company is one of the best and reputable trailer manufacturers in the market. They boast of extremely high-quality travel trailers. Over the years, they have been known to give the best to their esteemed customers. Therefore you should purchase this product simply because they don’t compromise when it comes to quality.

Video Overview: Really different Fifth Wheel Floorplan! Big Horn 3925

KEYSTONE RAPTOR

Be guaranteed that you will get what you deserve when you purchase this travel trailer. It comes with all the crucial features you have been looking for. The arctic package is arguably the most unique feature in this trailer. You have the freedom to choose from eight-floor plans. Each of these plans is arranged differently. The automatic air conditioner is the most loved feature in this trailer.

Video Overview: My Favorite Toy Hauler Floorplan! 44 Keystone Raptor 423

WINDJAMMER TRAVEL TRAILER

Are you a beginner? You will have made a perfect move when you purchase this travel trailer. It is the perfect choice if you have a big family. This trailer can accommodate more than 6 people. It is not among the lightest travel trailers on the market. But that does not mean that you can’t use this trailer anywhere. The manufacturer has included some additional features such as gas grill connector and outdoor awning.

Video Overview: 2018 Rockwood 3029V Windjammer Ultralite Outside Kitchen Rear Living Couple’s Travel Trailer

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NORTHWOOD ARCTIC FOX

This trailer is among the very few travel trailers that have been designed with reliable chargers in the bedroom. What does this trailer features? It boasts of queen mattresses and carpeting. You can attest that it is quite hard to come across a travel trailer with a hideaway screen enclosure. You will have all these features when you purchase this amazing trailer. In addition, the manufacturer has used high-quality materials when manufacturing it. This means that it will serve you for life. In short, it will age beautifully. You will never regret purchasing this travel trailer.

Video Overview: Quick Tour Of The New Arctic Fox Classic 22G

KEYSTONE MONTANA

Do you know that this is the biggest seller for Keystone? It has proved reliable even when the temperatures drop into the negatives. What are the features behind this? This travel trailer has a dual thermostat. The thermostat is equipped with a remote sensor that has been manufactured with frame and wire. Also, this trailer comes with a heated underbelly that is not only insulated but also enclosed. It is unique from many common travel trailers because it has been manufactured with recent technology.

Video Overview: 2020 Montana 294RL or 295RL Full Time 34ft Keystone Luxury Fifth Wheel RV

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The Best Cold Weather RVs for Extreme Cold

When it comes to camping during the winter months, it is important to choose the right RV for cold weather conditions. Choosing a Cold Weather RV will help ensure you have all the comforts of home while also staying warm and cozy when you are out in the great outdoors. Some popular Cold Weather RVs include travel trailers, motor homes, and even pop-up campers. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to do your research before making a purchase.

One of the key features of Cold Weather RVs is insulation. For maximum warmth and comfort, look for RVs that offer thick insulation throughout all compartments, including walls, doors, ceilings, and windows. Additionally, look for large windows that can easily be covered with blackout curtains or other covers to keep out drafts and retain heat. Engine and generator heaters are also crucial for keeping your Cold Weather RV comfortable during those long winter nights when temperatures drop quickly.

Ultimately, choosing the right Cold Weather RV depends on your specific needs and lifestyle. Whether you prefer luxury conveniences or basic off-grid camping options, there is sure to be a Cold Weather RV that is perfect for you. So don’t let winter weather keep you from getting out there

RVs don’t have to be “four-season” rigs. However, the best RVs for extremely cold temperatures can keep you warm even in freezing conditions. An arctic package of cold-weather RV accessories is what allows them to do this. It is usually obtained by the RV manufacturer and includes additional insulation and heating components to ensure your safety and comfort.

Renting an RV with an arctic package is a good option if your RV does not have one. RVShare can help locate four-season RVs for rent in your area.

Table of Contents

These are the Top 10 Winter RVs for Cold Weather Comfort

Only a few RV manufacturers produce cold-weather campers. The four-season RVs are capable of enduring below-freezing temperatures and icy winds. This list of the top cold-weather RVs is essential reading for anyone who loves to travel in colder weather.

10. Windjammer 3008W travel trailer

The Windjammer 3008W travel trailer is the perfect choice for cold-weather camping. With its rugged construction and insulated interior, this RV can withstand even the harshest winters. The aerodynamic design of the trailer minimizes drag, allowing it to cruise easily down icy highways without any issues. And with its innovative underfloor heating system, you can stay warm and cozy no matter how low the temperature drops. Whether you’re escaping to a snowy mountaintop or just looking for an exciting weekend away from home, the Windjammer 3008W is your ideal travel companion.

Both novice and experienced RVers will find travel trailers very useful. The Windjammer 3008W travel trailer is a great choice. You can also winter camp with your family and friends, as there is enough space for up to five campers.

The Windjammer, like most extreme cold RVs is not light. It weighs in at 7,482 pounds and has an 897-pound hitch. The extra weight is there to keep your warm. These are the winter camping features:

• Insulation throughout the entire trailer
• Electronically-controlled heated holding tanks
• Upgrades to thermo-pane windows
• Heating mattress in master bedroom
• Fireplace renovation
• Floor-ducted furnace
• Vent cover and Maxxaire ventilation fan
• 45-gallon black tank
• Grey 75-gallon tank
• Fresh water tank 45 gallons

Other noteworthy features include:

• Two slide outs
• Master bedroom with wardrobe
• Closet for bed and bath linen
• 44-inch dinette space
• Oven with microwave hookups
• Connector for gas grill
• Outdoor awning
• Master bedroom with a 60×10-inch bed

The extreme cold RV is loaded with great features. Do not let the bland exterior fool you. The Windjammer could be your new favorite if you like towables or four-season camping.

Cons It is also very long. It can be difficult for less experienced drivers to maneuver.

9. Jayco Redhawk 26XD Motorhome

With its spacious interior and clever design features, the Jayco Redhawk 26XD is the perfect motorhome for taking on those long winter trips. Whether you’re traveling across states or navigating snowy mountain roads, this RV has all the comforts of home to keep you cozy and relaxed throughout your journey. Featuring a fully-equipped kitchen with plenty of counter space as well as a robust heating system that will keep you warm even in the coldest weather, the Redhawk 26XD is sure to be your go-to winter RV of choice.

The Jayco Redhawk 26xD trailer is a newer model. It’s one of the most stunning Jayco trailers. There are five floor plans available for the Redhawk model. All models include a Ford chassis and an 8-foot refrigerator. There’s even more space, such as:

• A spacious linen closet
• Bathroom with a full bathroom that includes a toilet and sink.
• Galley with a microwave, large kitchen countertop, plenty of shelving, and a large sink.
• Two-seater sofa

The 55-gallon fuel tank, 6-gallon water heater and 30-BTU auto ignition furnace are some of the most important RV features. You’ll be comfortable wherever you go. You’ll love to camp with your friends and family, as there is ample sleeping space for eight people.

The pros: What’s not love? Redhawk is like living comfortably in a mini-apartment that can go wherever you want.

Cons: The New Jayco Redhawk Models cost at least $100,000. You can choose an older model if you have limited funds, but it may not offer as many luxurious features.

8. Lance 4-Seasons Travel Trailer

If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure rig, look no further than the Lance 4-Seasons travel trailer. This rugged and versatile RV is designed specifically for Winter adventures, with all the features and accessories you need to take on even the most treacherous terrains. Whether you’re crossing snowy mountain passes, exploring icy glaciers, or trekking across slick ice floes, this Winter RV has got you covered. Thanks to its durable construction and innovative technologies, it can tackle harsh Winter conditions with ease. And with enough storage space to hold all of your essential gear, gadgets, and supplies, you’ll always be ready for anything.

For winter camping, Lance buyers can choose the 4-seasons option. A Lance 4 Seasons Travel Trailer is a great choice for winter trips.

• You can snap on or take off insulated hatch covers depending on the temperature outside. These covers keep cold air out of your RV and keep you and your passengers comfortable and happy.
• Azdel insulation is a replacement for wood. This thermoplastic composite insulation prevents the development of mildew, mold and rot when wood is left exposed to cold and wet conditions. This insulation also adds soundproofing!
• Water heater bypass is used to winterize water heaters for cold-weather usage.
• Lance manufactures their own ducted heating systems. These hold tanks can direct heat to all rooms.
• Tinted windows with dual-pane insulation that are also soundproofing.

Advantages : A Lance RV’s insulation is so good that you won’t ever have to worry about getting cold again. The soundproofing is the cherry on top.

Cons: None. Lance’s 4 Seasons package for truck campers and toy trailers gives you a lot of flexibility.

7. Forest River Arctic Wolf

There’s no need to hibernate all winter – with a Forest River Arctic Wolf RV, you can enjoy all the comforts of home even when the snow is falling. These RVs are built for cold weather, with insulated walls and floors that will keep you cozy all winter long. And if you’re worried about towing an RV in the snow, don’t be – the Arctic Wolf comes equipped with special tires and brakes that are designed for winter conditions. So whether you’re looking for a winter getaway or a full-time home on wheels, the Forest River Arctic Wolf is a perfect choice.

The Arctic Wolf from Forest River offers six floor plans, which is a good choice for RV owners. The largest model is more than 10,000 pounds and has a maximum hitch weight of 1,452lbs. These vehicles have a maximum width of 35 feet, and a maximum height of 11 feet.

For your winter adventures, you have two options: the Arctic Package or the Extreme Weather Package. Let’s take a look at them all.

Arctic Package

• Upper bunk windows
• Preparation and wiring for solar power
• A pullout kitchen faucet
• Capabilities to install an outside TV bracket or outside shower
• A home entertainment system
• Entry doors with friction hinges
• Dinette drawers

Extreme Weather Pack

• Upgraded arctic insulation
• Racetrack ducted air conditioner
• One Quick Cool Fan
• Insulated upper decking
• A high-circulation ceiling fan
• A heated and enclosed underbelly
• Sidewalls with high-gloss enhanced fiberglass
• A furnace that runs at 35,000 BTUs

Advantages: The Forest River Arctic Wolf’s Extreme Weather Package is a great investment. No matter how cold the outside temperature, you’ll feel completely comfortable and insulated.

6. Jayco 327CKTS Eagle Fifth Wheel

Whether you’re looking to take a winter getaway or simply enjoy some time outdoors, the Jayco 327CKTS Eagle is an excellent choice. This fifth wheel RV features all of the amenities you could need for an enjoyable trip, including a fully-equipped kitchen and cozy sleeping space. With its durable construction, efficient insulation, and powerful heating system, this RV will keep you warm even on the coldest winter days. And with its large windows and spacious living area, it’s the perfect place to spend quality time with friends and family as you explore all that nature has to offer.

The Jayco 327CKTS Eagle is another great Jayco cold-weather RV. The 2018 model features a 21-cubic-foot refrigerator, a 60×80″ queen-size bed, walk-in closets, shelving, and a TV box.

A 19-foot outdoor umbrella, a full bathroom with a sink, toilet, linen closet, steps, a kitchen cabinet with a second sink, storage space, and an L-shaped couch are all included.

Want more? Choose from interior decor packages to make your RV feel like home. These are some other optional features:

• Safety glass windows with dual pane frames that are tinted and frameless
• The Dry Camping Package adds additional LP storage and capacity.
• The Sani-con Turbo Waste Management System
• Girard Gen3 Tankless Water Heater includes a digital thermostat
• A second power awning

Comments: Jayco is well-known for its four-season options. The 2018 Eagle’s luxury additions elevate RV living to a new level. You’ll feel so at home that you may want to live on the road forever, just like the other RVs in this collection.

Cons: If you don’t spend several thousand dollars on the new Eagle, these features might not be available.

5. Heartland Bighorn Fifth Wheels

When it comes to heightened levels of comfort and convenience, no RV can compare to a Winter RV like the Heartland Bighorn Fifth Wheel. With its massive size and unbeatable suspension system, this camper is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to explore the great outdoors in comfort and style. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or embarking on a long journey through winter weather, the Heartland Bighorn will be your faithful companion every step of the way. Compact, easy to maneuver, and fully equipped with all the latest features, this RV is designed for life on the open road. So why wait? Start planning your adventure today!

This is not the first Heartland RV to be featured on this list. The Bighorn is a top-of-the-line all-weather vehicle and this model lives up to its reputation. The Bighorn camper trailer comes in nearly 12 floorplans. This means that no matter what your space or budget, you will be able to find the right Bighorn for you.

These vary in size, with the largest weighing more than 14,000 lbs (dry weight), and the longest measuring nearly 45 feet.

The following are some of the most popular floorplans:

• Insulated in-roof A/C Duct System
• A furnace that produces 42,000 BTUs
• A single-piece below-floor heating system duct
• R-14 insulation values for upper deck flooring, R38 main flooring and radiant insulation, R34 roofing insulation and R-11 wall insulation
• A heated, insulated underbelly

Plumb-PLEX waterlines will allow you to have a bathroom that is just as good as your home. This vehicle looks sleek thanks to its laminated flooring, fiberglass walls, and tinted dark Windows. You will feel more comfortable in your cozy bedroom, which includes a headboard, pull-out storage drawers, additional storage shelves, bedroom ceiling lighting, a memory foam mattress, a king-sized bed, and a built-in closet.

Pros These are only a few of the many facets that make up the website. Heartland has put incredible detail and craftsmanship into the Bighorn. The variety of floor plans that are available will amaze RV lovers.

Cons The Heartland Bighorn is a great choice.

4. Fifth Wheel Keystone Raptor

The fifth wheel Keystone Raptor is the perfect RV for those who love to travel over the winter months. This versatile vehicle can handle almost any road condition, and with its all-wheel drive capabilities, it will glide smoothly over even the iciest of roads. The Raptor features a spacious interior that is designed to keep you and your passengers comfortable, no matter how long your trip may be. Plus, with state-of-the-art technology and high-quality amenities, this RV makes even the most rugged winter landscapes seem like a relaxing retreat. Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply need to get out of town for some much-needed rest and relaxation, the fifth wheel Keystone Raptor is the perfect choice for all your winter travels.

The Keystone Raptor fifth-wheel camper trailer is another noteworthy option. The Keystone brand features, including a great arctic package, are all here. There are also some additional features.

There are eight different floor plans for the Raptor. The Raptor has the same rooms as the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen but they are all arranged differently.

MaxFlo’s zone-controlled air conditioner operates at 15,000 BTUs, making it one of the most distinctive cold-weather features.

The pros: The Raptor camper trailer is a solid choice for Keystone campers. You’ll be spending more time driving in winter with the Raptor because it has many floor plans and lots of heating features.

Cons: None. This is one of the most beloved cold-weather options.

3. Heartland LM Arlington

Whether you’re an avid winter camper or simply looking for a reliable RV to take on your next road trip, the Heartland LM Arlington is an excellent choice. One of the most popular arctic packages offered by this RV company is the Yeti Extreme Cold Package, which provides superior protection against even the harshest winter conditions. Featuring extra insulation and heating systems as well as high-quality tires that can navigate even the most treacherous terrain, this package is ideal for anyone looking to venture out into the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort or safety. So if you’re serious about exploring nature during the winter months or simply want to be prepared for anything on your next adventure, look no further than the supremely durable and dependable Heartland LM Arlington with its premium Yeti Extreme Cold Package. You won’t regret it!

You can rest assured that your vehicle will remain in top condition no matter how many times you drive it. These are just a few of the standard features included in the core package.

• Power tilt bed and bedroom reading lights
• A lockable safe, high-rise coffee table and a stainless-steel oven
• A backlit tile backsplash
• Soft tables
• An 80-amp converter, USB ports and a 1,000-watt Inverter with Surge Protectors are all available.
• Multi-plex lighting system

Fun perks include a 40-inch exterior television, AlumiGuard awnings and slide room awnings. There are also options to add a dishwasher and bathroom fan.

This vehicle is not the lightest on the list. It has a dry weight of 15,170 pounds, a hitch weight of 3,100 pounds, and a carrying weight of 2,780. The Heartland has a width of eight feet and a height greater than 13 feet.

Comments: The Yeti Extreme Cold Weather package with the Heartland LM Arlington has the most benefits of all the RVs in this category. The Heartland’s Yeti package is a top pick for four-season RVs. This is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding arctic packages.

Cons: The Yeti Extremely Cold Weather Package is not included with the Heartland LMA Arlington. It will cost you extra, making it a costly add-on.

2. Northwood Arctic Fox

Northwood Arctic Fox campers are built for extreme cold weather. With their all-weather construction and thermal insulation, they’ll keep you warm and dry no matter what the conditions are outside. With its four-season construction and heated holding tanks, this camper is designed to keep you comfortable in even the coldest weather. Plus, the insulated floors and walls help to keep the heat in, making it a cozy place to spend those long winter nights. So if you’re looking for an RV that can handle the cold, the Northwood Arctic Fox is a perfect choice.

The Arctic Fox of Northwood is a beloved cold-weather camper. This baby is full of features, and it’s not without reason. Let’s take a look at some.

• The bedroom has USB and 12-volt charging ports. It also features a TruRest queen mattress, bedspread and carpeting.
• Full tub with retractable, hidden shower screen enclosure. Also includes a bath skylight.
• A porcelain foot-pedal toilet
• Bedroom fan vents
• Skylights in the kitchen with shade, and a 10-cubic-foot extra-large refrigerator with multiple raised panels
• A microwave included with a range cover
• A booth dinette, a jackknife couch, and a booth dinette are available.
• A digital thermostat and second charging wizard
• Smoke detectors, liquefied petroleum gases, carbon monoxide
• A 19-inch LED TV equipped with a DVD/CD player and Bluetooth connectivity
• Roller bearing drawer glides
• Aluminum 15-inch wheels with shocks included for all wheels
• All four-season foam insulation; ceiling insulation is R-18 equivalent

Phew! You’d feel like you were living in luxury on road trips, as you can see. You can add on extras like rearview cameras and solar panels, generators, and holding tank heating pads. Thermal pane windows, thermal pane windows, and kitchen fan vents are all options.

The pros and cons of Northwood is a well-known brand for cold-weather RVs. However, their Arctic Fox luxury model doesn’t skimp on any features. You won’t want to leave the comfort of your Arctic Fox.

Cons – For all the luxurious features you’ll be enjoying, you’ll need to spend thousands of dollars. Both the 2017 and 2018 models will be priced at $58,000, while older models won’t be much less.

1. Keystone Montana Fifth Wheels

Keystone Montana fifth wheels are a popular choice among RV enthusiasts looking to experience the great outdoors during the winter months. These spacious and well-designed RVs provide ample space for all your gear, as well as comfortable living areas where you can kick back and relax after an active day in the snow. Whether you prefer gliding through powdery fields on cross-country skis or cobbling together a caribou stew while enjoying spectacular views of the mountains, a Keystone Montana fifth wheel is sure to become your go-to RV for all your winter adventures.

Montana’s luxury fifth-wheel trailer has become so well-known that one Keystone employee lived in it for the entire year. This vehicle is well-known for its excellence over the past 15 years and is a big seller for Keystone.

The experiment was carried out by the Keystone technician who went to LaGrange in Indiana where temperatures can drop into the negatives. The technician would then run the Montana test chamber at a frosty 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Why? They could. To test if Montana could withstand LaGrange’s terrible cold, they also set the temperature at 72 degrees.

The test was successful, of course. Because Montana contains:

• Dual thermostat and a remote sensor, with a second A/C ducted from the frame using wire and frame.
• 15k BTUs free-flow air conditioning
• Heated city water with low point drains and an exterior convenience center
• 12v electric tank heaters
• In-floor water lines
• Insulated and enclosed dump valves and holding tanks
• Heating underbelly, which is also enclosed and insulated
• Fully-ventilated attic system
• A straight-line heat duct system with a foam core that measures 3″x14″.
• Auto-ignition 35,000 BTU furnace
• Radiant technology insulated roof, equivalent to R-38
• Sidewalls made of fiberglass with double layers of supported insulation that are R-11 compliant
• Insulated slideout flooring that is R-15 equivalent
• Insulated main floor with R-21 equivalent

Comments: The Keystone Montana is the best option for keeping your RV warm even when it’s cold outside. The Keystone Montana is a vehicle that can withstand cold temperatures and keep passengers and drivers comfortable.

Cons: This vehicle’s price may seem a little high for RV enthusiasts who are newer.

Cold Weather RVs To Keep You Warm

Your RV doesn’t have to be stored until spring, even though winter is upon us. If you feel the need to go cold-weather RVing this winter, then consider one of the 10 four-season RVs listed here. Although some of these RVs are heavier and more expensive than others they make an excellent choice for RV enthusiasts who love to spend winters in their vehicles.

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Top 7 Best Cold Weather RVs For Extreme Cold

Not all RVers are the same. Some like to spend summers on the road, while others choose to hit the outdoors in winters. But that’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

For winter Rving, trailers need to be able to withstand extremely cold weather conditions. Otherwise, you could catch a cold and could result in winding up the trip.

Have a look at the top 7 best cold weather RVs for extreme cold, which will make your RVing experience worth it.

Table of Contents

Best Cold Weather Campers for the Winter

Lance 4 seasons travel trailer.

The ducted heat is to keep the whole trailer equally warm. The system is directly insulated so that all the pex lines and values remain warm. The purpose is to hold the tanks that are flowing now to the entire vehicle.

There is a water heater bypass to make the drainage easier in the winter season. And for added convenience and soundproofing, the windows are tinted plus dual pane insulated. It means you won’t get disturbed by the surrounding sounds anytime.

Moreover, the windows will not let the cool breeze enter the vehicle. So, no matter how chilled it is outside, you will feel the warmth inside.

Azdel insulation prevents wood Mold, rotting, etc., by replacing wood with thermoplastic composite insulation. Now, no matter how wet or cold the climate is, you will stay safe and warm inside without any worries.

For a good night’s sleep, the bed mat is also insulated for a Cozy feeling all night long. It also stops moisture from building up down the mattresses. For more insulation, the hatch covers are insulated to keep the vents and skylight warm.

Your tanks and batteries will not freeze during extreme weather because of the insulated protection. It keeps you moving all the time without any mishaps.

• Perfect soundproofing.
• Versatile trailer.
• Driving Lance RV is fun with ideal insulation.
• Dual-pane insulated windows.
• Suitable for all seasons.
• Azdel insulation for Mold and rot prevention.
• Comfortable bed mat.
• Slightly expensive.

Jayco 327ckts Eagle Fifth Wheel

Its exclusive features and high-class construction satisfy the users surprisingly. With Jayco, your winter journey will become more relaxing and fun.

With a decorative structure and a great apace, Jayco will let you have fun in the mid-living room with all the possible facilities.

A queen bed set, refrigerator, walk-in closets, dining area, washer plus dryer, and tv chest is what you will get with Jayco eagle.

There is a theatre setting for a calming evening, including massage options to keep you happy all day long. Don’t forget the classic bathroom which has everything you want.

It has a sink, linen closet, toilet, and shower are for an ideal hygiene routine.

It features an iconic wastage system to avoid mishaps. You also have a choice to select the interiors according to your needs and preferences. It means you will feel at home all the time.

The decor is so satisfying that you don’t feel like coming out once you enter the vehicle. Its tankless water heater has a digital thermostat. The windows are dual pane frameless ones for increased safety.

So, you are safe and warm inside every time you move during winters. Jayco eagle makes your remote working easy and convenient, which means you can work from anywhere in this cozy environment.

• Ideal insulation.
• Best living systems.
• Dual-pane safety windows.
• Turbo waste management.
• Tankless water heater.
• Luxurious interior.
• Keep the temperature balanced in all four seasons.
• All the luxurious features are only available in the eagle model.

Keystone Raptor Fifth Wheel

The Keystone RV is constructed with double welded aluminum to increase durability. The brakes of this beauty are self-adjustable electric ones. Towing Keystone fifth wheel is highly secured with its innovative construction.

Glass windows are large and tinted with foldable entry-assisted handles to ensure the person’s safety.

This RV’s front cap comes with a MaxTurn technology, which means your vehicle is prevented from scratches. The outside shower lets you clean the exterior of the RV with ease and fun.

It is quite beneficial for your outdoor days. The interior has a pull-down tv to sit back and relax whenever you want. A ducted head garage is an ideal place for chilling. Both the cargo and living areas have two speakers to fulfill your desires.

The living room has hardwood cabinetry and a 50 inches LED so that you can watch tv while having some snacks. The reclining furniture allows you to get a massage, heat, or light.

Feeling tired roaming here and there, it’s time to go to bed in your king bed where you also have a smart tv.

If it’s not the end of the day, go to the kitchen, where you have solid countertops and a stainless-steel sink. Also, LED backlights are to support you while you are cooking or yourself.

• USB ports under the sofa.
• Dual bath entrance.
• Three LED tv options.
• 5,500-watt gas generator.
• Variety of floor plans.
• A reliable and modern choice.
• Good storage space.
• Towing can be difficult.

Northwood Arctic Fox RVs

It is one of the best chassis in the industry and is loved by many users. There are many reasons to love this beauty. The cabinetry is too strong so that you don’t face any mishaps while using them.

Solid construction with quality materials ensures residential usage. They are made to support the ceiling and the walls making all three of them durable.

The holding tank is fully insulated so that you can feel the warmth all over the unit all the time. It means your vehicle tanks are not going to freeze in the chilly weather conditions.

The enclosure of knife valves is also suitable for preventing them from freezing. As we have mentioned, the unit features 4 season coaches.

You will not feel bad in any weather. The use of rubber, rigid foam, insulation, etc., is to protect you from extreme climatic changes.

You will have a chance to relax in the queen bed with proper carpeting, mattresses, and USB chargers in the unit. There is a 19-inch LED tv with a DVD player for more fun.

The bathroom also has a great structure and interior with a retractable tub, shower screen enclosure, and a porcelain foot pedal toilet for added convenience.

You are now coming to the kitchen, which has a ten cubic foot refrigerator with a shade of skylights.

Moreover, if you want to make your dining enjoyable, there is a booth dinette and a microwave. Smoke and gas detectors are to save you from accidents. The bedroom also has two fan vents.

• Skylights in the bedroom.
• Microwave with a range cover.
• Shock absorbent wheels.
• Large refrigerator.
• Smoke detectors.
• Rigid foam insulation.
• A bit expensive.

Heartland Landmark LM Lafayette

The appearance is so attractive because of the shiny, finished look and lightweight construction. The basement has about 30% storage for more luggage of yours. You were now coming to the interior and features.

The interior is full of benefits to make you feel like your ordinary home. No worries if you want to hang more clothes because there are many walk-in closets with deep shelves.

You can store anything inside. To protect your clothes from creases, there are double-hanging rods.

There are full view windows in the dinette slide, so you can get a perfect view while having breakfast or dinner. If you want to experience a spa in your trailer, what are you waiting for?

Your Lafayette has a percent bathroom with a marble look shower with a removable head and a teak wood seat. Don’t sacrifice your hygienic routine for the sake of roadside living.

The king bedroom has an ideal space and deep dressers to store all your essentials. It is the coziest place to relax at the end of the day. The multi-plex system also has Bluetooth and chargers.

Moreover, additional features like dual pane windows, water heater, LED living room tv, reclining multi-tasking sofa vinyl flooring, light switches, and much more.

• Lightweight trailer.
• Space is good enough.
• Shiny exterior finish to attract any sight easily.
• Sound insulation system and vents.
• Extra lighting and related switches for convenience.

Northern Lite Boreal 23fb

The stylish look and the two-piece fiberglass construction are the secret behind this beauty’s increasing popularity, northern lite boreal 23FB. It is a unique and modern option to live roadside with all the possible luxuries.

This trailer can cope with various climate situations, which means you can travel at any time of the year. The leakproof fiberglass construction is good to prevent damages to the internal water system.

If we talk about interior features, there are many to count on. Its heat-pump air conditioner and the ducted furnace is to make your living more convenient and satisfying. The purpose is to keep the temperature balanced during weather changes.

It will keep you warm during winters and cool during summers. It also features a refrigerator, a u-shaped dinette, and a solid counter in the kitchen. The 100-watt solar panels are to make your usage and living easy.

The bedroom has a queen bed with good space to walk around and an ideal storage area.

Moreover, the bathroom has a comfortable toiled, huge shower, and excellent cabinetry. The exterior features may include hot and cold showers, cable and other hook-ups, solar panels, and much more to fulfill your needs.

Also, it is easy to tow a trailer for about four persons to live inside.

• Loaded luxurious trailer.
• Stylish and modern exterior.
• Suitable for all four seasons.
• It keeps you cool and hot according to the climate.
• Huge storage space.
• Perfect lighting.
• Good bathing area.
• U-shaped dinette.
• Leak Proof construction.
• Not so huge but suitable for four persons.

Jayco Redhawk 26xd

Well, it doesn’t mean the kitchen is not there for you to make dinner. The fantastic all-in-one kitchen gives you a chance to prepare the yummiest dinner in minutes with an added microwave and a significant enough refrigerator.

With the help of a curtain, you can cover the bunk above the vehicle.

Also, for a good night’s sleep, you can make your bedroom semi-private by partitioning it. It will let you sleep with comfort and privacy.

If it’s summertime, you don’t have to worry because there is an exceptional 13inches electric awning to make your summer nights refreshing. The system provides you with proper insulation through rubber body mounts.

If you are planning to buy Redhawk, you don’t have to think twice, as it is one of the best choices of the year. Want to have some good music? No worries, as Jayco has prepared an excellent living plan for you. There is a backup camera as well for better functional abilities.

For added convenience, the water filtration is there for you. Moreover, your home can be easily charged with several USB ports. Not only this, but there is a noiseless generator on the cab too so that you don’t face any inconvenience.

• Features a kitchen.
• Comes with enough space.
• Offers privacy and comfort.
• Features enough insulation.
• Comes with a noiseless generator.
• Construction quality is poor.

Important 4 Season RV Features

Wall and ceiling insulation.

Excellent insulation is the only key here. So, let’s dive in to find out. Heat loses around the environment, which makes the RV cool according to the external average temperature. Insulation ensures that the heat does not dissipate to the exterior surroundings.

Heat quickly dissipates out in two ways, including conduction and convection. Choose the RVs which are made from materials that don’t lose much heat and are less conductive.

R-value tells us how resistant or conductive a material of the RV is. The more the R-value, the more insulating it is with less conductivity.

Dual Pane Windows

Windows are the main areas through which heat is lost. Even if you keep the windows closed, the thin glass layer cannot control the cold outside leading to heat. The RV’s having dual pane windows means they are kind of thermal and can trap air easily.

Heated Enclosed Underbelly (Tanks)

Most winter campers worry that their pipes and tanks will freeze during the night. Once the temperature outside drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, after this temperature, the water freezes. This makes the water system unmanageable leading to damage to pipes.

It’s because of this reason that heated, enclosed pipe/ tank area. This prevents the blackwater, greywater, and freshwater tanks from becoming useless. Plus, heating an area consumes more energy to prevent it from freezing temperature.

Hatch Covers

Hatches are present at the RV’s roof, which are meant for losing heat like windows. Hatches come with vents that release air out during summers. However, during cold weather, you need to replace them with a lid or firm covering.

Choose a black top that absorbs more heat directly from sunlight and keeps the RV dark, especially during the morning.

They are flexible rubber-made pipes that expand if the water freezes inside them. As soon as they thaw, they are less likely to crack or rupture. Other lines, however, which are made from copper or solid plastic pipes, are more vulnerable to freeze in low temperatures.

Most of the modern RVs these days come with rubber pipes which are cheap and easy to install. However, make sure you check it. Though such lines are enclosed, you need to check the color of blue and red color.

Heating Ducts

Such heat ducting systems are present in modern RVs. They are either walled or have floor openings. The better the heat ducting system you opt for, the greater the RV is adapted towards cold weather. Make sure to check the number of spaces all over the RV, even in the bathroom.

A Good Furnace

Lastly, make sure to check the reliable furnace. If the RV comes with the air conditioner plus heat pump, the temperature outside is under 32F. Make sure to check the stove, which is a minimum of around 30k BTUs.

Ensure the furnace is connected with efficient heat ducting system that helps you allocate heat all over the living space.

Things To Consider For Cold Weather RVs

Tank heating pads.

Choose an RV that comes with tank heating pads as they keep the tanks well insulated. This increases the temperature and prevents water freezing.

Insulation Across The Whole Trailer

You might take insulation for granted as it’s not visible to you. But insulation is installed in the wall and floors making sure your RV is well-insulated.

The insulation should be all around the RV so it stays warm at all times, especially in winters. The insulation should be present in tank warmers too.

Wall and General Structure

Insulation is essential for walls, ceilings, and the entire general structure of the RV. Please make sure there are no cracks and it is adequately insulated.

Additional Storage for Winter Clothes and Food

Ensure you are highly prepared for cold weather and have additional storage for your RV food and winter clothes.

Window Size

Make sure the window sizes are small if you are especially buying an RV for cold weather. However, if you use the RVs for all seasons and are of significant size, you can insulate them. RVs having single-pane windows are best for winters as they reduce the amount of heat lost.

Venting and Heating Systems

Most of the RVs come with skylights or roof vents which are the ideal places for heat to go in. Make sure to seal the spots by installing vent cushions that push inside.

Other than that, make sure the heating systems are working appropriately, ensuring warmth all over the place. Other than the propane furnaces, you can opt for electric space heaters.

Do You Even Need A 4 Season RV?

People who travel to South America during winters need an RV as there are freezing temperatures. People who go camping within a sub-freezing climate need a 4 season RV that works well all around the year in all seasons.

Does A 4 Season RV Need Skirting?

Yes, it saves the RV’s health during chilled weather. It adds a protective layer over the underneath side of the RV.

How to Winterize an RV For Winter Living?

If you have an RV, you must know how to winterize it for winter living. For extreme weather conditions, you must be prepared, protect your trailer plumping using the antifreeze system as it might get stuck within the tubes leading to frost and ruining the plumping.

What Happens If You Don’t Winterize Your RV ?

If you don’t protect the RV, the water can get stuck within the tubes leading to frost and ruining the plumping.

Can I Put RV Antifreeze in My Freshwater Tank?

If you are an RV owner, you need to look out for extreme weather packaging, choose antifreeze that is safe to use and is nontoxic. Choose the antifreeze which is safe for the trailer’s health.

What Is the Best RV Sewer Hose for Winter?

When choosing the RV, make sure you invest in an RV sewer hose with optimal length, thickness, storage, portability, flow, and flexibility.

How Can I Insulate RV Windows For Cold Weather?

You can use curtains, cover the windows using Reflectix, use heat-activated window films, windshield insulation, bubble wrap or clear vinyl, and much more.

Hope this guide helped you in buying the best RV for cold weather. Choose an RV based on the features that keep you warm in winters so you can keep enjoying your trip without catching a cold.

I`m a current Law Enforcement Officer working within the Counterterrorism Bureau in New York State. I have been Camping for over 20 years. My styles of camping include tent, car, truck, van, and RV travel trailer. I have a YouTube channel where I teach all types of camping with an entertaining method: https://youtube.com/@TheSmallsRVAdventures

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The Best Cold Weather Travel Trailers to Survive Winter

Last Updated on December 9, 2023 by Jess

If you plan on using your RV in the winter, don’t just trust any old travel trailer.

We’ve found some of the best cold-weather travel trailers to keep you cozy all season long.

Surviving winter in an RV can be a challenge, but there are a few things you can look for when buying to set yourself up for success.

We want you to not only survive the winter in your RV, but we want you to do well. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Can you live in a motorhome in the winter?

Yes, you can live in a camper in the winter, and many people do. However, your comfort depends largely on the model and what cold weather features the manufacturer offers.

Most manufacturers design their RVs for recreational purposes, that is, for the peak season when most RV owners camp. This means that most RVs are designed for the summer and fall months.

However, if you are looking for an RV that is also suitable for the winter months, we have something for you. First, let’s take a look at a few important features to look for when shopping.

What to look for in a cold weather travel trailer

When buying a cold-weather travel trailer , it’s important to pay attention to a few things. The features listed below will help you stay warm and cozy all winter long.

Insulation value

Various “R-values” are used for insulation in mobile homes. The higher the R-value, the better insulated your RV is.

A typical RV sidewall has an insulation value between R-5 and R-7, but if you plan to live in it during the winter, don’t just use a typical RV.

A motorhome with a four-season classification has increased insulation. Typically, the side walls have an R-9 rating, the underbody has an R-11 rating, and the roof and front wall have an R-40 rating. You’ll appreciate having more insulation between you and freezing temperatures!

It is important to note that these insulation ratings are not the same as the insulation in your home. Many RV manufacturers layer their insulation values, which is a tricky way to increase the R-value.

For example, an RV might have a layer of Reflectix with an R-5 value in the underbody, then a layer of insulation with an R-10 value, and then another layer of Reflectix. This is touted as the R-20 value of the underbody, but it is actually three separate layers of insulation.

Two-pane thermal insulation window

The next feature you should look for is double-paned windows. The windows of a mobile home can let in a tremendous amount of cold air from the outside.

Manufacturers who want to build a weatherproof RV use double-glazed thermal windows. These are heavier and more expensive, but they provide excellent insulation for the vehicle.

Many RV owners like double-paned windows because they prevent condensation. The inside of your RV’s windows will sweat if the inside temperature is warmer than the outside temperature.

Fortunately, with double-paned windows, you don’t have to worry about condensation forming on the inside of your windows.

Pro Tip: Double-pane windows are great, but they can fog up. Here’s how to fix your fogged RV windows if you have them!

Heating system

If you live in your RV in the winter, you obviously need a heat source. Many RVs have a propane furnace that pumps heat through vents throughout the RV.

Some RVs also have electric fireplaces in the living room or bedroom. However, these use a lot of electricity, so they are not ideal if you are staying outdoors or paying for electricity at a long-term campground.

Finally, you can supplement your heat source with a portable heater. We recommend reading about the best propane heaters for RVs that will keep you warm if you decide to go that route.

Heated Underbody Panel

The best cold weather motorhomes have a heated underbody. This means that the RV’s heating system has a vent or two that blows warm air from the furnace into the underbody. This protects sensitive water pipes, plumbing, and other parts that should not be exposed to the cold.

While this does not keep the temperature as warm as the living space, it can often keep it above freezing to avoid potential damage.

If you have an RV with a heated underfloor, you should run your furnace regularly. If the furnace is not running, warm air will not be pumped into your underfloor.

Many RV owners make the mistake of running their electric fireplaces or heaters so often that the furnace does not come on regularly. If warm air is not pumped into your underfloor, water pipes and other components can freeze.

Learn more: Do you like discovering great products? Here’s some cold-weather camping gear you’ll really love!

Heated holding tanks

When your RV’s holding tanks freeze, you have no way to empty them. Motorhomes built for cold weather are always equipped with heated holding tanks.

Manufacturers wrap the tanks with some sort of electric heating blanket that RVers can turn on with the push of a button. The blankets warm the tanks enough to prevent the liquids inside from freezing.

Many of these heaters shut off as soon as conditions change and they are no longer needed.

The best cold weather travel trailers for winter camping

Now that you know what to look for in a cold-weather travel trailer , let’s take a look at some of the best on the market.

Lance 2285 travel trailer

MSRP: $74,073 Length: 27 feet 5 inches GVWR: 8,000 lbs. Cold weather features: The Lance 2285 Travel Trailer is equipped with the Lance all-weather package. This includes a ducted heater with vents in the enclosed underbody to protect your RV’s sensitive components.

Lance also has an easy-to-use water heater bypass that makes it easy to winterize your RV. It comes with insulated hatch covers that limit the loss of warm air through the roof vent.

About: The Lance 2285 is equipped with a 45-gallon freshwater tank, two 40-gallon gray tanks, and a 40-gallon black tank. This gives you plenty of room to store water and waste while braving the elements.

With a cargo capacity of 2,225 pounds, you’ll have plenty of room for just about anything you want to take with you.

The trailer has a large floor area and multiple doors for guests to come and go. Just because you live in a trailer in the winter doesn’t mean you can’t invite your friends and family.

Arctic Fox North Fork 29RK

MSRP: $88,900 Length: 32 feet 3 inches GVWR: 10,400 pounds Cold weather features: The Arctic Fox North Fork 29RK is built for four seasons. You’ll appreciate the fully enclosed holding tank area that circulates warm air around the tanks to keep them from freezing.

Plus, the drain valves are enclosed in the heated compartment to prevent potential damage from freezing temperatures.

About: The 29RK is a quality vehicle from a reputable manufacturer of four-season RVs. The 58-gallon freshwater tanks, 35-gallon gray water tanks, and 35-gallon black water tanks are all insulated with thermal heating pads.

So you can be sure your tanks are protected from the elements with the push of a button. In addition, Northwood has a reputation for providing the highest quality RV frames in the industry that can take a beating.

Please note: Arctic Fox offers a wide variety of motorhomes! Therefore, we have created an Arctic Fox motorhome buying guide to help you choose the right motorhome for your needs!

Northwood Nash 24B

MSRP: $46,391 Length: 28 feet 8 inches GVWR: 9,200 pounds Cold weather features: Another of the best cold weather travel trailers to get through the winter is the Northwood Nash 24B. It has all the winter camping features a family could need to stay comfortable.

The insulated and heated holding tanks keep your tanks and underbody warm in freezing temperatures. Northwood uses high-quality batten and reflective foil insulation in its construction to strengthen the insulation of its units.

About: The Nash 24B travel trailer is great for families. It features double bunks with privacy curtains.

The fiberglass exterior and high-density block foam insulation create a barrier between you and Old Man Winter. You can easily keep your rig warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Jayco Eagle 330RSTS

MSRP: $75,218 Length: 40 feet 1 inch GVWR: 11,995 pounds Cold weather equipment: The Eagle has a fully enclosed and heated underbody. It also has double-sided radiant insulation in the roof, floor and front cap.

Combine that with the double-layer fiberglass insulation in the ceiling and floor, and you have a well-insulated, winterized vehicle.

About: If you’re tired of boring interiors from RV manufacturers, the 330RSTS is a vehicle you should consider. It has a fresh, bright white interior that looks like it came from a farmhouse.

The fresh colors give the interior a very homey look. However, if you prefer traditional colors, Jayco still offers that option. The Eagle series is one of the longest-running and most successful motorhomes on the market.

Bigfoot travel trailer B25

MSRP: $71,425 Length: 25 feet 6 inches GVWR: 7,500 pounds Cold weather features: Bigfoot Travel Trailers all have a two-piece fiberglass exterior. High-density insulation and thermal windows make the Bigfoot B25 one of the best-performing and most comfortable cold-weather travel trailers.

About: Bigfoot makes an RV that stands up to the elements to keep you comfortable.

Simple things like a porcelain toilet, innerspring mattress, and luxurious fabrics for the furniture will make you forget you’re in an RV.

Heartland Sundance Ultra-Lite 262RB

MSRP: $50,177 Length: 30 feet 10 inches GVWR: 7,780 pounds Cold weather equipment: With 2-inch furnace ducts blowing warm air into the enclosed and insulated subfloor, you won’t have to worry about frozen water pipes or your delicate plumbing.

Heartland uses Azdel laminated sidewalls to create an extra barrier between the inside of your RV and cold winter conditions. Stay warm and cozy in this cold-weather camper.

About: One of the first things you’ll notice when you enter the home is the massive ceilings. The vaulted ceilings provide plenty of headroom for even the largest of campers.

Turn on the electric fireplace and take a seat at the dining nook while you watch the snow fall outside. The queen-size bed has an upgraded mattress to give you a restful night’s sleep. However, many people love the lack of carpet.

Pro Tip: Heartland offers some of our most popular RV floorplans. To learn more about this brand and what it offers, please read Who makes Heartland RV?

Additional tips for cold-weather camping

Taking the time to prepare your RV for winter will help you weather the cold weather.

Before the temperatures drop, you should purchase a heated water hose. This will ensure that your water hose does not freeze and that you still have water in your RV when the temperature drops below freezing.

We also recommend installing RV skirts to prevent the cold wind from blowing under your vehicle.

You can have your own skirting made from insulation board for a few hundred dollars, or buy custom-made for a few thousand dollars. You can find pre-made options that fall between these prices.

Again, the key to surviving winter is the work you do before the temperatures drop. You don’t want to wait for snow to plan how to protect yourself and your RV from the cold.

If you do the work in advance, you can be sitting in your warm RV when the cooler temperatures finally arrive.

Take on the cold weather in one of these travel trailers

You won’t have to shiver through the winter with a travel trailer. These travel trailers can withstand even the coldest winter temperatures.

The most important features when looking for the best cold-weather RV are insulation, heating, and safety.

Take the time to prepare your RV for the elements, and you’ll have no trouble staying warm all winter long.

Depending on how much you enjoy spending time outdoors, you might fall in love with winter camping.

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10 Best Extreme Cold Weather RVs. Complete Study Of 4 Season Travel Trailer

10 best 4 season travel trailer.

You want to enjoy your trailer also in winter . However, you are not interested in performing the entire process of winterizing your RV. You want an RV that is already designed and manufactured as a 4 season travel trailer . For this, you have these attributes to consider:

• Wall and general structure
• Additional storage for winter clothes and food
• Window Size
• Venting and heating systems

So I decided to study which are the best all seasons RV available in the market and update it frequently: twice a year.

Some RVs are however already designed for driving in cold weather. These vehicles can easily brave temperatures below freezing, snowy conditions and icy winds. Whether your home is in a location with bitterly cold weather, or you simply want to travel in an RV in winter instead of keeping it stored, the 10 RVs discussed in this article are just the ticket to do so.

If you want a great RV for cold weather, it’s a good idea to first renting one to try it out when the temperature starts dropping sharply. If you like it, you can buy it afterward.

If you plan to rent, Outdoorsy is one of a number of good sites where you can find RVs or campers to rent in the area . We also have an article about all seasons RV rentals.

10    Keystone Montana

Although the luxury Montana fifth-wheel trailer has been around for already about twenty years, it still remains a huge revenue generator for Keystone that introduces always, updated versions of their all seasons RV units.

A Keystone technician tested the trailer by living in one for a year in LaGrange, Indiana. With outside temperatures often dropping below 0, the experiment was a resounding success with the Montana easily standing up to the horrible cold. I have not accessed the documents supporting that claim.

The Montana includes the following cold-beating features:

• 15k BTU free-flow air conditioning
• Dual thermostat with a remote sensor with 2 nd A/C
• Electric tank heaters
• Heated exterior convenience center
• Heated low point drains for city water
• Insulated holding tanks and dump valves
• Water lines in floors
• Heated, enclosed and insulated underbelly
• 35,000 BTU auto-ignition furnace
• Heat duct system with foam core
• Electric fireplace embedded
• Fiberglass sidewalls with a double insulated layer (Equivalent to R-11)
• Radiant technology insulated roof (Equivalent to R-38)
• Insulated main floor (Equivalent to R-21)
• Insulated slide-out floors (Equivalent to R-15)

There are not many options that beat the Keystone Montana RV for remaining warm inside while it is icy cold outside. This notable all seasons RV is made to withstand the cold and will keep both the driver and passengers content. The RV’s price might, however, put it outside the reach of new RV enthusiasts.

Many of our readers complained in the comments, that they could not access the website from the European Union. This affects customer service and also access to purchasing spare parts online.

9  Redhawk 26XD by Jayco

The Redhawk 26XD by Jayco has warmth and beauty not often seen in RVs, especially with the newer models. These models come with five different floorplans to choose from. All of these are built on a Ford chassis and include a queen bed, a 13ft. awning, an 8 cubic-ft. refrigerator and linen closets.

If you are drawn to the beauty of taking a trip during the winter months, then you are bound to love the warmth and allure the Jayco Redhawk 26XD offers.

Particularly with the latest generation of this all seasons RV, as we said earlier, of the Redhawk you have five different floorplan options.

They are all equipped with the following amenities; a 13-foot awning, linen closets, a spacious master bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a Ford Chassis and the refrigerator which is eight-cubic feet. If you are currently worried about space, there is no need, as it is very spacious. With the massive amount of space available, the following are the standard features for this all seasons RV:

• Large linen closet
• Large sink, upper shelving, kitchen countertop, and a microwave
• Full bathroom with a sink, toilet, and shower
• 2-seater sofa
• Queen sized bed
• Roomy, built-in linen cabinets and other closets, so enough storage space.
• Fully fitted kitchen, including countertops, upper shelves, large sink and microwaves
• The living area comes with a sofa and has a lot of space
• Complete bathroom with a toilet, shower, and sink

You will also be able to stay warm during winter in this gorgeous RV with a 30-BTU furnace with auto-ignition, a 6-gallon water heater, and a 55-gallon fuel tank. As it can sleep eight passengers, you can hit the road whenever you want with family or friends.

Clearly, it offers some fantastic home comforts, but can you stay warm during the harsh winter weather with the Jayco Redhawk 26XD? The simple answer – yes. From the fuel tank (55-gallon), the water heater which holds six gallons of water as well as the auto-ignition furnace (30-BTU) you are guaranteed to feel warm and snug whenever you use this wonderful RV. Additionally, you can enjoy your winter road trip with a group of friends or your family as the Redhawk enough space for eight people.

The 26XD is virtually a small apartment, apart from an all seasons RV, and can easily be heated up to endure those chilly days. With a hefty price tag of around $100,000 for a new one, you may have settle for an old model, which will not necessarily have all the luxury features.

The Jayco Redhawk 26XD can be your winter home. This warm paradise is essentially a smaller version of an apartment, as we mentioned before, and it is more than capable of keeping you heated even in the cold temperatures. So really, it is difficult not to love this RV.

Now, really, all the amazing creature comforts, spacious layouts do unfortunately come at a cost. The new Jayco Redhawk 26XD models can cost up to $100,000! You can opt for an earlier model, and pick an older 2019 model, but they may not come with all of the luxury features. There is anyway an important used market for all Jayco products, as it is one of the most famous RV manufacturers.

8   Windjammer 3008W

If you are a beginner that still has to get used to RV life, getting this all seasons RV is a good move. As a Windjammer 3008W has space for a maximum of 5 beds, a group of friends or your family can even join you.

The trailer is definitely not lightweight weighing in at 7,482lb., and a hitch weight of 897lb., but make sure you stay nice and warm. Due to its big size, it has ample space to include a 45-gallon freshwater tank, a 75-gallon gray water tank, as well as a 45-gallon black water tank.

Some additional features include an outdoor awning, gas grill connector, oven with microwave hookup, 44” dinette space, the main bedroom wardrobe, and two slides. The master bedroom has enough space to fit a 60×10 bed and also contains a collapsible table.

This trailer is worth using in winter due to the following features:

• Holding tanks that are heated and controlled electronically
• The whole trailer is insulated
• Main bedroom area contains a heated mattress
• Upgrades for thermo-pane windows
• Upgrades for fireplace
• Ventilation fan and vent cover
• Floor-ducted furnace
• Two sliders to separate the living quarters
• Reasonably sized wardrobe in the master bedroom
• A foldable table in the master room
• The master bedroom can fit a bed which measures 60×10
• Linen closet
• Oven with microwave hookups, and a gas grill connector
• 44-inch dinette space
• Outdoor Awning

This trailer has many features, although its exterior is not much to look at. The Windjammer may, however, become a firm favorite if you love a camper trailer and like driving it during winter.

This all seasons RV, despite its advantages, is nevertheless very heavy and also lengthy, so you must be experienced to be able to move it around. You also have to consider the towing capacity of your vehicle and have a weight distribution system available.

If you are new to the camper and RV world, and you will go out also in winter, then an all seasons RV like this one, can be the ideal starter vehicle, and I am certain that the Windjammer 3008W will exceed your expectations. It is a great vehicle if you are traveling with friends or family as it has enough space for five beds.

When looking at the exterior, it may not seem like much. However, the Windjammer 3008W has a lot of beneficial features on the interior. Overall, if you enjoy driving during the winter months, or you are just fun of camper trailers, then it is possible that the Windjammer could be your all seasons RV of choice.

Its vast size is extremely beneficial due to the water tank holding a capacity, (black water tank holds 45 gallons; grey water tank holds 75 gallons, and the freshwater tank holds 45 gallons).

Although it offers all the comforts of home, it is a heavy and lengthy vehicle. So, you may find it difficult to maneuver if you are new to the cold-weather camper and RV lifestyle.

As you can imagine this trailer is not really lightweight, in fact, it has an 897-pound hitch weight, and its ship weight is 7,482-pounds. But, when considering the internal amenities and comforts, the large space and weight isn’t really an issue.

7    Arctic Wolf by Forest River

The Forest River Arctic Wolf has six floorplans to choose from, meeting the requirements of RV enthusiasts everywhere. The larger model has a hitch weight of 1,452lb., and a total weight of 10,000lb. The maximum width is 35 ft. and its maximum height is 11 ft.

This particular arctic package provided by Forest River in this all seasons RV model ticks all the boxes for many RV aficionados, especially with the six different floorplans options.

Currently, it is their largest RV model with a weight of over 10,000 pounds, including the heavy hitch weight which is 1,452 pounds. Generally, the maximum width and height of the Arctic Wolf collection are 35 foot wide and 11 foot high. Forest River offers two different packages, depending on the weather conditions on your trip, which is; the Arctic Package, or the Extreme Weather Package.

There are different features for the two winter packages available, the Package for Extreme Weather and the Arctic Package:

Package for Extreme Winter Weather

• Air conditioning (ducted)
• Heavy-duty arctic insulation
• Underbelly is heated and enclosed
• The insulation in the artic package will be upgraded and features a racetrack ducted AC unit
• The upper decking is also insulated
• A high functioning ceiling fan
• The sidewalls of the RV have enhanced fiberglass
• The furnace functions at a BTU level of 35,000

Arctic Package

• Solar wiring
• Windows for the upper bunk
• Outside shower and outside TV bracket capabilities
• A kitchen faucet that pulls out
• Entry doors with friction hinges
• Home entertainment system
• Dinette drawers
• Top-level bunk windows
• Dinette draws, and the kitchen faucet can be pulled out

The Arctic Wolf is worth having with the package for extreme weather fitted. Irrespective of how icy it is outside, you’ll be comfortable and completely insulated. Due to the weight of this all seasons RV, new travel trailer drivers might find driving it challenging, especially when turning, parking, and making other tricky maneuvers.

It is Forest River, so if you are a reader of my website, you know already what companies like Forest River mean in terms of customer service and warranty, something you do not want to miss in an all seasons RV when you go out in winter with your family.

Forest River’s Arctic Wolf is a worthwhile investment for the avid winter driver owing to the expansive and inclusive artic features that are available. Particularly with the upgrades that are included in the Extreme Weather option. Regardless of how cold the weather may be on your trip, you can rest easy knowing that the Arctic Wolf will keep you warm, comfortable and very well insulated.

The RV is heavy in weight and large in size so it may not be the best choice for novice RV drivers, as it can be difficult to maneuver when it comes to parking and turning. This is a problem I found in all these all seasons RV models. it is not just the weight, but all the issues in terms of weight distribution systems, hitches and analysis of the towing capacity that comes included.

6  4 Season Travel Trailer By Lance

This all seasons RV by Lance is certified for cold and warm weather driving. The Lance RV is another brilliant option to consider for wintertime road trips and journeys. This particular RV is certified for both cold and warm weather driving, and it hones some fantastic season features, such as

Winter features are as follows:

• Azdel insulation instead of wood. This insulation is made from a thermoplastic composite that prevents rot, mold, and mildew that often results from wood being exposed to wintry, wet conditions. This type of insulation also adds soundproofing. It features a better alternative than using wood with the Azdel range insulation. Wood is known to develop mold, mildew, and rot when exposed to cold and wet wintry conditions over time. Instead, the thermoplastic composite in this insulation prevents this from happening, and it also provides additional soundproofing.
• The insulated hatch covers can be clipped on or off, depending on the outside temperature. The covers will prevent the cold from getting into the RV, keeping everyone inside warm and comfy. The hatch covers are insulated, and you can use as and when you need them, particularly when it’s cold outside. The main function of the insulated covers is to stop the cold air from entering your RV, to keep all the passengers warm and comfortable during a wintertime drive in the all seasons RV.
• Double pane tinted windows are insulated and are also soundproof. The dual-pane tinted insulated windows are, yes, also soundproof, so you can have a quiet night’s sleep, or will not have to worry about the noise levels if you are traveling with friends.
• The heating system is ducted and has holding tanks from which flow can be directed to each room to warm them equally. Lance manufactures its own ducted heating systems, so the hold tanks direct the flow across the entire RV, which means each room will be equally heated at a comfortable temperature.
• The water heater bypass has been adapted to work in cold weather.
• Lots of storage space that you can access from the outside or exterior part of the RV.

The Lance RV has enough insulation so that the cold is never a problem. The season package of the Lance 4 is also available for truck campers and toy trailers, providing ample versatility.

Owing to the fact the Lance 4 Season Travel Trailer is certified and designed for winter driving, it is very well insulated, so you will never have to worry about feeling the cold, bitter weather during your trip. Really, the soundproofing features are just an added bonus.

Please note that whereas Lance is not as famous as Jayco or Forest River, they are really specialized in all seasons RV models.

Additional storage space, useful in winter to store winter garments and heating and calefaction portable devices, in case you want to carry them.

When it comes to the Lance 4 Seasonal package, there are not any negatives I can mention, as it is versatile and can be used for various truck campers and toy trailers.

5  Bighorn by Heartland

This is not the only Heartland RV on the list, as this manufacturer is known for its vehicles that can be used in any weather as all seasons RV. The Bighorn has 11 floorplans to choose from, so you are likely to get one that meets your requirements, irrespective of your space limitations or budget.

There are different Bighorn sizes available, with the largest weighing 14,000lb, with a hitch weight of about 3,000lb, and measuring nearly 45 ft. in length.

The majority of the floorplans offered with the Bighorn range, generally have the following winter comforts:

• 42,000 BTU furnace
• Heated, insulated underbelly
• Insulated Aircon duct system in the roof
• Insulation values:
• R-14 flooring on the upper deck
• R-34 roofing
• R-38 main flooring
• Single piece below-floor heating duct
• A high-quality furnace functions at a 42,000 BTU level
• The below-floor has its own heating system
• The roof has an internal air conditioning duct unit
• The entire RV is fully insulated, one example is the R-38 flooring in the main living area which also has radiant insulation values
• A water system from the Plumb-Plex range so it’s just like your bathroom in your home
• Sleek interior and external design and layout
• Plenty of storage space
• A king-sized bed with a comfortable mattress made from memory foam.

The bathroom features water lines Plumb-PLEX, while the fiberglass walls, dark tinted windows and laminated flooring make the camper trailer look sleek. The bedroom has a built-in closet, king-size bed with memory foam mattress, ceiling lights in the bedroom, extra storage shelves, a headboard and a pull-out storage drawer.

Even if you have recently embarked on the RV lifestyle, you may already know that Heartland is viewed as being a leading manufacturer for all-weather type vehicles by RV enthusiasts. So, it has to be said that the Bighorn meets all the expectations.

The Heartland Bighorn is an all seasons RV and offers nearly twelve different floor plans to choose from, which is great! With the wide range of options available it is almost guaranteed that you will come across a Bighorn that is within your budget but can also provide you with everything you need while you are on the road.

The features mentioned are simply the beginning. Heartland puts an astounding level of craftsmanship and detail into all their all seasons RV products.

As mentioned earlier Heartland are renowned for their manufacturing that has a level of detail which is always high quality, owing to the exceptional craftsmanship. The wide variety of floor plans can be accommodated to meet the needs of any RV fan.

Honestly, RV lovers will be exceedingly happy with Heartland’s Bighorn range. I do not find any cons to mention currently.

4   327CKTS Eagle by Jayco

The Jayco 327CKTS Eagle is another great RV for cold weather. The newest models includes a TV chest, washer, and dryer, a walk-in closet complete with shelve, a 60”x80” queen bed and a 21-cubic foot fridge.

The 327CKTS Eagle is another fantastic all seasons RV model by Jayco brand. The latest models feature an array of home comforts and luxuries, including:

• 60×80 queen-sized bed
• A walk-in closet, with shelves
• 21-cubic foot refrigerator
• Laundry is taken care of as it comes with a dryer and washer
• A cabinet for your television
• 19-foot outdoor awning
• A fully fitted bathroom, which includes a linen closet
• Snug, L-shape, modern sofa in the living room
• The kitchen hutch is fitted with two sinks

On top of all this, décor packages are available for the interior that will enable you to make the RV feel like home. Other optional features include:

• A Dry Camping Package to add extra storage and LP capacity
• Frameless safety glass windows with dual panes and tinted
• A Tank-less Water Heater complete which digital thermostat
• A Sani-con Turbo Waste Management System
• 2nd power awning

If you want to include in your all seasons RV even more features than those listed above, Jayco offers various packages for the interior décor, and it this RV feel certainly feel like your second home.

Jayco’s all seasons RV options are well known and the luxurious additions to the latest models take living in a RV to a whole new level. If you decide on getting yourself an Eagle, you might get so relaxed you may not want to ever leave the road. Depending on how much you are prepared to pay, some of the features mentioned above may be excluded.

As you might have guessed, Jayco is widely recognized in the RV community for its luxurious all seasons RV options. Jayco is continuously adding luxurious features and amenities with every new model. The home comforts with the Eagle will make you reluctant to return home.

It comes complete with an L-shaped sofa and extra recliners, a kitchen including closet space and a second sink, steps, a full bathroom containing a toilet, shower, linen closet, and sink, and a 19-foot outdoor awning.

Luxury comes at a hefty price, and without being prepared to spend a large amount, namely quite a few thousand dollars on the latest Eagle range, then some of the features above are not always available.

3  LM Arlington by Heartland

The LM Arlington by Heartland comes complete with a Yeti Extreme Cold Weather Package. This is a very popular arctic package available on the market and it is optional. So let´s see if it has advantages for us or it is just a well-envisaged sales pitch.

This particular RV, a leading all seasons RV, as we just said, offers the option of having the famous ‘Yeti Extreme’ winter weather package, which is arguably the most popular cold-weather artic package. Yes, the Yeti may be optional, but it certainly is not one you want to disregard if you will use your camper in winter. Additionally, the home comfort features that are available with this RV will ensure that it maintains its pristine shape regardless of how often it is used. A few of the basic features, although nothing is basic with the Heartland LM Arlington core package are:

• Backlit tile backsplash
• Lockable safe
• High coffee table
• Stainless-steel oven
• Bedroom reading lights
• Power tilt bed
• Multi-plex lighting system
• Soft tables
• USB port, a surge protected invertor with (1,000-watt) and a converter (80-amp)
• The 80-amp converter in addition to an inverter (1,000-watt), that has surge protectors
• The options for additional fun extras like a dishwasher

Extra perks like Alumi-Guard awnings, a 40” exterior TV, a bathroom fan, dishwasher, and sliding room awnings can also be added.

This vehicle is not light weighing 15,170lb., a hitch weight of 3,100lb., and a carrying capacity of 2,780lb. The Arlington is 8ft. wide and more than 13ft. high.

With the Yeti Extreme Cold Weather Package included with this camper, it compares well with other travel trailers on the list of all seasons RV models.

It is definitely in the lead, especially with the option of the popular winter driving feature the Yeti Extreme when compared against the other RVs and campers I have mentioned. Moreover, it is quite rightly the best artic package currently available.

The weight: Unsure if this is an advantage or a disadvantage. The Heartland LM Arlington weight and capacity are; 15,170 pounds (dry weight), carrying capacity is 2,780 pounds and the hitching weight of 3,100 pounds. The LM Arlington is not exactly a lightweight or smaller option as it is thirteen feet high and eight-foot-wide.

Although the LM Arlington can have the Yeti Extreme Cold Weather Package, it does come at an additional cost, but it is a worthwhile feature if you will use your all seasons RV in winter.

2   Keystone Raptor: One Of The Best Insulated 4 Season Travel Trailer Models

Keystone, like Jayco, is another brand that deserves two entries on this list with the Raptor, which is one of the top ten all seasons RV models. Apart from the normal features expected from the brand, including an arctic package, there are also various extras.

If you prefer camper trailers, the Keystone Raptor then one to definitely keep in mind. Keystone is another reputable, high-quality brand. We feature them in our directory of RV manufacturers.

The Raptor includes the well-known artic package along with some bonus features, like the eight different floorplan options. It is somewhat unique, the rooms are all the same, but each option has a different layout.

Regardless if you experience bitterly cold temperatures on your road trip, the zone-controlled MaxFlo A/C unit will certainly keep you snug and warm. The A/C units are definitely one of the most remarkable winter weather components that are available as they operate at a BTU level of 15,000.

The same rooms are available in the eight floorplans to select from for the Raptor. These include a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, and also storage space, all arranged slightly differently.

The Keystone Raptor is an excellent choice from the Keystone camper trailer range. You will be able to spend lots of time driving around in the winter with reasonable heating features and many floorplans to choose from.

A very reliable option is the Raptor especially if you are ready to have more winter road trips, particularly because of the eight different floorplans and heating features to select.

As we explained briefly right above, one of the best features for cold weather is the 15,000 BTU air conditioner which is zone controlled.

The Keystone Raptor does not have any negatives, in fact, it is one of the most well-loved RV winter driving weather options.

1  Arctic Fox by Northwood: Best Rated 4 Season Travel Trailer

The Northwood Arctic Fox is a beloved 4 season travel trailer because it has many features:

• Full tub with a retractable shower screen and bath skylight
• 12-volt and USB chargers in bedroom
• Queen mattress and bedspread
• Bedroom carpeting
• Bedroom fan vents
• Porcelain toilet
• Microwave with range cover
• Skylights with shades in the kitchen
• 10-cubic ft., fridge with raised panels
• Digital thermostat
• Jackknife sofa and booth dinette
• 19” LED TV includes a DVD/CD player and Bluetooth
• Foam insulation throughout the vehicle.
• Ceiling insulation equivalent to R-18
• Detectors for smoke, liquid petroleum gas, and carbon monoxide
• 15” aluminum wheels
• Drawer glides with roller bearing

All of this means you will live in luxury while traveling. Additional extras are also available, including solar panels, rearview cameras, holding tank heat pads, generators, bathroom and kitchen fan vents, thermal pane windows and an aluminum main awning.

Northwood is a well-known brand for RVs made for cold weather, and the Arctic Fox all seasons RV does not skimp on luxury features. Your comfort is guaranteed and you may never want to leave the road.

Luxury features do however cost more, and you will have to haul out a whack of money, even for older models before 2020.

Conclusions

I would like to conclude by highlighting that not all types of RVs are intended to be used for the icy roads of our open country. Generally, the majority of RVs need to be equipped with a specific winter weather component, commonly known as an artic feature or package so that you have an extreme cold weather RV also know as 4 season travel trailer.

This specific winter feature is necessary to ensure all the passengers are comfortable in this type of weather. An arctic package includes insulation and other various heating features. However, some RV models are specifically designed for driving in cold weather conditions. These 4 season travel trailer RVs can handle weather such as icy winds and snow, and even temperatures below freezing.

Winter seems to be coming upon us faster every year. One day, we have beautiful hot days with summer temperatures, and the next we are dunked into winter with windows freezing up, and frosty breath as we huddle in thick clothing and wonder how it happened so fast.

As explained, if you plan on using an RV this winter, be aware that not all RVs are meant for use in icy weather. To be used in winter most RVs need an add-on arctic package. This means it has to have heating elements and insulation to make sure the passengers and driver are cozy and comfortable, even when the wind around you is icy.

I am sure that you will have your own reasons for wanting a 4 season travel trailer or also called all seasons RV. It could be because you are living in an area that frequently experiences bitter cold temperatures , or perhaps you just enjoy driving during the winters.

If you are thinking of purchasing a cold-weather vehicle, whether it is a camper or an RV, and you have not driven one before, I do recommend hiring one before committing to a purchase. A good website to use for campers and RVs rental is Outdoorsy.

Anthony Foxx

I am Tony, an RV designer and RV developer. I create bill of materials for RV manufacturers for travel trailers and fifth wheels. I worked as a freelance transportation consultant for Lyft. As an RV development consultant, I create customization trees for RV manufacturers who want to offer a solution to prospective customers to design their custom RV with variant configuration. Apart from this, I sell in Indiana trailer hitches, hitch balls, goosenecks and weight distribution systems where I provide advice to customers who want to know which is their towing capacity, which hitch ball should they utilize and how to deploy a weight distribution system. I do my best to explain all these processes and their installation, here in RV Favorites.

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8 Best Winterized RVs for Extreme Cold – Carcody

Summer usually feels like it’s over in a heartbeat. Before you know it, you are stuck with short chilly days and long cold nights – not ideal for camping. But wait! What if you could still go camping in the luxury of a winterized RV? These RVs allow you to camp comfortably in gale-force winds and freezing rain. The only place you will miss the tropical heat is when you step out of your camper.

Several RV models are built and designed to withstand extreme weather. These vehicles can easily brave icy winds, below-freezing temperatures, and heavy snowing. It doesn’t matter whether you want to enjoy a unique winter outdoors experience or live in a place that sees bitter cold temperatures year-round.

Winterized RVs can help you get the most of your camping experience by keeping you warm, toasty, and nice. These campers come with an insulated wall and general structure. There is usually additional space for storing food and winter clothes. You never have to worry about getting snowed in again. Make sure you pay special attention to the window size and venting and heating systems while purchasing a cold-climate camper.

You need something that is perfect for your purposes. These are ten of the best winter-season RVs to make your camping experience comfortable and memorable.

TOP-8 Winterized RVs

1. keystone montana.

The luxurious fifth-wheel trailer Montana has been around for over two decades now. But, it is still one of the largest revenue generators for Keystone. The RV manufacturer is known for introducing updated versions of their RV units for all seasons.

The Montana was tested by a Keystone technician who lived out of the trailer for over a year in the widely changing climate of LaGrange, Indiana. Outside temperatures in LaGrange are known to often drop below 0. But, the experiment turned out to be a resounding success, with the Montana easily matching up to the bitter cold.

These are a few cold-beating features in the Montana:

• Dual thermostat with alternate A/C and a remote sensor
• Heated exterior convenience center
• Water lines in floors
• 35,000 BTU auto-ignition furnace
• Heat duct system with foam core
• Fiberglass sidewalls with a double insulated layer (Equivalent to R-11)
• Insulated main floor (Equivalent to R-21)
• Electric fireplace embedded
• 15k BTU free-flow air conditioning
• Electric tank heaters
• Heated low point drains for city water
• Insulated holding tanks and dump valves
• Heated, enclosed, and insulated underbelly
• Radiant technology insulated roof (Equivalent to R-38)
• Insulated slide-out floors (Equivalent to R-15)

There are not many RVs out there to match up to the Keystone Montana’s luxury and insulating features. You can remain warm inside even when it is icy cold outside. The best part is that the RV is made for all-season use. But, convenience comes at a heavy price. The RV may be out of budget for beginner enthusiasts.

2. Windjammer 3008W Travel Trailer

Travel trailers are usually a better and cheaper alternative to full-blown campers. They are perfect for beginners looking to get a taste of the camper lifestyle. The Windjammer is an excellent option for group and family travel. It can easily accommodate five beds allowing you to travel and camp in style.

The trailer has an 897-pound hitch load and is not exactly small. It does an admirable job of keeping the cold out and allowing creature comforts and warmth to remain on the inside. The size of the Windjammer is truly impressive. It can hold a 75-gallon gray water tank, 45-gallon black water tank, and a 45-gallon freshwater tank.

The trailer does a fantastic job of providing every imaginable comfort you could ever dream of. It has a linen closet, wardrobe, microwave, magnificent kitchen space, awning to keep the snow and sun off, and a gas cooker hook-up. The master suite, in addition, features a clever fold-away table as well as a large double bed.

These features make the trailer an excellent choice for winter excursions:

• Upgraded windows
• Heated tanks that can be electronically controlled and monitored
• Upgraded fireplace
• Inbuilt whole trailer insulation
• Electronically heated master bedroom mattress
• Heated floor ducts

There are a ton of traits in the trailer, making it particularly suited to winter weather. It may not be much to look at, but the Windjammer more than makes up for it in utilitarian functionality. You are sure to appreciate the trailer if you like to camp in the cold winter months. It will soon become a favorite of the whole family.

The only problem is that the trailer is too heavy to haul around. It is heavier than the average camp trailer. You may need some getting used to with the RVs weight and size, especially if you don’t have much experience hauling a trailer.

3. Jayco Redhawk 26XD

Jayco Redhawk 26XD is a beautiful RV which guarantees a nice, snug, and comfortable environment. You can get better warmth and comfort if you purchase the 2017 – 2018 models. There are five floorplans on offer, which means there is something for everyone. You will find precisely what you are looking for with Jayco.

There is a robust Ford chassis on all models with a great refrigerator, ample linen closets, massive queen-sized bed, and an awning. The best part is that every Jayco Redhawk is proportioned generously. In addition to the features mentioned above, you can also include the following:

• Fully Equipped Bathroom With Sink, Shower, And Toilet
• More Closet Space
• Queen-Sized Bed
• Array Of Storage, Kitchen Appliances, And Work Surfaces
• 32-Inch Television

Space and equipment are obviously impressive. The trailer fares well in cold weather, too, with its powerful auto-igniting furnace, massive fuel tank, and the capacity to hold a large water heater. These features with other amenities will ensure you stay warm and comfortable, no matter what is happening on outdoors.

You can take your feline and furry friends on your outdoor excursions, too, in the Jayco Redhawk. In fact, if you want, you can invite your neighbors to join you. There will be no problem accommodating since the Redhawk can comfortably fit eight people.

The trailer is built massively and feels like a large holiday home on wheels. It stays warm inside and is easy to maintain. You can expect to remain comfortable inside even if the temperature plummets outside. But, the features don’t come cheap. You may need to shell up to $100,000 to get all the popular luxury features.

4. Arctic Wolf by Forest River

Forest River is known for making the best winterized RVs. The Arctic Wolf comes in 6 floorplans. You can find something that meets your needs and purposes exactly. The large model has a total weight of 10,000lb and a hitch weight of 1,452lb. The maximum height is 11 ft. and width is 35 ft.

The Arctic Wolf is sold as an all-seasons RV camper. It ticks all the boxes you could imagine as an RV aficionado. This is especially true with the six different floorplan options. This is currently Forest River’s largest RV model. It has two different RV packages on offer. You can either choose the Extreme Weather Package or the Arctic Package.

Both are meant for the cold weather but have some subtle differences. The Arctic package is the more basic of the two. The Extreme Weather Package comes with upgraded insulation and better heating features. This is what is offered in the two winter packages.

Extreme Winter Weather Package:

• Heavy-duty arctic insulation
• Features a racetrack ducted AC unit
• A high functioning ceiling fan
• Furnace functions at a BTU level of 35,000
• Air conditioning (ducted)
• Underbelly is heated and enclosed
• Insulation is upgraded as compared to the arctic package
• Upper decking is insulated
• Sidewalls of the RV have enhanced fiberglass

Arctic Package:

• Windows for the upper bunk
• Outside TV bracket capabilities
• Entry doors with friction hinges
• Dinette drawers can be pulled out
• Solar wiring
• Outside shower
• Kitchen faucet can be pulled out
• Home entertainment system
• Top-level bunk windows

You should blindly choose the Extreme Weather Package if you are thinking of camping in areas that frequently witness temperatures dropping below 5 degrees. You will be completely insulated and comfortable inside regardless of how icy it gets on the outside. Drivers who are new to travel trailers may find the Arctic Wolf challenging to drive initially. This is because the all-season RV is heavier than the average camper.

You may have trouble making tricky maneuvers, parking, and turning. But, Forest River has been building campers for a long time and knows their job well. You won’t have any trouble with warranty and customer service with this trailer. You don’t want the customer service to be difficult when you are having trouble in bad weather with your family inside.

This is a worthwhile investment for people who like to camp during winters. It has an incredibly inclusive artic and expansive feature. The trailer can let you rest easy inside, regardless of how cold it gets.

5. Season Travel Trailer By Lance

The 4 Season Travel Trailer by Lance is known for faring well in cold and warm weather conditions. You can use this trailer, whether you are camping in the winter or summer. The Lance trailer is an excellent option if you are considering wintertime journeys and road trips. It does not disappoint on the driving, comfort, or features.

The RV has some excellent winter features, such as Azdel insulation. There is no wood insulation in this trailer from RV. Instead, you get better heating with thermoplastic composite, which prevents mold, rot, and mildew. Generally, wintry and wet conditions ruin wood insulation, leaving you with thousands in repairs.

Azdel insulation also covers soundproofing so you can get as loud as you want. In addition, you won’t be disturbed by the sounds of nature and the weather when you are trying to get a peaceful night’s sleep. There are insulated hatch covers, which can be easily clipped off or on. You can remove them or place them depending on the outside temperature.

The covers go a long way in preventing the cold from getting inside the RV when the weather takes a turn for the worse. You and your friends or family can stay warm, cozy, and comfy inside. The hatch covers in the 4 Season Travel Trailer are insulated. This ensures that you stay warm even on the coldest winter nights. The primary function of the hatch covers is to prevent cold air from seeping inside the RV.

The RV comes with insulated double pane tinted windows. The panes are again soundproof to offer a quiet night’s rest. It lets you camp with multiple people without worrying about getting into each other’s way. The heating system in the RV is ducted. Lance is known for manufacturing ducted heating systems.

There are holding tanks which allow the airflow to be directed to particular rooms depending on the need for warmth. Hold tanks in the 4 Season Travel Trailer by Lance allows each room to be heated equally to a comfortable temperature. There is a water heater bypass which can be adapted to work as required in cold weather.

There is lots of storage space in the trailer, easily accessed from the exterior or outside of the RV. There is enough insulation in the Lance RV, so you never have to worry about the cold. The trailer is also available as toy trailers and truck campers, offering ample versatility. The Lance trailer is designed for winter driving, so you never have to worry about not being insulated or cold.

The trailer comes certified to hold up well during cold, bitter weather. Soundproofing features on the Lance are really an added bonus. However, you should know that Lance is not as popular as the Forest River or Jayco. However, the company does specialize in all seasons of RV models. You also get additional storage space in the trailer to store your winter garments. There are portable devices for heating and calefaction in case you want to use them.

6. Heartland Bighorn

Heartland is known to be an RV giant among the various manufacturers. It has established quite a vibrant reputation over the years for producing one of the best trailers. Their campers can last in the toughest of weather conditions, and Bighorn is no exception. It deserves all the hype it gets from the brand value.

The Bighorn boasts of a dozen floorplans. There is literally something for everyone regardless of the budget, requirement, and niche needs. You will realize that the Bighorn will tick all the boxes on your checklist. It has everything you need from a winterized RV, including the right amount of heating options and insulation.

There is a wide variety of size combinations in the trailer, with the largest one at an impressive 14,000 points. This is almost equivalent to a hitch load of 3,000 lbs. The large mass is because the Bighorn is 45 feet in length. The following warming features are present in nearly every single Bighorn regardless of the floor plan you choose:

• Heat pumping furnace which can offer 42,000 warming btus
• Inbuilt A/C System with insulation
• Floor heating ducts for moving warmth equally through the RV
• Heated underside
• There is insulation in the build feature and design of the RV, including walls, roofing, floors, and windows
• Aesthetics with the laminated flooring, fiberglass walls, and tinted windows
• Patented water lines so that you always enjoy a bathroom while camping
• The Bighorn offers massive storage space if you are looking for a good night’s sleep. It has a large king-sized bed and a mattress made of memory foam. You also get a nice ambiance with recessed lighting.

The Heartland Bighorn has several exciting features delivering an impressive range of comfort and winter capabilities. You will be left impressed with this mammoth RV and the wide selection of floorplans. In fact, you will be hard-pressed to find a combination that doesn’t work for you.

7. 327CKTS Eagle by Jayco

The Jayco 327CKTS Eagle is one of the best RVs for cold weather. The newer models include a washer, TV chest, dryer, and a walk-in closet that comes complete with shelves. There is also a 21-cubic foot fridge and a 60″ x80″ queen bed. This fantastic all seasons RV model is from Jayco.

The 327CKTS Eagle (latest models) features a wide range of luxuries and home comforts, including:

• Walk-In Closet With Shelves
• 60×80 Queen-Sized Bed
• Dryer And Washer
• 19-Foot Outdoor Awning
• Snug Modern Sofa In The Living Room In The Shape Of An L
• 21-Cubic Foot Refrigerator
• Cabinet For Your Television
• Kitchen Hutch With Two Sinks
• Fully Fitted Bathroom With A Linen Closet

There are several additional décor packages on offer from Jayco on top of these standard features to make your interiors more inviting and comfortable. These features go a long way in making the RV feel like a home away from home. The features include:

• Dual paned and tinted frameless safety glass windows
• Dry Camping Package for adding LP capacity and extra storage
• Sani-con Turbo Waste Management System
• 2nd power awning
• Tank-less Water Heater with a digital thermostat

Jayco offers more packages for interior décor if you want even more features in your 327CKTS Eagle. RV options from Jayco are well known among RV enthusiasts. Their latest models are taking RV living to a whole new level with unheard-of luxurious additions.

In fact, many users find the Eagle so relaxing they don’t want to leave the roads again. However, you may not get all the features mentioned above in budget options. The most significant advantage of this RV is that it is widely recognized and comes with dozens of comfort and heat-insulating features.

This all-season RV is perfect for all kinds of weather and climates. You can use it comfortably for both summer and winter travels. There are several homely comforts in the 327CKTS Eagle, such as the extra recliners, L-shaped sofa, second sink, steps, a 19-foot outdoor awning, and large closet space.

The fully equipped bathroom is nothing to remiss either. You get a shower, toilet, sink, and linen closet. However, as with every other RV, the additional luxuries come at a hefty price. You should be prepared to spend a considerable amount to acquire the latest Eagle.

8. Heartland LM Arlington

The Heartland LM Arlington is another great winterized RV. It comes with the Yeti Extreme Cold Weather Package. This is one of the most liked arctic packages by RV enthusiasts. The feature is optional, but it is something you may not want to skip. Your RV will also be in much better shape with the home and away packages. It doesn’t matter how often you take it out on your travels.

These are a few of the features that are part of the standard core package:

• Bedroom reading lights
• Power tilt bed
• Stainless steel oven
• Lockable safe
• High rise coffee table
• Soft tables
• Backlit tile backsplash
• 80-amp converter
• Surge-protected 1,000-watt inverter
• Multi-plex lighting system

There is an option to add on fun perks as well, such as Alumni-Guard awnings, 40-inch exterior TV, included dishwasher, slide room awnings, and a bathroom fan. With a hitch weight of 3,100 pounds and a dry weight of 15,170 pounds, the Heartland LM Arlington is not one of the list’s lightest vehicles. The RV has a carrying capacity of 2,780 pounds.

The Heartland LM Arlington has a height of thirteen feet and an eight-foot width. The Yeti Extreme Cold Weather Package is one of the best perks of purchasing the Heartland. This package in itself sets the RV apart from other trailers. You will hear about the Yeti package again and again when the four-season RVs come up. The package is undoubtedly one of the best packages in the world for winterized RVs.

But, you should know that the Yeti Extreme Cold Weather Package is an add-on. It is not included in the Heartland LM Arlington. You will have to pay additional money for it, making it an expensive investment.

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Best Insulated Travel Trailers (RV) For Hot And Cold Weather

by Glynn Willard | Dec 29, 2023 | Fulltime RV Living | 2 comments

Last Updated on 03/31/2024 by Glynn Willard

Your Blog Post with Divi-Style Box

The two most important reasons for seeking a travel trailer (or any RV) with the best insulation are:  

• Maintain the comfort of the RV’s interior.
• Minimize the use of your air conditioner in the summer or minimize heat loss in the winter.

  No doubt, you want to be comfortable. But I bet most of you want to save money too!

Let’s explore the best travel trailers or fifth wheels for hot weather and cold temperatures.

Why did I write this article?

I grew up in the 80’s with a father who specialized in building super-insulated efficient homes.

I learned a few things.    

Types Of Extreme Weather Conditions For An RV

The desert can get hot even in the shoulder seasons.

But some of us prefer to move away from the RV crowds, which means our rigs need to have better insulation.

My family learned early on that if you have an all season trailer and stay in “less than perfect” weather, you end up with more boondocking locations from which to choose.

The same applies If you stay in RV parks or campgrounds.

We chose not to stay in the extremes, but rather to push further into the shoulder seasons.

Some individuals enjoy “full-on” winter camping. Camping in the cold of the winter months is not for us.

However, some considerations need to be addressed when shopping for a cold-weather travel trailer.

We’ll address those in a moment.

One important note: the best RV for winter camping is also the best RV for extreme heat.

The only difference is the direction of heat transfer.

As long as the RV comes with the right kind of extra insulation and windows, it will function well in extreme cold and heat.  

Heat Transfer As It Relates To An RV

So in the winter, warm air is trying to get out of your RV.

And during the summer, the warm air is trying to get into your RV.

Technically, it’s always trying to reach thermal equilibrium between the boundary of the inside and the great outdoors.

This boundary includes your exterior walls, windows, roof, and underbelly.

Each one of those boundaries varies in its building materials and insulation.

In most RV’s the weakest points are the windows and window frames. Especially if the trailer only came equipped with single-pane windows.

One also has to consider the thermal conductivity of the materials used in your RV’s build.

In other words, how much heat transfer occurs through the aluminum studs in the wall or ceiling?

If you place a thermal imaging camera in front of an RV, you’ll see the skeletal outline of the studs and rafters.

Aluminum studs have a relatively high thermal conductivity and are technically referred to as a thermal bridge.

In other words, you will experience heat moving toward cold through the aluminum wall studs.

I’m not sure if any RV manufacturer utilizes a thermal break, which blocks the aluminum from the interior and exterior layering.

It’s worth exploring.  

Important Aspects Of An RV For Weather Extremes

• Smaller floor plan, i.e., the less living area to heat or cool, the easier it is to on the HVAC systems.
• Insulated and heated underbelly to prevent your water lines, fresh water tanks, and holding tanks from freezing. Most of the manufacturers featuring an extreme weather package come with an enclosed underbelly.
• A heavily insulated roof since a lot of heat is lost through the roof in the winter. Look for the highest R factor in the roof that you can find if winter camping is your intention.
• Dual pane windows that are tinted to keep sunlight to a minimum.
• A robust heating system (propane furnace) and air conditioning system. Especially for larger floor plans of a fifth wheel.
• Ability to apply RV skirts during the winter. This helps prevent the winds from harsh weather from freezing your underbelly.
• Holding tank heaters also helps to prevent your water systems from freezing. They’re usually standard with a cold weather package.
• Solar panels to keep your battery bank topped off since you’ll be relying a lot on your electrical systems to heat or cool your rig.

  Just because a trailer has a heated underbelly, doesn’t mean it’s adequately insulated.

Many manufacturers will state the RV is “four-season” by adding tank heaters even though it’s poorly insulated.

Your priority is great insulation all around the rig!  

Types Of RV Insulation

  Not all RV’s insulation is created equally.  

Fiberglass insulation:

  As far as I’m concerned, fiberglass insulation has no place in any kind of RV. It settles, is useless when wet, and is prone to mold.

Closed cell rigid foam

A cut out of ORV’s insulated walls.

Reflective foil

Spray foam insulation, rv hvac systems.

  Sure, you can purchase the largest air conditioning system possible.

Or the highest BTU furnace, but you’re just going to spend more money and resources if your trailer is poorly insulated.

Let’s look at the options available for heating and cooling your RV.  

There’s more than one heat source option for an RV:

Our smallest space heater could run off our Bluetti.

Electric Space Heater:

Electric fireplace:, diesel heater:.

  You can learn more about electric space heaters in an RV in our article:

Can You Safely Use An Electric Space Heater In An RV?

Several options to produce cool air:

Standard roof-mounted air conditioner:.

  Just about every travel trailer amongst the popular choice brands comes with a roof-mounted air conditioner.

Conventional in-window air conditioner:

  Yes, there are a few RV manufacturers that use this style, but it’s not common.

Mini split system:

Electric fan:, not sure what you need for your rv.

Things That You’ll Actually Use In Your RV

Essential Tools You Should Have For Any RV

Essentials For Boondocking

RV Manufacturers With True Four-Season Travel Trailers (For Most Budgets)

  Some luxury travel trailer manufacturers build true “live aboard” RVs with great insulation.

One such is Living Vehicle, but the price point is too high for the average consumer.

Although they do build an amazing trailer that checks all the boxes!  

Outdoors RV

Photo Credit: Outdoors RV website

It’s well insulated and equipped for both hot and cold weather, but it’s heavy.

I would not tow an ORV with anything smaller than a 3/4 ton pickup.  

Northwood Arctic Fox

Photo Credit: Arctic Fox/Northwood

These campers are also well insulated and equipped for both cold and hot weather, but again, they’re heavy.

The same applies about using a 3/4 ton pickup to tow at a minimum.  

Oliver Travel Trailers

Photo Credit: Oliver Travel Trailers

This is not bad, but if you have a family of four or more, Oliver Campers will not accommodate that number of people yet.

We reached out to them and building a bigger unit is on their radar, so stay tuned.

Thermal pane windows (double pane windows) are incorporated into the construction for a high R-value (for a window).

Overall, I believe this is the best travel trailer for both hot and cold environments.

But again, it’s only suitable to sleep three or fewer for now.  

Photo Credit: Lance Camper

They offer lightweight units that sleep four, which is a bonus.  

My Pick For The Best Recreational Vehicle For Cold Climates

  For winter weather, I’d go with Arctic Fox if there are more than three of you and Oliver Travel Trailers if there are three or fewer of you.

Oliver Travel Trailers has a better-than-average build quality that focuses on efficient climate control.

If they produced a unit that slept four, they would be my first choice for winter camping.  

My Pick For The Best Travel Trailers With A High R-Value For Hot Outdoor Air

  This is a toss-up between Outdoors RV and Oliver Travel Trailers. The deciding factor comes down to the number of family members who will be staying in the trailer.

If you have four or more, Outdoors RV is very well insulated and built like a tank! But it’s heavy.

If there are only two of you, Oliver Campers is a great option for camping in high temperatures.  

Our Experience With Our Outdoors RV

Otherwise, we were very impressed with how cool it stayed in the heat and how warm it stayed in the winter months.

I wasn’t too happy with the loose fiberglass insulation in the floor.

​Our P-trap loosened in the shower and leaked into the underbelly. It didn’t take long to realize that the fiberglass creates a real mold potential.

Regardless, we didn’t have any big problems with our ORV. Perhaps we just got lucky.

But over 35k miles in a short period puts any travel trailer through its paces.

It stood up to the challenge and asked for more!  

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Wrapping Up The Best RV For Extreme Temperatures

• A lot of quality insulation all the way around the RV. Specifically high-density rigid foam and a reflective material.
• Dual-pane windows to accommodate for the “weakest link” in the chain.

  Oliver Travel Trailers is a newer company with a completely different take on RV construction.

And I’m impressed! We reached out to them to inquire about plans for a larger unit to accommodate more sleepers.

It’s on their radar and in talks to build a bigger trailer. Keep an eye on this company.

They’re doing it right!

If you have a family of four or more and prefer to boondock in all seasons, Outdoors RV is your best choice.

One last point to mention.

Arctic Fox and ORV trailers are heavy. Make sure you have the appropriate tow vehicle.

Lance and Oliver trailers weigh less but still make sure you pay close attention to the tongue weight of a loaded trailer.

Which travel trailer has served you well in extreme weather?   Meet the author.   We appreciate any help in bringing you great content. Donate or buy us a coffee on our Ko-Fi site . Or subscribe to our YouTube Channel .

Thank you so much for being here!

Thanks for this article, which addresses exactly the exploration I’m doing right now. Considering either Oliver LE II or ORV 20BD (or maybe Arctic Fox 22g).

Is your recommendation for 3/4 ton trucks for both ORV and AF based primarily on payload and towing capacity?

If so, I wonder how you’re feeling about the upcoming release of the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger, which lists towing capacity of 14,000 and payload capacity of 2625.

Steve, you won’t go wrong with any of the trailers on your list. All will serve you well and easily maintain a comfortable interior temperature in the weather extremes. Any trailer weighing in at 14k will have a minimum tongue weight of 1.4k lbs. You’re already over payload capacity for any half-ton pick up, not including passengers, fluid and cargo. So yes, adding no other weight to the truck, the engine can tow that much weight, but not safely. Truck manufacturers do a real disservice by publishing numbers like that. We’ve never encountered anyone pulling a trailer with an empty truck. We all pack a bunch of passengers and gear into the truck bed. This is always a hot topic and even a sore subject for many. All in all, you can never have too much truck for the big investment you’re towing around. I appreciate you following along and commenting Steve. Wishing you well and a lot of great camping!

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12 Best Ways to Insulate a Travel Trailer for Winter

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After hearing many campfire stories about living in a travel trailer during winter, you decide it’s time to give it a try. From what you remember, a camping friend of yours used the same model you have, and they boasted that this RV is best for winter camping.

You’re packed up and ready to go for that ultimate winter RV adventure. You have your winter clothing, skis, and other essentials. You also equipped yourself with all of the ice fishing gear the blog post and sales rep recommended (even though part of you thinks she took you “for a ride” when you think about the sales receipt).

As a test, the night before you leave, you spend the night in your travel trailer at home to see how it handles the Detroit Metro Area’s temperatures in late January. By 2 a.m., with the RV heater at full tilt, three blankets, and thermal underwear, you’re ready to go back into your warm house to suffer the “I told you so” from your partner.

You contact your friend and tell them about your experience. They inform you they have the all-season upgrades and used other DIY (do it yourself) techniques to stay comfortable in the cold conditions. 

To avoid these mistakes, we’ll show you the 12 best ways to insulate a travel trailer for winter and other tips. These easy modifications will work for any RV, whether it has an all-weather package or not.

Do I Need to Add Extra Insulation to RVs and Travel Trailers?

RV manufacturers do their best, but motorhomes and travel trailers aren’t airtight. There are many points where air leaks out. Even when the seals and weather stripping are working correctly, RV insulation doesn’t have the same R-value (how well insulation restricts heat from passing through) as permanent built structures like homes or buildings.

Which Travel Trailers Have the Best Insulation?

The average R-value for RVs for the walls is R-7. Ceilings go as high as R-20, and floors are usually R-10. Insulation values at these ratings work well for containing the camping season in North America. American desert summers or the Canadian wilderness winters are too extreme for these R-values.

True all-weather RVs like the Heartland Bighorn 3375 fifth wheel would be better suited for these types of temperatures. The walls have a value of R-11, ceilings R-40, and floors R-38. Other winterization features make this coach ideal for winter.

RELATED READING

For more info about the best insulated travel trailers check out one of our articles below! – What’s Included in an RV Arctic Package? – 11 Best Extreme Cold Weather Campers

12 DIY Insulating Techniques for Your Travel Trailer

Not everyone is ready to buy an all-season RV, convert their coach, or want to replace their dream travel trailer so they can go winter camping. There are many ways to insulate your camper for the winter. The following insulating techniques will help you keep a camper warm in the winter and keep your wallet padded enough to enjoy the trip.

1. RV Skirting

RV skirting is any type of material that covers the open space between the ground and the sides of your coach. It can be a tarp material or corrugated aluminum. The best RV skirting for winter will keep the weather and (hopefully) small animals from nesting underneath your unit. Using heavy-duty snaps, ground stakes, or other methods will secure the skirting to the RV and the ground.

There is a brand new RV skirt on the market called AirSkirts . It is an amazing skirt system that is reusable, durable, doesn’t require drilling 400 holes in your RV to install snaps, doesn’t require staking or weighing the bottom down and it provides excellent insulation for the underside of your camper! You can learn more by clicking the picture below!

2. Seal the Windows

Windows are your number one source of leaks both in winter and summer. Sealing RV windows should be a top priority for extreme weather. Repairing window caulk with silicone and rubber conditioner for the weather stripping should be on your preventive maintenance list.

Check out our article below about the best window sealants so you can find the best sealant for your particular window: – Best Sealant for RV Windows – Leakproof Your RV!

3. Multi-Pane Windows

A more expensive approach is to replace your RV windows with thermal pane windows. These windows are dual pane with argon gas in between the glass. This harmless gas is an excellent insulator that prevents heat energy from flowing through the windows. You can buy them tinted or transparent. Companies can manufacture the windows custom to your RV’s measurements.

4. Window Coverings

Thermal pane windows range from $200-$500 each. More manageable alternatives are window coverings. There are different materials you can use to cover your windows that are just as effective. To insulate a camper trailer window, you can use: 

• Radiant foil sheeting
• Rigid foam board – Polyiso or XPS
• Plastic film
• Small area rugs

If you choose to cover your windows with a rigid foam board, there are two versions we recommend. Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) has a radiant film backing that insulates heat transfer and ultraviolet radiation. Extruded Polystyrene is more moisture-resistant than Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), so it will withstand condensation better. Check out our other recommendations .

When you attach these materials to your window, double stick tape, velcro, or 3M Command Hooks won’t ruin your walls. If you are going to use permanent attachments like screw-in hooks, screws, or nails, make sure you use a stud finder, and it’s going into wood. Newer RVs use aluminum framing around the windows to support the weight. 

For a deep dive into the best window coverings to keep your RV warm (or cool in the summer) check out our article called: – RV Window Insulation Tips for Summer and Winter

5. Shanty Airlocks

Some have solved the wind/mudroom issue by creating airlock-type structures outside their RV door. They use plywood to create a tunnel passage that extends the entryway. Foam weather stripping forms a seal against the RV and the shelter. It serves as a place to take of muddy boots and blocks the wind from coming through the door.

If you attempt this, do your research. Winter winds or the weight of snow and ice can collapse these structures, so build them well. You also want to make sure that wherever you’re set up, the property owners or campground allows it.

6. Gift Wrapping Your Door

Plastic sheeting is a great way to add a layer of protection around your door. A single sheet can create that extra thickness you need that stops the draft. Using a secure but easily removable tape to secure it works well. Double-stick tape is a reliable alternative too.

If the sheeting isn’t enough, using foam stripping around the edges will be that last line of defense that stops the invading cold. It comes in rolls and has an adhesive side to it. Make sure you stick it to the inside door frame and give it an hour or two to secure before you use the door.

7. Roof Vent Lids and Covers

According to the laws of thermodynamics, heat rises. If your roof vents aren’t sufficiently secured, your heat is going to find its way out through these openings. RV roof vent leaking can be shored up both externally and internally.

Roof vents tend to chip and crack with age. Constant exposure to weather conditions makes the plastic brittle. These roof vent lids are easily replaceable for under $20. The hardest part of replacing the vent lid is making sure it’s the correct size, so make sure you measure correctly.

Adding a vent cover that fits over the lid will further prevent air and water leaks. These triangular shaped components are designed to let the air out, not in when the lid is open. The caulking around them creates an additional seal around the vent area.

8. Vent Insulation Pads

Vent Insulation pads (also called pillows) fit into the interior of your ceiling vent. Better versions have a radiant foil side that faces the exterior. The stuffing inside the pad creates a thick barrier that prevents cold air from seeping in from the roof. A fast-food order from your favorite delivery service will pay for the pads for both of your vents.

9. Insulation Under the Mattress

In some travel trailers, there is a storage compartment under the bed and that compartment is not heated! So you have cold air right below your mattress.

If you’ve ever camped on a cold night with an innerspring mattress, you know those metal coils can magnify low temperatures. Other beds, like memory foam, have insulating properties that retain heat. If you’re not ready to make the switch, or you need something else to make use of your travel trailer in the winter nights, here are some great tips.

Adding an insulation layer under your mattress is a quick and easy way to block cold air from your storage bays or other places seeping into your bed. You can use radiant foil , rigid foam, or any other thick material.

10. Heated Mattress Pad

You can also purchase an RV mattress heating pad that goes under your mattress. It will keep you much warmer on those cold winter nights.

11. Sealing Up Slideouts

When fully extended, your slideouts have rubber weather stripping that creates a seal against the frame of the RV. To minimize air leaks, use an RV slideout conditioner on the stripping to keep the rubber pliable, so it forms the best barrier.

Adding door snake draft stoppers around the slideout edges gives you another layer of insulation. Door snakes are typically placed at the bottom of exterior doors to prevent cold air from coming through residential homes. Using them around your slideout will do the same thing. 

12. Insulating Your Storage Bays

All-season RVs have insulated storage bay doors and route heat through the storage bay basement. It creates a thick layer of warmth under your floor that makes heating more efficient and keeps your gear from freezing.

If you don’t have this feature, there are steps you can take to compensate. You can use XPS or EPS foam board to insulate your bay doors, subfloor, and storage walls. Many travel trailers have electrical outlets inside a bay for outdoor needs. Hooking up a small space heater can keep your storage area warm enough to keep things from freezing.

Make sure you place the space heater on a fireproof platform, don’t turn it up too high, and check on it often. The last thing you need is your RV catching fire. 

We wrote an entire article about RV skirting to help you find the best skirting DIY or commercial skirting for your RV. – RV Skirting for Winter – DIY or Brand Name?

Winter Camping Tips

Many of these insulating techniques will make your winter camping adventure a great experience. There are other things you can do to make your trip a successful one. Here are some best practices to avoid any problems.

• Before the cold weather hits, make sure your caulking and weather stripping are in the best condition possible. Recaulk with silicone and replace weather stripping if necessary.
• Winterize your plumbing, freshwater, and grey holding tank with anti-freeze RV liquid to prevent any damage. Here’s why winterizing your RV is so important
• Close up your A/C ducting vents to minimize unnecessary heating space.
• Use a tarp to cover the engine section of your motorhome. Doing this will prevent snow and ice from damaging essential components similar to putting sheets over furniture to protect the item from dust.
• Dump your black tank only when it’s full. You want to minimize the chance of the contents freezing up. Frozen pipes and holding tanks can be prevented when you know what to avoid.
• Use wooden blocks to prop up your stabilizer jacks and RV tires. Due to its insulation properties, wood won’t conduct the cold temperature into the coach.
• Use five-gallon jugs for your water inside your RV.  
• Protect your connected water hose with heat tape to prevent freezing damage. Just remember that most hoses are 25 feet long so be sure to buy the correct size for the length of your hose. If your hoses have frozen up, here’s how to safely get the water flowing again.

Electric Heaters and Other Appliances

Built-in RV furnaces produce a significant amount of heat to keep you comfortable. The average BTU an RV furnace puts out is 30,000. This measurement isn’t arbitrary. RV manufacturers have determined that it takes 1,000 BTUs to heat a linear foot in an RV. 

An RV furnace will run on propane for three hours on one gallon of propane if it continuously heats your coach. Therefore a 20-gallon propane tank will give you 60 hours. The good thing is all RVs with thermostats have temperature sensors with an auto-shutoff function.

In the winter, propane is more valuable than ever. It also runs your cooktop, water heater (if you’re using it), and refrigerator. Your RV furnace, while efficient, will drain your tanks within a week.

How to Heat a Camper Without Propane

 Using electric space heaters is a great alternative to heating your RV while winter camping. Their power demands are low, so your solar system, solar generator, or other power sources can keep them running for a long time.

If you decide to use a space heater in an RV, ceramic or infrared space heaters are the best choices. They’re portable, directional, and very affordable. Make sure you keep the ceramic heater in a safe place away from loose things that are sensitive to heat and don’t leave it unattended. Learn about more heating alternatives .

Running a dehumidifier in an RV is another technique to heat your travel trailer. Removing the moisture from the air speeds up the heating process. Drier air heats up (or cools down) faster than moist air. These devices are also energy efficient and cost-friendly.

For some great ideas to heat your travel trailer and keep warm while camping in cold weather check out our article below! – 10 Creative Ways to Heat a Camper and Stay Warm While Camping in Cold Winter Weather

Insulating Your Travel Trailer Keeps You Cool in Hot Weather Too!

We’ve focused our tips on winter conditions. Many of them translate for the summer heat. If you re-read the tips above, the key points focus on preventing your interior temperature from leaking outside and vice versa. So you can reduce your heating and cooling costs all year round!

It all boils down to sealing up weak points, keeping up with your preventive maintenance, and finding energy-efficient ways to keep the interior comfortable. College students that live in the residence halls aren’t the only audience for portable fans. Those living the RV lifestyle depend on them to keep the air circulating to reduce the strain on their A/C systems.

We hope you’re enjoying your RV adventures comfortably and can’t wait to see you down the road.

2 thoughts on “12 Best Ways to Insulate a Travel Trailer for Winter”

I have been having condensation freezing under insulation between wall of slideouts and insulation.

Any suggestions?

Hey Dom. i am no expert. but it sounds like you have a draft somewhere that is causing the condensation. as i am sure you know warm air and cold air are mixing. your rv probably has batting insulation as well that condensation lasts longer with due to water absorbing into it. check for any cracks in sealant/rubber to ensure there are no holes. may be time to re insulate with foam board. my trailer was full of this problem due to leaks. its all fixed now

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4-Season, Off-Road, Off-Grid Camper Trailer: 2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 Review

Overlanding in the dead of winter, surrounded by snow and rarely seeing the thermometer climb into double digits , probably seems counterintuitive to the majority of RVers who tend to seek out much warmer climes. But, if you're one of those adventuresome types who enjoys everything Mother Nature has to offer and embraces four-season off-grid outings, winter camping is both exciting and invigorating - if you have the right RV.

That's where an Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 travel trailer comes into play. This 26-foot RV is one of the best couples' overlanding-type trailers built for off-grid use and extreme weather conditions, winter and summer. 

In short: The 2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 has a hefty price tag and requires a big vehicle to tow it. It’s also a premium all-weather camper trailer that offers up impressive comfort. It excels at extended off-road and off-grid travel because of its state-of-the-art suspension and robust solar and battery systems.

2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195

• Length  26'1"
• Weight (Empty)  5,500 lbs.
• GVWR (Loaded)  9,920 lbs.
• Suspension  Independent w/air
• Fresh water  60 gals.
• Gray water  60 gals.
• Sleeps  3
• MSRP  $143,000
• Highest R-values in RVs (R18.75 walls/roof, R15 floor)
• 21" of ground clearance to skid plates
• Air-adjustable independent suspension (±5")
• Heated enclosed underbelly
• Dry flush toilet
• Heavy-duty chassis w/articulating hitch
• Composite side, roof, and floor
• 60-gallon fresh/gray water tanks
• Big price tag puts it in the Premium category
• GVWR requires full-size pickup/SUV for towing

Bruce Smith

2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 Review

The tandem-axle X195 is the product of Imperial Outdoors, owned by Nelson Industries . This Wisconsin-based company has built up a stellar reputation over decades of building custom ice-fishing houses. That expertise transferred nicely into the design and manufacturing of this rugged camp trailer - and its smaller single-axle, 21-foot twin, the XploreRV X145.

See my review of the XploreRV X145 .

XploreRV X195: Extreme Temps Rated

The X195 trailer’s body utilizes a one-piece composite roof, sides, and a floor that are nearly 3 inches thick, and that encase block foam built to withstand the rigors of extreme weather (120 to -40 degrees F). The walls and roof have an R18.75 value, while the floor is rated at R15. This design is the best insulation and heating system I've ever seen in a camp trailer of this size, a testament to its icehouse DNA. 

"We spent a lot of time designing this camper from what we learned in building high-end fish houses," says Steve Geary, Marketing Manager for Imperial Outdoors/Nelson Industries. "The block-insulated walls of our coach are almost three inches thick, so they really add to the ability to retain heat in the winter and cool in the summer.

My wife and I were amazed at how well this design kept the subfreezing temps at bay during one of our midwinter outings where the outside temps never got above 20 degrees.

The 14,300-BTU Truma Combi Eco Plus , which is both a furnace and tankless water heater, never struggled to keep the interior a cozy 72 degrees. It also made the shower water instantly hot, even when the outdoor temps hovered in the lower teens. It's an amazing piece of equipment, and so quiet you forget it's even turned on.

Windows Matter

"The one-piece composite floor and roof construction with lightweight acrylic thermopane windows (with nitrogen gas charge and built-in shades) also contribute to insulating against extreme weather conditions by reducing the opportunity for both heat and cold transfer," says Geary.

The thick window shades on the living area windows act as another level of insulation from the heat/cold of the outside, and the separate window screens let fresh air flow during warm weather without letting in pesky bugs. 

Another nice touch are the window locks in the living area that can be opened in varying degrees to cut down on the heater and A/C use. Each window has four locking latches that can be set to just crack the window open for a breath of air seeping by the seals to prevent condensation you'd get in the winter. Or, the latches can be rotated to allow the windows to open from one-third to full.

Bigger Is Better, in This Case

The 26-foot X195 is roomy and a much more comfortable setup for a couple or a family with one or two youngsters than its single-axle near-twin. The interior measures just over 19 feet long; it’s 6.5 feet wide with a ceiling height of 6 feet, 3 inches. The interior is built of composite materials and the upper cabinets have high-end latches, hinges, and support struts for the lid.

That extra 5 feet more of interior floor length than the X145 allows the use of a larger dinette/sofa to sleep a third person, and placing the full-size RV bed in front in a north-to-south orientation makes for easier access.

Across from the dinette is the galley. While the smaller X145 had a little fridge and single-burner cooktop, the X195 is much better equipped for multiday stays with a stacked 6.9-cubic-foot freezer/fridge and a dual-burner cooktop. It also has a slightly larger counter for improved prep space. 

Camper Trailer Bathroom Done Right

The bathroom in the XploreRV X195 is identical to that found in the smaller X145. It's bright and roomy for a trailer of this size. The shower easily accommodates 6-footers and has a sliding glass door to separate it from the rest of the bathroom. The sink is deep and the vanity is spacious.

When you check the specs, there's no black-water tank. That's because the XploreRV campers use the Laveo Dry Flush waterless toilet system, which is popular in the marine industry. It's a really sweet setup. We spent nearly 5 days camping off-grid and came to love the Laveo toilet for its simplicity and efficiency.

After a half-dozen or so uses of the toilet, sprinkling a little gelling agent after each deposit, the "flush" button is hit. The inside of the toilet spins around, sucks, and seals the waste that's been deposited in the shiny mylar bag, and then pulls the sealed waste downward leaving another clean, new silver bag from the replaceable cartridge in its place ready for use. Check out the process in this video .

Simple. No muss. No smell. And, no need for a black tank or an RV dump station. It's a really neat and sanitary setup for off-grid camping that negates the need for a black water tank.

Xplore X195 Trailer Offers Abundant Storage

One aspect that makes one expedition/overlanding trailer a step or two better than another is storage space - or lack thereof. The XploreRV X195 has a lot of storage in upper storage cabinets, big drawers beneath the counter, and a pull-out storage area for cookware beneath the induction cooktop. 

More interior storage is located underneath the seats at the dinette. They are large enough to keep extra bedding, backpacks , clothing, or other bulky items out of sight but within easy access. 

Outside there's an abundance of cargo brackets, grid panels, utility boxes, and accessories to bring along everything from a Hi-Lift jack and Jerry cans to mountain bikes and kayaks.

Abundant Off-Grid Electrical Power

One of the many features of the XploreRV X195 that I liked was the camper's healthy 12V GoPower solar and Expion360 LifeP04 lithium-ion battery system.

The demo model reviewed was outfitted with the optional Stage 3 three-battery (1,080aH) package and Stage 3 (1,240W) solar roof panel kit. It also had the 2,000W inverter with a monitoring panel. Upgrading the XploreRV's standard solar panel/lithium batteries to higher levels is recommended for anyone planning extended off-grid camping trips and who doesn’t want to power up a gas-powered generator. 

My wife and I spent 5 days camping off-the-grid relying only on the solar battery system under several days of overcast skies. We used the cooktop multiple times each day, kept the interior and exterior LED lights on late into the night, ran the furnace and water pump, and were still left with more than 40% power when we headed back into civilization.

Independent-Axle With Air Suspension

When it comes to towing, the XploreRV X195 (and little brother X145) sits atop a powder-coated, heavy-duty boxed-steel frame.

The trailer is also fitted with a Cruisemaster ATX Off-Road Independent Air Suspension imported from Australia. The adjustable air suspension allows up to ±5 inches of adjustment per side. At full lift, it provides 21 inches of clearance between the ground and the steel skid plates.

The skids protect the 60-gallon fresh water and gray water tanks mounted in the enclosed and heated underbelly. The plumbing and wiring of the X195 is routed well above the frame, as well. This gives those critical parts excellent protection from damage that can be caused by encounters with rocks and other large obstructions.

Also of interest to those camping way off the grid, the X195 rides on 33-inch mud-terrain tires with heavy-duty disc brakes.

XploreRV X195: A Smooth Tow

In addition to everything else under the X195 body, the frame is fitted with a Cruisemaster DO45 Plus articulating hitch that allows the trailer to swivel, pivot, and rotate separately from the tow vehicle. Most newcomers to off-road/expedition-style camping rarely consider the importance of the hitch. A standard ball-mount receiver hitch transmits a lot of jerking motion into the cab. 

The DO45 Plus hitch design greatly reduces trailer movement into the tow vehicle because it swivels and rotates with the trailer's movement, softening the tow. A DO45 Plus hitch also provides a stronger, more secure hitching system than the traditional ball-mount. 

We towed the 5,500-pound (unloaded weight) X195 behind a 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4×4 over more than 50 miles of rutted, single-track, sometimes rocky snow-covered backroads in Oregon's high desert. Never once did the trailer have an adverse affect on our ride quality or comfort.

Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 Review: Final Thoughts

Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 is a stoutly built, top-tier towable. It should hold up well through decades of challenging, overlanding/expedition-style four-season use, delivering a comfortable camping experience regardless of the season or location. 

The downside for the average outdoor enthusiast is the XploreRV X195 is also in the rarified air in cost of top-tier expedition-style towables, with a starting price of $143,000. Its price is surpassed only by the line of Australian-made tandem-axle Bruder expedition trailers. But even those don't compare when it comes to keeping the occupants comfy when temps go to the extremes of summer and winter.

Find your local Imperial Outdoors dealer and dive into the specs of the XploreRV X195 camper trailer even further.

Self-Propelled and Remote-Controlled Luxury Travel Trailer: Meet the 2025 Bowlus Rivet

With an unmistakable design the Rivet camper trailer carries the Bowlus name into new territory. While still full of luxury, this trailer drops the price of entry, enables off-road excursions, and even has a self-propulsion system on offer. Read more…

The 10 Best Camper Trailers of 2023

From solo travelers to couples, families, and groups, here are the most reliable, enjoyable camper trailers for road trips and overland adventures. Read more…

The post 4-Season, Off-Road, Off-Grid Camper Trailer: 2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 Review appeared first on GearJunkie .

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Scott Gilbertson Gear Team

The Best Sleeping Bags for Every Adventure

John Muir famously set off for the mountains with “some bread and tea in a pair of blankets with some sugar and a tin cup.” I admire his ultralight spirit and disdain for comfort on the trail, but I'd be willing to bet that if Muir were around today, he'd bring a good down sleeping bag with him, if for no other reason than they're lighter than old blankets. The tea is essential though, I can't argue with that.

Whether you're following Muir into the backcountry, are planning the perfect family camping trip, or are trekking the Camino de Santiago, there's a sleeping bag for that. No matter how you travel, where you're headed, or how much comfort you seek, after years of testing, we've found the best sleeping bags for everyone.

Adrienne So, Martin Cizmar, and Matt Jancer contributed to this guide.

Be sure to read through our other outdoor guides, including the Best Sleeping Pads , Best Tents , Best Camp Stoves, and our Camp Cooking guide.

• Best for Backpackers : Mountain Hardware Bishop Pass 15
• Best for Car Campers: REI Siesta Hooded 20
• Best All-in-One Sleep System: Zenbivy Bed
• Best Ultralight: Sea to Summit Spark 15
• Best for Side Sleepers: Therm-a-Rest Questar 20
• Best for Warm Weather: Marmot NanoWave 45
• Best For Spring and Fall Trips : Magma 15 Sleeping Bag
• Best Expedition Bag : Rab Expedition 1000
• Best Quilt : Therm-a-rest Vesper 32
• Best for Kids : REI Kindercone
• Best Synthetic Bag : Marmot Ultra Elite 20

How to Pick the Perfect Sleeping Bag

How we tested.

• What All The Terms Mean

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The Best Sleeping Bag for Backpackers

Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

Mountain Hardware's Bishop Pass 15 offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio while also managing to pack down small and not be too expensive. It isn't perfect, but it strikes the best compromise for most backpackers, being warm enough for the shoulder seasons and light enough (2 pounds and 5.4 ounces) that you won't mind it even when you barely need it in the summer. I have slept in this bag for more than two weeks, with nighttime temps ranging from 28 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and, yes, it was too much in the heat as a sleeping bag. But on those warmer nights, I unzipped it and covered myself like a warm blanket. For everything else, I slept very well. It's a versatile bag.

The Bishop Pass 15 uses 650-fill-power down wrapped in a 20-denier water-resistant ripstop nylon shell. (Note: You'll often see 20-denier written as 20D; see below for more on what those terms mean .) One of the great things about this bag is the draft collar and face gasket feature, which does a great job of keeping your head warm. With the drawcord cinched down, you can conserve even more body heat. This is one of the few bags I've tested where I didn't feel the need for a hat. The insulation does a good job of staying where it should; I didn't find any bad cold spots in this bag.

My only gripe about this bag is that it's tight—there's not much room for anything but me. That makes it efficient and keeps you warmer, but this is not a good option if you're looking for something roomy (see the Therm-a-Rest Questar below). I also don't love the zipper. The pull glows in the dark, which is great, and the zipper doesn't snag much, but in my experience, it also doesn't pull as easily as others. Still, those are minor gripes about a bag that gets the rest right.

• Temp rating: 15°F / -9°C
• Comfort rating: 26°F / -3°C
• Fill: 650 Fill-Power Down

The Best Sleeping Bag for Car Campers

Photograph: REI

Car-camping sleeping bags aren’t a place to spend lots of money. Should your best efforts to cocoon warmth around you fail, there is, after all, a car to retreat to. That's why we love the REI Siesta Hooded 20—it's plenty warm and affordable. It's also not a mummy bag, because you're not climbing Denali; why cramp yourself if you don't have to? The Siesta's rectangular cut makes for a much roomier, more comfortable bag. The Siesta is made of recycled polyester throughout, with a polyester filling. Despite that, the lining on this bag is noticeably softer than many others in this guide.

The Siesta's 20-degree rating makes it enough for three-season trips, and unlike most rectangular bags, the Siesta has a hood, which helps on those cold nights. What makes this such a versatile bag, though, is the double zipper system. There's a full-length zipper, which means you can turn it into a quilt on warmer nights, and there's also a second partial-length zipper on the other side so you can have more airflow when you want it. (You can also now zip two Siestas together, which wasn't possible with earlier versions.)

• Temp rating: 20°F / -6°C

Best All-in-One Sleep System

Photograph: Zenbivy

The Zenbivy Bed 25 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is hands down the most comfortable backcountry sleeping experience I've ever had. It wouldn't be my top pick for extreme situations, but so long as your expected temperatures fit in Zenbivy's range, it doesn't get more comfortable than this. The Zenbivy isn't just a sleeping bag though. It's a sheet, hood, and quilt-style bag that can be combined in various ways depending on what you want.

The top sheet that covers the sleeping pad is made of 50-denier polyester pongee, which is wonderfully soft and feels like your bed at home . The sheet has the hood portion of the sleeping bag attached to it. Then you lay the top quilt (made of 20D nylon) over that. This is the coolest, loosest way to use the system, perfect for those warm nights. This is how I did most of my testing since I sleep rather warm. Should the temperature drop, you can zip the quilt foot box up into a mummy bag configuration and zip the upper sides to the bottom sheet. I did this on a couple of cooler nights in the Keweenaw Peninsula when it got quite frigid.

Brenda Stolyar

Julian Chokkattu

Gabrielle Caplan

What I didn’t like as much is the sleeping pad that comes with the full Zenbivy Bed. It’s plenty comfortable, but it’s also heavy. I used it for a few car camping trips, but if you’re primarily interested in backpacking, skip it and find something lighter in our sleeping pad guide . I tested the 25F bag, but there's also a 10F version if you want something warmer.

If you're done with mummy bags and aren't planning extreme mountaineering trips, the Zenbivy is worth considering; it is the best night's sleep I've ever had in the backcountry.

• Temp rating : 25°F / -4°C
• Comfort rating: 35°F / 2°C
• Fill : 700 Fill-Power Hydrophobic Down

Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag

The Sea to Summit Spark 18 is my favorite ultralight sleeping bag. Sure, most ultralight enthusiasts use a quilt, but aside from the Zenbivy, I haven't found a quilt I like. The Spark weighs a mere 1 pound 9.7 ounces, the lightest bag in this guide. It also has the smallest pack size of any bag I've tested in this temperature range. With the included compression sack, this thing is truly tiny. It's got most of the benefits of a quilt and none of the negatives (like getting a bit uncomfortable on chilly fall nights), making it a good option for thru-hikers or anyone wanting to save ounces.

I should say that the Sea to Summit Spark series bags were recently updated from the version I tested last year. The temperature rating has been bumped down 3 degrees, but the main difference addressed the one thing I dislike about the version I tested: The thin inner liner has been modestly upgraded to 10D nylon. The outer shell uses a PFC-free DWR coating on 10D nylon. It's still thin, and I suggest you baby this one, but even my thinner version has held up just fine. We've been testing Spark bags since 2018, when our tester took one to Comic-Con , and haven't had any durability issues.

The down fill is also PFC-free and made of 850+ hydrophobic down. The zippers are on the small side, but they slide well and rarely if ever snag on the bag. I've slept in this bag down to 30 degrees, and honestly, even that night I woke up hot. But this is more a testament to how hot I sleep than bag performance (which is good). Like the bishop pass, this is a tight-fitting bag. It's plenty comfy, but you need to love the mummy shape.

While I have tested the 18-degree model (replaced by the new 15F), there is a whole range of Spark's: 45F, 30F, 15F, and 0F. At $549, the Spark 15 is not cheap, but high-end, ultralight gear typically comes with a hefty price tag. If you have extra cash, the Spark Pro line is worth considering as well. I haven't tested it yet, but the full-length zipper that allows the bag to become more like a quilt is interesting.

• Temp rating : 15°F / -9°C
• Comfort rating: 29°F / -2°C
• Fill : 850 Fill-Power Goose Down

Best for Active/Side Sleepers

I once made the mistake of calling a sleeping bag a “mummy bag” in front of my then 8-year-old who exclaimed, “What? Who would want to be a mummy?” Good question, kid. The answer is no one. The “mummy” design is all about warmth, not comfort. But let's face it—most of us are not sleeping in situations where our survival is at stake. Therm-a-Rest has addressed this with what it calls W.A.R.M. fit, which stands for “with additional room for multiple” positions. Indeed, this bag is very roomy for a mummy design. I was able to draw my legs up when side-sleeping and spread out considerably more than with most of the other bags in this guide. If you toss and turn through the nights, and don't want a quilt-style bag, this would be my top pick.

The Questar uses a 20D Polyester DWR-coated outer shell fabric, which does a great job of helping the bag stay dry even when your feet press up against the walls of the too-small tent you're testing . The inside is nylon taffeta. This bag comes with Therm-a-Rest's SynergyLink Connectors, which you can use to secure the sleeping bag to the pad underneath. This, combined with the slightly wider cut, makes this one of the more comfortable bags I've used.

Weighing 2 pounds, 3 ounces, it isn't the lightest bag at this temperature rating, but it is one of the warmest. Therm-a-Rest comfort-rates this bag to 32 degrees, but I used it several nights in Michigan's Porcupine Mountains in temps down to 25 and found it plenty warm. The Questar series is also available in 32-degree and 0-degree versions. We have not tested either, but if you're looking to save some weight and know you won't be in extreme cold, the 32-degree model is worthwhile.

• Temp rating : 20°F / -6°C
• Comfort rating: 32°F / 0°C
• Fill : 650 Fill-Power Nikwax Hydrophobic Down

Best Warm-Weather Sleeping Bag

Photograph: Backcountry

Rated at 55 degrees, this is a warm-weather bag suitable for summers and not much else. It did a fine job keeping me warm on stormy Hawaiian nights camped on the beach, but I wouldn’t take it anywhere during the shoulder seasons. The synthetic insulation shrugged off the humid rainforest air and never became laden with moisture during the six days of beach camping I subjected it to. What blew my mind, though, was how teeny-tiny it packed down. Compressing it to a scant 2.75 liters, the 29-ounce bag wasn’t much bigger than my pair of water bottles. For under $100, that’s fantastic.

I’m used to dealing with dainty zippers on ultralight bags chosen for being small and lightweight. The zipper on the Nanowave 55 was comparatively normal-sized, worked smoothly, and never jammed or caught on the fabric. They worked like butter. Even if it somehow had, I wouldn’t have worried much about ripping the fabric, as it’s tougher and more robust than the expensive lightweight bags in vogue. You won’t have to baby this sleeping bag much. For the money, this is an excellent choice for anybody looking for a summer bag: casual car camper, festival-goer, or lightweight hiker. — Matt Jancer

Editor's note: the Nanowave 55 our tester used is discontinued. The Nanowave 45 featured is the same bag, but with slightly more insulation to give it a lower temp rating.

• Temp rating : 45°F / 7°C
• Comfort rating: 45°F / 7°C
• Fill : Synthetic

Best for Spring and Fall Trips

REI Co-Op's Magma 15 is a no-nonsense down sleeping bag. It doesn't have a lot of frills, it just gets the job done. It's the bag I most often grab for fall and early spring trips where cold weather may arrive unannounced. It has an excellent draft collar that’s very good at keeping out the chill.

The outside is a 15-denier nylon ripstop ( Bluesign approved , with a non-fluorinated DWR coating to keep moisture at bay). Baffles are variably spaced and not stitched through, which helps the fill stay put and minimizes cold spots. I also really like the Magma hood, which is warm and stays on your head throughout the night. There's a nice interior stash pocket I use to keep my headlamp handy.

The Magma series comes in a bewildering array of sizes and shapes—there are nine sizes to choose from, ranging from Short Narrow, which weighs 2 pounds, to Long Wide, which is nearly 3 pounds. One of my favorite features of this bag is the anti-snag zipper, which genuinely doesn't snag, because there's a woven barrier that keeps the down baffle away from the zipper. The zipper is also full-length, extending from the bottom of the foot box to the collar. REI also makes a 30-degree version of the Magma . I have not tested it, but if you only plan to go out in the summer months, that would be my suggestion.

• Comfort rating: 21°F / -6°C
• Fill: 850 Fill-Power Down

An Expedition-Worthy Bag

Photograph: Rab

Rab is an English brand, well regarded by European outdoor enthusiasts long before it came to the US. The Expedition 1000 is a -22 degree bag weighing a mere 3 pounds and 6 ounces, which is light for a bag of this warmth. Its 1,000 grams of 850-fill-power hydrophobic goose down gave me no issues retaining body moisture after sleeping in it for a week on Alaska’s Kahiltna Glacier. Even during a couple of whiteout blizzards where I had to dig my tent out of the snow in the morning, I slept like a baby, warm and cozy thanks to a well-designed neck baffle that kept warm air from escaping around my noggin.

The zippered interior stuff sack was large enough to keep a battery bank, contact lenses, lighter, and hand sanitizer handy throughout the night, and at 5'10", there was plenty of extra space inside the bag to keep my water bottles, boot liners, and yesterday’s damp socks to dry out. One thing I didn’t like was the main body zipper. Lightweight sleeping bags are susceptible to being caught in zipper teeth and tearing. Compared to Marmot’s flawless zippers, the Rab’s gave me some trouble, even though I habitually operated them as if I were handling a newborn. The problem is the fabric surrounding the zipper, which would get sucked into the teeth. It jammed badly enough one night that I thought I would have to sleep another three days with a bag stuck open. Lucky for me, someone had a Leatherman we used to fix it, but that shouldn’t have happened.

Unlike some competing bags, such as the Marmot Col, there are no zippered arm holes to let you stay snug in your bag while hanging out or doing basic tasks in your tent. I didn’t miss it on my weeklong climbing trip, but for longer expeditions where you might spend a whole day in your tent, it’d be nice to have arm holes. If you need an even warmer bag, there's the Expedition 1200 rated at -32 degrees and the Expedition 1400 rated at -40 degrees . — Matt Jancer

• Temp rating: -22°F / -30°C

A Quilt for Warmer Trips

Photograph: Amazon

Quilts are preferred by gram-counting backpackers because they dispense with the unhelpful half of a sleeping shell. The bottom side of a down sleeping bag gets mashed down anyway, meaning there's no lofted insulation for added warmth. The quilt market has no shortage of cottage quiltmakers serving ultralighters and hammockers—I bought a solid one off Etsy last year. Therm-a-Rest's top-of-the-line Vesper, though, has everything you could ask for in a lightweight quilt. The 32-degree version weighs less than a pound, and ratcheting down the included comprehension sack will get it to roughly the size of a Nalgene bottle.

Thanks to 900-fill down insulation, it was more than toasty enough for nights in the low 40s in the Canadian Rockies. The down is hydrophobic, though I didn't douse it for testing. The 32-degree Vesper is cut more generously than the 20-degree version and comfortably covers my larger body frame. This is the bag I would take on any backpacking trip—if you're pushing below this temperature, you'll want to build a system with layers.

• Temp rating : 32°F / 0°C
• Fill : 900 Fill-Power Hydrophobic Down

A warmer alternative : If you want to save a little cash on a Therm-a-Rest quilt and push the temp rating down well below freezing, consider the Therm-a-Rest Corus ($310) . This quilt uses less expensive 650-fill-power down (more on fill power here ), which drops the price by $100 while adding 20 degrees of comfort rating and just 10 ounces of weight, keeping the quilt well below 2 pounds. The Corus has a 20D nylon shell rather than the 10D found on the Vesper, which adds both weight and durability. I only pushed it into the low 40s in my testing but found I had to stick a foot out or I baked under it. I suspect the 20-degree rating might be on the conservative side. — Martin Cizmar

Kid-Friendly Sleeping Bags

Kids' sleeping bags are cut smaller so your little ones don't have to heat up a huge, adult-size sleeping bag to stay warm. While that's 100 percent true, let's be honest, a lot of the appeal of kid-size sleeping bags is the lower price. The REI Kindercone bag fills both needs, being cut to a smaller size and relatively cheap. I would take the temperature rating with a grain of salt though. There is no comfort rating, but if there were, my guess would be around 35 degrees.

The Kindercone makes a great car camping bag, and you can backpack with it, but it's awkward. I spent four nights in the Pisgauh Wilderness lugging this thing around for my son. It's heavy (3 pounds and 3 ounces) and huge. Our hiking distances weren't that long, so after one day of it hogging half my pack, I took to just carrying the Kindercone in my hand. As I said, it's best for car camping. For backpacking, I'd consider something that compresses a bit smaller, like the REI Co-Op Zephyr 25 ($149) .

While the Kindercone is a fine bag, once my kids hit about 4 feet, I put them in adult bags. I did so for two reasons. First, the temperatures we've camped in have mostly been warm enough that staying warm wasn't a concern—summers in the mountains and the Northwoods of Michigan. It's never cold enough that I'm worried about them in a 20-degree adult bag. The second reason is that sleeping bags last a long time and are a significant investment. I wanted something that would last them through their teens, however tall they might be. (Properly cared-for sleeping bags should last decades. I recently retired the North Face Blue Kazoo bag my parents bought me in 1992.) So do you need a to buy kids' bag? For younger kids, I would say yes; for older kids, probably not.

• Temp rating: -25°F / 4°C
• Fill: Polyester fibers

Our Favorite Synthetic Sleeping Bags

This was one of the first sleeping bags stuffed with synthetic insulation that could come close to goose down in terms of packability and weight. Even though synthetic insulation is improving every year, it’s traditionally bulkier than an equivalently warm amount of goose down. For me as an ultralight hiker and climber, the Ultra Elite 20 was a godsend. The bag is rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and I’ve used it everywhere from Washington’s Cascade Mountains to Vermont’s forests to Texas’ high desert. It’s a workhorse sleeping bag, good for most trips taken outside of summer.

I greatly prefer synthetic insulation to goose down in a bag of this temperature rating. Near and above the freezing point—called “wet cold”—liquid water and melting ice are more of a danger to puffy insulation than very cold temperatures, where ice stays ice. Insulation also sucks up moisture from humid air like a sponge, reducing its effectiveness at keeping you warm. Synthetic insulation dries out much more quickly than goose down, and I’ve been on plenty of trips where my Ultra Elite 20 stayed dry and crisp as my buddies’ down bags grew perpetually damp and a touch soggy after three nights.

There’s a zippered interior pocket for keeping small items handy during the night, and Marmot’s zipper design is excellent. I’ve treated it with the care while zipping and unzipping that any lightweight bag demands, but I’ve never had a bad jam, and the fabric isn’t prone to catching on the teeth. At a shade under 2 pounds and only 6.7 liters compressed, it’s a regular in my pack for long-distance backpacking trips and casual car camping trips alike. Unfortunately, Marmot appears to have discontinued this bag; there are still some at retailers, but they likely won't last. — Matt Jancer

• Temp rating: -20°F / -7°C
• Comfort rating: 32.9°F / 0.5°C
• Fill: Synthetic

Photograph: Nemo

Nemo's Forte 20 is a 20-degree synthetic-fill sleeping bag. It's best used as a summer bag, possibly a three-season bag, depending on where you live. While it has 20 in the name and is technically rated to 20 degrees (see below for more on what that means), the comfort rating is 30 degrees. In my testing, this feels more like where you'd want to stay temperature-wise with this bag.

The outer shell uses a 30-denier recycled polyester ripstop with an inside liner made from 20-denier recycled polyester taffeta. It does a good job of holding back the moisture that often forms inside a tent, which I discovered after one very soggy night of testing. The fill is what Nemo calls Zerofiber insulation, which is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled content fibers. The Zerofiber packs down remarkably small—this is the most compact synthetic-fill bag I've tested in this temp range—and retains its ability to trap warmth even when wet.

What I like most about this bag, and nearly all of Nemo's sleeping bags, is the wider cut through the torso area down to the knees. Like the Therm-a-Rest Questar above, this bag is almost a hybrid of a mummy bag and your father's good old 1970s square sleeping bag. Which is to say, this bag is roomy. The downside is that there's more dead space your body has to heat, but as someone who sleeps warm anyway, I'll take the extra room.

• Comfort rating: 30°F / -1.1°C

A sleeping bag is typically one of the most expensive pieces of camping gear you'll buy. If none of our picks strike your fancy, here are some general guidelines.

Are you car camping? Thru-hiking the PCT? Headed out overnight in the August heat? Plotting a winter ski traverse of the Karakoram Himalaya? Which sleeping bag is right for you depends on how you're going to use it, especially the temperatures you plan to camp or backpack in, and how you sleep—hot, cold, in between.

Unfortunately, there isn't an ideal sleeping bag that works in all climates. If you encounter a wide range of conditions in your camping, I would consider two bags. Get one nice down bag for colder conditions and a cheaper, lightweight synthetic-fill bag for summer use.

As with most things in the outdoor world, you're going to pay more for lightweight materials, so if you don't need them because, for example, you're just car camping, don't pay extra for an ultralight bag. Maybe don't even pay for a down bag. Synthetic bags are generally the best budget sleeping options for those camping in the heat.

By the same token, if you're primarily a summer hiker, doing the Appalachian Trail in sections, you don't need a 0-degree bag. Identify your use and then look for a sleeping bag that suits you best. Also, take the temperature rating with a grain of salt. Everyone sleeps differently. I almost always sleep warm, which means I don't need a 0-degree bag in anything but the harshest situation. My colleague Adrienne So is roughly the opposite and uses a 0-degree bag in 40-degree weather. Neither one of us is “right,” we've just learned to shop around how we sleep.

There are two types of insulation used in today's sleeping bags, down feathers and synthetic fibers. Down comes primarily from geese and ducks . Synthetics range from nylon to polyester. The insulation works by creating pockets of air, either through the structure of a feather or the structure of a synthetic fiber. These pockets of air then trap your body heat, keeping it close, and you warm. The more loft there is—the more air pockets there are—the warmer you will be and the lower the sleeping bag's temperature rating will be.

In most situations, a down sleeping bag is the superior choice. It's warmer for the weight, packs smaller, and is lighter. Where down fails is when it gets wet. Wet down is generally useless—all those air pockets that trap heat are gone. Synthetics on the other hand retain more warmth when wet. No one wants to sleep in a wet sleeping bag, but if you think that's a possibility, synthetic is the way to go.

In recent years down has been challenged with what's marketed as hydrophobic or “dry down,” which is treated with water-repellent coatings that cause the feathers to repel water. In our experience testing, these bags do better than regular down when wet, and in many cases, they're as good as synthetics. The trade-off is that when dry, they don't have quite the loft of regular down. If you're worried about water and want to stick with down, hydrophobic down is the best choice.

There is also the ethical question of down. Most down is a byproduct of the food industry. The Responsible Down Standard tries to ensure that down is ethically sourced, but PETA has shown that it's far from perfect. We leave that judgment call to you, but before you rush off to buy a synthetic, remember that it involves plenty of hazardous chemicals and questionable factory working conditions.

After the type of insulation, it's worth considering these factors.

• Temperature rating:  Choose a sleeping bag rated a little bit lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. If you're a three-season backpacker in the southern US, the lowest you're likely to hit is around freezing, so I'd suggest a 20-degree bag. If you sleep cold, you might go down more to 10 degrees.
• Fill power : This means how much insulation is in the bag. The higher the fill-power number the warmer the bag will be. See our fill power explainer for more information.
• Weight:  If your backpacking weight is important, you want to stay as light as you can while still staying warm. Make sure to compare bags with the same temperature rating and ideally the same fill power—otherwise, you're making an apples-to-oranges comparison.
• Design and features: Remember to consider the extras. Do you want a full-length zipper? Do you want a full hood? Or a way to strap your bag to your pad? How about stash pockets? Sleeping bags can have quite a bit of functionality beyond keeping you toasty.
• Your overall sleep setup : How effective your sleeping bag is, and how warm you stay, also depends on factors like your sleeping pad and which tent you're using. See our Best Sleeping Pads and Best Tents guides for more advice on which suits you best.
• Women’s sleeping bags : Our female testers have generally found very little difference between sleeping bags for men and those for women. Many manufacturers no longer make separate bags for women, but if that's something you want to look into, we suggest Sea to Summit, which makes a range of women's sleeping bags .

All our testing was done in the field in tents. Collectively our testers have more than 11 decades of experience in the wilderness. To test these bags, we hiked Alaskan peaks, Texas deserts, Hawaiian beaches, Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, and a range of other locations and conditions across the country. It's a rough life, but someone has to do it. This is not to say it's all fun and games—just ask my kids who've had to lie still many a morning while I zapped around their sleeping bags with an infrared thermometer looking for cold spots.

With a mix of body types and sleeping habits, we've been able to test which bags will keep even the coldest sleepers warm and which won't make those of us who sleep hot wake up sweating. Our picks are based on first-hand experience testing in the field on real trips (alas, we don't get paid to tromp around the wilderness). We take into account the warmth, how packable a bag is, how much it weighs, and how well it stands up to life on the trail or in the trunk.

What All the Terms Mean

Probably the most common question about sleeping bags is, “What temperature-rating sleeping bag should I get?” That's a good question, answered above, but it begs another question: What do those temperature ratings mean? There are often two ratings associated with temperature: temperature rating and comfort rating.

Temperature rating is done using standardized tests overseen by the International Standards Organization (ISO), the same group that oversees things like programming languages and electrical standards. If you're in Europe, you might also see EN (European Norm) temp ratings. These are close enough to ISO ratings that you can compare them. ISO temperature ratings are done in a lab using standardized equipment under more or less ideal conditions. They also use base layers on the dummy. In the end, ISO temps are a means of comparison, but they don't mean that you will be warm at whatever temperature rating is given.

Comfort rating is more subjective. This is the temperature at which someone who sleeps cold will still feel comfortable. So if you tend to sleep cold, the comfort rating is the one to pay attention to. Incidentally, this is the rating given to most women's sleeping bags, because according to the industry, the average woman will feel colder than the average man in a bag with the same temp rating.

Beyond knowing what the terms mean, also know this: Ratings are not precise. Our advice for those heading into snowy conditions where warmth is critical is to buy a bag rated 10 to 15 degrees colder than the coldest temps you expect to encounter.

There are more types of nylon out there than anyone can keep track of, which is where the denier rating system comes from. Denier is a measure used in fabrics that is based on the linear density of a fabric. The linear density is calculated by measuring how heavy the material is (in grams) for a length of 9,000 meters. Glad we cleared that up.

Wait what? 9,000 meters of what now? It turns out there are forms of fabric so thin it helps to have that much material to get a reliable weight out of them. The important takeaway is that denier means fabric weight. The higher the number, the thicker the fabric. Fun word nerd trivia: The word denier comes from the Latin word “Denarius,” which was a Roman coin.

In the case of sleeping bags, denier ratings for the nylon used typically run in the 10D to 40D range, though I have tested a few with single-digit-denier nylon. Also, watch out for all sorts of trademarked names for fabric. These have nothing to do with how thick or durable they are, they're just marketing. In my experience, testing over two dozen sleeping bags, 10D fabric is fine for a sleeping bag so long as you don't abuse it.

We covered what hydrophobic down is above, but there are a couple of other acronyms you'll see thrown around. The main two are DWR and PFC-free. DWR stands for “durable water repellent.” This waterproofness is commonly achieved through the use of a perfluorinated compound, better known to most of us as PFC. PFC-free means the waterproof coating on the down (or sometimes the nylon as well) doesn't contain any PFCs. Alternatives include wax, silicon, and sometimes plant-based sealants. Because waterproofness isn't as critical in sleeping bags (compared to a rain jacket ), there's usually no difference between PFC-free sleeping bags and those that aren't. We try to recommend only PFC-free sleeping bags.

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Drying Trend

STILL A SHOWER CHANCE, THOUGH

Some light rain is likely overnight and early Friday morning. That will move out quickly with afternoon sun across the region. Highs will mostly be in the 50s, with some low 60 inland.

The weekend will still be under the influence of a broad upper air circulation that will send disturbances around it producing some clouds and showers at times. The trend has been for fewer showers, though, with the surface storms going farther to our south.

We are optimistic it’ll be mostly dry this weekend, but stay with us as the storms develop and track.

Much warmer temperatures will come early next week.

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Climate - Moscow (European Russia)

Moscow - Weather by month

Moscow in Winter: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

WITGOAWAY / Getty Images

Travelers who enjoy bundling up for a snowy climate will appreciate all that Moscow has to offer, come winter. This ornamental Russian city shows its vibrant cultural heritage when temperatures plummet and the snow starts falling on Red Square. Unlike other cities, whose residents scurry away to hibernate in December, the people of Moscow embrace their sub-zero climate in style. They don their furs and ushanka hats (traditional hats with earflaps) to peruse Christmas markets, dine out at restaurants, and attend the opera.

In winter, Moscow's scenery looks awe-inspiring under a dusting of snow. There's something undeniably charming about seeing historic sites like the colorful, tented rooftops of Saint Basil's Cathedral capped with a layer of icy frost. The food here is warm and comforting, and the cultural winter events are not to be missed. Plus, it's cheaper to visit Moscow during the winter and it's far less crowded with tourists.

Moscow is not where you go to get a suntan over the holidays. In fact, the Moscow winter is enough to chill any hearty tourist to the bone—but that's all part of the fun. The average high for December, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is 27 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 2.7 degrees Celsius); for January, it's 23 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 5 degrees Celsius); and for February, it's 26 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 3.3 degrees Celsius). Take these average temperatures with a grain of salt, however, as it certainly isn't abnormal for the air to dip into the teens.

The Moscow cold is often accompanied by generous amounts of ice and snow deposited by frequent winter storms. The city goes unfazed by these storms—cars still drive around and people in boots trod through the snowpack. You'll see thick icicles growing on roof overhangs, so be sure not to linger underneath them while you're out touring the area's magnificent cathedrals.

Lastly, don't be surprised if your flights in or out get canceled or delayed. This can be one of the drawbacks to traveling in the winter, in general.

What to Pack

Stuffing your suitcase with bulky (and heavy) winter clothing can be frustrating and expensive, which tends to deter Moscow winter travel altogether. A trip to the city between early December and late February requires enough accessories to cover the extremities: wooly hats, cold-weather socks, knit scarves, and a good pair of gloves. Also pack a coat that falls below the hips, weatherproof boots, and ski pants, if you have them. Remember, fashion is second only to avoiding hypothermia in this polar city.

The Moscow winter calendar is brimming with cultural events for travelers to attend each winter. Many events take place during the Christmas holiday; then, the city caps off the winter with a farewell festival, come February.

• The annual Russian Winter Festival , which spans an entire month starting mid-December, takes place in several locations throughout the city. Head to Izmailovo Park or Revolution Square to see everything from over-the-top ice sculptures to traditional dance performances. Watch the professional ice skaters and visit food trucks that serve traditional fare.
• Moscow's New Year’s Eve celebration is one of the city's biggest events of the year. Tens of thousands of people spend it in Kremlin—Moscow's central complex—watching the Kremlin tower strike midnight, while fireworks crack in the background. Others attend the Christmas tree light show at Red Square.
• Christmas in Russia falls on January 7, and the week between New Year’s Eve and Christmas Day is a time for Russians to relax. Families focus on spending time together at home, preparing traditional foods like ukha (fish soup) and sauerkraut. Tourists can use this uncrowded time wisely by seeking out the city's culinary gems. Make sure to check the hours of operations on restaurants, shops, and other businesses before visiting them during this week. While much of the city's businesses might be closed, you might get special treatment at the places that stay open.
• Maslenitsa , Russia’s farewell-to-winter festival, occurs in late February or early March. This pagan celebration is marked by games, contests, and cultural traditions. It’s held in the Red Square area every year and draws crowds of Muscovites and visitors alike.

Winter Travel Tips

• In order to obtain a Russian travel visa, you'll need to be invited by a relative or friend who is a citizen or a hosting tour company.
• Traveling to Moscow in the winter helps you avoid the summer crowds; however, flight delays due to weather are common. Plan an extra day on either end of your trip in case you get held up.
• If you plan to visit a Russian banya, a Slavic steam bathhouse, take note that most people bathe in the buff. However, most bathhouses are separated by sex.
• Plan alternating indoor and outdoor activities so that you don't get too cold. A visit to the Tretyakov Gallery, the State Armory Museum, or the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts provides a nice respite from the frigid temperatures.

January in Moscow: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

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February in Moscow: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Moscow - Russian Rivers and Waterways Port of Call

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February in New York City: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

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Moscow's Russian Winter Festival

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Moscow, Moscow

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