Driving Your RV in Snow: Essential Tips for Winter Adventures

Winter RV trips can be magical, but snowy icy roads and frigid temperatures also bring serious risks. With the right preparation and a cautious mindset you can reach your destination safely and enjoy the journey. Below are some of the most important WorkSkiRV tips for getting you and your RV through snow and ice.

Prepare Your Rig and Pack for the Cold

1. Use winter-rated tires and carry chains. Snow or all-terrain tires approved for snow provide traction when roads are slippery, and many mountain states require RV's to either have snow tires or carry chains. Practice (important often overlooked) installing chains before your trip, because the side of the road is not the place to learn! Traction boards and a snow shovel can help you get unstuck..

2. Check your RV’s mechanical systems. Before heading out, have the engine, fluids, seals, wipers, brakes and lights inspected. Tire pressure drops in cold weather, so verify inflation before you leave and again each morning. If you’re towing, make sure brake controllers and weight-distribution or sway-control hitches are rated for winter use.

   
   

3. Pack an emergency kit twill help you stay safe if you’re stranded.: A well-stocked winter kit should include:

   • Non-perishable food

   • At least five gallons of drinking water

   • Extra medication

   • Sleeping bags rated for zero degrees

   • A first-aid kit

   • A weather-band radio

   • Spare wiper blades

   • De-icer spray

   • A snow shovel

   • Flashlight

   • Basic tools

   • Flares or glow sticks

   • Extra antifreeze

   • Propane

   • A white-gas camp stove

4. Bring warm clothing and blankets. Even if your rig has a furnace, freezing temperatures can freeze propane regulators or bury solar panels in snow. Pack:

   • Jackets

   • Gloves

   • Hats

   • Warm socks

   • Boots

   • Plenty of blankets

   • Carry bottled water inside the RV in case the plumbing freezes.

5. Stock up on fuel and propane! Fill fuel tanks and propane cylinders before you depart. A full tank lets you run the generator or furnace if you need to pull over and wait out a storm.

Plan Your Route

1. Avoid driving in bad weather. The safest strategy is simply to not drive an RV in poor conditions. If forecasts call for blizzard conditions or roads are snow-covered or icy, stay put until conditions improve.

2. Map a primary and backup route. Use a mapping app and a paper atlas to plan your journey, and identify alternate routes in case of closures. Check state highway websites for updates on road conditions.

3. Identify safe places to stop. Research rest areas, service stations and open campgrounds along your route so you know where you can wait out bad weather.

4. Let someone know your plans. Share your itinerary with a friend or family member so they know where you are in case of an emergency.

   icy, stay put until conditions improve.

5. Backup route. Use a mapping app and a paper atlas to e places to stop. Research rest areas, service stations and open campgrounds along your route so you know where you can wait out bad weather. Many campgrounds close when snow hits the ground, so verify that winter options are available.

Safe Driving Techniques in Snow

1. Remove all snow from the roof, Clear snow and warm up the engine. Remove all snow from the roof, windows, mirrors and backup camera before departure; flying snow can reduce visibility for other drivers. Flying snow can reduce visibility for other drivers.

2. Large RV engines may need 15 minutes to warm up – follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

3. Drive slowly and leave extra space. Snow and ice dramatically increase stopping distances. Slow down, maintain a steady speed and leave plenty of room between your RV and the vehicle ahead. On slick surfaces, avoid heavy braking and use hazard lights if necessary. Increase your following distance and never crowd snow plows.

4. Correct slides calmly. If you start to slide, lift your foot off the brakes and steer gently into the direction the rear wheels are sliding until you regain control. Drivers of rear‑wheel‑drive motorhomes should pump the brakes slightly to regain traction. If you’re towing a trailer, stay calm and avoid sharp turns; jerking the wheel can make a fishtail worse.

5. Know when to pull over. If conditions are unsafe, find a safe place to stop and wait. Pulling over for a night or two is far cheaper than having your RV pulled out of a ditch. The biggest advantage of an RV is that you can ride out a storm in comfort.

6. Use low beams and drive defensively. Low beams provide better visibility in snow than high beams. Drive slowly and steadily, leave plenty of space and be ready to stop if road conditions deteriorate. Consider taking an RV winter‑driving course to build confidence.

Final Thoughts

Winter RV adventures can be unforgettable if you respect the challenges that cold weather brings. Before you hit the road, prepare your rig thoroughly, pack for emergencies and plan your route carefully. When snow or ice arrive, slow down, create extra space around your RV, and pull off the road when conditions deteriorate. With caution and preparation, you’ll arrive safely and enjoy the beauty of winter from the comfort of your home on wheels.