10 Essential Gear Items for Winter RV Travel

America’s highways are unpredictable in the winter. Ice, snow drifts, cross winds, and freezing temperatures combine to create hazards that compel some travelers to just stay home. But for those who brave the elements, winter camping offers a unique reward. And if you’re prepared, you can plan ambitious adventures in your RV no matter the season. 

To supplement the gear that should already be in your rig — like tow straps, flares, a first aid kit, a shovel, and an emergency blanket — we’ve rounded up 10 pieces of winter-specific gear that will make your cold-weather travel safer and more livable. 

Camco Heated Water Hose
Nothing will spoil a winter adventure like a frozen freshwater hose. The Freeze Ban hose from Camco has a built-in thermostat that only kicks on as needed, meaning your water flows without draining too much electricity.

Reflectix Bubble Insulation for Windows
In any RV, there are countless ways for warm air to escape—including your windows. While you can order rig-specific kits, DIY products like Relectix allow you to measure each window or vent and cut it to the desired size.

VEVOR Diesel Space Heater
Every rig should have an auxiliary heating unit on board. And while electric and propane heaters have long been a staple in the RV space, diesel heaters are increasingly popular due to their fuel efficiency and ability to provide warmth in even the coldest temperatures.

MAXTRAX Traction Boards
No one plans on getting stuck, but if it happens, it’s important to have recovery tools. Traction boards, which can help free your vehicle or trailer tires from the snow, are lightweight and easy to stow.

NOCO Battery Jump Starter
Cold weather can wreak havoc on a vehicle’s battery. If you wake up without juice and no one’s around, a battery jumper — like this powerful model from NOCO — will get you back on the road.

Auto-Trac Tire Chains 
When snow and ice blanket the road, a set of tire chains could be the difference between reaching safety and meeting disaster. Auto-Trac chains can be deployed without having to move or jack up a vehicle, making them one of the easiest on-the-go traction solutions.

Ignik Topside Heated Blanket
Your rig likely has a heating system, so on most nights you’ll probably be okay with your typical bedding. But you never know when or where you might be off the road. A heated blanket that connects to your vehicle’s battery system could be a lifesaver.

Stanley 2.5QT Thermos
The classic Stanley thermos isn’t just handy for keeping tea, soup, and coffee warm. If temps plunge and your heater fails, you can stuff a hot thermos into the foot of a sleeping bag and raise your body temp.

The North Face THERMOBALL Booties
A pair of slip-ons that can be worn inside and out is essential for camp life. With a synthetic fill, these booties keep you warm even if they get wet. Plus, thanks to a grippy sole, they can handle the snow and ice outside your camper.

Gobi Heat Camp Chair
Cold weather doesn’t mean you have to sit inside all day. With a heated camp chair, you can enjoy the solitude and peace of winter days — and nights — while warmth radiates from your seat.