During this transition from winter to spring you may head off for a weekend of camping in favorable weather only to end up battling the elements when a surprise storm moves in. To help prevent you from being caught off guard, the following are some cold weather tips to keep in mind.

There are two major components of the RV affected by falling outdoor temperatures - diesel fuel and the batteries. In freezing temperatures diesel fuel can gel and render the engine inoperative. Chassis and house batteries can become too cold to properly operate when they are allowed to fall in a low state of charge. Keep the fuel tank full in the event it becomes necessary to change travel routes, turn around and go back, or you find yourself stuck in a long traffic delay.

Many vehicles today include a block heater that helps warm the coolant inside the engine. To operate the block heater it is necessary to plug the heater into a 120 Volt AC outlet in the engine compartment, or to turn on the switch at the dash labeled 'block heater.' When using the block heater the vehicle should be plugged into shore power or the generator should be running. To adequately warm the coolant, engage the block heater four to five hours prior to starting the engine.

Cold batteries will require longer charging time. Do not attempt to charge a frozen battery, warm it up first. When the electrolyte freezes, ice forms and dislodges active material from the plates. As the ice thaws, the battery case may crack and cause electrolyte to leak out. Pay careful attention to the condition of each battery after it is thawed. To protect the batteries during freezing temperatures, install a battery warmer, a box-like implement designed to fit around the battery bank. The high specific gravity of a fully charged battery will not freeze as easily.

In below freezing conditions, open lower cabinets under the galley and bathroom sink to direct heat towards pipes. If your LP furnace or Aqua-Hot system does not pipe into the exterior areas, you may want to add heat exchangers or heat ducts to the outside storage bays and water service compartment.

Always carry tire chains to install on the drive wheels. Prior to packing the chains, test to be sure they are the proper size for the tires and in good working order. Include a chain repair link kit to quickly troubleshoot any weak spots you may encounter during roadside installation.

Additional steps you can take to protect your RV during freezing temperatures include:

Adding insulation to the inside bay doors.
Insulating the underbody with spray foam.
Replacing single pane windows with double pane glass.
Adding a coolant hose heater in the generator.