How to Keep Your RV Energy Efficient During Coastal Winters

Waking up to the sound of crashing waves, sipping coffee while bundled up in your RV, and enjoying the salty air without the summer crowds. But let’s be real—coastal winters come with their own set of challenges.

The damp cold seeps into everything, the wind howls like it has a personal vendetta against your rig, and if you’re not careful, you’ll be burning through propane and power faster than you can say, “Where did my paycheck go?”

With a few smart tweaks, you can keep your RV warm, cozy, and energy-efficient all winter long. Let’s dive in.

1. Seal Up Those Drafts Like Your Life Depends on It

Ever feel like your RV walls are made of paper when that icy wind sneaks in? Yeah, that’s because, in many ways, they are. RVs aren’t exactly designed like log cabins, so it’s up to you to fortify your little home on wheels.

  • Check for drafts around windows, doors, slide-outs, and vents. If you feel a sneaky little breeze, you’ve got a problem.
  • Weatherstripping is your best friend. Grab some foam tape or rubber seals and plug up those leaks.
  • Caulk it up. Find gaps? Fill ‘em. A little caulk goes a long way.
  • Skirting is a game changer. If you’re parked in one spot for a while, putting up RV skirting keeps the cold air from whipping underneath your rig and stealing all your heat.

2. Make Your Windows Work For You, Not Against You

If your RV windows are single-pane, congratulations—you basically have built-in iceboxes. Windows are one of the biggest culprits for heat loss, but you don’t have to suffer.

  • Insulation film or bubble wrap—cheap, easy, and surprisingly effective. Just stick it on with double-sided tape.
  • Thermal curtains or blackout shades—these keep the heat in and make your RV feel a little more like home.
  • DIY storm windows—if you’re handy, adding a second layer of acrylic or plexiglass over your existing windows can help trap heat.

3. Heat Smarter, Not Harder

Alright, let’s talk heat. You want to stay warm without sucking up all your power or burning through propane like there’s no tomorrow.

  • Space heaters: A small ceramic or infrared heater can work wonders in a small space, but make sure it’s energy-efficient.
  • Propane vs. electric: If you’re plugged into shore power, electric heat might be the way to go. If you’re boondocking, propane is king.
  • Strategic heating: Close off areas you’re not using. No need to heat your whole RV if you’re just hanging out in the living space.
  • Layer up: Heated blankets, warm socks, and a good hoodie can do more than a space heater sometimes. Plus, they won’t drain your battery.

And don’t forget to let the sun do some of the work! Park where you’ll get the most daylight, and keep those curtains open when the sun is shining. Free heat—why not take advantage of it?

4. Keep Your Batteries from Freezing

Cold weather drains batteries faster than a bad habit. If your RV batteries freeze, you’re in for a rough time.

  • Keep them insulated. Battery blankets or an insulated box can keep them from losing charge overnight.
  • Check charge levels often. A nearly drained battery is more likely to freeze. Try to keep them at least 50% charged.
  • Upgrade to lithium if you can. They handle the cold way better than traditional lead-acid batteries.

If you rely on solar panels, keep ‘em clean and angled properly to soak up as much winter sun as possible.

5. Water Management: Don’t Let Your Pipes Turn Into Popsicles

Frozen pipes = a nightmare you don’t want to deal with. A few simple tricks can save you from that headache:

  • Wrap your pipes in insulation or heat tape.
  • Keep a slow drip going on especially cold nights to prevent freezing.
  • Use your tank heaters if you have them. If not, consider getting a small heating pad for your water tank.

And for the love of all things warm, don’t leave your sewer hose connected overnight—unless you enjoy cracking frozen waste out of it in the morning.

Finding the Right RV Park: Comfort, Convenience, and Energy Efficiency

Choosing the right RV park can make all the difference in keeping your rig energy-efficient during coastal winters. Look for parks with full hookups, wind protection, and access to amenities that help conserve your own resources.

One great spot to consider is Silver Sands RV Park offers full hookups and a prime location near the coast, perfect for both short and long-term stays.

Seahaven RV Park, situated along the New River, provides a peaceful setting with water-view sites, a private boat ramp, and a dog park. Fulchers Landing Campground is another fantastic choice, featuring riverfront access, a family picnic area, and a dock for boating enthusiasts.