RV versus PNW winter

Burdock

Three opossums in a trench coat
Joined
Apr 15, 2020
Messages
4
Reaction score
3
Location
Applegate Valley, OR
Whats up y'all? I'm a new-ish RV-dweller (I got my rig, an '88 Jamboree, in early spring) and as summer and my current agricultural gig come to a close up here in Oregon I'm starting to think through where I should be going next. I've got roots back in Portland and I'm kinda eager to get back there for a while, but I'm unsure of the toll that wet, cold PNW winter might take on my RV in the way of rust, rot, and leaks. She's currently in pretty good physical shape, and I'm trying pretty hard not to fuck her up too much! Anyone here spent any winters in their rigs in northern latitudes? Was it harder than average on your vehicles?
 

PaganUnicorn

Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2020
Messages
11
Reaction score
9
Location
Washington State, Spokane County
I've done it in a travel trailer in near Spokane WA. If you're gonna be parked in one place for a long time a tarp stretched across the roof is a must. Might also consider getting a bucket of rubber roof paint and rolling a layer on. You're supposed to do it yearly on most RVs, and a bucket is only like 20 bucks.

Also check any seals on the outside of the RV places like windows and bits where the metal/plastic sheeting is stitched together. If any of it looks sketchy might wanna caulk it. Any place you got moss growing should get a good looking over. That's where the water is hanging out.

Wet is the biggest killer for RVs if you can keep the wet out you should be good.

Heating will be the biggest pain, but if you can get a hookup it shoudln't be too bad.
 
  • Useful
Reactions: Burdock

seasonchange

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 21, 2010
Messages
87
Reaction score
18
Location
east coast
Hope yer faring alright!

Spent last winter in the PNW renovating one RV, and then another one after the first one was...stolen? At least it was only $420.

I banked hard on Flex Seal but it's not great if you have a rubber roof or you plan on using any other sealants.

2x on the tarp suggestion. If you can, suspend the tarp above the camper and not directly on it or it might hold moisture in on dryer days and pool underneath.

If you start rusting out, check into rust encapsulater or converter. The Rusto version is like $10 a can.
 

About us

  • Squat the Planet is the world's largest social network for misfit travelers. Join our community of do-it-yourself nomads and learn how to explore the world by any means necessary.

    More Info

Latest Library Uploads