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Travel Consultants and Travel Tips

Best Cold Weather Travel Trailers

January 15, 2021 by Charlotte Phillips

Last updated on December 10th, 2023 at 07:54 am

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What if your RV season didn’t have to end? What if instead of storing your travel trailer you became one of the brave few who kept on trucking through rain, sleet, and SNOW!

With the right setup, it’s entirely possible.

Not only does RV’ing through the winter allow you to see the world from an entirely different perspective, but it also means lower prices at campgrounds, and in some cases, you’ll have the campground all to yourself. Of course, that’s not for everyone and winter camping isn’t easy. But if you’re one of the brave few who wants to keep the adventure going, I’m going to review my 8 favorite travel trailers for winter and cold weather camping.

Why Travel Trailers?

You’ve got a lot of options when it comes to winter RV’ing but for my money travel trailers are one of the best ways to go. While driving anything in winter conditions is going to be difficult, the big benefit that you have with a travel trailer is the freedom to unhitch and hit the road. While this luxury is always nice, it’s absolutely awesome during the winter.

The last thing you want to do in bad conditions and drag your entire house to the store for a supply run. With a travel trailer, you don’t have to.

Travel trailers can also be just as hardy and warm as any other RV class so there’s no reason not to take advantage of the freedom they offer.

Do I Need An Arctic Package?

You’ve probably seen an RV labeled as being 4-seasons ready or being fully equipped with the arctic package. Unfortunately, there is no standard for what an arctic package  has  to include- which makes things confusing. It also means that one manufacturer’s version of an arctic package could be very different from what you actually need.

That’s why it’s important to not get distracted by the marketing; instead, you need to make sure you understand the specifics of what’s included in the 4-season or arctic packages. The biggest things to look for are additional insulation as measured by the rigs R-Value along with special warming mechanisms for tanks and fluid lines. Obviously being cold isn’t great but if you’ve got a frozen line in the middle of winter you could up with much bigger problems than being a little chilly.

When it comes to insulation, you should focus on the specific R-Value of the rig but make sure to figure out what it is for each part of the RV. Some manufacturers will really focus on a specific part of the rig and advertise super-high roof R-value, for example, which the rest of the rig could be lacking.

So should you put a lot of weight into whether or not an RV has an arctic package? While it can certainly help, at the end of the day it’s going to come down to the specific additions that have been added and not just the 4-season marketing. After all, there’s a big difference between being 4-season ready in Alaska vs Texas so make sure you know what kind of places you plan to roam before you buy.

1. Keystone Montana

• Beautiful residential-style fixtures including hardwood cabinetry
• 22 different floor plans give you plenty of options to pick the perfect one for you
• Four Seasons Package comes standard and includes 12V heating pads for the tanks and R-21 insulation on the floor.
• Higher price compared to some other travel trailers but it’s well worth it if you’re looking for a winter-ready rig.

It doesn’t get much better than the Keystone Montana when it comes to staying warm and comfortable- no matter what the weather. No need to upgrade to an arctic package here since the Montana comes standard with a long list of winter-ready features including heating pads on holding tanks, heated underbelly, state of the art solar panels, and more.

But it isn’t just talk with the folks at Keystone! While I can’t track down the original post from Keystone, Guaranty explains that Keystone put the Montana to the test by placing the rig inside an extreme weather chamber. They then set the thermostat to a toasty 74-degree Fahrenheit while dropping the exterior temperature all the way to 0 degrees. Even with temperatures well below freezing, the interior of the Montana stayed nice and warm and didn’t drop below 70. Not only is that plenty warm, I’d say that’s a little too warm even!

As if that wasn’t enough, the critical tanks, dump valves, and other fluid lines stayed completely unfrozen and entirely operational. All thanks to the long list of features included  standard  in their Four Seasons Package.

The only real downside to the Keystone Montana would have to be the price but even that is hardly a downside. With an MSRP of $85,094, it may appear to be more expensive than other similar-sized Fifth Wheel and travel trailers but a big part of that is the Four Season upgrades that run standard. Let’s look at the R-Value of the flooring for example. A typical RV might have an R-Value of 10 to 15 while the Keystone Montana comes standard with an R-Value of 21!

If you don’t plan on taking advantage of this by braving the winter cold then this going to be overkill and you’ll end up paying for features you don’t really need. But if you’re planning on staying on the road this off-season in sub-freezing temperatures then the Keystone Montanan is probably worth every penny.

2. Northwood Arctic Fox 22G Travel Trailer

• Extra insulation everywhere on this rig from every compartment door, to the roof and holding tank area.
• Beautiful bathroom, especially when you consider the size of this RV
• Luxury fixtures and features with a surprising amount of headroom
• Budget-friendly with rigs available for less than $40,000.
• The 22 foot 22G may be too small for some folks.

As the name implies, the Arctic Fox is ready for tough winter weather with a super tough trailer and plenty of insulation. But just because it’s purpose-built for winter weather doesn’t mean you have to skip the creature comforts and the Arctic Fox is packed with beautiful residential-style fixtures including a stovetop that I absolutely love. There’s also a supringly spacious dry bath, especially for a 22 footer, that includes a porcelain toilet and a skylight above the shower.

The chassis is built by Northwood Manufacturing and is offroad ready with a powerful steel frame. While most Class C or Class B RVs have a chassis that’s connected to a big name like Ford or Dodge, there can be a lot more variation when it comes to the chassis for travel trailers. That also means it can often be overlooked or taken for granted but if you’re planning on hitting the road this offseason, you need a rig that can handle the bumps and bruises that winter is going to dish out.

I believe that this chassis is ready for winter and the folks at Northwood take things a step further by having every chassis reviewed by an independent 3rd party tester. You can check out some footage of the chassis being built in this video:

When it comes to insulation, the Arctic Fox comes jam-packed with extra insulation on every inch of this rig. Including smaller areas that you might not immediately consider like the 1-inch thick insulated doors to all exterior storage areas. While it might not hit all the R-Values of the Keystone Montana, the Arctic Fox is still very comparable and won’t have any problems staying warm. All the usual features you’d expect in a winter-ready travel trailer are there too like extra insulation for fluid lines and extra heaters for the tanks.

Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with the Arctic Fox and with the folks at Northwood. They’ve got a long history of producing high-quality travel trailers that stand the test of time and with used models available for less than $40,000 at the time of writing, the Arctic Fox is a lot more affordable than some of the other specialized winter rigs.

3. Lance 2295 Travel Trailer (With Fireplace!)

• This is one of the only RV’s you’ll find that includes an actual fireplace! What could be better for enjoying winter weather (and saving on propane)?
• Nice sized oven with a beautiful three-burner stove
• Huge slide out dining area with plenty of room for guests
• Beautiful bedroom with a nightstand- which is another thing you’re not going to see in many other RVs!
• The entertainment center in the middle of the overall layout feels a little clunky to me.

The Lance 2295 travel trailer is one of the more interesting travel trailers out there. Not only does it have a unique layout with but more importantly it has an electric fireplace placed in the center of the RV. While this certainly gives the rig a unique feel and ambiance it’s also practical- especially for winter camping. While you can’t exactly throw in a bunch of wood and call it day (although there are plenty of aftermarket wooden stoves you can add to your RV ) the electric stove can save you from burning out on propane when you’re hooked up at a campsite.

But for me, the style points you get for having a fireplace (electric or not) inside your RV are hard to beat!

In order to get the fireplace centrally located, the overall layout of this rig is a little different. There’s a center pillar that partially separates the bedroom from the rest of the RV and also houses the fireplace and television. You end up with a very separate bedroom and a television that’s in a much more central location than usual. I find that most folks either love this layout or hate it without much in between. You can see it in this video tour here:

Besides the fireplace, one of my other favorite features is the bedroom. It has a beautiful sloping window that will let you see the stars at night from the comfort of your own bed. Of course, you can also drop the blinds and sleep in. Because of the pillar in the center of the rig, the bedroom feels more secluded than a lot of other layouts which is actually something I love. If you’re sharing the travel trailer with another person there’s a better chance they can actually leave the bedroom and move about without waking you up.

Another nice touch in the bedroom is the addition of the nightstand. Most RV’s skip this small but really nice to have feature and the Lance has plenty of room for your nighttime needs complete with a simple recessed light. Of course, you’ll need to secure them when you hit the road.

When it comes to staying warm in the winter, the Lance has some nice features but isn’t going above and beyond like some of the other RVs on this list. It does have double-paned windows which can drastically increase the insulation factor of any space. The Lance also includes block foam insulation which is a little different from traditional insulation but still has comparable R-Values based on the research I could find.

Overall, the Lance 2295 is not only a great travel trailer for winter camper but also one of the more unique rigs on this list. You won’t find many RVs with a fireplace that comes standard and if you’re looking to recreate the cozy feel of your traditional home, the Lance might be the perfect fit. You can find used models for less than $50,000 which makes this a great way to get into the world of winter camping!

4. Forest River Cherokee Arctic Wolf with Extreme Weather Package

• The Extreme Weather Package comes with plenty of great features for winter camping including a 35,000 BTU Furnace and upgraded insulation.
• 9+ flexible floor plans so you can find exactly what you need (including bunk beds for the kids)
• Double slide outs make this rig very spacious with plenty of room for the family
• Auto-leveling system which is especially nice if you’re working in tougher terrain
• This RV  also  has a fireplace which may people will absolutely love
• May be too big for some folks to tow

It’s hard to go wrong with an RV from the folks at Forest River and the Arctic Wolf is no exception. This travel trailer is on the larger side and most folks would consider this a fifth wheel. That means you’ll need a heavier duty truck to tow this but if you’re looking to stay comfortable throughout the winter (and any other kind of weather) then this makes a great choice.

For starters, you’ll also find that most floorplans include a fireplace! There are several floor plans and the location of the fireplace changes in each one so it’s worth looking closely at the available options . My personal favorite is the 321BH Floorplan which you can see here . It features a fireplace placed near the kitchen and entertaining area. As someone who loves to cook, I love the idea of having guests, my kitchen, and  the fireplace all in the same area!

But let’s talk about weather. Forest River offers an extreme weather package that will get you ready not only for winter but any extreme temperature with additional fans and air conditioning units. The package includes a 35,000 BTU furnace, heated and enclosed underbelly, upgraded insulation across the entire rigs, several additional fans, and a ducted A/C unit. There’s also the option to even get a second air conditioning unit that specific to the bedroom. Not only is that more efficient since you don’t have to heat or cool the entire rig while you’re sleeping but it also gives you some extra power in terms of temperature control.

Overall, the Arctic Wolf has a great option for winter camping, especially if you pick up the extreme weather upgrade. But this luxurious travel trailer also comes in at a great price and you’re able to find 2021 models for as low as $32,000. That makes this a great option for getting the entire family started on a winter camping adventure this season!

5. Jayco Eagle 330RSTS

• Available with Jayco’s Climate Shield upgrade for serious winter camping
• Electronic leveling which is typically reserved for only fifth wheels
• The beautiful two-tone interior gives this travel trailer a stylish look
• A spacious bathroom which ceilings that are well above 6 feet tall
• Tested by a third party facility for temperatures well below freezing
• The lighting fixtures are nice but I’d personally always prefer recessed lighting over traditional fixtures
• The modern IKEA-style interior design might not be everyone’s favorite

Jayco is another well-known RV manufacturer and they actually have two RVs on our list of the best Class C’s for winter . Jayco seems to specialize in cold weather rigs and they offer a Climate Shield upgrade that goes above and beyond the traditional arctic package. Available on a handful of Jayco RVs (including the Eagle Travel Trailer) the Climate Shield package includes a double-layer of fiberglass on the front cap to keep the bedroom nice and toasty along with a heated underbelly. You’ll also find PEX plumbing that’s tested for -40 degree Fahrenheit temperatures! Like the Forest River rig, this package also protects against hot weather with heavily tinted windows as well.

Jayco even took things a step further and put all this to the test by subjecting their RVs to 0 degrees Fahrenheit in a climate-controlled facility for 8 hours. Even after 8 hours of bitter cold (and some frost-covered tires) the interior of the rig was nice and comfortable with all plumbing working perfectly.

So there’s not really any doubt that the Jayco Eagle can handle cold temperatures- certainly anything most RVer’s will throw at it. But I also love the interior of this RV! It features a beautiful two-tone, black and white design that makes the entire travel trailer look like an IKEA set piece. For some folks, that might sound like a nightmare but I personally love the design. The bathroom includes a huge shower, massive ceilings, and several other nice touches like plenty of counter space. There’s even a backsplash which is not something you’re going to find in many RVs!While that doesn’t exactly bring a lot of function to the RV, it’s still a nice feature that makes this rig feel more like home.

I’m also a big fan of kitchen islands in any travel trailer and the Eagle has a great kitchen layout. There’s also tons of storage in this RV with enough room to squeeze in a washer and dryer in the bedroom .

You can get a feel for the layout and see if it’s something you like in this video:

Overall,  the Jayco Eagle is a great travel trailer for winter camping with one of the most robust climate protection packages available. While not everyone is going to be a fan of the interior, if you like modern design like me you’ll probably love it. Compared to other RVs on this list, the Jayco Eagle is going to be a bit pricey and you should expect to pay a little over $50,000 for some of the newer models.

6. 2020 Heartland Big Horn 3985 RRD

• Raising electric beds is perfect for finding the best tv viewing angle but it’s also extremely practical when it comes to squeezing in extra storage.
• An absolutely beautiful shower that gives you the feel of a full residential home
• Comes standard with underbelly insulation and closure to keep the essential warm
• R-34 insulation is more than enough for most RV’ers
• More expensive than many others on this list with a roughly $70,000 price tag

Heartland is another manufacturer that’s no stranger to producing the 4-season RV market with several models that are purpose-built for cold weather. As a result, you can find a variety of features on the Big Horn fifth wheel that help it stand out from other rigs. For starters, there’s the massive 42,000 BTU furnace. Considering that most RVs have around a 30,000 BTU furnace this upgrade goes a long way to keeping you warm in the winter.

Then there are things like standard underbelly closure and insulation, the R-11 rating on the walls, and the R-34 insulation on the ceiling, and the always awesome PLEX plumbing. Add it all up and you’ve got a solid winter camping rig.

But I also love the interior of this RV with the most notable features being the bed and the bathroom. First off, the entire bed can be raised with the push of a button while that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I love the options this gives for additional storage. I also like the idea of being able to sleep a bit higher off the ground to give my knees a break when I have to get out of bed in the middle of the night. The bathroom is beautifully designed and feels like a bathroom you’d expect in a full-size home with a sliding glass door and a proper vanity!

The only downside is that this RV runs a little on the high side compared to the rest of the rigs on this list and you should expect to pay around $70,000 for the Heartland Big Horn.

7. Northwood Nash 18FM Travel Trailer

• Northwood’s 4 season insulation package includes a combination of batt fiberglass and block foam insulation for cold winters
• Residential style cabinetry gives this travel trailer some extra style
• Fully insulated and heated fluid tanks, pipes, and valves
• Murphy bed for extra space
• Not much natural lighting inside this rig and overall the interior is a bit dark

I don’t think any list of the best travel trailers for winter would be complete without a little more from the folks at Northwood ! They’re well known for building durable and winter-ready rigs and the simply named Nash is a great option for folks that want something smaller than the Arctic Fox but don’t want to sacrifice any winter-readiness.

The Nash is part of the “Absolute Northwood” line which means it comes standard with an off-road chassis that’s great for rougher winter weather. You’ll also get a whole lot of extra insulation on the roof, walls, undercarriage, and tank housing. All of which makes this a truly 4-season RV.

You can check out all the insulation upgrades included in the Absolute Northwood package in this video:

In addition to the usual winter features, the Nash includes a Murphy bed which gives this rig a bit more space but some folks aren’t going to exactly love it. When it comes to smaller travel trailers, something has to give when it comes to space and while the murphy bed is a great addition it’s going to be hard to ever match the comfort of a traditional bed or the memory foam options that we’re seeing in a lot of RVs these days.

The biggest downside to this RV is the interior lighting. You can tell if you watch the walk-through in the video above that the interior is a bit dark and it’s clear that windows aren’t a priority. Part of that comes with the territory when you have a smaller rig that includes a slide-out but I’d still love to see some more windows on this travel trailer. After all, there’s nothing more beautiful than a snow-covered landscape.

The Northwood Nash is also budget-friendly with an MSRP of less than $40,000.

Honorable Mention: Ice Castle All Seasons Travel Trailer

• With a name like “Ice Castle” you know that it’s winter-ready
• Spray foam insulation covering every nook and cranny including plenty of insulation in the underbelly
• Power lift bed that can be lowered or raised with a flip of a switch
• A unique “second-floor” style lounge area that can be converted to an additional sleeping area
• Okay, that much cedar might be everyone’s style and it can get a bit overwhelming
• It’s made for ice fishing so it’s definitely not for everyone

While the Ice Castle is actually purpose-built for folks that love ice fishing, I didn’t think that this list would be complete with a travel trailer like this one! Considering that they named this travel trailer the “Ice Castle” you know that they take 4 seasons’ capability seriously and it shows in the heavy duty insulation you’ll find throughout this RV. They’ve paid extra attention to the underbelly of this RV which makes a lot of sense when you consider that it’s intended to be parked on a sheet of ice!

This travel trailer has a total of 6 holes scattered throughout the main living area that allow you to actually fish while you’re inside the RV. If you’re not planning on ever doing any ice fishing then this is definitely a take or leave it to feature but if some cold weather fishing is on your bucket list then this might be worth a look. You can see the ice fishing holes (and the rest of the travel trailer) here:

Does that mean you  have  to ice fish to consider this rig? Not at all! It’s still a fully functional travel trailer with a dry bathroom and a ton of sleeping space. Still, if you’re spending most of your time at campgrounds or in urban environments the heavy-duty nature of this rig is probably overkill. But if your idea of a good RV adventure is hitting the outdoors and breaking some trail without fearing freezing temperatures than this could be perfect.

One of my favorite features is the bed that can be raised up the ceiling. While this is intended to give you extra space for fishing, you can use it for any kind of extra space or storage. There’s as a unique “second-level” (it’s only a few stairs) that can be converted into additional sleeping areas.

Overall, the Ice Castle is definitely best for the ice fisherman, if you want a no-frills four-season powerhouse then it’s worth a look.

Closing Thoughts

Winter camping can be a lot of fun…if you’re warm! You could go with any of the RVs on this list and stay plenty warm all winter all while getting the flexibility of a travel trailer. But let me know down below if there’s a travel trailer I should have included on this list or which on is your favorite!

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The Best Extreme Cold Weather RVs To Buy In 2022

by Chris Coleman

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Winter camping offers magnificent snowy landscape, but not every RV is meant for days out in such icy temperatures.

If you’d like to take your RV out during very harsh winters, you’ll need to invest in what’s commonly named an “arctic package”, which upgrades the existing insulation and provides additional heating.

Otherwise, if you live in or frequently travel in such weather, investing in the best extreme cold weather RV will give you a peace of mind.

There are certain models of RVs designed and built with extreme winter in mind. These are the vehicles that can brave below-freezing temperatures, icy winds, and even heavy snowing.

Whether you live in bitterly cold weather year-round or you want to enjoy unique winter camping experiences, these best extreme cold weather RVs will keep you warm and toasty. 

We have browsed that market and consulted reviews by professionals and full-time RVers to handpick the best extreme cold weather RV with a wide selection of functional features. Each will be accompanied by highlighting features as well as pros and cons.

That said, a helpful advice from many seasoned RVers is it’s a good idea to first rent an RV to see for yourself if it meets your needs. If you like it, you can buy it afterward.

Arctic Wolf by Forest River 

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The Arctic Wolf by Forest River has consistently been rated among the absolute best  extreme cold weather RV models by professionals and full-time RVers alike. The manufacturer, Forest River, is a name known for excellent quality, customer service and warranty. 

The Arctic Wolf is a worthwhile investment for the avid winter driver, thanks to the expansive and inclusive cold-beating features that are available. Arctic Wolf offers either an Extreme Weather Package or the Arctic Package for harsh winter excursions. 

Regardless of how cold the weather may be on your trip, you can rest easy knowing that the Arctic Wolf will keep you warm, comfortable and very well insulated, particularly with the upgrades in the Extreme Weather option, according to many seasoned winter travelers.

It is available with six floor plans to cater for the different requirements and budget of nearly every camper, so if quality and comfort are your priorities, there is definitely an Arctic Wolf for you. 

The largest models top out at a huge 10,000 pounds, equating to a hitch load of approximately 1,400 pounds. This weight is down to its generous proportions which max out at 35 feet in length and 11 feet in height. That said, for the less avid drivers, probably the only downside of this marvelous vehicle is the challenging parking, turning, and other maneuvers on long road trips.

Arctic Package

• Solar wiring
• Windows for the upper bunk
• Outside shower and outside TV bracket capabilities
• A kitchen faucet that pulls out
• Entry doors with friction hinges
• Home entertainment system
• Dinette drawers
• Top-level bunk windows
• Dinette draws, and the kitchen faucet can be pulled out

Extreme Weather Package

• Arctic insulation fitted throughout
• Ducted air-conditioner
• Featured fast cool fan
• Upper decking with insulation
• Powerful ceiling fan
• Underfloor heating
• High gloss wall construction
• A powerful furnace capable of outputting 35,000 BTUs in a matter of seconds

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Together with the Arctic Wolf, Keystone Montana is another favourite that often comes up in discussions on the best extreme cold weather RV. This fifth wheel Keystone Montana, as well as other Montana models, all come with the four seasons living package to keep you toasty warm and cozy on winter trips. 

Harsh winter means excessive wear and tear on your RV both externally and internally, painful maintenance and loss of comfort, however the Keystone Montana will keep all of these problems at bay with excellent cold-beating features. 

First off, insulation is top-notch. The all-season package includes an enclosed, insulated underbelly as well as 12V electric tank heating devices to prevent freezing damage to your RV. The main floor is kept warm with R-21 insulation while the slide-out floors are protected from cold temperatures by R-5 insulating material. The walls are shielded by a double layer of R-11 insulation, and the roof provides radiant technology R-38 protection for maintaining adequate heat inside your RV. 

In addition, the centralized heated external water and convenience center provides the luxury of an outside shower, water heater bypass, and low-point drains that are enclosed to ensure optimum functionality.

This top-rated RV also offers a dual thermostat and remote sensor and a second duct design air conditioner that is a frame and wire construction. Its foam core straight line heat duct system measures 3 by 14 inches, and this model is equipped with an auto-ignition 35,000 BTU furnace. Additional features of the Keystone Montana RV include in-floor water lines, dump valves, and holding tanks that are enclosed and of course insulated, a well-vented attic system, and a powerful free-flow air conditioning at 15K BTUs.

In case you are willing to pay to get some extras, the Montana also offers models with elite design features such as fireplaces and an expansive walk-in closet for storing your bulky winter clothing and gears. 

In short, with its optimal quality insulation, the Keystone Montana offers the ultimate comfort and convenience for the icy winter months, and it is essentially a solid year-round vehicle. The only con that one can find with this first class winter RV is its price tag. 

This advanced fifth wheel trailer is in the higher price range, selling for $48,000 – $49,000 at most dealerships, however any owner would swear by its value for money.

• 15,000 BTU free-flow air conditioning
• Dual thermostat with a remote sensor with the second A/C
• Insulated holding tanks and dump valves
• Heated, enclosed and insulated underbelly
• Electric tank heaters
• Heated exterior convenience center
• Heated low point drains for city water
• Water lines in floors
• 35,000 BTU auto-ignition furnace
• Heat duct system with foam core
• Electric fireplace embedded
• Fiberglass sidewalls with a double insulated layer (Equivalent to R-11)
• Insulated main floor (Equivalent to R-21)
• Insulated slide-out floors (Equivalent to R-15)
• Radiant technology insulated roof (Equivalent to R-38)

Another solid extreme cold weather RV by the renowned Forest River. Their Rockwood Windjammer 3008W is a travel trailer, which is a much cheaper alternative to full-blown RVs, thus this model is ideal for beginners and budget travelers. 

Despite its relative affordability, the Windjammer, as the name implies, is a fantastic option for camping in the harsh icy months with solid insulation and other features. No matter how freezing it is outside, you and your companions will be comfortably toasty inside.

A huge plus is this trailer is not exactly small, boasting an 897-pound hitch load and it can accommodate a maximum of five beds, so each member of your whole family will enjoy maximum comfort.

In addition to the spacious sleeping quarters, it can hold a generous 45-gallon black water tank, a 75-gallon gray water tank, and a commendable 45-gallon freshwater tank.

Additionally, the Windjammer offers a host of other features such as a wardrobe, linen closet, kitchen space with microwave, gas cooker hook-up and an awning to keep the sun or snow off. To top it all off, the master suite features a clever table that folds away and a large double bed.

Although it’s not much to look at, don’t let it dishearten you. The Windjammer is often included in lists of the best extreme cold weather RV for a good reason: what it lacks in the looks department, it more than makes up for in the functionality department. 

The only downside is it’s a heavy trailer to haul around compared to most other camp trailers. Given its size and weight, it might take a while to get used to driving it around.

The features that make this trailer a good fit for winter excursions:

• Holding tanks that are heated and controlled electronically
• The whole trailer is insulated
• Main bedroom area contains a heated mattress
• Upgrades for thermo-pane windows
• Upgrades for fireplace
• Ventilation fan and vent cover
• Floor-ducted furnace
• Two sliders to separate the living quarters
• Reasonably sized wardrobe in the master bedroom
• A foldable table in the master room
• The master bedroom can fit a bed which measures 60×10
• Linen closet
• Oven with microwave hookups, and a gas grill connector
• 44-inch dinette space
• Outdoor Awning

Northwood is a well-known brand for RVs made for cold weather , and very few arctic campers are held in such high regard as the Arctic Fox all seasons RV. The Arctic Fox guarantees a warm and comfortable winter camping and it also offers a ton of additional features, which means not just comfort but luxury on the road. 

That said, like everything else that borders the line of luxury, you’re going to have to pay for the privilege. The latest models from 2017 onwards will cost at least $56,000, and previous models don’t tend to depreciate a lot in value, which in itself is a testament to their quality and durability.

• Fully insulated through with four-seasons foam insulation, providing exceptional insulation properties
• Built into the bedroom are USB charging ports, as well as a well-proportioned mattress and carpeting throughout
• A fully function bathtub with a skylight and foldable shower screen
• A foot-operated toilet
• Powerful extractor fans in the bedrooms
• Inbuilt skylights and a sizable fridge as well as ample storage space
• A fully equipped kitchen including a microwave
• A booth eating area and L shaped sofa with comfortable pillows
• A digitally monitored and controlled thermostat for perfect heating
• Inbuilt smoke, carbon monoxide, and LPG detectors
• A foldaway 19-inch widescreen TV with Bluetooth connectivity and CD/DVD player
• Clever storage options.

Additional extras are also available, including solar panels, rearview cameras, holding tank heat pads, generators, bathroom and kitchen fan vents, thermal pane windows and an aluminum main awning.

Whereas the Lance brand is not as well known as Forest River or Jayco, they are specialized in all seasons RV models. Manufactured specifically for all-season driving, including winter and warmer weather, the Four Season Travel Trailer by Lance proves that you need not spend a fortune to get one of the best extreme cold weather RV. 

Notable features include easily removable hatch covers that can be added or removed in a matter of seconds depending on the weather. The insulated covers are designed to keep the outdoor weather conditions from encroaching into the indoors of your RV.

Instead of the more traditional wood, this Lance model uses thermoplastic, a natural insulator which is adept at keeping the heat in and the cold out. This insulation won’t rot or is not prone to hosting mildew or mold, unlike wood tends to do. This material will also provide a certain amount of soundproofing, making your trip even more enjoyable. 

An extra cold-beating feature is an impressive ducted warming system. Clever engineering and design mean that the heating is equally directed across the whole interior of the RV, ensuring every room is warmed to the same level.

Lastly, the windows are dual pane and tinted, which provides an additional level of insulation and soundproofing. With such superstar insulation, you can rest assured that winter is kept outside of your toasty mobile home.

• 11 different floor plans available
• Block foam insulation throughout
• Ducted heat is routed into individually insulated holding tanks to keep them, the valves and PEX lines warm.
• Water heater bypass & winterizing valves make draining the system for winter storage a breeze.
• Insulated hatch covers add an additional layer of insulation to vents and skylights.
• Radius acrylic tinted thermopane euro window
• Aluminum-framed floor, ceiling, and sidewalls
• Decorative pull cabinet hardware
• Lite-ply cabinet construction

In addition to Lance, Heartland is another brand known for its all season RVs. Heartland puts an astounding level of craftsmanship and detail into all their all seasons RV products. 

Heartland’s all season RVs are not only functional in terms of guarding against icy cold weather, but also offer luxury aesthetics and great attention to details. Among them, the Bighorn is often regarded as one of the best extreme cold weather RV models. 

It has 11 floor plans to choose from, so you are likely to get one that meets your requirements and budget. There are different Bighorn sizes available, with the largest weighing 14,000lb, with a hitch weight of about 3,000lb, and measuring nearly 45 ft. in length.

Bighorn by Heartland introduced the industry to innovations such as the Universal Docking Center, 88 Degree Turning Radius front cap designs, laminated floors and sidewalls, drop frame Texas Size basement storage and hydraulic landing gear. Bighorn combines all of these industry firsts with the most luxurious interiors producing one of the most sought after luxury fifth wheels available today. 

The craftsmanship and durability is expressed throughout this fifth wheel. The bathroom features water lines Plumb-PLEX, while the fiberglass walls, dark tinted windows and laminated flooring make the camper trailer look sleek. The bedroom has a built-in closet, king-size bed with memory foam mattress, ceiling lights in the bedroom, extra storage shelves, a headboard and a pull-out storage drawer.

The majority of the floor plans offered with the Bighorn range, generally have the following winter comforts:

• The entire RV is fully insulated: R-38 flooring in the main living area, R-11 walls, R-14 flooring on the upper deck , R-34 roofing
• Heated, insulated underbelly
• Insulated air conditioning duct system in the roof
• The below-floor has its own heating system: single piece heating duct
• The roof has an internal air conditioning duct unit
• A high-quality furnace functions at a 42,000 BTU level
• A water system from the Plumb-Plex range so it’s just like your bathroom in your home
• Sleek interior and exterior design and layout
• Plenty of storage space
• A king-sized bed with a comfortable mattress made from memory foam.

The Redhawk 26XD by Jayco has a warmth and beauty not often seen in RVs, especially with the newer models. This trailer has been gaining a lot of popularity for the last couple of years, first making an impression with its huge space and beautiful design, then winning the hearts of seasoned campers with its host of functional features for withstanding winter. 

We do warn you though, that you will need quite some money to enjoy this solid beauty, but if you do, the Redhawk might be the best extreme cold weather RV that you can buy.

These models come with five different floor plans to choose from. All of these are built on a Ford chassis and include a spacious master bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a 13ft. awning, an 8 cubic-ft. refrigerator and linen closets.

Importantly, you will also be able to stay warm during winter in this gorgeous RV with a 15,000-BTU ducted air conditioner with heat pump, a 31,000-BTU furnace with wall thermostat with auto-ignition, a 6-gallon water heater,  solid bead-foam insulation for the roof, floor and all walls and well insulated doors and windows. 

There is no need to worry about space, as it is very spacious. As it can sleep eight passengers, you can hit the road whenever you want with family or friends.

The following are the standard features for this all seasons RV:

• 15,000-BTU ducted air conditioner with heat pump
• 31,000-BTU furnace with wall thermostat with auto-ignition
• Bead-foam insulation (R-15 max roof, R-9 max floor, R-5 max walls)
• Vacuum-bonded, laminated roof, floor and sidewalls
• Aluminum running boards
• Fiberglass, radius-cornered entrance door with screen door
• 6 gallon gas/electric DSI auto-ignition water heater
• Full bathroom
• Fully fitted kitchen, including countertops, upper shelves, large sink and microwaves
• Queen sized bed master bedroom
• Roomy, built-in linen cabinets and other closets.
• The living area comes with a 2-seater sofa and has a lot of space

With a hefty price tag of around $100,000 for a new one, you may have to settle for an old model, which will not necessarily have all these luxury features.

You may also like:

• How To Heat An RV Without Electricity: 5 Inexpensive Methods
• The Complete Guide on How To Winterize An RV

Extreme Cold-Weather RVs: FAQs & Tips

Cold weather packages, also referred to as arctic or polar packages, are a great upgrade to your RV when you are storing it during cold weather or wish to travel occasionally in extreme cold weather. Some of the upgrades include:

• Extra floor and roof insulation
• Double or the triple-paned windows
• Heating pads for freshwater and the wastewater tanks
• Enclosed underbellies
• Temperature guarantees
• Heated storage bays

The key to keeping your RV warm in the harsh winter is effective insulation , that is preventing cold air outside from leaking in and trapping the heat inside the RV. The two areas to focus most of your energy on if you want to improve insulation are windows and vents. 

Below are pro tips on how to keep your RV warmer in icy conditions:

1. Maximizing natural sunlight

Simply positioning your RV so that the largest windows point to the south and west to maximize your RV’s exposure to direct sunlight definitely will warm your RV up. It is one useful tip on how to heat an RV that many new RVers do not know or underestimate.

2. Fixing air leaks

Before trying to do anything to more effectively trap warm air inside your RV, you must make sure cold air cannot leak in from all the nooks and crannies first. Tiny air leaks from the rubber gaskets around your exterior windows, doors and vents are often overlooked, however keeping them in good shape will ensure cold air is not leaking into your interior. 

3. Reflective insulation

Relectix is a reflective insulation accessory consisting of an aluminum foil, which covers all your windows to rebound most of the heat that travels to them. Thus the existing heat will be trapped or condensed inside your RV while only a small amount will escape, thereby more effectively maintaining the ideal temperature. 

Simply attach these rolls to cover the whole area of each window. Also, if your RV comes with a shower skylight, don’t forget to insulate it too.

4. Hatch vent insulator

An RV’s hatch vents, roof and wall vents are also often overlooked and can let cold air in, thus all of them need to be covered. It is best to equip them with extra protection by adding another layer of Styrofoam right below the covers. 

The Styrofoam must be cut to fit precisely. Secure it in place with tape or another adhesive. The second option is to get a vent insulator. A vent insulator is a large piece of insulated foam that may or may not come with a reflective surface. 

5. Solar Heating

This green energy source will save you money in the long term, all the while being environmentally friendly. You can now buy solar panels from many sources. A panel typically costs between $500 and $300, depending on the durability, efficiency and size of the panel. The bigger the panel, the more green energy it can produce to heat your RV without electricity. 

Your RV might suffer substantial damage while in storage during the icy cold winter months, unless you own or rent a heated storage for it. Otherwise, if your budget doesn’t permit you to rent a storage unit, purchasing an RV cover is a great option to protect your RV in cold weather. Renting an RV storage unit is a more effective option but also the most costly.

 RV covers prevent ice buildup and snow accumulation on the exterior of your rig, thus minimizing damage to its surface and also keeping meltwater from seeping into the seams and panels. Below are a few steps that you need to take to safely store your rig under an RV cover during winter:

• Ensure that you drain out all your water systems.
• Clean and let dry the interior and exterior of the RV before covering.
• Remove the batteries and store in a secure place.
• Inflate the RV tires and it is best to cover them thoroughly with RV tire covers to avoid damage and maximize their lifespan, as RV tires alone are expensive.
• Double-check that the cover shelters all sides completely and snugly to avoid the cover billowing against your RV in the wind.
• Check the snow that accumulates on your roof regularly and remove it if required.

About Chris Coleman

Chris Coleman is an interesting travel blogger and outdoor photographer with a great sense of humor. He owns an RV Accessories shop in New York City so he has the knowledge necessary to provide thorough reviews and give advice on how to choose the right products for RV travel. He puts all that RV knowledge and experience to good use in his sharing posts. Besides product buying guides/reviews, Chris also writes informative articles, how-to articles and RV camping guides in his own interesting viewpoint. Chris’s blog is one of the most reliable information sources for RV campers no matter if you're an expert or a determined beginner.

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I’m constantly surprised to never hear about Outdoors RV, who only produce Four Season RV’s. Is there a problem with them?

I would be helpful if you expanded your Cold Weather/Four Season review to 20 or 30,…listed in order of best quality. Even that doesn’t guarantee an Outdoors RV mention,…but it would suggest that it isn’t in your top 20 or 30.

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11 Best Extreme Cold Weather Campers

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If you love to travel in your RV year-round, you may have considered investing in an RV specifically designed to handle cold weather. Not all RVs are suitable for extreme cold weather, but there are many great campers out there that can handle all conditions. Our guide to the 11 Best Extreme Cold Weather Campers for the Money will tell you everything you need to start your search.

What is a Four Season RV?

A four season RV is a term used by RV manufacturers to describe RVs designed to handle extreme weather. It is essential to know that there is no industry standard to use the term “four seasons” or another common term “true four seasons.”

When you see these terms used for an RV, it usually means that the RV has unique features designed to handle cold weather. However, features and specifics can vary from model to model, depending on the manufacturer. 

Many Four Seasons RVs are guaranteed to withstand temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Other RVs, known as “True Four Season” RVs, are designed for comfortable camping in temperatures as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit. 

When you see an RV labeled for “four seasons” camping, you can expect that it will have extra insulation along with a better than a standard furnace. Other features, such as dual-pane thermal windows, are common in four seasons campers. Overall you will be more comfortable in cold weather with a four seasons camper as compared to a traditional RV.

While most people are primarily concerned with how an RV will hold up in cold temperatures, the extra insulation found in four seasons RVs is helpful in the summer as well. However, most four season RVs are geared toward cold weather and may not be comfortable in sweltering conditions. 

Do You Even Need a 4 Season RV?

Recreational RV users typically plan their trips when the weather is moderate. Most RVers try to avoid extreme conditions such as below-freezing temperatures. If you are a full-time RVer, seasonal traveler, or have other special circumstances that mean you are camping in harsher weather, a four season RV may be a good idea.  

Now the question is, do you need a four season RV? All RVs are insulated, but we know that four seasons RVs are better insulated than standard RVs. When it comes to cold weather, insulation will help keep the camper warm.

To create warm air inside the RV, you will need to run your furnace. As you are generating heat, it will also be escaping through your walls, roof, and floor. This means you will need to keep your furnace running. Most RV furnaces are up to this challenge. However, it will cost you in propane.

The main feature that makes four seasons RVs practical is the added insulation. Whether you are camping in extremely hot or cold environments, added insulation will keep the temperature in your camper regulated. It will also prevent warm (or cool) air from escaping through your camper walls, floors, and ceiling. 

While you can camp in extreme conditions with a regular camper, it will cost you more to heat and cool your rig. This means that a four seasons camper is not a necessity, but if you plan to camp in these conditions often, it may pay off for you to invest in the added insulation and other features that four season models offer. 

6 Important 4 Season RV Features for Cold Weather Camping

As we mentioned earlier, there is no industry standard for four seasons RVs. This means that it is essential to do your homework and know which features you are looking for in your next camper. Let’s take a look at some of the main features that can be found in Four Seasons RVs. Remember, the more features the RV has to offer, the more comfortable the camper will be in extreme weather conditions. 

1. Insulation

Heat is lost through your floor, walls, and ceiling. The more high-quality insulation you have in your camper, the better. The quality of insulation in your walls and ceiling is an essential part of keeping the temperature stable inside the camper. It is also crucial to reducing heating and cooling costs. 

Insulation quality is measured in terms of its R-value. This number indicates how well the insulation retains heat. A higher R-value means better quality insulation that holds more heat inside your camper.

RV manufacturers calculate the R-value by totaling up the R-value of all of the materials used to construct the walls and roof. A higher R-value means the manufacturer has used more materials and higher quality materials in the construction of the camper to insulate it. 

When you are shopping for four seasons RV, be sure to check out the R-value for each camper so that you can compare models as you shop.

2. A Good Furnace

An above-average furnace is a must if you plan to camp during the winter months. While most RVs have a good enough furnace for most conditions, if you plan to camp in colder conditions, make sure your furnace has at least 30,000 BTUs to ensure that it can handle low temperatures. 

3. Dual-Pane Thermal Windows

Just like in a house, heat can escape easily through poor quality windows. Keeping your windows close is not enough. You need to make sure that there is more than just a layer of glass or plastic between you and the outdoors. A good four seasons RV should come equipped with thermal, dual-pane windows. This will make sure your heat stays in the camper. 

4. Heated And Enclosed Underbelly

While your personal comfort is important, a bigger concern when camping in cold weather is having your pipes or tanks freeze. We all know that when temperatures get below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, water begins to freeze. 

Having frozen pipes not only prevents you from having access to your water but can permanently damage your pipes as well. 

A high quality four season RV should come with an enclosed and heated tank area. Having a heated and enclosed tank system means that you will not have to worry about your freshwater, grey, or black water tank freezing up. You can imagine what problems can be caused by frozen tanks! 

While you may be concerned about the cost of heating your tank area, keep in mind that it does not have to be heated to room temperature. The tank area only needs to stay safely above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. 

5. Heat Ducting System

Your heat ducting system is important for ensuring that the heat from your furnace is distributed evenly across your camper. Check the number of duct openings in the RV and make sure there is one in the bathroom. 

6. Pex Plumbing Pipes

An additional feature that is useful for cold weather camping is pex piping. While most four seasons campers have pipes enclosed in a heated underbelly, pex pipes give you an added layer of protection. 

The great thing about pex pipes is that they can expand if water freezes in them. This means that they are less likely to be damaged or busted by freezing temperatures. Most RVs have pex pipes standard since they are easy to install and cheap to make. It is still a good idea to make sure your camper has pex pipes. 

Does a 4 Season RV Need Skirting?

Skirting can give your RV an extra layer of protection from cold air and wind. Skirting goes around the bottom of your RV and can reduce the amount of cold air and wind passing underneath the floor of your RV. RVs with skirting are easier to keep warm than RVs without skirting. 

If you decide to add skirting to your RV, there are many options out there. Some skirting is designed to be more permanent, while other skirting types can quickly and easily be removed.  We tried AirSkirts and even made a video about them below. They are fantastic and we highly recommend them!

If you do plan to camp in freezing weather, temporary skirting could make you cozier inside your rig and even reduce your heating costs. Many skirting options can be hung after reaching your campsite, making them a convenient choice if you are on the go. 

11 Best Extreme Cold Weather Campers for the Money

We’ve searched the market to find the best of the best when it comes to cold weather camping. We also made sure each option was budget-friendly. Here are the 11 best extreme cold weather campers for the Money.

1. Arctic Fox by Northwood

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Northwood is well known for making quality cold-weather RVs. The Arctic Fox is both well suited to cold weather camping and luxurious. It has numerous features that will ensure you are cozy and comfortable no matter what the weather is like! 

The Arctic Fox is one of the most popular true four seasons RVs on the market today. The Arctic Fox is available as both a travel trailer and a fifth wheel, with a variety of floor plans for you to choose from. The Arctic Fox fifth wheel comes in six different floor plans.

The Arctic Fox travel trailer comes in two models- the Arctic Fox Classic and the Silver Fox. The Classic model has four different floor plans while the Silver Fox has three floor plans to choose from. With so many floor plans and options, you are sure to find a model and plan that works for your needs. 

While all of the Arctic Fox floor plans come with similar all-weather upgrades, you will need to check the model and year of manufacture for the camper you are considering to determine the specific features included. 

Basic features that you will find in the Arctic Fox include an auto-ignition furnace with 1,000 BTUs, thermal pane windows, heated holding tanks, and air ducting system, and multi-layered walls with high-density block foam insulation.

There is four-season foam insulation in the walls, and the ceiling insulation is R-18 equivalent. This means that you will have less heat escaping your camper, which means lower heating costs for you!

Other features that you will love include a full tub in the bathroom, a TruRest queen mattress, USB and 12-volt chargers throughout the camper, a large refrigerator, and a digital thermostat. 

Skylights in the kitchen, a 19-inch LED TV, DVD/CD player with Bluetooth and more will give you comfort when on the road. 

The Arctic Fox also offers many extras and upgrades. From solar panels to rearview cameras, you will love the choices and add-ons available.

All of this luxury and convenience does come at a price. New Arctic Fox models start around $55,000. Keep in mind that pricing will depend on the model and floor plan that you choose. 

2. Lance 4 Seasons Travel Trailer

Lance is a well-known leader in the RV industry. Unlike other RV manufacturers who may have one or two four seasons models, Lance offers the option of upgrading to a Four Seasons Package on all of their campers. We love that whether you want a travel trailer, truck camper, or toy hauler, you can get a Four Seasons package from Lance.

Lance Four Seasons packages come with insulated walls, roofs, and hatch covers, ducted heating systems, and dual pane windows. The insulation is Azdel insulation, which is a thermoplastic composite. This insulation will keep you warm and toasty no matter what the weather, and it also stops mold and mildew from developing as well. Another great benefit of this insulation is that it also provides soundproofing, something that you will appreciate on your travels. 

Another great feature of this package is a water heater bypass. The water heater is winterized, which makes it perfect for cold weather use. 

Since you can add this package to nearly all Lance models, you are sure to find a style of camper that meets your needs. 

3. Northwood Nash Travel Trailer

Northwood, the builders of the Arctic Fox, also make the Nash travel trailer . The Nash all-season trailer has heated enclosed tanks along with a 25,000 BTU furnace. We also like that it has a propane capacity of 60 pounds. Extra propane is essential when you are doing extended cold weather camping. 

Other great features of this camper include a full entertainment center, outdoor kitchen, solar panel capabilities, and lots of storage.

4. Outdoor RV – All Series

Outdoors RV travel trailers are rugged and designed for long term use. With six-sided block foam insulation, mountain extreme thermal pane windows and , you are well insulated from the elements in this fantastic travel trailer.

Outdoor RVs are made with a 2″ bonded all-aluminum construction. There is no wood inside or outside on this camper! Eliminating wood means that you do not have to work about rot, mildew, and mold, which gives you great peace of mind. 

Thermal pane windows hold in the heat. You will also love its lightweight design, which makes it easy to tow.

We also like that that it comes with a 1-2-3 warranty. This extended warranty shows the confidence of the manufacturer that the travel trailer will stand the test of time. 

5. Jayco Redhawk 26XD

If you are looking for an affordable, comfortable Class C that is also ready to take on winter weather, the Jayco Redhawk 26XD should be on your list. This cozy camper is perfect for couples and families. 

There are five different floor plans available in the Redhawk line that all feature Four Season amenities. The main feature of the Redhawk that you will appreciate in winter weather is the 31,000 BTU auto-ignition furnace. This furnace is much better than the industry standard and is sure to keep you warm and toasty no matter what the weather. 

The insulation in the Redhawk is also well above the industry standard. With an R-15 roof, R-9 floor, and R-5 walls, you will be nice and warm during the cold winter months. A bonus to this camper is that the holding tanks are enclosed and heated as well. This means that you don’t have to worry about your tanks freezing in cold temperatures. 

Other great features of the Redhawk are the spacious layouts, linen closets, walk around queen bed, and a large refrigerator. All of this luxury does come at a price, and Redhawks start around the $100,000 mark.

6. Forest River Arctic Wolf 

Forest River is another leading RV manufacturer. Their Arctic Wolf fifth wheel model offers six floor plans. You are sure to find a plan that works for your needs. The various Arctic Wolf plans can sleep between four and eight people.

What makes the Arctic Wolf a great four season RV is that you have the choice of not one but two cold weather packages, perfect for winter weather.

The first package option is the Arctic Package. The Arctic Package comes with a 35,000 BTU furnace, more than powerful enough to keep you warm in cold weather. The underbelly is also heated and enclosed, keeping your pipes and tanks safe from freeze damage. Upgraded insulation and enhanced fiberglass sidewalls keep you toasty no matter what the temperature is outside.

The Extreme Weather Package also comes with enhanced insulation, enhanced fiberglass high-gloss sidewalls, and a 35,000 BTU furnace. The underbelly is also heated and enclosed. 

Additional features of the Extreme Weather Package are a high circulation ceiling fan, racetrack ducted air conditioning, and a “quick cool” fantastic fan. This makes the Arctic Wolf comfortable in both cold and hot conditions. 

7. Heartland Big Horn

Heartland is an excellent brand of RV. They have many 5th wheel models that meet the criteria for a good four seasons RV. All of Heartland’s 5th wheels and travel trailers have an enclosed underbelly, which is important for protecting your pipes and tanks in cold weather. They also have furnaces and heat ducting systems. 

The Heartland Big Horn floor plans offer very high R values for their insulation. This is a great feature as it means less heat will escape through your ceiling and walls. 

The Big Horn also has a 42,000 BTU furnace. This is more than enough power to keep you toasty even in freezing temperatures. Pex water pipes complete this well-equipped trailer. 

We love that the Big Horn has over ten floor plans to choose from in a range of sizes, styles, and budgets. You will be able to find a plan to meet your needs. 

8. Keystone Raptor

The Keystone Raptor is another great cold weather-ready camper. With eight floor plans to choose from, you are sure to find a plan that works for you. 

Keystone has a great arctic package that includes a 35,000 BTU furnace and frameless dual pane windows. The MaxFlo zone controlled air conditioner has 15,000 BTUs, which is another excellent feature. The underbelly of the camper is also enclosed and heated, which means you will not have to worry about frozen pipes or tanks.

9. Heartland LM Lafayette

Another great Heartland travel trailer is the LM Lafayette . Heartland’s Yeti Extreme Cold Weather Package is considered one of the best cold weather packages on the market today and is a huge selling point.

If you decide to add on the Yeti package, you’ll get a heated and enclosed underbelly, R-38 insulated floors, and pex piping. Another outstanding feature is that the main water line has a sensor to kickstart the heater if temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This automated feature is one of a kind and is good to have if you plan to travel in cold conditions. 

Dual pane windows and heated holding tank pads complete this outstanding cold weather package. 

10. Forest River Rockwood Windjammer 3008W

The Forest River Rockwood Windjammer 3008W has a unique “V” nose design, which makes excellent use of space in the camper. It is also well equipped for four seasons travel, making it an excellent option for anyone planning to travel during colder months.

The floor-ducted furnace will keep you nice and warm on those cold, winter days. With R-values of R-7 for the walls, R-12 for the floor, and R-14 for the roof, you can rest assured that your heat will not escape through the walls. 

A two-year warranty and luxurious interior touches, like dual Lazy Boy leather recliners, make this RV a great choice for winter travel. 

11. Northern Lite Boreal 23FB  

We love the stylish look and clean lines of the Northern Lite Boreal 23 FB . This four season fiberglass travel trailer is eye-catching, luxurious and has everything you need for four seasons camping. 

With a 30,000 BTU ducted furnace and A/C with heat pump, the Boreal is designed to keep you warm and cozy in cold weather and will keep you cool on hot summer days.

The Boreal also has the first one-piece “no seams” leak-proof fiberglass four seasons construction. This one of a kind design is new in the industry and makes for a great all-weather camper. 

The insulation in the Boreal is highly rated with an R5 rating. The tanks in the Boreal are also heated and enclosed. We love that two 100-watt solar panels come standard in the camper, allowing you to go off the grid for short periods.

We hope you have a better understanding of 4 season campers and also like the list of our 11 Best Extreme Cold Weather Campers – which will keep you cooler in the summertime too! Let us know what you think of these campers in the comments below. And if you think we missed one let us know that in the comments below too! That way the list of the best extreme cold weather campers will grow!

RELATED READING

For more info about RV camping in cold weather check out some of our other articles below! – AirSkirt Inflatable RV Skirting for Winter and Summer – 4 Season Truck Campers for Year Round Camping! – Can You Use a Pop Up Camper in the Winter? – What’s Included in an RV Arctic Package? – RV and Travel Trailer Insulation R-Values Explained – 10 Creative Ways to Heat a Camper and Stay Warm While Camping in Cold Winter Weather

3 thoughts on “11 Best Extreme Cold Weather Campers”

You missed the two Oliver travel trailers.

Thanks for the great presentation; now I know what to look for in a RV Camper…I’m looking to save up for one I can drive around and travel with; especially for my daughter….She is a Wanderer at heart; God bless her…Four seasoned RV’s are a Must… Thanks again.

Hi Greg, Glad you liked the article!!! Thanks, Mike

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The 8 Best Extreme Cold Weather RVs for Winter Camping

• Last Updated: March 6, 2024
• 27 minutes read

Full-timers, hunters, people who love to camp in winter or in the mountains, and tradesmen who work year-round on remote job sites often need an winterized RV that can handle extreme low temperatures.

If this sounds like you might be wondering what are some of the best RVs for extreme cold weather camping?

Right off the bat the 2020 Heartland Bighorn BH 3985 RRD and the 2020 Ice Castle Stub RV America II have a reputation for being able to take good care of you when the mercury starts to dip to astonishing lows. Though it isn’t just the make and model of RV that make the difference when it comes to camping in extreme cold conditions.

To truly make sure that you can stay warm, and comfortable in your RV during extremely cold weather , we are going to have to take a closer look at the things you can do to retain heat in your camper trailer.

This includes taking safety measures for you as well as the things you can do to prevent your RV from being damaged by cold weather. 

Once we have those things factored in we can take a closer look at the highly insulated camper trailer RVs that can stand up well to extreme cold and those that can take it to the next level with just a few minor modifications. 

What Defines An Extreme Cold Weather RV?

A lot of extreme cold weather RVs are referred to as “ Four Season RV ” or a “True Four Season RV.” They have superior insulation, and other special features that make them more capable of withstanding temperatures down to 32-degrees or colder. This might be things like insulation on the waterline, or superior R-factor insulation in the walls or ceiling.

The cold weather travel trailer manufacturers usually backs it up with some sort of guarantee that it will handle temperatures all the way down to 32 or maybe even zero degrees Fahrenheit. 

Though for some, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to looking for an RV that can handle extreme cold.

In some parts of the upper Midwestern United States, the northeast, and parts of Canada there are ice fisherman who buys RVs that were specifically engineered to spends days if not weeks out on frigid ice sheets with holes in the floor.

They pull up fish after fish all within the comfort of their toasty warm RV. There are even those who will take a normal RV meant for simple summer living and modify it to handle the extreme cold of a northern winter. 

So, if we are going to find the best extreme cold weather RVs or those that can be modified, we are going to have to take a look at some of the nuts and bolts features they rely on to keep people warm when the mercury proverbially plummets off a cliff.

This also includes defining just how much cold protection you need in your RV to keep everyone comfortable and prevent the RV from being permanently damaged. 

Do I Need A Four Season RV That Can Handle Extreme Cold?

Most people go RVing in the summer, spring, or early fall where even a cool night can be combated with a basic RV furnace or secondary propane heater like a sunflower heater.

If you aren’t going to be tangling with temperatures below 32-degrees Fahrenheit, then chances are you won’t need to prioritize some of the features that go into an RV that is built for extreme cold conditions. 

Though people with the following interests might strongly consider investing in an RV that was engineered with cold-weather features or one that can be easily modified to handle extreme cold.

• Mountain Campers: If you live or like to camp at altitude, then chances are you know all too well how cold it can get at night, even after a warm day. Not only can this extreme cold swing make it uncomfortable in the RV, but it can also cause water lines to freeze and potentially rupture.
• Ice Fisherman: There is an entire subset of people and RV enthusiasts who will spend days on end living on the ice sheets of frozen lakes catching fish. The cold temperatures, wind, and snow these RVs endure calls for the highest of R-factor insulation numbers as well as robust heaters and other cold-weather features.
• H unters: People who hunt late in the fall and into the winter often face temperatures that dip below 32-degrees Fahrenheit. This is especially true for hunters who live or hunt in the mountains and need an RV base camp that can support them when they aren’t in the field.
• F ull Timers: Some people choose to live in their RV through mall four seasons. For them, this is a great alternative to having a mortgage and having to take care of yard work. Though full-timers who will be traveling or camping long-term in northern states need an RV that will handle extreme cold weather.
• D esert Campers: Just hearing the word “Desert” conjures up images of heat shimmering off bleak sand on scorching hot afternoons. Though in truth the desert can get extremely cold at night. Especially in the winter, or if you happen to be camping in your RV in the high desert in the spring or fall.

Key Factors That Improve An RV’s Ability To Withstand Extreme Cold

There are a few key factors to consider when shopping for an RV that can withstand extreme cold weather.

Sometimes they are engineered into the RV itself or they are the sort of thing you can upgrade yourself or via a dealership’s “Cold Weather Upgrade Package.”

1: Insulation For An Extreme Cold RV

Insulation is a key factor when it comes to an RV that can withstand extreme cold below 32-degrees.

This is usually expressed as an R-Value. The higher the R-Value the better the insulation is at holding in the heat.

Though, it’s also worth bearing in mind that where that insulation is installed is just as important as its inherent R-Value. 

The ceiling and walls are the most common places where you will find high R-Value in an RV that can withstand cold weather.

Though the floor and things like the storage tanks or water lines can also be a major factor when camping in your RV at temperatures that are below 32-degrees.

Something as simple as a little ice forming in a water line can cause it to rupture, which not only robs you of water but can also cause severe damage to the plumbing and other parts of the RV. 

If you will be frequently camping in your RV at below-freezing temperatures, then you will want to prioritize one that has insulation in the floor and other underbelly components .

If you will only occasionally camp in your RV in places where temperatures might dip near freezing for an hour or two in the deepest cold of the night, then you might be able to stave off the cold with skirting, underbelly heating, or installing retail-grade pipe insulation sleeves on the water lines. 

2: Dual Pane Thermal Rated Windows

The windows are another area where RVs are prone to heat loss. Even an RV with high R-Value insulation installed in the walls, ceiling, and floor can still lose a lot of precious heat through conduction with single-pane windows. 

If you are going to be staying in extreme cold temperatures with your RV and you don’t want to overtax your furnace, then you should prioritize an RV that has double pane windows or some type of other thermal rated glass.

This is especially true for ice fishermen and full-timers who travel in the northern states during the winter. 

If you are just planning to use your RV for camping in mildly cold weather of the fall, for something like a weekend camping trip, and the forecast is calling for an extreme cold snap, you might be able to temporarily duplicate dual pane windows.

This could be as simple as covering them with clear plastic window insulation as you find in winter home window kits. 

3: A Heated & Enclosed Underbelly

As I alluded to earlier, the underbelly of an RV is one of the most vulnerable places on an RV that is called upon to endure extreme cold weather.

The underbelly does serve a wide range of purposes, though arguably the most important for an extreme cold weather RV is its ability to protect the water storage tanks and the water lines from freezing. 

Right off the bat, an RV with an enclosed underbelly with insulation will go a long way toward not only keeping the RV’s interior floor from getting cold, but it also helps to prevent water tanks and water lines from freezing.

This is great if you are going to be staying at temperatures between 20 to 32-degrees Fahrenheit for a night or two. 

If you are going to be staying in cold temperatures below 32 degrees or even below 0 degrees for a day or more, then you really should prioritize an RV with an enclosed and insulated underbelly with a heating system included.

This is usually a small electric resistor system that gently warms water storage tanks and water lines to prevent freezing as well as dangerous ruptures. 

3: Pex Water Lines

Water starts to expand as it transitions from 39 degrees down to the freezing point at 32 degrees.

When it hits 32 the rate of expansion as it transitions into ice can apply excess force on the water lines and connections.

Since water is incompressible, this force has the potential to rupture the water lines causing major damage to not only the RV plumbing but other nearby components that are exposed to water when the ruptured lines are thawed later. 

Pex piping is a relatively new innovation. This is a special type of water line material that expands a little bit to accommodate the expansion of water into ice.

They might be a great upgrade to an RV with an exposed underbelly or part of an extreme cold RV that needs a little added insurance factored into an already enclosed and insulated underbelly.

Also check our article about How to keep RV pipes from freezing while camping .

4: The RV’s Furnace

The propane furnace in the RV is by far the most important element of an RV that needs to withstand extreme cold weather.

The BTU rating or British Thermal Units is the standard measure for how much heat a furnace can put out in an hour.

For most mid-size RVs like a 20+ foot travel trailer or a fifth-wheel trailer, you want to see a propane furnace that is rated to produce at least 30,000 BTUs per hour.

The larger the RV the higher you want the BTU rating to be. Some larger RVs will sport up to 40,000 or even 45,000 BTU per hour propane furnaces.

You also want to see a higher BTU rating in an RV that might have a lower R-Value insulation. 

5: The Distribution Of Heat Ducts From An RV Furnace

The number of heat ducts in an RV is a lesser-appreciated feature in RVs that can withstand extreme cold weather.

An RV with a small number of ducts tends to have hot and cold spots. Over time the cold spots in an RV, especially those near the floor can lead to progressive heat loss that overtaxes the RV’s built-in propane furnace. 

If you fall in love with an RV that has a small number of heat ducts, or you’ve noticed problems with hot and cold spots in your RV on cool fall evenings, you might be able to temporarily improve heat distribution by installing one or two small 12-volt fans.

Try to position them up high near a heat duct. Set the fan on low and point it toward the cold spots on the floor.

This will help circulate the air in the RV during cold weather without creating a heat depriving draft.

8 Best Extreme Cold Weather RVs

There are some traditional RVs that have been upgraded with superior R-Value insulation, high BTU per hour propane furnaces and other key features to help them handle extreme cold better than the standard showroom models.

At the same time, some specialty manufacturers offer extreme cold RV capable models that have all the bells and whistles to handle deep drops in the mercury.

Throughout our reviews, we tried to keep an eye out for both, as well as included models that appeal to specific niche needs.

These extreme cold weather RVs will keep you warm and toasty during your wintertime camping adventure:

• 2020 Ice Castle Stub RV America II Fish House Trailer
• 2019 Northwood Arctic Fox Classic 22G Travel Trailer
• Glacier 17 RV Explorer Toy Hauler 
• 2020 Jayco Redhawk 26XD Class C Motorhome
• 2020 Heartland Bighorn BH 3985 RRD Fifth Wheel Trailer
• Forest River Rockwood Windjammer 3008W Travel Trailer
• 2020 Keystone Raptor 351 Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler
• 2020 Forest River Cherokee Arctic Wolf 287BH 5th Wheel With Arctic Package

1. 2020 Ice Castle Stub RV America II Fish House Trailer

• Ice Castle Stub RV America II
• 30,000 BTU Propane Furnace
• Maxx Air Distribution Vents
• Sleeps up to 3 people
• Spray foam insulation
• Thermal Windows
• Fiberglass siding
• Hydraulic lift system
• A Full bathroom with a toilet

Ice Castle is one of the leading manufacturers of RVs that are built to withstand extreme cold weather. 

Primarily meant to cater to the needs of ice fisherman who brave frozen lakes in the far north, you can trust that it has everything you need to keep you warm and comfortable even when the outside temperatures dip into the negative double digits. 

It is insulated with closed cell spray foam for superior insulation. The 30,000 BTU furnace might sound a little small for severe cold, but the interior does indeed stay toasty warm even in strong windchills warnings.

This is also thanks to Ice Castle’s proprietary Maxx Air Distribution Vents, as well as the spray foam and fiberglass siding. 

It’s understandable to think that this extreme cold capable travel trailer is a one-trick pony meant only to cater to ice fisherman.

After all there are six holes cut into the floor for fishing lines and a hydraulic system that lowers down until the belly is literally sitting on the ice.

However, the suspension and other characteristics also mean you can use it like a typical, albeit heavy travel trailer during the summer.

The superior insulation and Maxx Air distribution system even help maximize the built-in air conditioning system when temperatures climb high.

2. 2019 Northwood Arctic Fox Classic 22G Travel Trailer

• Dry Weight of 5,254 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 2,246 lbs.
• GVWR of 7,500 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 665 lbs.
• 25,000 BTU Propane Furnace
• Air Ducting System
• 13,500 BTU Air Conditioner
• R-18 Rated Insulation (High-Density Block)
• Fiberglass Side Walls
• Enclosed Underbelly
• Thermal Pane Windows
• Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 46.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 42.0 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 35.0 gallons
• Heated Water Storage Tanks
• Sleeps up to 4 people

The 2019 Northwood Arctic Fox Classic with the 22G floorplan is one of the best travel trailer for extreme cold weather. 

This camper trailer model literally ticks every box you want to see in not only a “Four Season” RV, but it has all the features you want to really take the bitter chill on without worry.

It’s well-insulated, it has thermal pane windows, the underbelly is enclosed as well as heated. 

Some people might look at the 25,500 BTU per hour propane furnace and feel like it’s a little underpowered compared to some of the competitors who offer 30,000 or even 40,000 BTU per hour furnaces.

Though the superior insulation in the 2019 Northwood Arctic Fox Classic 22G and the impressive heat distribution of the air ducting system really make this travel trailer very thermally efficient.

3. Glacier 17 RV Explorer Toy Hauler 

• GVWR of 5,500 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 1,084
• Power Ceiling Vents
• R-16 Rated Insulation
• Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 20.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 22.0 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 12.0 gallons
• Sleeps up to 5 people

The Glacier 17 RV Explorer Toy Hauler is another versatile extreme cold weather RV. 

The entire body of the Glacier 17 RV Explorer Toy Hauler is insulated in thick blocks of R-16 rated insulation.

It has thermal pane windows and the 30,000 BTU forced air propane furnace diverts hot air through a series of ceiling-mounted power vents with fans installed into them.

This keeps hot air from pooling at the ceiling to help keep the floor toasty warm. 

The Glacier 17 RV Explorer Toy Hauler is a travel trailer that was originally designed to be a portable ice fishing house.

Though it’s just as well suited to be a summertime travel trailer. Especially when you consider that it can also serve as a toy hauler with a payload capacity of 1,084-pounds.

4. 2020 Jayco Redhawk 26XD Class C Motorhome

• GVWR of 14,000 lbs.
• A Towing Capacity of 7,500 lbs.
• Air Conditioner 15,000 BTU
• Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 42.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 31.0 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 32.0 gallons
• Enclosed & Heated Underbelly
• Sleeps up to 7 people

The 2020 Jayco Redhawk 26XD is a Class C motorhome that was engineered to handle cold weather. 

It has R-15 insulation in the roof, R-9 floor, and R-5 walls. This helps make the most out of the toasty 30,000 BTU forced air propane furnace. 

Though the thing that really helps this motorhome withstand extreme cold is the enclosed underbelly with a heated storage tank.

This is great insurance against potential freeze-ups in the plumbing system when the temperatures dip below 32-degrees Fahrenheit. It also helps buffer the R-9 Floor insulation. 

As an RV Class C motorhome, you will appreciate the layout. The power-retractable slide out in the rear really helps maximize the space in the queen-sized master suite.

The midship kitchen and living area use a spacious open concept. The kitchen is complete with a stove, range, refrigerator, and microwave.

There’s even a complete bathroom in the rear with a toilet, shower, and sink. 

All these things make the 2020 Jayco Redhawk 26XD for a small family that likes to travel in the winter. It’s also suitable for full-timers who love to live life on the move.

5. 2020 Heartland Bighorn BH 3985 RRD Fifth Wheel Trailer

• Dry Weight of 14,079 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 2,373 lbs.
• GVWR of 16,500 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 2,945 lbs.
• 42,000 BTU Propane Furnace
• Heat Ducting System
• Freeze Proof Insulation
• Pex Water Pipes
• Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 65.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 90.0 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 45.0 gallons
• Sleeps up to 6 people

The 2020 Heartland Bighorn BH 3985 RRD was designed with mountain campers and people who need to stay in the cold in mind. 

This 5th wheel trailer has freeze proof insulation installed throughout, as well as a very warm 40,000 BTU forced air propane furnace that is distributed evenly via a thoughtfully engineered heat ducting system. 

Though this isn’t the full extent of this RV’s cold weather endurance. It also has an enclosed underbelly with expandable pex water lines.

The entire system is also supported by large fresh, gray, and black water storage tanks. This higher volume of water also reduced the freezing risk for times when you might need to stay for multiple days. 

With a dry weight of 14,079-pounds, a gross vehicle weight rating of 16,500-pounds, and a hitch weight of 2,945-pounds, this robust fifth-wheel trailer is the sort of thing you take with you and leave in place for multiple days if not weeks at a time.

It’s a great option for keeping in a four-season RV park for year-round camping or for using as a base camp on long fall hunting trips.

6. Forest River Rockwood Windjammer 3008W Travel Trailer

• Dry Weight of 7,482 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 1,415 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 897 lbs.
• Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 45.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 75.0 gallons
• 13,000 BTU Air Conditioner
• 30,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Furnace

The Rockwood lineup is one of Forest Rivers most popular with sportsman who need a home base travel trailer for fall hunting and fishing trips.

Not only is the 30,0000 BTU propane forced air furnace nice and toasty, but the hot air it produces is ducted through the floor.

This helps to keep the floor warm and maximizes the insulation value offered by the R-7 in the walls, R-12 in the floor, and R-14 in the roof.

The interior of the Forest River – Rockwood Windjammer 3008W is also very spacious. This is thanks in part to a pair of power-retractable slideout sections. 

The one in the rear produces a queen size master suite that is privately separated from the rest of the travel trailer by the pass-thru bathroom. 

Then there’s another power retractable slide out section in the front-midship that produces a spacious living room with couch, and dinette that convert into sleeping space.

There’s even a pair of Lazy Boy recliners as well as a counter top breakfast nook with seating for two that looks into the spacious kitchen in the front nose of the Forest River – Rockwood Windjammer 3008W.

All these comfort features, sleeping space and the impressive heating system makes the Forest River – Rockwood Windjammer 3008W one of the best extreme cold weather RVs for families.

Just make sure you have a three-quarter ton pickup truck to pull the 7,482-pound dry weight of this 34-foot long travel trailer.

7. 2020 Keystone Raptor 351 Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler

• Dry Weight of 13,546 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 3,020 lbs.
• GVWR of 17,000 lbs.
• Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 106.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 82.0 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 44.0 gallons
• 30,000 BTU Air Conditioner
• 35,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Furnace
• Max Flo Zone Air Controller System

Keystone is one of the most well-trusted fifth wheel trailer manufacturers in the RV market, with models to suit just about any interest, especially in their broad line up of fifth wheel trailers.

You see this shine through in the all-weather engineering of the 2020 Keystone – Raptor 351, which can also serve as a more than capable toy hauler. 

The weather proofing system of this all weather fifth wheel toy hauler includes tightly sealing doors and thermal pane windows, as well as a heated and enclosed underbelly.

The water storage tanks are also enormous, which further reduces the risk of freeze ups in severe cold conditions, while also providing you with enough storage to camp for days off the grid. 

The 35,000 BTU per hour rated forced air propane furnace is more than toasty on it’s own.

Though the heat it produces is then shunted through Keystone’s Max Flo Air System for equal distribution.

This same system also works to maximize the air conditioner’s efficiency in the summer.

8. 2020 Forest River Cherokee Arctic Wolf 287BH 5th Wheel With Arctic Package

• Dry Weight of 8,368 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 3,157 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 1,325 lbs.
• GVWR of 11,525lbs.
• Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 49.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 70.0 gallons
• Ducted Air Circulation System

The Cherokee Artic Wolf line by Forest River is one of the most popular 5th wheel make and model pairings for extreme cold weather camping.

With an enclosed and heated underbelly you have little risk of a freeze up occurring in your plumbing system, even when the temperatures start to drop into the single digits or below.

The 35,000 BTU furnace that comes with the “Arctic Package” is also ducted into a special circulation system that evenly distributes heat to keep the floor as warm as the ceiling. 

Though with all this cold fortification, the 2020 Forest River – Cherokee Arctic Wolf 287BH is stil not sort on comfort or luxury. 

There is a true master suite in the front with a queen size bed. It’s separated from the rest of the RV’s interior by a step up hallway and bathroom for superior privacy.

The mid-ship slide out section houses a sofa and a large size dinette that also convert into sleeping space. There’s even double stacked bunk beds in the rear of the fifth-wheel trailer.

When you take into account all the cold weather fortifications from the Arctic package and all the sleeping space, the 2020 Forest River – Cherokee Arctic Wolf 287BH, is one of the best extreme cold weather 5th wheel trailers for a family that loves four season traveling. It’s also a great option to set up as a winter hunting base camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i insulate the underbelly of my rv myself.

Depending on the RV and your mechanical skills, you could insulate the underbelly of your RV yourself to help it withstand extreme cold.

This might consist of installing insulated panels or applying closed-cell spray foam insulation.

Just make sure that you aren’t accidentally covering up wires, access panels, or other components that you might need to access again later on. 

What Is Skirting And Does It Help Insulate An RV In Extreme Cold Weather?

Skirting is generally a series of panels or sheets that are deployed around the lower exterior of an RV.

When complete, they help hold in the heat near the RV’s floor, water pipes, and water storage tanks.

They can buy you around 10-degrees of protection. Especially if they are properly insulated with an R-value rated insulation or some type of spray foam insulation.  https://www.youtube.com/embed/GW8QXms6VMU?rel=0&modestbranding=1&controls=1&showinfo=1&fs=1&wmode=transparent

Skirting also helps prevent wind from robbing the underbelly of an RV of precious heat. This can be a major factor for people who camp in their RV in the mountains or out on the ice. 

Even an RV with an enclosed, insulated and heated underbelly will benefit from additional skirting.

You just have to come up with an efficient strategy for hauling it with you from Point A to Point B. The skirting also needs to completely surround the underbelly of the RV.

Even a modest air leak can lead to significant heat loss when the wind blows hard on a cold day.

Just a few decades ago, only a handful of RVs was truly set up to handle the extreme cold.

Today the demand for cold enduring RVs has continued to meet the needs of full-timers, winter campers, fall hunters, and ice fishing enthusiasts.

The RVs on this list represent the proverbial tip of the iceberg when it comes to the best extreme cold weather RVs. 

If you want a comfortable base camp for a long fall hunting trip or four-season travel at RV parks, then the 2020 Heartland Bighorn BH 3985 RRD Fifth Wheel Trailer is likely the best extreme cold RV for you.

It has a powerfully warm furnace, an enclosed underbelly with large water storage tanks, and expanding pex pipes to keep you supported for weeks at a time. 

If you are an ice fisherman who wants to live on the frozen lake for long weekends of high-end angling then the 2020 Ice Castle Stub RV America II is one of the best extreme cold weather RVs.

It has the insulation and heating system needed to keep you warm and even sits down on the ice to get you inches from the holes. 

Whatever your priorities are, it’s clear that there are a lot of great extreme cold weather RVs on the market.

The ones on this list represent some of the best places to start to meet travel and niche interests when the mercury starts to dip.

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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Hi! I’m curious why the outdoors mfg RV or lance trailers are not on this list? Did you review and rule them out? Thanks for this info, it is super helpful!!

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Top 5 Features of Winter Ready Travel Trailers

Winter-Ready Travel Trailers

Chances are you're not purchasing an RV to use it half the year, only during the spring, summer, and fall, traveling to a warm environment and places that only offer deliciously warm weather.

Who knows? You may take your family of nine to Mammoth Mountain as my parents did in a 1970 D27 Winnebago motorhome when I was a 14-year-old. Late Friday night, we completed a rambunctious 6-hour trek from Los Angeles and rolled into the parking lot at the base of the chairlift. The next morning we woke up to a foot of new snow surrounding our cozy home on wheels. The four older kids went skiing that day while Mom played with the three youngsters in the snow, and Dad thawed frozen water pipes in the parking lot!

Fifty years later, many American all-weather adventure seekers still believe a travel trailer will handle all types of weather, from extreme heat to frigid cold. If you're looking for the best cold-weather RVs, this article will guide you and educate you to make an informed decision and avoid the unfortunate adventure my father had with frigid fingers in the ski area parking lot.

Considerations of the Best Winter Travel Trailers

Winter camping is an exciting and unique way to experience the great outdoors, but having a cold-weather travel trailer that can handle extreme temperatures is crucial. When selecting a travel trailer for cold-weather camping, there are a few critical factors to consider. This blog post will discuss these factors and provide some of the best options for cold-weather RVs.

Cold Weather RVs

Insulation is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a cold-weather travel trailer. The RV must be adequately insulated to keep the cold and warm air out. Foam insulation is an excellent choice, as it can trap heat and prevent it from escaping. A high-quality insulation system is essential to camp in freezing weather.

Another critical factor to consider when purchasing a cold-weather RV is the floor plan. The ideal winter travel trailer should be spacious enough to provide a comfortable living area and performance while towing. A well-designed floor plan can make all the difference, with features like a full kitchen, a comfortable bedroom, and a spacious bathroom.

Four Season RV Package

One of the top options for cold-weather RVs is a travel trailer with a four-season package. These packages typically include extra insulation, heated tanks, and other features specifically designed for winter camping. With a four-season package, you can feel confident that your travel trailer is equipped to handle even the harshest winter weather.

Dual Pane Windows

Another excellent option for cold-weather camping is a travel trailer with a dual-pane window system. This feature helps keep the heat inside the trailer while reducing condensation and preventing cold air from seeping in. Dual-pane windows are especially beneficial for those camping in freezing temperatures.

Finally, when selecting a cold-weather travel trailer, it's essential to consider the overall build quality. Look for trailers that are well-constructed and built to withstand the rigors of winter camping. This includes features like sturdy frames, high-quality materials, and durable finishes.

Do I need an Extreme Weather Package?

If you plan to travel in the winter months, the simple answer is a hearty yes . But remember, extreme weather or Arctic packages won't necessarily keep your RV warm in all conditions. The best solution is a properly heated underbelly below the floor, where all the systems are ideally located. The design of high-quality travel trailers is not only equipped for but designed for cold weather use without burning through your propane too quickly. A four seasons package will have built-in climate shield technology with an enclosed underbelly to combat harsh weather.

Of course, cold weather packages include such items as thermal pane windows, but maintaining a comfortable indoor space is much more than the RV windows. A cold weather package includes other essential design features, such as insulated hatch covers to protect the water and electrical systems.

What are the 5 most important four-season RV features?

I've traveled thousands of miles in an RV in all types of weather, and experience has revealed five important four-season RV features to consider when choosing a year-round RV:

1.     Conditioned basement and warm floor design with passive air circulation

A conditioned basement and warm floor design with passive air circulation is an effective strategy for improving the energy efficiency and indoor air quality of a building. In this design, the basement is sealed and insulated, and the floor is heated with radiant heat, creating a warm and comfortable living space.

Warm Air Circulation

Passive air circulation is achieved by installing air vents or ducts in strategic locations throughout the basement. This allows for the natural flow of air, which can help to regulate temperature and humidity levels. Combining warm floors and passive air circulation results in a more comfortable living space with reduced energy consumption.

Conditioned Basement

In addition to energy efficiency, conditioned basements with warm floors and passive air circulation can improve indoor air quality. By sealing and insulating the basement, moisture, and air pollutants are prevented from entering the living space. Passive air circulation helps to maintain fresh air and can reduce the build-up of mold and other harmful substances.

A conditioned basement and warm floor design with passive air circulation is a smart choice for building owners who want to improve their living space's energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and comfort levels.

Insulation Protecting Holding Tanks

An important hidden feature of an arctic package floor plan is an RV incorporating block foam insulation below the floor space. RV manufacturers may hype their heated holding tanks, but a better solution is to maintain the temperature of the space around the holding tank.

2.     Thermal envelope design

Thermal envelope design is a crucial element of energy-efficient building design. The thermal envelope refers to the physical barrier between the interior and exterior of a building that controls the flow of heat, moisture, and air. The use of rigid insulation, thermal breaks, and dual pane windows are common techniques to enhance the thermal envelope of a building.

Rigid Insulation

Rigid insulation is a type of insulation that is typically made from foam boards, which are placed on the exterior walls, roof, or floor of a building. This insulation helps to reduce the heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the building, resulting in improved energy efficiency.

Thermal Break Insulation in RVs

Thermal breaks are another important aspect of thermal envelope design. These are materials placed between the interior and exterior building elements, such as window frames or structural supports, to minimize heat transfer. They create a barrier between the materials that conduct heat, reducing energy loss.

Dual pane windows are another effective way to improve an RV's thermal envelope. Two panes of glass are separated by a layer of air or gas, which creates an insulating barrier of air. This helps to reduce heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer months, resulting in improved energy efficiency.

A well-designed thermal envelope is paramount to creating an energy-efficient building.

3.     Mini-split electric cooling/heating systems and redundant gas heating

Combining a mini-split electric cooling/heating system and redundant gas heating will maintain a comfortable indoor RV space, whether on- or off-grid.

Multiple systems can be highly efficient and flexible, and completely adjustable from room to room. These systems use heat pump technology to transfer cold air from the outside into warm air by extracting heat from the interior to cool the space.

Backup Heating

Redundant gas heating is a backup system designed to be used when the RV needs an electric mini-split heat pump offers a non-electric option. This ensures the RV remains warm and comfortable during a power outage or mechanical failure.

Combining mini-split electric cooling/heating systems and redundant gas heating is a reliable and efficient heating and cooling solution for buildings. The mini-split systems can be used as the primary heating and cooling source, while the redundant gas heating provides a backup option, which can increase resilience.

A mini-split electric cooling/heating system and redundant gas heating provide a reliable and efficient way to go off-grid.

4.     Quality design and build with no leaking and air gaps

Quality RV design and manufacturing with no leaking and air gaps is critical to ensure the RV is comfortable, functional, and safe in all environments. Leaks and air gaps can cause various problems, including moisture damage, mold growth, and increased energy consumption.

A critical aspect of RV design and manufacturing is using high-quality materials resistant to wear-n-tear, water damage, and temperature fluctuations. Seams and joints must be carefully sealed to prevent leaks and air gaps, and windows and doors should be properly insulated.

RV Quality Testing

A top-shelf RV manufacturer conducts rigorous testing to ensure the unit is leak-proof and airtight. This may include pressure and water testing to identify potential leaks or gaps.

An RV with no leaking and air gaps is critical to longevity. High-quality materials, careful construction techniques, and rigorous testing will ensure the RV is ready for freezing temperatures and remains comfortable, functional, and reliable for many years.

5.    Hot water systems, tanks, pipes, truma comfort plus water heater with antifreeze package

A quality 4-season hot water system must include a well-insulated water tank, pipes, and an on-demand water heater capable of quickly heating up to 124 degrees. I recommend the Truma Comfort Plus water heater, which is efficient and maintains consistent hot water temperatures, even in cold weather.

Adding the antifreeze package to the Truma Comfort Plus is essential for RVers traveling in cold weather. These systems are designed to withstand freezing temperatures, ensuring that hot water is available on demand.

To prevent freezing in cold weather, the Truma system has an optional antifreeze package, which circulates antifreeze through the water system to prevent pipes and tanks from freezing to ensure the water system functions in sub-zero temperatures providing ample hot water for cooking, cleaning, and bathing, and transforming cold-weather life into a beautiful winter wonderland adventure.

How to know if a travel trailer has an adequate extreme cold-weather package

The time to learn about four-season capabilities to support your year-round RV lifestyle isn't after you purchased it. Be sure you've purchased a legitimate winter camping trailer .

The RV industry and online parts supply stores have hundreds of Band-Aid fixes to combat winter weather. The ability to stay safe and cozy in your cold-weather camping home is essential because Mother Nature is infamous for surprise snow storms.

As I write this article, it's snowing at the 1000' level on the hills above my office in Santa Barbara. Walt Disney's 2013 animated film, Frozen, may have been a dreamy kids' movie, but colder temperatures are a nightmare when you're travel trailer's water pipes, pumps, tanks, faucets, and hot water heaters freeze solid.

Whether winter camping or living full-time in cold weather, a frozen RV will be more than inconvenient. An iced-up RV often results in a total financial loss and wasted time. It's common for RV auctions to offer totaled trailers for pennies on the dollar that were frozen. The result of a typical RV that froze due to bitter cold is a truly bitter pill to swallow.

What to look for and what to ignore

Don't be swayed by a salesperson, as my father was in 1970, who says, "If you're traveling in snow, just leave your furnace running all the time!" The truth is many exposed water systems will freeze, and a furnace running 24/7 will run out of onboard propane in 2, maybe three days, max.

Just because a dealer says it's a four-season RV with a cold-weather package doesn't guarantee it will withstand cold-weather conditions. For the real story, do an online search for every arctic package travel trailer brand and terms like freezing up to get real-world reviews of how various trailers performed in freezing weather.

The best cold-weather RVs ready for winter camping have more than heated underbelly systems.

Some manufacturers use the term Arctic package, which typically means a 12-volt heating pad is beneath the holding tanks. Although this protects the tanks from freezing, the issue is that the valves are susceptible to freezing, and when a valve freezes, it's impossible to dump the tanks until they thaw out. (Safety warning: Never use any heater under your trailer to melt the ice!)

Most 4-season travel trailers that handle cold temperatures tend to be 5th wheelers since they typically have basement spaces below the floor. So if you're not looking for a 5th wheeler, your options are limited.

A thorough inspection is key

There's a simple way to determine if it's a 4-season travel trailer. Are the fresh and wastewater pipes, valves, and tanks under the chassis, or are they contained in a conditioned basement? Water systems enclosed inside a conditioned basement, which means the heat source is ON at a low setting, will endure freezing temperatures.

Floor Insulation

Look underneath the trailer and ask the salesperson about the floor insulation. Is there any? Or are there multiple heat-saving layers of foam insulation that protect water pipes and other systems? Is there insulation in the slide-outs? Ask questions, read the owner's manual, especially the winterizing and 4-season camping sections, and study the warranty. Finally, a word to the wise: manufacturers play fast and loose with the 4-season label.

However, very few are. It's worth saying a few words about some of the stay-warm buzzwords. You'll likely be shown four-season RVs with a digital thermostat, a built-in fireplace , a high circulation ceiling fan , and warm-colored wood accents . However, if the critical features are missing, none of these items make the slightest difference regarding a true 4-season RV.

Focus on travel trailers that can withstand cold winter months when temperatures drop, equipped with an extreme weather package, enclosed underbelly to house the holding tanks, dual pane windows, double layered fiberglass insulation or rigid foam, freeze-protected water heater bypass, and ducted fans throughout the basement to keep cold air out and circulating warm air to protect vital water and electrical systems.

The best extreme weather package is a well-designed travel trailer built with the best cold weather capabilities in mind, not one that needs a bunch of cold weather add-ons.

In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when selecting the best cold-weather travel trailer. The right RV should have a high-quality insulation system, a well-designed floor plan, and features specifically designed for winter camping. By selecting a travel trailer that is well-built and equipped for cold-weather camping, you can enjoy all the beauty and adventure of winter camping with confidence and comfort.

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The Official Aluminum Snowmobile Trailer

With room for your winter toys, as well as your entire crew’s sleds, the Sub-Zero aluminum snowmobile trailer is a heavy-duty hauler made to effortlessly traverse steep mountain passes and cross rugged terrain.

You’ll have peace of mind on your trips with this enclosed snowmobile trailer’s 4-wheel electric brakes, 24” stoneguard, 24” kick plate, and 5’ ATP wedge nose—to name a few. Plus, you can play long into the day thanks to standard features like the Sub-Zero’s two fuel doors (R/S), two 11” dome lights, and LED loading lights.

Standard Features

• 5”x2” Double Hollow Tube Main Frame
• 5”x3” Double Hollow Straight Center Tube Tongue
• 16” O.C. Tube Sidewalls
• 16” O.C. Floors
• 16” O.C. Roof Bows
• Flat Top V-Nose
• 9” Deep Rear Spoiler
• 60” Deep Sloped Roof Wedge Depth
• 61” Wide Wedge Ramp
• .030 Skin Thickness
• Screwless Exterior
• 16” Sloped ATP Stoneguard
• ATP Fenders
• Sidewall Vents
• High Performance Wood Wall Material
• 3/4” High Performance Wood Deck Floors
• High Performance Wood Wall Interior Trim
• 12” Tall 3/4” High Performance Wood Kickplate
• (2) LED Interior Dome Lights
• LED Tail Lights w/ Built in Backup Lights
• Lauan Ceiling Strip
• (9) 2.5K Recessed D-Rings
• 36” Flush Lock Side Door w/ Wire Holdback (32” Flush Lock Side Door w/ Wire Holdback on 19’ Model)
• Drop Spring Brake Axles
• 7-Way Electric Plug
• 2-5/16” Demco Coupler
• 2.5K Tongue Mounted Jack
• 12” Wood Ramp Flap w/ Continuous Hinge
• Ramp Door Aluminum Bar Locks
• 205/75R15 Radials, Black Steel Wheels
• Beauty Rings and Center Caps
• (1) Exterior Loading Light Over Front Ramp w/ Switch
• (1) Rear Spoiler Loading Light w/ Switch

Available Colors

Standard colors

.030 Silver

.030 Charcoal

.030 Pewter

Optional colors

.030 Matte Black

.030 Yellow

.030 Orange

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• Salem Sub Zero Solutions 30rn

Forest River Salem Sub Zero Solutions 30rn rvs for sale

2015 Forest River Salem Sub Zero Solutions 30RN

Williston, North Dakota

Make Forest River

Model Salem Sub Zero Solutions 30RN

Category Travel Trailers

Posted Over 1 Month

2015 Forest River Salem Sub Zero Solutions 30RN, 2015 Salem Sub Zero Solutions 30RN This Salem Sub Zero Solution edition travel trailer 30RN by Forest River provides you a great option for cold weather camping! Inside you will find complete kitchen and bath amenities, along with comfortable sleeping for all kinds of weather, even the cold stuff! Step inside and find a two handy wardrobes to your immediate right. Almost directly across from the main door is a complete bath featuring a shower pan, a toilet, and vanity with sink including an overhead medicine cabinet. To the left of the entry door enjoy a free standing dinette with two chairs that you can enjoy your meals at. You can easily prepare and cook all of those meals in the kitchen found opposite along the road side wall. There is an 18 cu. ft. refrigerator, a three burner range with overhead microwave oven, and a double sink. You will also find plenty of overhead cabinets throughout. In the rear of this unit enjoy relaxing on the sofa which provides storage above, or the swivel rocker next to the dinette. There is a corner entertainment center with storage space overhead and a TV antenna with cable and satellite hook-ups if you choose to add a TV. The very front of this Salem Sub Zero Solution edition trailer features a bedroom with curtain. You can sleep comfortably on the queen size bed and find ample storage with the wardrobes nearby along with overhead cabinets at the head of the bed and front side. There is also a nightstand for your things, plus so much more!

Hugo, Minnesota

2015 Forest River Salem Sub Zero Solutions 30RN, 2015 Salem Sub Zero Solutions 30RN This Salem Sub Zero Solution edition travel trailer 30RN by Forest River provides you a great option for cold weather camping! Inside you will find complete kitchen and bath amenities, along with comfortable sleeping for all kinds of weather, even the cold stuff! Step inside and find a two handy wardrobes to your immediate right. Almost directly across from the main door is a complete bath featuring a shower pan, a toilet, and vanity with sink including an overhead medicine cabinet. To the left of the entry door enjoy a free standing dinette with two chairs that you can enjoy your meals at. You can easily prepare and cook all of those meals in the kitchen found opposite along the road side wall. There is an 18 cu. ft. refrigerator, a three burner range with overhead microwave oven, and a double sink. You will also find plenty of overhead cabinets throughout. In the rear of this unit enjoy relaxing on the sofa which provides storage above, or the swivel rocker next to the dinette. There is a corner entertainment center with storage space overhead and a TV antenna with cable and satellite hook-ups if you choose to add a TV. The very front of this Salem Sub Zero Solution edition trailer features a bedroom with curtain. You can sleep comfortably on the queen size bed and find ample storage with the wardrobes nearby along with overhead cabinets at the head of the bed and front side. There is also a nightstand for your things, plus so much more! Specifications: Length 30’ 9” Width 8' 0” Exterior Height 11’ 2” Interior Height 0’ 0” Dry Weight 5340 lbs Hitch Weight 788 lbs Cargo Weight 2440 lbs

2012 Forest River Rv Salem Sub Zero Solutions 30RN

Bourbonnais, Illinois

Make Forest River Rv

2012 Forest River RV Salem Sub Zero Solutions 30RN, Features: 85 Gallon Fresh Water Tank In Above Floor Heated Compartment, Enclosed And Forced Air Heated Holding Tanks w/Heat Pads, Enclosed Insulated, One 40,000BTU Furnace And One 25,000BTU Furnaces Ducted, Arctic Insulation Package, Dual Pane Windows, 10 Gallon Gas/Electric DSI Water Heater, 18 Cubic Foot Refrigerator, Exterior 110V Outlets For Heat Pad Hook-ups.Salem Sub Zero Solutions Travel Trailer, Rear Living Area w/Sofa, Dbl. Kitchen Sink, 3-Burner Range, Microwave, Residential Refrigerator, Toilet, Lav., Med. Cab., Shower, Nightstand, Queen Bed, Db. Wardrobe, Free-Standing Dinette, Chair, Overhead Cabinets Throughout & Much More. Rear Living Area Front Bedroom

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The Best Trailers and Campers of 2023

These adventure-ready rigs will help you stay out longer

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Everybody has different needs when it comes to buying a camper. Need a trailer that fits in your garage and sleeps a family of four, or a mobile ski chalet? How about a towable, off-road bunker that’ll go anywhere your truck can? Or, maybe you just want to make the back of your truck a more comfortable crash pad for climbing trips. There’s no rig that does it all, but chances are, there’s one that’s damn near perfect for you on the market now.

The Winners at a Glance

Best All Around: Arkto Campers G12

Best Minimalist Camper for Trucks: Topo Toppers Badlander and Mesa

Best Cold Weather Camper: Bear Adventure Vehicles Black Bear 7.0

Best Off Road: Australian Off Road Sierra

How We Test

Between attending overland expo shows to tour the latest rigs and testing demo trailers on extended trips, I spend over 30 nights camping in everything from rooftop tents to Airstreams every year. I look at build quality, included features and components, pricing, and availability, as well as details like trailer suspension and camper wall construction methods, in an effort to find a broad array of what I think are the most well-made and value-driven rigs on the market.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Bryan Rogala is a longtime contributor to Outside and has been reviewing trailers and campers since 2018. He’s a hunter, skier, mountain biker, and all-around outdoorsman based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He covers overlanding gear and rigs in his 101 video series for Outside Online , and is in a constant search for the perfect adventure rig.

Reviews: The Best Trailers and Campers of 2023

Arkto campers g12 (from $48,000).

Pros: Incredible value; Generous standing room; Outdoor kitchen; No-wood construction Cons: Canvas pop top means it’s not as insulated as a hard-sided camper

Arkto Campers’ G12 has answered the call for what many overland fans have long been looking for: a North American-made, Australian-style overland travel trailer with superb build quality, sleeping space for four, and just the right amount of off-road capability. Even better, you get all that without the astronomical prices associated with many of the best Australian imports. The base price includes everything most outdoorsy types look for in an adventure trailer: a light GVWR of 4,600 pounds, a well-appointed slide-out outdoor kitchen, plenty of interior storage, a furnace, an outdoor shower, a 270-degree awning, and 37 gallons of fresh water storage. There’s no wood used in the construction, so rotting is not an issue (it’s made from fiber-reinforced plastic composite panels with insulation in between, and it all rests upon a galvanized steel chassis), and the pop-top roof means you get an interior height of 6 feet 8 inches. Close the top, and a height of 7 feet 9 inches and total length of 19 feet 10 inches means the trailer will still fit in most modern garages. It’s incredibly impressive that Arkto is able to pack that many features into a small trailer at this price point, especially when you consider the off-road cred thanks to 33-inch-tall tires and Timbren Axle-Less suspension with four inches of lift. If there’s a better buy than the G12 in the overland trailer market right now, we’ve yet to find it.

Bottom Line: Everything we want in an overland trailer with a reasonable price tag

Topo Toppers Badlander and Mesa (From $8,950 and $6,450)

Pros: Affordable pricing; Lightweight; Full pop-top allows more room inside Cons: Installation of the Badlander is only available at their shop in California

These days, it seems like there’s a new player in the truck bed wedge-camper marketevery few weeks. We’ve tested models from many brands, like GoFast Campers and Super Pacific. But Ventura, California-based Topo Toppers has risen to the top of a very competitive field thanks to their top-notch aluminum construction, sharp looks, and incredible value. Topo offers two different models: a full pop-up camper that offers maximum interior space called the Badlander; and their latest, a more traditional wedge-style camper called the Mesa. Both retail for less than their competition while still offering impressive standard features like front and rear acrylic windows in the shell; two windows in the tent; keyed tailgate door locks; the ability to store bedding up top when the campers are closed; and to stand up while the bed is down. There are five options for shell colors, and you can add additional features like LED lighting, a MaxxAir fan, and cargo-access side doors. Best of all, at 300 and 250 pounds, respectively, they won’t unnecessarily weigh down your truck.

Bottom Line: The best value in the wedge camper market

Badlander Mesa

Bear Adventure Vehicles Black Bear 7.0 (From $17,600)

Pros: Top of the line shell construction; Beautiful interiors; Highly insulated Cons: More wind-resistance and higher center of gravity than a pop-up

If you’re looking for a bit more protection from the elements than a pop-up can provide, California-based Bear Adventure Vehicles has you covered. The brand is a dealer and outfitter of Total Composites’ slide-in truck campers, which are some of the highest-quality and lightest weight hard-sided campers out there. You can purchase an empty shell and build them out yourself, as I did last year (and documented for Outside), or have Bear build out your camper for you. After building out my shell’s interior and camping in it for over a year now, I can speak to the quality of construction of the Total Composites shell–it’s incredibly well insulated, lightweight, and bulletproof. I expect it to last for decades. Bear matches that quality with its own interior builds that turn an empty box into a gorgeous, fully functioning camper with proprietary high pressure laminate cabinetry and all the essentials like running water, lighting, and a fridge. Bear says that most full interior builds come out to around $17,000, but they are completely customizable, so you can get exactly what you want and skip things you don’t.

Bottom Line: A true four-season, fully custom truck camper that’s fantastic for ski bumming

Australian Off Road Sierra (From $42,500)

Pros: Built like a tank; Incredible off-road ability; Loads of water storage Cons: A bit heavy for its size (3,968 GVWR)

If you’re looking for a teardrop or other small trailer you can drag virtually anywhere, the Australian Off Road (AOR) Sierra should be on your shortlist. AOR has been making trailers since 2000 in Australia, but they’re new to the U.S., and are available exclusively through XGrid Campers in Las Vegas, Nevada. At just under 15 feet long, the Sierra is one of AOR’s smaller models, and feels like a teardrop when you’re towing it. The setup is vastly different, though, with the outdoor kitchen on the side of the trailer and access to the bed from the opposite side, or through a drop-down vestibule off the back of the trailer. That rear vestibule, along with the 270-degree awning and outdoor shower, give you sheltered standing room to change clothes as well as privacy for a portable toilet—and make this trailer feel a whole lot bigger than it is. The inside sleeps two, there’s copious storage, and the whole rig is completely dustproof—a feature we wish was more common among trailers. The real selling point of this rig, though, is the off-road capability; incredible approach, departure, and breakover angles combined with a robust, dual shock independent trailing arm suspension and 360-degree articulating hitch mean you can drag this thing anywhere your rig can go. Oh, and up to 52 gallons of fresh water storage means you can stay there for a long time, too.

Bottom Line: An absolute tank of a trailer that’ll go anywhere you’re willing to drag it

Be realistic about what you need and what you’ll actually use. Rig envy is real, and it’s easy to convince yourself you need the most off-road capable camper to beat the crowds, or a true four-season rig to chase storms in the winter. But, how often are you actually going to be camping in sub-zero temperatures? Do you really want to drag your new investment down a gnarly 4×4 trail, or do you just want to find a nice dispersed site on a forest service road? You can save yourself a lot of money and heartache by taking a good, long look at the type of camping you do most often and being realistic about what you actually need—maybe that’s a front wheel drive van, or a trailer with a tamer suspension.

Buying a camper of any kind is a big investment, so it’s best if you can try one out or at least see one in person before pulling the trigger. Visiting a dealer is good, but a lot of today’s best rigs are sold direct-to-consumer, which means that events like Overland Expo are a great way to see a camper up close. Even better, try renting the type of rig that interests you from Outdoorsy to get a real feel for it—even if they don’t have the specific model you’re looking for, you’ll get an idea of whether you’re a van, trailer, or truck camper person.

• 2023 Summer Gear Guide

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Winter RV Living ~ Tips for Cold Weather Camping

Published: Jan 12, 2023 · Modified: Feb 9, 2024 by RebeccaBlackwell · This post may contain affiliate links

In May of 2020 my husband and I sold our house and moved into a brand new 5th-wheel toy hauler advertised as "4-Season". It was equipped with the "yeti package" that claimed to keep the RV systems protected and functioning even when the weather dropped to zero degrees Fahrenheit.

This sounded good to us because while our primary intention was to spend as much time in 70-degree weather as possible, we also knew that we'd spend most of November and December with our family in Colorado.

The first year after moving into our RV, Colorado was easy on us. We didn't get much snow and temperatures rarely dropped below freezing.

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In 2021, a large snowstorm rolled in on the last day of the year, and temperatures dropped well below freezing and stayed there through the first week of January. We woke up every morning to frozen pipes, struggled to keep everything warm, and ended up with a broken black waste tank.

While parked in the Arizona desert later that year , we removed the bottom cover that runs the length of our RV, discovered that one of the heating pads on our tanks was not even connected and that the rest of yeti package "features" were woefully inadequate.

Steve repaired the damage to the tank and added some additional cold weather protection to our RV:

• He made sure all the tank heating pads were hooked up and in working order
• Insulated all the water lines by enclosing them in foam pipe insulation
• Inserted a thermostat-controlled heat cable into the foam pipe insulation, running the length of our water lines

All his work was put to the test later that year.

November and December of 2022 in Colorado were cold, snowy months. There was snow on the ground the entire 7 weeks we were there, nightly temperatures dropped well below freezing most nights, and daytime temperatures rarely rose above freezing. We even had a 3 day stretch in which temperatures didn't rise above zero degrees and dropped to a brutal -17.

Staying warm and keeping everything functioning in an RV in sub-zero temperatures is a challenge.

Even RVs and campers with more effective cold weather protections aren't meant to withstand severe ice and snow and temperatures that stay well below freezing for days on end.

And yet, we emerged mostly unscathed. In addition to the work Steve did to properly insulate our freshwater and waste systems, we added additional cold-weather protections that kept us warm, our water running, our drains from freezing, and our batteries from cracking.

There are many reasons why RVers might spend time in cold, snowy places. Spending the holidays with family is our reason, but there are so many beautiful snowy places to visit in the winter months. If you're a skier, winter in Jackson Hole, WY , or the mountains of Colorado, Montana, or Utah might be reason enough.

Winter can be a beautiful time to get outside and explore new places and with some preparation there's no need to restrict yourself to places with warm and temperate temperatures.

Here's what we did to prepare and protect ourselves and our RV from the cold and snow plus some additional tips to help you prepare for RV winter camping.

3 Tips to Keep Your RV Plumbing System from Freezing and Bursting in the Winter

2 ways to keep the inside of your rv warm in winter, more rv winter camping tips, essential equipment for living in an rv in the winter, more rv and camping resources, #1. heat the "basement".

We refer to the storage compartments beneath the floor of our RV as the basement. That general area contains our batteries, most of the rig's wiring, the water lines, and connects to our waste tanks and fresh water tanks.

It's essential to heat this area if you want to avoid frozen pipes and cracked batteries. Many RVs use the propane heating system to keep this area warm. Ours doesn't work that way, so we added electric space heaters and thermostats to monitor the temperature in critical areas of these storage areas. And honestly, when the weather drops below zero, fortifying your heat situation is critical no matter what.

These extra measures worked great. Even when the temperature dropped well below zero, the storage compartments hovered around 40 degrees.

#2. A heated water hose and electric heat cables can keep the water running and drains from freezing

If you are camping in a place with fresh water hook-ups in the winter, a heated water hose is essential. Regular water hoses will freeze quickly in cold weather but a heated hose will keep the water flowing even when temperatures drop below zero.

We also wrapped electric heat cables around the sewer hose and every exposed pipe. In combination with the space heaters in the basement, the system worked pretty well.

If you DON'T have a heated water hose, but you DO have a heating pad on your fresh water tank, you can fill up your fresh water tank and disconnect your fresh water hose. But, in most cases, if you're going to do any winter camping in your RV, you'll want to invest in a heated water hose.

#3. Don’t leave the gray and black tanks open in freezing weather

Many RVers leave the gray tanks open when camping at parks with sewer hookups. But, in the winter, this can cause problems. Add some anti-freeze to black and grey waste tanks to prevent the wastewater from freezing and close them.

Empty the tanks when they are about ⅔ full. Even with anti-freeze in the tanks, it's important to not wait until they are completely full before emptying them. In extreme weather even tanks with anti-freeze can freeze and might cause damage if they are full.

#1. Use electric heaters in addition to your RV's propane furnace.

To keep the temperature inside our RV at a safe and comfortable level in freezing weather, we kept 3 electric heaters plus an electric fireplace running non-stop.

Most of the time, this was sufficient to keep the inside of our RV warm on cold days. But, when the temperatures dropped below freezing, we also turned on our propane furnace.

Running this many electric heaters (3 space heaters plus the fireplace inside our RV plus two space heaters in the "basement" storage compartments) required some creative load management so that we could keep the load evenly distributed and not trip any breakers. It's important to understand your rig's electrical system and work within its limits.

#2. Insulate the windows

If your RV has double-pane windows, this might not be necessary. Our RV has single-pane windows that are not even approaching energy efficiency.

To add some additional insulation, we put clear shrink wrap over our windows which worked remarkably well. Two tips for using clear shrink wrap over RV windows:

• The tape sticks better to the walls around the windows than the window frames. As condensation builds up on and around the window frames, the tape will not hold.
• When possible, cover the windows when the temperature is above freezing. If you cover windows when the temperature is below freezing, the film will detach or tear from the inevitable expansion that happens when temperatures rise even slightly.
• Protect your batteries. We use lithium-ion batteries in our RV. Below-freezing temperatures can cause lithium-ion batteries to crack and separate from surrounding materials, reducing their storage capacity. To protect our batteries against extreme cold, we put a thermostat-controlled electric space heater in the battery compartment.
• Remove Snow and Ice to Protect the Exterior of Your RV . When snow and ice are allowed to build up on the roof of an RV, it can open the seams in the roof as it thaws. This can create water leaks that cause structural and cosmetic damage.
• Shovel. Honestly, a shovel is important to keep on hand at all time in any size camper or RV no matter the weather.
• Electric space heaters . We generally use electric space heaters instead of our propane furnace to heat the inside of our RV when connected to shore power in the winter. When the weather is extremely cold, we use our electric heaters in addition to our propane furnace. If you're curious about the difference between forced air, ceramic, or catalytic heaters, this is a good comparison.
• Electric fireplace . Our 5th wheel came with an electric fireplace in the bedroom and it's all that's necessary to keep us warm on even the coldest nights. The one complaint we had about the fireplace is that it was not thermostat controlled. Earlier this year, Steve replaced it with an electric fireplace that IS temperature controlled and we are much happier with it.
• Heated hose. A heated water hose is essential if you want to keep your camper connected to city water during freezing weather.
• Electric Heat Cables . We wrapped heat cables around our sewer hose and every one of our RV's plumbing pipes.
• Foam Pipe Insulation . We enclosed our water lines with foam pipe insulation secured with zip ties.
• RV Skirting. If you’re staying in one location for a while during the winter months, installing an RV skirt is 100% worth the investment. An RV Skirt is material placed around the bottom of your RV to help insulate your tanks and pipes from cold, snow and ice.
• A Generator . Even if you're plugged into shore power, having a generator that can get you through power outages is essential.
• Tank Heating Pads.  Heating RV waste water and fresh water tanks makes them much less likely to freeze. If your RV came with tank heating pads, make sure they are installed correctly. If you RV doesn't already have them, they are easy and inexpensive to install.
• Extra Propane . Running out of propane in the middle of a cold night is not a fun experience. Always make sure to have at least one extra full propane tank at the ready.
• RV Antifreeze . Adding antifreeze to black and grey waste tanks can help them from freezing in extreme temperatures even if you also have tank heating pads.
• Shrink Wrap Window Covers . If you have single pane windows, these clear shrink wrap window covers make a huge difference in insulating the inside of your RV from the cold.
• Electric Heating Blankets . We have two electric heating blankets in our RV and they are essential to keeping warm on really cold nights.
• RV Living FAQs : Questions and answers about what it's like to live in an RV while traveling full-time and working remotely.
• Curious about where we're headed next and how we plan our itinerary?   Click here for our yearly travel schedule
• Let's Get Lost is a  Travel Journal  about the places we've been, recommendations for things to do and see in those areas, and the reality of RV living and full-time travel. 
• What is boondocking? Questions and answers about boondocking and dry camping.

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Best Cold Weather 5th Wheel Trailers: Keep Comfortable Year-Round

Living in a good-quality fifth wheel is like living in a small cozy apartment, but when the cold weather hits, it can get uncomfortably cold. That's when the best cold weather 5th wheel trailers play their ace.

If you intend to live year round, or at the very least use it during the cold winter temperatures up north, not all RVs cut the mustard. In this blog post, we have taken what we believe to be the best cold weather fifth wheel trailers that are designed to keep you comfortable, especially when the temperature hits sub-zero.

As well as reviewing different cold weather 5th wheel trailers, we look at what makes them perfect for the cold months, while comparing them against other RVs. We've also included a tips and hacks section to ensure you make it through the winter more comfortably than you might otherwise.

We've also taken all the questions we regularly get from our followers and added and FAQ section dedicated to everything cold weather 5th wheels.

This premium fifth-wheel trailer was made with two things in mind: comfort and quality. It boasts a spacious bedroom with a queen-size bed with further space for more people in the bunk area and loft. The 357MDOK features two kitchens, one inside and an “industry-best” outside one. So the cook won’t have to give up on any camping experience cooking while everyone else is enjoying the outdoors. 

Moreover, It has a bathroom that’s big enough to have a separate shower area and a tub. It also has a lot of storage space, which is perfect for all the winter clothes and quilts you’ll need. The 357MDOK has pass-through storage with slam-latch™ baggage doors and also a decent space under the bed.

Who is the 357MDOK 2021 Eagle Fifth Wheels Best For? 

The 357MDOK 2021 Eagle is one of the most versatile fifth-wheel trailers on the market. It is perfect for every occasion, be it a romantic getaway with your spouse or a trip with your family and friends. You can easily live in it full-time with the luxury features, or you can just use it for a quick adventure alone out in the beautiful countryside.

Popular Features

ClimateSheild is one of the most innovative features this trailer has, making it a great cold weather 5th wheel trailer. It has amazing all-around insulation and a silent A/C system. Furthermore, it has a great entertainment system, a dryer/washer area, and much more.

Keep Comfortable Year-round: DRV Luxury Suites Mobile Suites

DRV Luxury Suites mobile suites are spacious and comfortable cold-weather fifth-wheel trailers. They’re the best option for adventurers who are going to have a lot of people over. They have a great master bedroom that features a king-size bed with a spacious attached bathroom. Overall, they can easily sleep up to six people with space for more if you’re creative enough.

Moving onto some specifics, It has another small washroom without a shower area as well. Moreover, you are provided with a lot of space for storage use in cupboards, closets, under the bed, and external storage as well. 

This trailer is built with extreme temperatures in mind, which is why it features high-density and EcoBatt insulation partnered with the great temperature control system.

Who is the Mobile Suites 44 Nashville Best For? 

Mobile Suites 44 Nashville is a great option if you are looking for a lot of space for actually living full-time. It can hold a lot of your things for a long period without it ever getting in your way. This is mainly why we think it is perfect for you and your family. 

This cold wether fifth wheel trailer boasts a multitude of features, with the most famous being a great kitchen and internal heating system with external storage. It also boasts heavy-duty 17.5" Goodyear tires, commercial e-z Lube hubs, Kodiak automotive disc brakes, and one-touch auto-leveling. Other minor features that are a bonus are LED lighting, keyless entry door, great water system, solar prep, etc.

Best Cold Weather 5th Wheel Trailer for the Money: Forest River Arctic Wolf

The Arctic Wolf 3880SUITE is a great modern-styled fifth-wheel trailer. It has an amazing and spacious master bedroom with a king-size bed, multiple shelves, closet, dresser, and shoe storage. There's a bathroom with a decent-sized shower area, as well. And, the  bunk beds are great feature the kids especially would love.

It offers a great living space with heated theater seats and a fireplace. On cold winter nights, it is a great place where a lot of people can enjoy movies together. Storage is another thing that will never be an issue as you will get it inside and out. The pass-through storage is especially huge, even compared to other RVs in the industry.

It features a great functional kitchen where you can cook your delicious meals without the need to go out in the cold to get food.

Who is the Arctic Wolf 3880SUITE Best For? 

We think the 3880SUITE Forest River Arctic Wolf is best for families mainly due to the huge space you are provided, and especially because of the bunk beds, which we all know, the kids love. The living area is another thing which is great for families with children as you can spend time together there.

This cold weather fifth wheel trailer giant is jam-packed with amazing features and functionalities, from things like one-touch auto-leveling, motion-sensing lighting, pet safety technology to a huge amount of storage space. It also features an amazing 20-feet awning made of durable and strong material. Lastly, it has an outside shower with both cold and hot water.

Cold Weather 5th Wheel Trailer from Coachmen: Coachmen Chaparral

The 381RD fifth-wheel trailer features a bedroom with a queen-size bed, dryer, washer, wardrobe, and dresser. It also has a spacious bathroom, which has a good shower area with a decent-sized tub. 

If you want a home-cooked meal on a cold winter night, you can use the kitchen, which boasts all the essentials. These include a refrigerator , pantry, stove , and a residential pantry as well. The kitchen also boasts a lot of storage space in the cabinets.

As well as this, the 381RD has an incredible living area with two tri-fold sofas and a great theatre sofa. This means movie nights would be just as amazing as cinema viewing. All in all, this model has a lot of space for long trips, full-time living , and all your winter clothes & quilts.

Who is the 381RD Best For? 

The Coachmen Chaparral 381RD is a great cold-weather fifth-wheel trailer with so much more to offer than just a shelter from the cold. It's made for you to live and hang out as you would in your apartment suite. This is great to have family and friends over or even to invite other RV-ers you meet in RV parks. 

Popular features include a modern entertainment center prepped for 50”-55” TVs and a Thomas Payne theatre seating with heat, massage, LED lights, and cup holders. 

The RV also features energy-efficient LED interior lighting used throughout the vehicle, as well as AM/FM/CD/DVD player with Bluetooth. When talking about the exterior, users will be able to enjoy vacuum-bonded and aluminum-framed side walls as well as UV and corrosion resistant TPO roof.  

Honorable Mention: Northwood Fox Mountain

The Fox Mountain 235RLS has one bedroom with a 60”x80” bed and nightstands on both sides. The bedroom also features multiple wards, a separate shower, and a separate toilet. Moreover, the dinette turns into a sleeping area, increasing the sleeping capacity to six people.

This model also features a decent kitchen with all the essentials such as a refrigerator, microwave , stove, pantry, and plenty of countertop space etc. The aesthetics give it a feel of a small apartment with wooden accents. It even boasts a little overhead ceiling fan. 

The living area is also quite spacious and is quite customizable as well in terms of the arrangement. It has storage space available throughout the RV.

Who is Fox Mountain 235RLS Best For? 

This isn’t the most feature-packed model, but it is one of the most functional and comfortable trailers out there. It is a great little winter getaway for couples and even small families. It has space for up to six people and a cozy little living space to enjoy late-night movies. 

Some features that must be mentioned are one-piece, corona-treated continuous fiberglass, a cathedral-arched ceiling, and an Equa-Flex axle suspension system. There are a semi-automatic winterization/bypass system and a 13.5m BTU air conditioner with condensation-resistant ducting. 

Users can also enjoy contemporary interior styling with solid surface kitchen countertops and fabric shade (day/night) window treatments. 

Aspects to Consider Before Buying 

Buying a fifth wheel for the cold weather can never be an impulse buy. Just as you base your decision on whether the company offers the best features, you need to consider some crucial aspects as well. 

The main reason for investing in a  fifth wheel is so that it can be used in cold weather. So, you need to analyze the insulation of the models you’re considering. There are models specially designed to withstand the colder temperatures below freezing, snowy situations, and icy winds, owing to their excellent insulation system.

4 Season 5th Wheel vs Cold Weather 5th Wheel Trailer 

Four-season and cold weather fifth wheels are similar in many regards. Here are a few important aspects pertaining to both.

Both four-season and cold weather fifth wheel trailers are designed to offer superior insulation, and will help keep the warmth in and the cold out during the winter months.

RVs that are marketed as cold weather fifth wheels tend to have thin roofs to facilitate more radiation during a sunny day. On the other hand, four-season fifth wheels tend to have comparatively thicker roofs to avoid inconvenience during hot summer days. 

People Also Ask - Cold Weather 5th Wheel Trailers FAQs

Still got some unanswered questions when it comes to cold weather fifth wheel trailers? Fear not, here are some FAQs we regularly get...

What is the Arctic Package on a 5th Wheel?

Arctic package programs are designed to improve the thermal efficiency of RVs. They do so by enhancing the insulation systems installed in the RV. An arctic package involves the use of an R+heat shield radiant barrier coupled with mass insulation. 

What Are the Benefits of RV Skirting in Cold Weather?

RV skirting creates a little insulated space in the bottom of the RV to protect the parts present inside, including pipes and tanks, from freezing. It essentially seals off the underside from the outside temperature and creates its own little pocket of air insulation to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. The air inside can be warmed up, and it won’t dissipate. 

Do I Need an Insulated Underbelly?

The underbelly of your RV contains necessary parts and components that need to be protected. It is a big source of heat problem because it is exposed to the cold weather, and failure to protect it from the cold temperature can have detrimental impacts on the functioning of your RV. 

By insinuating the underbelly, you can significantly reduce the power needs of the vehicle. Furthermore, it will reduce the pressure on your heating system to maintain the air temperature. 

What Types of RV Windows Improve Thermal Efficiency?

Recreational vehicle dual pane windows improve the overall thermal efficiency of the RV. They are quieter, more comfortable, and also cleaner. 

How Much Wind Can a 5th Wheel Withstand?

RVs can successfully withstand winds under 53MPH. The figure is suited for an 18-foot travel trailer, so a fifth wheel can withstand even higher wind speeds.

How to Warm Hydraulics on a 5th Wheel in The Cold Weather

You can warm the hydraulics on a fifth wheel by insulating them. Insulation can be achieved by special insulated sleeves or insulation wires. 

Do You Need a Cold Weather Package on Fifth Wheel?

Cold weather packages are a good thing to have since they significantly impact your RV's thermal efficiency. So, you and your RV will be in a better position to tackle the colder climates. 

How Much Does it Cost to Get a 5th Wheel Cold Weather Package? 

You can create your own cold-weather package by adding whatever insulation products you feel are necessary. Generally, the package might cost you around $100 to $200. 

Should You Leave Your Outside Drains Open During Freezing Weather While Camping in a Fifth Wheel?

No, absolutely not. This can freeze the RV pipes, which can cause serious problems while camping. The outside portion of the drains should be wrapped with insulation material, like with foam wrapped in pipe insulation tape

Cold Weather 5th Wheel Trailers for Year-Round Travel 

So, there you have it: some of the best cold weather 5th wheel trailers and all the information you need to make aan informed decision.

Remember, not all RV types are designed for the extreme cold, and a 5th wheel is certainly best for this. Whichever one you go for, make sure it has plenty of storage space and boasts all the thermal walls, roof and underbelly necessary.

We hope that after going through this article, you’ll be able to make a more well-informed decision. And also, enjoy all future endeavors to the best of your RV’s capabilities. 

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Aurora Travel Trailers

The all-new Aurora has been designed to give customers a superior built trailer that comes packed with industry leading standard features to make your camping experience enjoyable and memorable. Our goal at Aurora is to provide the highest quality product with functional and distinctive features that will help you create memories that last a lifetime. Comfortability, usability, and quality were the core values when the Aurora was designed. We look forward to you joining the Aurora family!

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Specifications Definitions

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) – is the maximum permissible weight, including cargo, fluids, optional equipment and accessories that can be safely supported by a combination of all axles.

UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)* - is the typical weight of the unit as manufactured at the factory. It includes all weight at the unit’s axle(s) and tongue or pin and LP Gas. The UVW does not include cargo, fresh potable water, additional optional equipment or dealer installed accessories. *Estimated Average based on standard build optional equipment.

CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)** - is the amount of weight available for fresh potable water, cargo, additional optional equipment and accessories. CCC is equal to GVWR minus UVW. Available CCC should accommodate fresh potable water (8.3 lbs per gallon). Before filling the fresh water tank, empty the black and gray tanks to provide for more cargo capacity. **Estimated Average based on standard build optional equipment.

Each Forest River RV is weighed at the manufacturing facility prior to shipping. A label identifying the unloaded vehicle weight of the actual unit and the cargo carrying capacity is applied to every Forest River RV prior to leaving our facilities.

The load capacity of your unit is designated by weight, not by volume, so you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading your unit.

May Show Optional Features. Features and Options Subject to Change Without Notice.

2024 Aurora Features & Options

Aurora features & options.

• 15,000 BTU GE Ducted A/C
• Norco Electromagnetic, Powder Coated Chassis
• 6’9” Interior Height on Tandem Axles
• Screwed Cabinet Construction w/Pocket Bored Lumber Core Stiles
• 5/8” Tongue & Groove Flooring
• 5/8” Plywood Bed Base, Dinette Base, Backers in Walls, & Shower Base
• Drop Edge Thermofoil Seamless Countertops (No T-Mold)
• 6 Gal. Gas/Electric DSI Water Heater w/16 Gal. Per Hour Quick Recovery
• Full Length Frame E-Coated Outriggers
• 2’X3’ Floor Joists on Approximately 12” Centers w/Horizontal Support Studs
• 3/8” Fully Decked Walk-On Roof
• 5" Floor To Frame Steel Lag Bolts
• Darco Subfloor Protective Wrap
• Seamless Roof Membrane with 18 Year Warranty
• Water Heater By-Pass Winterization Kit
• 12V Demand Water Pump
• Self Adjusting Brakes
• Roto-Cast Holding Tanks
• 35,000 BTU Furnace with 2 yr. Warranty
• Smooth Aluminum Radius Front
• NEW Safe-T Rail Door Assist on Main Entry Door
• NEW Rear Ladder Prep
• Enclosed, Fully Sealed Underbelly
• Friction Hinge Door
• SolidStep Entrance Steps IPO Flip-Down Steps (Main Entrance Only)
• Universal Solar Prep w/Roof & Charge Controller Connections & Wiring
• Siphon 360 Roof Vent
• Standard Power Tongue Jack
• Magnetic Baggage Door Latches
• Upgraded JBL Elite Exterior Speakers
• Electric Awning with Multicolor Lights and Remote (16 Colors)
• Battery Disconnect
• Outside Hot/Cold Shower w/Hands Free Holder
• Black Tank Flush
• Aluminum Sport Wheels
• Nitrogen Filled Radial Tires
• Polished Aluminum Fender Skirts
• Leash Link D-Ring Hookup
• Exterior 110V G.F.C.I Protected Receptacle
• Exterior RG-6 Coax Cabling and Satellite Prep
• G20 Privacy Tinted Windows
• Two 20lb. LP Tanks w/ABS Bottle Cover
• Rear View Camera Prep
• Diamond Plate Rock Guard
• Rain Gutters with Drip Spouts
• LP Quick Connect with Camp Kitchen
• Camp Kitchen Griddle
• Full Size Exterior Camp Kitchen (32BDS & 34BHTS)
• Mini Camp Kitchen (24RBS, 28BHS, 26FKDS, 28FDS, 29QBS, & 31KDS)
• Bottle Opener(Exterior Camp Kitchens)
• Flush Mount Baggage Doors w/Radius Corners
• NEW SLS (Sit-Lounge-Sleep) Sofa with Interior Storage
• NEW Full GE Kitchen Suite
• NEW RV-LINK Wi-Fi/LTE Prep
• NEW Interior Décor
• NEW Stainless Steel Drying Rack
• Aurora One Control Monitor Panel w/LCI App
• 12V 2 Way Maxxair Vent Fan in Living Room w/Wall Remote
• Carpetless Unit w/Lino in Slide-Out
• JBL Entertainment Package
• 39" or 50" LED TV (Floorplan Dependent)
• GE Stainless 10.7 Cu. Ft. 12V Refrigerator
• GE Stainless 3 Burner Gas Range
• GE Stainless Microwave
• 12V USB in Kitchen
• Pull Down Kitchen Faucet
• ABS Tub/Shower Surround
• Skylight Above Tub/Shower
• Easy Access Booth Dinette Storage Doors
• LED Interior Lighting
• Bedroom USB Surface Mounts(2)
• USB Surface Mount Near Bunk Beds
• Decorative Fitted Bedsheet
• Deep Undermount Farm Style Sink
• Silverware Kitchen Drawer
• Shower/Coat Hooks
• Pedestal Thermofoil Dinette Table
• Black Night Shades
• Hard Valance Window Treatment w/ Decorative Lambrequins
• Marine Toilet with Foot Flush
• 12V Power Vent Fan in Bathroom
• Medicine Cabinet with Mirror
• Bathroom Mirror on Aurora Light
• Bunkroom Jackknife Sofa (29QBS, 32BDS, & 34BHTS)
• Solid Bunk Room Door
• Solid Master Bedroom Door
• Mirrored Wardrobes in Master Bedroom (N/A Bed Slide Models)
• Underbed Storage w/Separation from Outside Front Storage
• Teddy Bear Bunk Mats
• Washer/Dryer Prep (28FDS, 31KDS, 32RLTS, & 34BHTS)
• NEW Theater Seating (Standard in 28FDS & 32RLTS)
• 30A Controller w/200W Solar Panel
• 30" Built in Fireplace
• Free Standing Table w/4 Chairs
• 7 Cu. Ft. Gas/Electric Refrigerator
• 50 Amp Service w/2nd A/C Prep (N/A 24RBS & 28BHS)
• 50 Amp Service w/2nd 13.5A/C (N/A 24RBS & 28BHS)
• Ramp Door Patio Package (Toy Haulers)
• 2 Pushback Recliners (26ATH & 28ATH)
• Smoke Alarm
• LP/CO Gas Detector
• Fire Extinguisher
• Fire Escape Windows
• Entrance Door Window
• Dead-Bolt Lock on Entry Door

Aurora Light Features & Options

• 6'6" Interior Height on Single Axles
• 13,500 BTU GE Ducted A/C
• 5/8” Tongue & Groove Floor
• Seamless Roof Membrane with 18 yr. Warranty
• 35,000 BTU Furnace with 2 yr. Warranty on Tandem Axles
• 20,000 BTU Furnace with 2 yr. Warranty on Single Axles
• Rear Ladder Prep
• SolidStep Entrance Steps IPO Flip-Down Steps (N/A on X's)
• Battery Disconnect Switch
• Upgraded JBL Elite Exterior Speaker
• Heavy Duty Standard Tongue Jack
• Exterior 110V G.F.C.I Protected Receptacle (N/A Single Axles)
• Exterior RG-6 Coax Cabling and Satellite Prep (N/A Single Axles)
• Two 20lb. LP Tanks on Aurora Light Tandem Axles (1 on Single Axles)
• Spare Tire, Carrier, and Cover (Option on Single Axles, N/A 16BHX & 16RBX)
• RV-LINK Wi-Fi/LTE Prep
• Full GE Kitchen Suite
• GE Stainless 10.7 Cu. Ft. 12V Refrigerator (3.3 on X's)
• GE Stainless 3 Burner Gas Range on Tandem Axles
• GE Stainless 2 Burner Gas Range on Single Axles
• 12V Power Vent Fan Above Shower
• Easy Access Kickboard Storage Underneath Jiffy Sofa
• Matte Black Kitchen and Bathroom Faucets
• ABS Tub/Shower Surround (N/A on 16BHX & 16RBX)
• Jiffy Sofa w/Flip Down Cup Holder/Arm Rest
• Pedestal Thermofoil Dinette Table (FP Dependent)
• Black Nightshades in Living Room
• Bathroom Mirror
• Mirrored Wardrobes in Master Bedroom
• Snap Batton Ceiling IPO Nail Batton
• Spare Tire on Single Axles (N/A on 16BHX & 16RBX)
• All Terrain Tires and Lifted Frame (Offroad Package Option)

Aurora Sky Features & Options

• 15,000 BTU GE Ducted A/C. 13,500 BTU GE A/C on 180BHS
• 6'9" Interior Height on Tandem Axles
• 5/8" Tongue & Groove Flooring
• 5/8" Plywood Bed Base, Dinette Base, Backers in Walls, & Shower Base
• 2'X3' Floor Joists on Approximately 12" Centers w/Horizontal Support Studs
• 3/8" Fully Decked Walk-On Roof
• 12V Demand Water Pump Self Adjusting Brakes
• 35,000 BTU Furnace with 2 yr. Warranty (20K 180BHS)
• NEW Safe-T Rail Door Assist on Main Entry Door (N/A Single Axles)
• Enclosed, Fully Sealed Underbelly (N/A Single Axles)
• Standard Power Tongue Jack (N/A Single Axles)
• Outside Hot/Cold Shower w/Hands Free Holder (N/A Single Axles)
• Aluminum Sport Wheels (N/A Single Axles)
• Polished Aluminum Fender Skirts (N/A Single Axles)
• Two 20lb. LP Tanks w/ABS Bottle Cover (N/A Single Axles)
• Spare Tire (N/A Single Axles)
• Blackstone Griddle in Camp Kitchens
• Full Size Exterior Camp Kitchen (320BDS & 340BHTS)
• Mini Camp Kitchen (280BHS & 310KDS)
• Bottle Opener (Exterior Camp Kitchens)
• NEW SLS (Sit-Lounge-Sleep) Sofa with Interior Storage (N/A Single Axles)
• 12V 2 Way Maxxair Vent Fan in Living Room w/Wall Remote (N/A Single Axles)
• 39" or 50" LED TV (Floorplan Dependent) (N/A Single Axles)
• GE Stainless 3 Burner Gas Range (N/A Single Axles)
• Pull Down Kitchen Faucet (N/A Single Axles)
• Easy Access Booth Dinette Storage Doors (N/A Single Axles)
• Silverware Kitchen Drawer (N/A Single Axles)
• Bunkroom Jackknife Sofa (320BDS, & 340BHTS)
• Washer/Dryer Prep (310KDS & 340BHTS)
• NEW Theater Seating
• 50 Amp Service w/2nd A/C Prep
• 50 Amp Service w/2nd 13.5A/C

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Moscow in Winter: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

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Travelers who enjoy bundling up for a snowy climate will appreciate all that Moscow has to offer, come winter. This ornamental Russian city shows its vibrant cultural heritage when temperatures plummet and the snow starts falling on Red Square. Unlike other cities, whose residents scurry away to hibernate in December, the people of Moscow embrace their sub-zero climate in style. They don their furs and ushanka hats (traditional hats with earflaps) to peruse Christmas markets, dine out at restaurants, and attend the opera.

In winter, Moscow's scenery looks awe-inspiring under a dusting of snow. There's something undeniably charming about seeing historic sites like the colorful, tented rooftops of Saint Basil's Cathedral capped with a layer of icy frost. The food here is warm and comforting, and the cultural winter events are not to be missed. Plus, it's cheaper to visit Moscow during the winter and it's far less crowded with tourists.

Moscow is not where you go to get a suntan over the holidays. In fact, the Moscow winter is enough to chill any hearty tourist to the bone—but that's all part of the fun. The average high for December, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is 27 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 2.7 degrees Celsius); for January, it's 23 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 5 degrees Celsius); and for February, it's 26 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 3.3 degrees Celsius). Take these average temperatures with a grain of salt, however, as it certainly isn't abnormal for the air to dip into the teens.

The Moscow cold is often accompanied by generous amounts of ice and snow deposited by frequent winter storms. The city goes unfazed by these storms—cars still drive around and people in boots trod through the snowpack. You'll see thick icicles growing on roof overhangs, so be sure not to linger underneath them while you're out touring the area's magnificent cathedrals.

Lastly, don't be surprised if your flights in or out get canceled or delayed. This can be one of the drawbacks to traveling in the winter, in general.

What to Pack

Stuffing your suitcase with bulky (and heavy) winter clothing can be frustrating and expensive, which tends to deter Moscow winter travel altogether. A trip to the city between early December and late February requires enough accessories to cover the extremities: wooly hats, cold-weather socks, knit scarves, and a good pair of gloves. Also pack a coat that falls below the hips, weatherproof boots, and ski pants, if you have them. Remember, fashion is second only to avoiding hypothermia in this polar city.

The Moscow winter calendar is brimming with cultural events for travelers to attend each winter. Many events take place during the Christmas holiday; then, the city caps off the winter with a farewell festival, come February.

• The annual Russian Winter Festival , which spans an entire month starting mid-December, takes place in several locations throughout the city. Head to Izmailovo Park or Revolution Square to see everything from over-the-top ice sculptures to traditional dance performances. Watch the professional ice skaters and visit food trucks that serve traditional fare.
• Moscow's New Year’s Eve celebration is one of the city's biggest events of the year. Tens of thousands of people spend it in Kremlin—Moscow's central complex—watching the Kremlin tower strike midnight, while fireworks crack in the background. Others attend the Christmas tree light show at Red Square.
• Christmas in Russia falls on January 7, and the week between New Year’s Eve and Christmas Day is a time for Russians to relax. Families focus on spending time together at home, preparing traditional foods like ukha (fish soup) and sauerkraut. Tourists can use this uncrowded time wisely by seeking out the city's culinary gems. Make sure to check the hours of operations on restaurants, shops, and other businesses before visiting them during this week. While much of the city's businesses might be closed, you might get special treatment at the places that stay open.
• Maslenitsa , Russia’s farewell-to-winter festival, occurs in late February or early March. This pagan celebration is marked by games, contests, and cultural traditions. It’s held in the Red Square area every year and draws crowds of Muscovites and visitors alike.

Winter Travel Tips

• In order to obtain a Russian travel visa, you'll need to be invited by a relative or friend who is a citizen or a hosting tour company.
• Traveling to Moscow in the winter helps you avoid the summer crowds; however, flight delays due to weather are common. Plan an extra day on either end of your trip in case you get held up.
• If you plan to visit a Russian banya, a Slavic steam bathhouse, take note that most people bathe in the buff. However, most bathhouses are separated by sex.
• Plan alternating indoor and outdoor activities so that you don't get too cold. A visit to the Tretyakov Gallery, the State Armory Museum, or the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts provides a nice respite from the frigid temperatures.

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• The Moscow Kremlin: This is the best place known for the Kremlins (Russian citadels), a fortified complex in the center of Moscow. It includes five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosed Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. In addition, within the complex is the Grand Kremlin Palace, formerly the Russian emperor's residence in Moscow. The complex is now the official residence of the Russian president. It also features a museum with over three million visitors every year. It overlooks the Moskva River to the south, Saint Basil's Cathedral and Red Square to the east, and Alexander Garden to the west.
• Red Square: It is next to the Kremlin, which has an east wall, and the famous Pokrovski Cathedral (Cathedral of St Basil the Blessed), which is one of the most beautiful monuments of age-old Russian architecture built in 1555–1560, symbolizing the victory of Ivan the Terrible over the Kazan Khanate. It has magnificent domes apart from paintings inside and outside the cathedral. Red Square is one of the oldest and largest squares in Moscow, which is the site of official military parades and demonstrations intended to display the strength of Soviet armed forces.
• Baikal Lake: Lake Baikal is extensive and diverse so that everyone can put it on the itinerary for a perfect holiday here. From just sitting on its shore to hiking up Chersky Mountain, it offers leisure and adventure. The area surrounding Baikal is unique, and many of the flora and fauna exist only in this area. The lake is filled with rich marine life like Baikal Seals, 50 species of fish, 25 species of gobies, and over 320 bird species. This lake is protected under the Lake Baikal Coastal Protection Zone and is now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The State Tretyakov Gallery: It is an art gallery in Moscow, considered the foremost depository of Russian fine art in the world. It was built in 1856 when the Moscow merchant Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov acquired artworks by Russian artists to create a collection that might later grow into a national art museum.
• Sochi: Sochi is known as a city and resort area of Krasnodar Kray (territory), in the southwestern region of Russia. The city shares a border with the Black Sea coast at the foot of the western part of the main Caucasus Mountain range. The presence of mineral springs, beautiful coastal and mountain scenery, long beaches, and a pleasantly warm climate has made Sochi a large and popular holiday destination and a health resort for vacationers. Sochi has dozens of hotels, tourist centers, campsites, and over 50 sanatoriums. The streets of the city and gardens are filled with exotic subtropical trees and shrubs. 
• Lighthouse Egersheld: Established in 1876, Lighthouse Egersheld is one of the oldest lighthouses in Russia. It is located on an artificial stony spit from Tokarevsky Cape - the so-called Tokarevskaya Koshka. Tourists can visit the first one from the Tokarevsky Cape to the lighthouse by car. Another part of the spit, leaving into the sea, is called the "cat's tail,” which one can reach during the low tide. 
• Kenozersky National Park: About 550 miles from Moscow city, the Kenozersky National Park contains natural and cultural monuments. It is also a famous ecotourism destination. Several trails have been opened in the park. In addition, there are many wooden architectural monuments. The park is home to small, quaint villages, rugged hills, ancient wooden chapels, and serene lakes. It is encompassed by breathtaking taiga forest and huge wetlands that add to its charm. This attraction was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2004.
• The Golden Ring: The name ‘Golden Ring’ refers to an overland tourist route, a return loop from Moscow that became a popular journey among Muscovite travelers in the 60s. This is a perfect retreat to the medieval cities of Russia. It is nestled amidst green hills and floral meadows, with rambling country roads surrounded by forests, lakes, orchards, and wooden farmhouses. 
• Kizhi Island: It is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located amidst Lake Onega. The island is home to stunning wooden architectural marvels and shows brilliant traditional crafts. It also features the country’s oldest wooden church - the Church of the Resurrection, which dates to the 14th century.

Things to do in Russia

• Take a canal tour: This amazing tour begins from St. Petersburg Canal. You can discover the romantic network of canals within the city, built around the waters of the Neva River. Round-trip hotel transport is also provided at most of the hotels, and you can also sightsee multiple attractions on this tour. Summer is the best time when you can enjoy this tour on a boat.
• Go to the skiing valley: Skiing is one of the must-do activities on Mount Elbrus. You can ski at the Red Valley, a mini paradise for those who enjoy adventures. This famous valley of the Mzymta River offers calm scenery of high mountains and landscapes and incredible settings for presenting wonderful and thrilling skiing experiences. The steep slopes, high altitude, well-maintained pistes, fast and convenient lifts, and quality service make it full of challenges and thrills. So, if you are thirsty for an adventure, doing this activity in Russia is breathtaking.
• Explore Samara Embankment: It is a 5 km long well-paved walking path on the Volga River's left bank. One can enjoy a sunny day with family and friends in the summer. It begins from Lesnaya Street and Samara River Port, which provides great opportunities for clicking photos to get a fond memory of beautiful and classical structures as impressive backdrops. Relieve yourself from all the worldly stress and tension by taking a stroll, hopping on a boat cruise on the Volga, or enjoying the beach. 
• Visit Samara Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre: This is meant for those who enjoy music and dance. It is one of the largest music theaters presented in Russia, and it offers an insight into Russian culture through musical folklore. They have mind-boggling and fabulous decorations and impressive stages. Not just that. Fine actors/actresses, dazzling costumes, and great themes are all something you can use to entertain yourself in Russia.
• Go on a hiking trail: If you go to a mountainous region, witnessing sunsets or sunrises is a given. And many recreational activities are also offered on many hiking trails, including Mount Elbrus, Northern Urals and near the cliff on the banks of River Ballikal. 
• Surprise your tastebuds with Russian cuisine: One must try some lip-smacking and mouth-watering dishes while in Russia. These include Blini, Russian pancakes traditionally made round but thin and fresh to eat when hot. It is also called French crêpes, which are sweet and served with sour cream, salmon, caviar, or mushrooms. There’s also Beef Stroganoff, a delicacy that is a mixture of sautéed beef served in a delicious sauce with smetana (sour cream). You can also try other famous dishes like Okroshka and Pirozhki.
• Experience the vibrant nightlife: As the heat is defeated by the sun's setting, the night takes on Russia and people enjoy their time at clubs, casinos, and pubs. Drinking and dancing to trendy music is a popular activity. You can check out Moscow City Lights, Detalka Anticafe, Kot Shrodingera, and Einstein Lounge for some fun and good food.
• Head to The State Hermitage Museum: Featuring a whopping 3 million items in this collection, the Hermitage Museum is a must-visit tourist location in St. Petersburg. This museum is considered one of the most prestigious ones across the globe, and it is the best place to explore. These are the most loved and rare treasures many tourists see. Most of the bulk collection of this museum comes from the Winter Palace, a house for the Russian Rulers.
• Catch a show at Moscow Cat Theatre: The Moscow Cat Theatre is a world-famous feline-centric circus in which over 100 cat actors perform stunts who are well trained along with their human masters, and they perform various acts like balancing on a ball, walking a tightrope, etc. It was founded by the veteran Russian clown Yuri Kuklachev in the year 1990 to entertain Russians with something unusual and new. 
• Check out the psychedelic salt mines: There’s your typical salt mine and then there’s the psychedelic salt mine - a unique mine made hundreds of years ago. It lies below Yekaterinburg City, an abandoned Psychedelic Salt Mine replete with a natural wonder of colored patterned walls. It is the most captivating site and the beauty of the mine leaves you dazzled. This is one of the most fascinating things to explore in Russia. It contains layers of carnallite, creating swirls of colors on the tunnel walls, making technicolor masterpieces throughout the rocks. The color spectrum varies from yellow, white, and reddish to blue and even completely colorless. 
• Go ice skating at Gorky Park: This activity that most young generations enjoy is Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park, which is meant for ice skating. It is one of the most fun activities in Russia, and many tourists watch or experience it. In winter, half of it gets converted into one of the city's biggest skating rinks, where over 4000 visitors can enjoy a lifetime skating experience. You can glide over the ice with your skates, and it is one of the milkiest smooth ices among beautiful surroundings, illuminated paths, lovely crowds, and melodic music.

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Hundreds wait in the cold for Nutcracker tickets at Moscow's fabled Bolshoi Theater

Charles Maynes

In Russia, ballet fans brave sub-zero temperatures for a chance to see The Nutcracker at Moscow's famed Bolshoi Theatre.

ARI SHAPIRO, HOST:

In his recent year and address to the nation, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for patience with the war in Ukraine, saying the country would meet its goals. But in Moscow, the war can often seem far away, and NPR's Charles Maynes found Russians determined to show patience of another kind.

CHARLES MAYNES, BYLINE: Ultimately, you can blame it on math. Seventeen hundred - that's how many people fit in Moscow's fabled Bolshoi Theater.

(SOUNDBITE OF BOLSHOI THEATRE ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE OF TCHAIKOVSKY'S "THE NUTCRACKER SUITE, OP.71A: NO 2A, MARCH OF THE TOY SOLDIERS")

MAYNES: Yet there are just 22 holiday performances of "The Nutcracker," the beloved 19th-century ballet by Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, heard here in a Bolshoi performance from 2014 - so 1,700 seats, 22 performances, which leaves around 37,000 "Nutcracker" tickets for a city of some 12 million, meaning at the Bolshoi, as in life, there are winners but more often losers. Outside the theater, hundreds of Russians brave subzero temperatures deep into the night in hopes of securing their golden ticket.

ANDREI: (Speaking Russian).

MAYNES: "We've been standing here for a long time, since 9 this morning," says Andrei, a Moscow university student who, like everyone in this story, agreed to speak on the condition his last name not appear in the American media. "But we'll stay until the end," he adds, "because 'The Nutcracker' is worth it."

RAIA: (Speaking Russian).

MAYNES: "It's such a beautiful ballet. I just wanted a chance to see it in my old age," says Raia, a retired cleaner who has lived in Moscow most of her life but never been to a "Nutcracker" production. And this gets to another issue. The Bolshoi sells only 400 "Nutcracker" tickets per day. To get them, you have to stand in line. Most people I spoke with were on their second try after a melee broke out the night before.

ZHENYA: (Speaking Russian).

MAYNES: "They opened the gates, and the crowd just shoved us out of the way," says Zhenya, a mother of two who works in the aviation industry. "If people were more cultured, they would have seen that pensioners and others have been waiting all day long," she adds. "Unfortunately, that's not the society we live in." On this night, riot police were on hand, but they mostly sat warm in their bus, the engine kicking acrid fumes over the same crowd police were, in theory, there to protect. If all of this - ballet, beauty, suffering and scarcity - sound like Russian tropes, well, here's another.

MAYNES: Corruption.

MAYNES: "What - you really think someone's not making money off of all of this," says Zhenya, glancing towards the front of the line.

BEK: (Speaking Russian).

MAYNES: "I'm supposed to stand here for 10 hours," admitted Bek, one of several migrant workers from Central Asia I met at the head of the queue.

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: (Speaking Russian).

MAYNES: "He's a hired gun," said one of his friends as he and Bek gave a smile. In fact, people kept telling me all the ways a small fortune can be made for those looking to sell a spot in line. Russia, of course, is at war and under heavy Western sanctions because of it. But no one seemed to want to talk about Ukraine and maybe with good reason. These days, the wrong opinion can easily land you in jail. Still, the conflict was there, lurking just off-stage.

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: (Speaking Russian).

MAYNES: As I joked that an endless line felt like something out of the USSR, Raia, the retired pensioner, told me she really did have nostalgia for the Soviet days.

MAYNES: "Honestly, things were so much calmer then. Today, there's that little war."

MAYNES: Her voice trailing off.

MAYNES: Andrei, the university student, told me that during hard times, Russians gravitated towards art. "To stand in line and talk to people, to listen to music and watch ballet - it brings me joy," he said. Meanwhile, Zhenya, the aviation worker, said if there was ever a time to see "The Nutcracker," it was now, with Russia cut off from Europe and travel to other destinations astronomically expensive.

MAYNES: "You can't go anywhere these days," she says. And so with New Year's just around the corner, she returns to the line, hoping for a different kind of ticket to better times. Charles Maynes, NPR News, Moscow.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

Copyright © 2023 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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