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If you missed Monday’s livestream, you missed a hopping chat! We had a fantastic turnout and a great conversation about extending your camping season into the colder months.
Whether you are looking to brave the snow for the first time or just want to squeeze in a few more trips before winterizing, there is a lot to consider when the temperatures drop. While winter camping in a teardrop trailer (like the nuCamp TAB) is incredibly rewarding, it comes with its own set of challenges.
In this week’s TAB Talk Live, we tackled the five most common “problems” people face when camping in the cold—and exactly how to solve them.
Watch the full replay here:
If you don’t have time to watch the whole hour right now, here is a recap of the top tips and solutions we discussed to help you master shoulder season camping.
1. How do I prevent frozen pipes in my camper?
The most common question I get is: “It’s going to dip below freezing overnight—do I need to winterize?”
The short answer is that anytime you are below 32°F, there is a risk to your RV plumbing. However, many of us successfully camp in freezing temps by taking a few precautions:
- Disconnect your city water hose: This is usually the first thing to freeze! Disconnect it and use your onboard fresh water tank instead.
- The “Towel Hack”: Stuff a towel into the Nautilus compartment (or your wet bay) to insulate it from cold drafts.
- Use Tank Heaters: If you have the nuCamp Black Canyon package (or aftermarket pads), turn those tank heaters on—they are a lifesaver.
2. Staying warm inside a Teardrop Camper
People worry about being cold, but honestly, the Alde heating system in the TAB is a champion. I often keep my thermostat set to 59°F at night and let it warm up before I get out of bed.
- Pro Tip: If you are on shore power, prioritize the “Electric” setting on the Alde to save propane. However, don’t be afraid to use both the “Gas” and shore power settings for a quicker heat-up when you first arrive. If you set the Alde to prioritize shore power, it will turn off the gas when the camper is warmed up.
- Backup Plan: Always have a zero-degree sleeping bag or heavy blankets on hand, just in case of a power outage or system failure.
3. Tips for winter camping with dogs
If you are cold, they are cold! My dog, Rocky, gets older every year, and the snow can be tough on his joints and paws. I rely on a few key pieces of gear to keep him happy, including a “slush suit” to prevent ice balls from forming on his fur and booties to protect his paws from ice and salt.
4. Navigating winter roads and campsite traction
Winter weather in the mountains or out West can be incredibly unpredictable. “Weather holes” in radar apps are real, and forecasts can change in an instant.
- For You: I highly recommend getting a pair of Yaktrax or micro-spikes for your boots. Slipping on icy campground pads is a quick way to ruin a trip.
- For Your Rig: Always carry a shovel and have a plan for traction (like kitty litter or traction boards) if your tow vehicle gets stuck in the snow.
5. How to stop condensation in an RV
When you crank the heat in a small space like a teardrop trailer, condensation is inevitable—unless you ventilate.
It seems counterintuitive to open a window when it is freezing outside, but you must crack a vent or window to let moisture escape. Even setting your window latches to the “vent” position is enough to create airflow and keep your walls dry.
Bonus: 3 Quick RV Winterizing Tips
Speaking of winter prep, if you are ready to pack it in for the season, I recently shared a YouTube Short with three quick RV winterizing tips.
My favorite tip? If you struggle to siphon antifreeze into your system, try flipping the sediment screen on your water inlet. It opens the check valve and makes the process so much smoother!
Watch the 60-second tip video here:
Are you planning to camp this winter? Let me know in the comments below, or head over to the YouTube channel to join the discussion!