Keeping your RV warm in winter is essential — especially in Pennsylvania, where temperatures can dip into the teens, winds sweep across open roads, and nights feel even colder in the mountains. Many RVers quickly learn that relying only on propane heat is expensive and inefficient. Furnaces are powerful, but they burn through fuel fast, leaving many winter travelers looking for better, cheaper ways to stay warm.
The good news? There are plenty of ways to heat your RV efficiently without draining your propane tanks. With the right blend of insulation, smart heating tools, and simple daily habits, you can stay warm and comfortable all winter long — whether you’re camping overnight or living full-time in your rig.
If you’re staying at Pittsburgh Roaring Run RV Resort or exploring other cold-weather destinations in Pennsylvania, this guide will help you set up a warm, energy-smart RV this winter.
Start With Insulation: The Key to Using Less Heat
Before turning on any heat source, the first step is to trap the warmth inside. An RV loses heat much faster than a house, especially through windows, vents, underbellies, and slide-outs. Insulation dramatically reduces how much energy you need to stay warm.
Use Reflective Window Insulation
Reflectix or thermal window film is one of the easiest ways to stop heat loss. It fits tightly into window frames and reflects the warmth back into the RV.
Add Thermal Curtains or Heavy Drapes
Insulated curtains help block drafts and prevent cold air from seeping through window seals.
Insulate Vents and Skylights
These are major heat-loss points. Foam vent covers keep warm air from escaping upward.
Use Rugs to Warm the Floor
Laminated RV floors get cold fast. Adding rugs reduces heat loss and makes your space feel cozier.
Warm the RV From Below With Skirting
Much of the heat in your RV escapes through the floor. RV skirting is one of the best ways to keep your interior warm while using far less propane.
Benefits of skirting include better temperature control, reduced heat loss, warmer flooring, and lower energy consumption.
Types of skirting include foam board, vinyl skirting kits, and inflatable skirting — all effective in Western Pennsylvania’s winter temperatures.
Make Use of Electric Heat to Reduce Propane Use
Electric heaters are the RV winter traveler’s secret weapon. They use campground electricity (instead of your propane), and many RV parks — including Roaring Run — offer metered or unlimited electric hookups, making electric heat a cost-effective option.
Oil-Filled Radiator Heaters
These are quiet, safe, and provide steady heat. They warm the RV evenly and don’t blow dust or dry out the air.
Ceramic Space Heaters
Compact and efficient, ceramic heaters warm small spaces very quickly. Choose models with automatic shut-off for safety.
Infrared Heaters
Infrared heat warms objects instead of air, making it perfect for tiny living spaces like RVs.
Electric Fireplace Space Heaters
These add heat and ambiance — perfect for cozy winter evenings inside your RV.
Using two electric heaters on low settings often keeps the RV warm enough that the propane furnace runs much less frequently.
Let Your Furnace Work Smarter, Not Harder
You don’t need to eliminate propane furnace use — you just need to reduce how often it runs.
The furnace is essential because it heats the RV’s underbelly and plumbing system, preventing pipes from freezing. But you can optimize how it runs with a few smart strategies.
Lower the Thermostat at Night
Even a two-degree drop saves significant propane.
Use Furnace Heat Strategically
Run it during the coldest part of the night or early morning, then rely on electric heaters during the day.
Clean or Replace Furnace Filters
A dirty furnace filter makes the system work harder and burn more fuel.
Close Off Unused Areas
If your RV layout allows, close doors to bedrooms or areas not being used to heat a smaller space.
Heat the Underbelly and Tanks Efficiently
Preventing frozen tanks and pipes doesn’t always require running the furnace constantly. There are more efficient solutions.
Tank Heating Pads
Heating pads on the fresh, gray, and black tanks are energy-efficient and protect from deep freezes.
Heated Wet Bay
A small electric heater with a thermostat can keep plumbing warm without propane usage.
Foam Board Under the RV
Extra insulation on the ground below the RV helps retain warmth.
If you’re new to cold-weather RVing, check out our Winter RV Packing Checklist for must-have supplies.
Circulate Warm Air With Fans
Warm air rises, and in an RV, that means the ceiling might stay toasty while the floor stays cold. A small fan helps push heat downward and improve warmth throughout the RV.
Use a small desk fan
Point it upward or at an angle to push warm air toward the floor.
Run ceiling fans on “reverse”
Many ceiling fans have a winter mode that circulates warm air downward.
Take Advantage of Natural Heat Sources
Sunlight can warm your RV significantly, even in winter.
Park With Windows Toward the Sun
If your site allows, angle your RV so the largest windows face south.
Open Curtains During the Day
Capture the warmth naturally.
Close Curtains at Night
Seal in the day’s heat by closing curtains when temperatures drop.
Cook More Hot Meals
Using the oven or stove adds heat to your RV naturally. Winter favorites like soups, stews, baked meals, and warm drinks make your RV feel cozy and help raise the indoor temperature.
Use Dehumidifiers to Stay Warm
Moist air feels colder. Reducing moisture helps your RV maintain warmth more efficiently.
Small dehumidifiers or moisture-absorbing containers keep humidity low and prevent condensation inside windows and cabinets.
Seal Drafts Around Doors, Slides & Seams
Cold air creeps in through RV slide-outs, door frames, and tiny gaps.
Use weatherstripping, foam tape, or slide-out seals to block drafts and keep warm air inside.
Enjoy Warm, Efficient RV Living All Winter
Heating your RV efficiently isn’t about using one method — it’s about combining insulation, electric heat, smart furnace use, and good daily habits. With the right setup, you can enjoy a warm, cozy RV without draining your propane tanks or worrying about freezing.
Winter RV living becomes much more comfortable when you understand how to control your heat and energy use.
For more tips on staying warm during the coldest months, check out our RV Living in Winter Guide.
Stay Warm at Pittsburgh Roaring Run RV Resort
If you’re looking for a winter home base, Pittsburgh Roaring Run RV Resort offers full hookups, plowed roads, winter utilities, and a peaceful, scenic environment.
You’ll enjoy the comfort of a warm, well-prepared RV — with easy access to winter trails, scenic drives, and small towns across Western Pennsylvania.
Warm up, settle in, and make this winter your coziest RV season yet.
