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When you plan on winter camping, you do everything you can to prepare for the sub-freezing temperatures. You might buy a heated water hose, install Reflectix on your windows, and invest in RV skirting if you remain stationary.
But what happens if the campground where you’re staying says your preparations aren’t allowed?
This is exactly what happened to a Facebook user. The campground informed her that she must take down her RV skirting. So instead of preparing for the upcoming cold weather, she had to fret about how to protect her home.
Let’s find out what happened.
RVer in Cold Temperatures Turns to Facebook for Help
In January, a full-time RVer put up her EZ snap covering around the bottom of her RV to stay warm during the upcoming frigid temperatures in Georgia.
She soon received a text message from the campground informing her that this wasn’t allowed and she had to remove the covering. The text explained, “You cannot cover the bottom of your camper” due to Georgia state regulations.
The Facebook post received over 240 comments from other full-time RVers. Some of the commenters expressed disdain for such a rule, while others explained that campgrounds have their own rules.
The biggest concern came down to how to protect the underneath of the RV when the temperatures were dipping under freezing for consecutive nights.
What Is RV Skirting?
The EZ snap covering used in this case is an example of RV skirting. This preparation is really important to protect the underneath of RVs from damage during the winter.
Even with enclosed underbellies, RVers can benefit from the added protection of RV skirting to prevent pipes from freezing when temperatures remain in the teens and 20s.
RV skirting keeps freezing air and wind from circulating under the RV. This protective barrier is made of all types of materials but must completely enclose the RV to be effective.
Read More: Are you considering RV skirting for your rig? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About RV Skirting
Is RV Skirting Allowed in Georgia?
The commenters on the Facebook post couldn’t find a specific law against RV skirting. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t one. We found that, according to the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, “… skirting shall be installed in accordance with the skirting manufacturer’s instructions.” This seems to say that it’s allowed rather than prohibited.
We also read that you can use skirting under manufactured and motorhomes as long as it’s ventilated properly and has access panels.
However, because each county and even individual cities can have their own regulations, these rules can get muddy.
Always do your research, and call ahead to find out if the campground allows RV skirting.
At the End of the Day, the Campground Can Enforce Their Own Rules
Unfortunately, no matter how much this Facebook user didn’t agree with the rule and wanted to push back, the campground has the final say.
Owners of apartment buildings or rental housing have certain laws by which they must abide. But campgrounds don’t have to follow those same regulations. If the campground doesn’t want RV skirting, they can deny it.
One commenter explained, “It’s a private campground, and they can have whatever rules they want. They probably don’t want it to look like people live there. So whether it’s a law, ordinance, or not, unfortunately, you have to follow their rules or find another place to stay.”
Thus, you should always follow the campground rules to avoid any problems.
Can You Camp in Freezing Temperatures?
Winter camping is possible, although most people avoid it because it’s not particularly fun.
It requires a great deal of preparation to protect your RV from damage. RV skirting can protect the plumbing and systems of a rig.
Many people go winter camping in Georgia because temperatures don’t usually fall below freezing. But this particular winter season saw Arctic air reach as far south as Florida, causing full-time RVers to invest in RV skirting and other means to prevent damage.
Ways to Keep Your RV Warm in Winter
Besides RV skirting, we have several other tips to keep your RV warm in winter. These apply to all types of RVers and not just full-time travelers.
In fact, RV skirting works best for those who remain stationary. Travelers moving every week or two or just venturing out for a weekend camping trip probably shouldn’t use RV skirting because of the hassle of taking it off and putting it on.
So here are more ways to keep things toasty in your RV.
Install Reflectix on Windows
Reflectix is a common solution to help insulate RV windows. You can cut this easy-to-use material to fit all of your windows. Reflectix helps keep your RV warm by reflecting heat into your camper during the winter.
Keep in Mind: Winter camping is certainly possible, but you won’t want to camp at any of these States in the Winter
- Inhibits or eliminates condensation
- Nontoxic/no carcinogenic
Use Portable Heaters
Next, portable heaters can help keep individual rooms warm while not running your RV furnace. However, you must run the furnace when the temperatures dip below freezing to keep warm air flowing through the underbelly.
But you don’t have to run the furnace during the day if the temperature gets above freezing. Portable heaters can supplement your warmth and save fuel.
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Wrap Pipes in Heat Tape
If you don’t want to invest in a heated hose, you can buy a roll of heat tape and wrap your pipes in it. The added heat provided by the heat tape keeps your water hose from freezing.
If your hose freezes, it could possibly burst or crack, meaning you’ll need a replacement.
- Heat Tape perfect for protecting sensitive printed circuit board (PCB) components such as gold fingers when wave...
- Heat Resistant Tape extensive use as heat tape for transformer, motor, coil, capacitor and frequency conversion power...
Re-Caulk Windows
Warm air will escape through every crack in your RV. By re-caulking your windows, you’ll retain the warm air that your RV furnace and portable heaters produce.
Plus, you’ll ensure that you keep out any freezing rain or snow that may accumulate.
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Put Down Area Rugs
Just like in a house, area rugs bring warmth to a room. In addition to making your room look complete, they keep your feet off the cold floor.
An area rug can help insulate your floor, just like Reflectix does with your windows.
Use An Electric Blanket
Finally, don’t hesitate to use an electric blanket to stay warm. Whether on the couch watching a movie or laying in bed reading a book, an electric blanket will keep you cozy even if it’s 25 degrees outside.
You can also turn it on to warm the bed before retiring for the night, so you don’t have cold sheets.
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Know the Local Regulations for RV Skirting
Whether you travel down the road or cross country, it’s important to know the local regulations. And it’s not just for the winter season.
Although this Facebook user was unaware of the RV skirting rule, other RVers get kicked out of campgrounds, fined, or asked to remove items because they were unaware of the rules.
Whether hanging hammocks from the trees or putting out a dog pen, you must remain aware of all the nuanced regulations.
So wherever you travel, read the campground rules and know the local ordinances that may affect your camping experience.
Have you ever discovered that you violated a rule when staying at a campground?
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I’m sure it has to do with property taxes.
If you put up skirting up it makes it a permanent residence instead of a temporary one even though it has nothing to do with the structure of the building.
Could she had just got some Bales of hay or straw and stuck them up around the perimeter?
Sure, parks should be allowed to set rules. They should also be sued when your pipes burst because you weren’t informed you couldn’t have skirting before arrival and the temperature dropped too low. The article points out that Georgia DOES NOT have such a law in place, so unless local regulations forbid it, this is a lie and really upsetting. I would talk to the owners and ask what they suggest to keep your rig from being damaged. Or if they will offer a refund of all your remaining time so that you can move to a place that allows you to protect your rig. It’s a stupid rule. The longer I’m on the road, the more I want to ditch RV parks altogether. I would if I could, but current circumstances aren’t allowing me to. At least I’ve found a rare gem to stay in, for now.
Well, since they deny skirting then just run water to keep pipes from freezing. If you are there for a few days use THEIR electricity to keep things warm and THEIR water running to keep pipes from freezing.