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The Best Cold Weather RVs for Extreme Cold

Published on November 19th, 2017 by Nicole Malczan
This post was updated on February 26th, 2021

extreme cold RVs
Winter camping is comfy in true 4-season RVs. (Image: LiveWorkDream.com)

Most RVs are not true “four season” rigs. But the best cold weather RVs for extreme temperatures can keep you toasty warm in a freezing climate. They’re able to do that thanks to an arctic package of cold weather RV accessories. Usually obtained by the RV manufacturer, it includes extra insulation and heating components for your comfort and systems safety.

If your RV doesn’t have an arctic package package, consider renting one that does. RVShare can help you find four season RVs to rent in your local area.

The Top 10 Best Cold Weather RVs for Extreme Winter Camping

The truth about cold weather RVs is that only a select few manufacturers make these winter campers. Their four season RVs can brave below-freezing temperatures, icy winds, and snowy conditions. If you’re the type of hearty traveler who doesn’t mind inconveniently cold weather, this list of the best cold weather RVs is a must read when you’re shopping for one.

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10. Windjammer 3008W Travel Trailer

Travel trailers are ideal for beginners and experienced RVers alike. The Windjammer 3008W Travel Trailer does not disappoint. With enough room for up to five campers, you can winter camp with friends and family too.

Like most extreme cold RVs, the Windjammer isn’t light. It has a 7,482-pound ship weight and an 897-pound hitch weight. But the extra pounds are there to keep you toasty. The winter camping features include:

  • Insulation across the whole trailer
  • Electronically-controlled heated holding tanks
  • Thermo-pane window upgrades
  • Heated mattress in the master bedroom area
  • Fireplace upgrade
  • Floor-ducted furnace
  • Vent cover and Maxxaire ventilation fan
  • 45-gallon black tank
  • 75-gallon grey tank
  • 45-gallon fresh water tank

Other notable features include:

  • Two slide outs
  • Master bedroom with wardrobe
  • Bed and bath linen closet
  • 44-inch dinette space
  • Oven with microwave hookups
  • Gas grill connector
  • Outdoor awning
  • Master bedroom with a 60×10 bed

Pros: This extreme cold RV has tons of great features. Don’t let the boring exterior fool you. If you love towables and four season camping, the Windjammer might be your new favorite.

Cons: Like most four season RVs, it’s one heavy trailer. It’s also quite long. Less experienced drivers may find it challenging to maneuver.

9. Jayco Redhawk 26XD Motorhome

Newer Jayco trailers like the Jayco Redhawk 26xD are some of the most beautiful around. The Redhawk model has five floor plans to choose from. All include a Ford chassis, an eight cubic-foot refrigerator, a 13-foot awning, and a walk-around queen bed. And there’s plenty of space for more, including:

  • A spacious linen closet
  • Full bathroom, including a shower, toilet, and sink
  • Galley that features a microwave, spacious kitchen countertop, ample shelving and a large sink.
  • Two-seater sofa
  • Large television

As for extreme cold weather RV features, between the 55-gallon fuel tank, six-gallon water heater, and 30-BTU auto-ignition furnace, you’ll feel toasty any time you camp in this gorgeous RV. With generous sleeping room for eight passengers, you’ll want to camp with friends or family whenever you get the chance.

Pros: What’s not to love? The Redhawk is like living in a comfortable mini apartment that goes where you do.

Cons: New Jayco Redhawk models cost $100,000 and up. If money is tight, you’ll have to go with an older model, which may not have as many luxury features.

8. Lance 4-Seasons Travel Trailer 

Lance travel trailer buyers can purchase the 4-seasons option for hard core winter camping. Certified for warm-weather and cold weather RVing, a Lance 4 Seasons Travel Trailer is an awesome choice for wintertime journeys.

  • Insulated hatch covers, which can be snapped on or off depending on how cold it is outside. The covers help prevent cold air from invading your RV, keeping you and your passengers comfy and happy.
  • Azdel insulation, which replaces wood. This thermoplastic composite insulation stops the mildew, mold, and rot that often develops when wood is exposed to wet and wintry conditions for too long. Not only that, but this insulation adds soundproofing, too!
  • A water heater bypass, which is winterized for cold-weather use.
  • A ducted heating system made by Lance manufacturers themselves. This has hold tanks that can direct flow to the whole vehicle so each room is adequately and equally warmed.
  • Dual pane insulated tinted windows that also have soundproofing qualities.

Pros: With so much insulation, you don’t have to worry about being cold ever again if you’re driving a Lance RV. The soundproofing is just icing on the cake.

Cons: None. Lance’s 4 Seasons package is also available for toy trailers and truck campers, giving you lots of versatility.

7. Forest River Arctic Wolf

With six floor plan options, the Arctic Wolf from Forest River fits the needs of most RV enthusiasts. The biggest model weighs more than 10,000 pounds, with a hitch weight of 1,452 pounds at most. These vehicles also have a max width of 35 feet and a max height of 11 feet.

Moving on to the features, you can either choose the Arctic Package of the Extreme Weather Package for your wintertime adventures. Let’s unpack them both.

Arctic Package

  • Upper bunk windows
  • Solar wiring and prep
  • A pullout kitchen faucet
  • Capabilities for an outside TV bracket and outside shower
  • A home entertainment system
  • Friction hinge entry doors
  • Dinette drawers

Extreme Weather Package

  • Upgraded arctic insulation
  • Racetrack ducted air conditioning
  • A Quick Cool Fantastic Fan
  • Insulated upper decking
  • A high-circulation ceiling fan
  • An enclosed and heated underbelly
  • Enhanced fiberglass high-gloss sidewalls
  • A furnace that can run at 35,000 BTUs

Pros: The Extreme Weather Package definitely makes the Forest River Arctic Wolf worth owning. You’ll be completely insulated and comfortable no matter how freezing cold it is outside.

Cons: The hefty weight of this vehicle may make it a challenge for some beginner RV drivers, especially when making turns, parking, and other tough maneuvers.

6. Jayco 327CKTS Eagle Fifth Wheel

Another great Jayco cold weather RV is the 327CKTS Eagle, which I’ll call Eagle for short. The latest model, new for 2018, includes a 21-cubic foot refrigerator, a 60”x80” queen bed, walk-in closets with shelving, a washer and dryer, and a TV chest.

You’ll also get a 19-foot outdoor awning, a full bathroom (with a shower, toilet, sink, and linen closet), steps, a kitchen hutch with a second sink and closet space, an L-shaped sofa, and extra recliners.

Want more? You can choose from interior décor packages that will make this RV feel just like home. There are also these optional features:

  • Dual pane frameless tinted safety glass windows
  • The Dry Camping Package, which adds extra LP capacity and storage
  • The Sani-con Turbo Waste Management System
  • The Girard Gen3 Tankless Water Heater, which includes a digital thermostat
  • A second power awning

Pros: As mentioned above, the Jayco brand is especially well-known for its four-season options. The luxury additions in the 2018 Eagle take RV living to another level. Like some of the other RVs on this list, you’ll be so comfortable you might want to stay on the road forever.

Cons: Unless you shell out several thousand dollars for the new Eagle, the above features may not be included.

5. Heartland Bighorn Fifth Wheels

This won’t be the first Heartland RV featured on this list, and for good reason. This is one of the top manufacturers of all-weather vehicles, and the Bighorn lives up to the hype. This camper trailer has nearly a dozen floorplans (yes, you read that right), so no matter your budget or space limitations, you should be able to find a Bighorn that fits your needs.

The sizing of these varies, with the biggest more than 14,000 pounds (dry weight), a hitch weight of nearly 3,000 pounds, and a length of nearly 45 feet.

Most floorplans include the following toasty features:

  • An insulated in-roof A/C duct system
  • A furnace that runs at 42,000 BTUs
  • A below-floor heating duct that’s a single piece
  • R-14 upper deck flooring insulation values, R-38 main flooring and radiant insulation values, R-34 roofing insulation values, and R-11 wall insulation values
  • An insulated, heated underbelly

With Plumb-PLEX water lines, you’ll enjoy a bathroom just like back at home. The laminated flooring, fiberglass walls, and tinted dark windows make this vehicle look sleek. Sleep better in the cozy bedroom with a pull-out storage drawer, headboard, extra storage shelves, bedroom ceiling lights, memory foam mattress and king-sized bed, and a built-in closet.

Pros: The above are just the tip of the iceberg. The level of detail and craftsmanship that Heartland put into the Bighorn is astounding. Also, the number of floor plans available will impress any RV lover.

Cons: There’s practically no way to go wrong with the Heartland Bighorn.

4. Keystone Raptor Fifth Wheel

Yet another camper trailer of note is the Keystone Raptor fifth wheel. All the same features you expect from the Keystone brand, such as a fantastic arctic package, are here. You also get some extras.

For instance, there are eight floor plans of the Raptor to choose from. You’ll get the same rooms, like the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, as well as handy storage space, but each is arranged somewhat differently.

The MaxFlo zone-controlled air conditioner runs at 15,000 BTUs and is one of the standout cold-weather features.

Pros: If you want a Keystone camper trailer, the Raptor is a reliable choice. With many floor plans available and plenty of heating features, you’ll spend more time out driving in the winter than ever before.

Cons: None. This is one beloved cold-weather RV option.

3. Heartland LM Arlington

The Heartland LM Arlington comes equipped with the Yeti Extreme Cold Weather Package, one of the most popular arctic packages out there. Of course, this feature is optional, but it’s not one you’re going to want to skip.

Not only that, but with home and away packages, your vehicle will be in stellar shape no matter how often you drive it. Here are some of the features that come standard with the core package:

  • A power tilt bed as well as bedroom reading lights
  • A stainless-steel oven, high-rise coffee table, and lockable safe
  • A backlit tile backsplash
  • Soft tables
  • USB ports, an 80-amp convertor, and a 1,000-watt invertor with surge protectors
  • A multi-plex lighting system

You can also add fun perks like a 40-inch exterior TV, Alumi-Guard awnings, slide room awnings, an included dishwasher, and a bathroom fan.

With a dry weight of 15,170 pounds, a hitch weight of 3,100 pounds, and a carry capacity of 2,780 pounds, this isn’t the lightest vehicle on the list. The Heartland also has an eight-foot width and a height of more than 13 feet.

Pros: The inclusion of the Yeti Extreme Cold Weather Package with the Heartland LM Arlington is by far the biggest benefit compared to the other RVs on this list. When it comes to four-season RVs, the Heartland’s Yeti package comes up again and again. It’s undoubtedly one of the best arctic packages available.

Cons: The Yeti Extreme Cold Weather Package is not included with a Heartland LM Arlington. You will have to pay extra for it, so that might make it an expensive investment.

2. Northwood Arctic Fox RVs

Few cold weather campers are as beloved as the Arctic Fox from Northwood. That’s with good reason, too: this baby is loaded with features. Let’s delve into some, shall we?

  • USB and 12-volt chargers in the bedroom, which also includes a TruRest queen mattress and bedspread as well as carpeting
  • A full tub with a retractable, hide-away shower screen enclosure and a bath skylight
  • A foot-pedal porcelain toilet
  • Fan vents in the bedroom
  • Skylights with shade in the kitchen, as well as a 10-cubic foot extra-large fridge with multiple raised panels
  • An included microwave with a range cover
  • A booth dinette and a jackknife sofa, complete with decorative throw pillows
  • A digital thermostat and second charge wizard
  • Carbon monoxide, liquefied petroleum gas, and smoke detectors
  • A 19-inch LED TV with an included DVD/CD player with Bluetooth capabilities
  • Roller bearing drawer glides
  • 15-inch aluminum wheels with included shocks for all wheels
  • Four-season foam insulation throughout; the ceiling insulation is R-18 equivalent

Phew! As you can see, you’d be living in the lap of luxury when on road trips. You can also add extras, like rear view cameras, solar panels, generators, holding tank heating pads, thermal pane windows, kitchen and bathroom fan vents, and an Alumaguard main awning.

Pros: Not only is Northwood one of the most renowned brands for cold weather RVs, but their Artic Fox doesn’t skimp at all on the luxury features. You’ll be so comfortable you might never want the road trip to end!

Cons: Like some of the other RVs on this list, for all the luxury features you’ll enjoy, you’re going to pay thousands of dollars. The 2017 and 2018 models are both priced in the $58,000 range, and older models won’t be too much cheaper.

1. Keystone Montana Fifth Wheels

The Montana luxury fifth-wheel trailer is so renowned, that a Keystone employee spent all year living in one. This vehicle has a nearly 15-year reputation of excellence and is a huge seller for Keystone.

In the experiment, the Keystone technician went to LaGrange, Indiana, where the temperatures often drop into the negatives. The technician would run the Montana’s test chamber at a freezing 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Why? Because they could. They also ran the temperature at a much more habitable 72 degrees to see if the Montana could stand up to LaGrange’s horrible cold.

Of course, the test worked. That’s because the Montana includes:

  • A dual thermostat and remote sensor with a ducted second A/C made of frame and wire
  • Free-flow air conditioning at 15k BTUs
  • Heated city water low point drains and a heated exterior convenience center
  • 12v electric tank heaters
  • In-floor water lines
  • Dump valves and holding tanks that are insulated and enclosed
  • A heated underbelly that is also insulated and enclosed
  • A fully-vented attic system
  • A foam core straight line heat duct system that’s 3”x14”
  • Auto-ignition 35,000 BTU furnace
  • Radiant technology insulated roof that’s an R-38 equivalent
  • Insulated double layer supported fiberglass sidewalls that are R-11 equivalent
  • Insulated slideout floors that are R-15 equivalent
  • An insulated main floor that’s R-21 equivalent

Pros: When it comes to staying warm inside your RV even though it’s freezing cold outside, few options are better than the Keystone Montana. This vehicle is made from figurative head to toe to withstand the cold and keep drivers and passengers comfortable.

Cons: The price of this vehicle may be a bit much for newer RV enthusiasts.

Cold Weather RVs Conclusion

Winter is coming, but that doesn’t mean your RV has to go into storage until the springtime. Instead, if you’re feeling the itch to do some cold-weather RVing, consider any of the 10 four season RVs on this list. While some are weightier and more expensive than others, all of them make a fantastic choice for RV lovers who want to spend the winters in their vehicles.

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39 thoughts on “The Best Cold Weather RVs for Extreme Cold”

  1. I got a forest river cardinal and planned to winter near Las Vegas. Quickly discovered that small 7 gallon propane tanks being refilled with $3.50 /gallon propane does not make a tightwad happy, and constantly changing the tanks. 15 year old rv means replacing lots of gizmos. Single pane windows and draining the tanks every few days. Looking further south for warmer land with utilities on it. Thankful that I didnt pay for the rv and find out the expenses then. A generous millionaire gave it to me. On the way I pulled into a walmart parking lot because I had heard that they were rv friendly. Not this walmart, as they strategically placed large rocks that ripped the side of rv siding and plumbing. $3000 later with the help of generous family members I continued on, to figure out that rv’s were not made to spend a lot of time in. Parked in a gorgeous rv lot like a sardine. Left my toys at home so sitting in trailer hour after hour…..

    Reply
  2. Hi Like your site. Good info however for the novice (in looking for cold, all weather) bumper trailers would help if you pointed out vs 5th wheel and app price. Appreciate your efforts.

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  3. I noticed no mention of the Oliver Travel Trailer which is very highly likely the #1 4 Season Travel Trailer to buy in the USA. Any chance of getting it added to your list?

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  4. We live in Minneapolis MN full-time in a Heartland Road Warrior toy hauler 5th wheel. It does have their “Yeti Pack” but it is NOT “easily livable” through winter unless considerably supported & even then, water dripping throughout & clothes getting moldy in the wardrobe slides was pretty bad.
    Several “milkhouse” heaters had to be installed underneath & in the garage just to keep the water going back to the garage from freezing & the entire rig looks like a ballerina with a huge thick “skirt” of pink insulation.
    There is mold now all over inside the rig from the ineffective insulation – stripes down the walls of condensation show off exactly where metal struts are.
    I would NOT recommend spending a cold winter in an rv – they just aren’t designed for it & ours sustained serious damage from the intrusion of water from ice & condensation, not to mention the expense of the propane & elecricity needed to keep us warm in an improperly insulated rig.

    Reply
  5. Thanks for sharing this list. I’ve been told that no RVs are made for extreme freezing temps. Even the four season ones. I have had a forest river and I can tell you the insulation on that thing isn’t very good. I had one split open and found the walls were very thin. Now, I’ve seen those Montana RVs and those are really nice. I’m sure every RV has it’s key set of features. 🙂

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  6. Get an expedition vehicle (very expensive) if on a lower (but still expensive) budget try to go for hydronics heating and lithium-ion batteries with a capacitor for peak startups and solar/wind.

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  7. Thank you Kristen Shields!! I have been searching for a travel trailer and had never heard of Outdoors RV! I am in WI so they do not sell them here. This is what i have been searching for!!

    Reply
  8. They are 4 seasons as long as you skirt them other than that they is not much different in 20 below my Durango kz 2500 was fine coldest winter in b c Canada

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  9. Ken, your best bet is to go to arctic man and see what everyone is bringing there. While I cant speak for folks south of the range, here in fbks when most bring there units out in the winter they typically will use water jugs and a porti poty and leave it winterized. Bring blueboard as skirting/ window covers and only buy a unit with pex for water pipes. I’ve had a house freeze up where inside was -60f and no broken pipes after thawing. Plastic pipes WILL break and leak!!!! Another trick is smack the outside of the unit your interested in, is it hollow sounding or a thud? Avoid the hollow. I know a few who are pretty happy w/ their arctic foxes “no toy hauler sorry” but even they will tell you that there is no such thing as a true 4 season… well at least not an Alaskan approved one lol.

    Reply
    • I’ve got a 2013 Keystone Alpine, and live in it,and work in Northern Alberta, Canada. I’ve lived in it since May 2014, when I bought it new. Its parked on a winterized gravel lot/campground. Power/water and sewer are included in my lot rent. Just came through coldest winter with it so far, Almost 1 week of -40c straight, in February. I had skirting built for it when I bought it. You have to be able to run electric heaters. I run 1 in front bathroom, and 1 in living room, with electric fireplace turned on, also. Have run heat tape on water line and ran pvc sewer line with heat trace. Both lines are insulated. Also have 500gal. propane tank to run furnace year round. Would be crazy trying to winter camp off the stock 30 or 40lb tanks! lol. I have also used foil back insulation on all windows, and have run a 4′ high piece around inside of camper, from front door, behind table, behind couch and lazy boy’s to the fire place. And finally, used foam pipe insulation around the slides. Don’t know if this helps anyone’s choice, but you have to be prepared to do what is needed.
      Have a good camping experience!

      Reply
  10. Hey everyone! I liv in Alaska and the winter time is the only time I really have time to travel. I’m not lwqys wanting to look for warm places to travel. I like the cold weather too. So I’m looking for a four season toy hauler. I like bringing my toys with me. So I’m trying to figure out which of them are winterized the best. Can anyone help me out there? I’ll also be in the market for a used one if anyone out there has one that has been well matained and in excelent shape

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    • My husband and I have lived in our Four Winds FunMover 39C for 8 years in the Utah, Idaho, Colorado areas year round and as a winter ski base. We have been very happy with the standard furnace (also ducted to the tank bays) and general insulation. We do put a skirt on it once the snow flies (about an hour job) and will put a milk house heater inside the skirt when plugged in to keep the floor warmer and reduce the furnace run time. We have also created a double-pane window effect with installation of 1/8″ thick acrylic panels on the insides of all windows during the winter. All in all minor mods for the pleasure of changing our backyard on a whim or to follow the good skiing.

      Reply
  11. Froze my ass off in my first two Lance. Did all right in an arctic fox, 20 below and no problems. Currently in a s&s, so far good at 10 below. There’s no more good campers anymore, Teton homes, travel supreme, hitchhiker, King of the road, kountry Aire. Notice nobody talks about Eagle Cap. Since thor took over, their idea of a winter unit is electric heating pads electric mattresses, electric fireplace, so much for solar out boondocking.

    Reply
  12. You forgot Outdoors RV. They are made in Oregon and are built for cold weather. I urge anyone who wants a heavy duty trailer, 4 seasons trailer, and one that is easier on the wallet, to look at Outdoors Rv. Even the decor is adorable, like a mountain cabin. There are no cons to Outdoors RV.

    Reply
    • Like Susan, I’m wondering why Outdoors RV didn’t make the grade in your top 10. I have spent countless hour researching travel trailers for their truly four season use and am pretty much sold on Outdoors RV. Do you have any comment?

      Reply
  13. Good to hear that the Avalanche holds up in the cold. Just purchased an Avalanche and we are going to be in Southern Idaho this winter ❄️

    Reply
  14. So…when you say these are 4 season does that mean you can keep
    The water in the tanks or do you still have to empty them?

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    • If they’ll be sitting, you’re going to want to empty the tanks. Four seasons usually means you can use it in all four seasons, but if it’s going unused, eventually the water will freeze.

      Reply
      • As long as the heat is on and you are parked, you can keep the tanks full. If you are on the road in cold weather, I don’t know of any RV brand or model that will not freeze up traveling down the road. Air leaks will force cold air into every space in the floor and it will freeze. No avoiding it.

        Reply
  15. We purchased a 2018 Keystone Avalanche 395 and used it full time this past winter in Denver. Saw several nights below zero and 2 at 15 degs below. No issues..The furnace handled the load and the 5er stayed nice and warm. Had a 2016 Grand Design Reflection previous. Spent 2 winters in Denver with that 5er… No comparison.. Had to run a couple electric heaters in addition to the RV furnace to stay warm…Keystone is the Best!!

    Reply
    • You’re right. No thermal engineer would assign the R-values to these units that the manufacturers do. Their primary philosophy, especially the major manufacturers like Keystone, is simply to overwhelm the small square footage of the RV with energy, not insulation. So long as you have lots of LP and electricity available, I can put very little insulation in an RV and have it perform beautifully at 0°. In practice, look for thick walls made of wood (heavy). If they’re metal, the manufacturer should be able to show you how they are thermally isolated because metal, especially aluminum, transmits cold or hot temperatures very efficiently. DRV and Prevost motorcoaches are examples of manufacturers that actually do this. Airstream, despite its reputation, uses a lot of energy per square foot for this reason.

      Reply
      • You are absolutely correct. This article spends precious little time on how the unit is actually constructed. It tell me nearly nothing about which brands and models should receive serious consideration for a cold-weather RV. And its worth noting that an RV made for cold is also seriously more comfortable in hot summer weather. Something we all need to consider, especially if you spend time in the desert SW or the south.

        Reply
  16. Thank you Nicole, Just what I was looking for . Double pane windows , Azdel composite panels . Now to find a light one . Thank you so much for a very needed artical . More and more RV’s . People think its easy ??

    Reply
  17. Do you have a list like this for toy hauler pull behind trailers? I use the bed of my pick up and not able to use a 5th wheel.
    Thank you,
    Allen

    Reply

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