Surviving a Winter Storm in a Stationary Fifth-Wheel Trailer

We recently experienced cold temperatures as low as -33 F and were able to stay warm in the trailer the entire time. Although our winter setup worked pretty well overall, there were a few things that failed, and we learned some lessons that will help us prepare better for next time! So, when people ask me if you can live in a fifth-wheel trailer or RV in winter, I can still confidently say, "Yes, you can!"

Here are some things that can help make winter living in an RV or trailer successful:
-An RV or trailer with an electric fireplace
-Have lots of propane on hand. Since we are stationary, we use a 150 lb propane tank which is refilled every 4 or 5 weeks by a local provider. (The two 30lb tanks that came with our fifth-wheel didn't even last a week our first winter!)
-Heat tape for water lines and foam pipe insulation
-Seal up some of the windows. We have used green foam board insulation, Reflectix, and Insulbrite fabric, and thick fabric curtains. Even cardboard works better than nothing!
-Winter skirting for the base of the trailer
-Protect the RV refrigerator at the vents in the back - Either add a little heater or light inside, or heat tape. DON'T seal up the vents completely, especially if you are on propane - the vents are absolutely necessary for your safety and for the fridge to work as designed.
-Get a residential refrigerator instead of an RV refrigerator (at your own risk). CAUTION: Keep in mind the manufacturer did not design the residential fridge for frequent movement, use with an inverter, or to be inset without enough airflow. Warranties may not be honored and repairmen probably won't touch it. (But for us, it was worth the try since we are stationary and have consistent 110 volt power!)

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