How To Insulate RV Windows For Winter Living

‍Looking to stay warm on your winter RV trip? Learn how to keep the cold out with these tips for insulating your RV windows.

Thermal curtains, shades, or reflective bubble sheeting are among a variety of products to insulate your RV windows. Other options include a window film or plexiglass covers. Installing these types of shields often involves magnets, double sided tape, or velcro.

We’ve successfully kept our RV warm for years during the winter using a few of the easy to find materials and easy to do methods we’ve listed below. Take our years of experience and apply them to your RV for a safe and comfortable winter.

‍How to Insulate RV Windows for winter living

Preparing the Windows for Insulation

Cleaning the Windows

Before starting the insulation process, it is essential to clean the windows thoroughly. Dirt, dust, and grime can prevent insulation products from sticking properly to the glass.

Use a glass cleaner to clean the windows and then wipe them with a microfiber cloth to ensure that there are no streaks or residue left behind. This process is helpful no matter which installation method you choose.

Measuring the Windows

Measuring the windows is crucial to ensure that the insulation products fit correctly. I use a tape measure to measure the height and width of each window. It is essential to measure each window accurately and note down the measurements for future reference.

Applying the Insulation

Now that you have chosen the right insulation for your RV windows, it's time to apply it. There are several ways to do this, depending on the type of insulation you have chosen and your personal preference. In this section, I will discuss three popular methods: using double-sided tape, using Velcro, and using magnets.

Using Double-Sided Tape

If you have chosen an insulation material that comes with an adhesive back, such as Reflectix, you can use double-sided tape to attach it to your windows.

First, measure the size of your windows and cut the insulation material to fit. Then, apply the double-sided tape to the edges of the insulation material and carefully place it on your window. Press down firmly to ensure a secure hold.

Pros:

• Easy to apply
• Creates a tight seal

Cons:

• May leave residue on your windows when removed
• May not be as effective as other methods

Using Velcro

If you prefer a more removable option, you can use Velcro to attach your insulation material to your windows. First, measure the size of your windows and cut the insulation material to fit. Then, attach one side of the Velcro to the edges of the insulation material and the other side to the window frame. Press down firmly to ensure a secure hold.

Pros:

• Easy to remove and reapply
• Creates a tight seal

Cons:

• May not be as effective as other methods
• May leave residue on your window frame when removed

Using Magnets

If you have metal window frames, you can use magnets to attach your insulation material to your windows. First, measure the size of your windows and cut the insulation material to fit. Then, attach small magnets to the edges of the insulation material and place them on your window frame. The magnets will hold the insulation material in place.

Pros:

• Easy to remove and reapply
• Creates a tight seal

Cons:

• May not work on non-metal window frames
• May be more expensive than other methods

Types of RV Window Insulation

If you're planning to live in your RV during the winter months, it's important to RV window insulation to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. There are several types of RV window insulation available, each with its own pros and cons. Here are three popular options:

Reflective Foil

Reflective foil is a type of insulation that reflects heat back into your RV. It's made of a layer of aluminum foil sandwiched between two layers of bubble wrap. The foil reflects heat, while the bubble wrap provides insulation. Reflective foil is easy to install and can be cut to fit any window size. It's also lightweight and doesn't take up much space when not in use.

Pros:

• Reflects heat back into your RV
• Easy to install and cut to size
• Lightweight and doesn't take up much space

Cons:

• Doesn't provide as much insulation as other types of window insulation
• May not be as effective in extremely cold temperatures

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is a cheap and easy way to insulate your windows. Simply cut the bubble wrap to fit your window, spray a little water on the window, and press the bubble wrap onto the glass.

The bubbles create an insulating layer of air between the window and the RV. Bubble wrap is easy to remove and doesn't leave any residue.

Pros:

• Easy to install and remove
• Very affordable
• Creates an insulating layer of air

Cons:

• Not the most attractive option
• May not be as effective as other types of window insulation

Heat Activated Window Film

Heat activated window film is like bubble wrap, but is tighter and often involves a simple cling. Window film is completely transparent. The process for window film can be a little different in that you’ll need a hair dryer to heat up the window film and get it pressed against the window panes.

Pros:

• Often cheap
• Installs with a hair dryer
• Easy to remove

Cons

• About as attractive as bubble wrap
• Is more helpful to drop drafts than to maintain heat

Insulated Curtains aka Thermal Curtains

Insulated curtains are a more permanent solution to window insulation. They're made of thick, insulating material and can be custom-made to fit your windows.

They're also available in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can choose a style that matches your RV's decor. Insulated curtains are easy to open and close and can be removed for cleaning.

Pros:

• Very effective at insulating windows
• Available in a variety of colors and patterns
• Easy to open and close

Cons:

• More expensive than other types of window insulation
• May not be as easy to install as other types of window insulation

Why Insulate RV Windows

As someone who enjoys RV living, I understand the importance of staying warm during the winter months. Insulating your RV windows is one of the most effective ways to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. It helps to maintain a constant temperature inside your RV, which is crucial for your comfort and wellbeing.

There are several reasons why you should insulate your RV windows.

Reduce Heat Loss

Reducing heat loss in your RV windows helps in two ways: You won’t feel the cold draft of old man winter near a window.

Lower Heating Costs

Adding insulation of some sort also helps that your winter heating expenses like propane will be reduced simply because you are losing less heat through your RV windows.

Prevent Condensation

Condensation can lead to mildew and mold growth. It’s also a good sign that your windows are leaking heat, and this can make it difficult to see outside on a cold morning or evening.

Other Tips for Winter RV Living

Using a Space Heater

If you're looking for an easy way to stay warm in your RV during the winter, consider using a space heater. Space heaters are a great way to add extra warmth to your RV without having to rely on your RV's heating system. They're also great for those who want to save on their propane usage.

One of the benefits of using a space heater is that you can move it around your RV to wherever you need it most. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.

However, it's important to remember that space heaters can be a fire hazard if not used properly. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and never leave a space heater unattended.

Sealing Drafts

One of the biggest challenges of winter RV living is keeping the cold air out. Sealing drafts is an important step in keeping your RV warm and cozy during the winter months. There are a few different ways to seal drafts in your RV.

• Use weatherstripping to seal gaps around doors and windows.
• Use foam insulation to seal gaps around pipes and vents.
• Use draft stoppers to seal gaps at the bottom of doors.

Sealing drafts can help you save on your heating costs and make your RV more comfortable to live in during the winter.

Insulating Doors

Another way to keep your RV warm during the winter is to insulate your doors. This can be done by adding weatherstripping around the edges of the door and installing a storm door.

A storm door can help keep cold air from entering your RV and can also help keep warm air inside. However, it's important to make sure that your RV's door is properly installed and sealed before adding a storm door.

Insulating your RV's doors can help keep your RV warm and comfortable during the winter months. It can also help you save on your heating costs.

Double pane windows

Double plane windows simply put a second layer of glass between you and the outside of your RV. These can help in cold weather by helping heat stay in through an extra layer - and cold stay out too. These are a more permanent option and you should try insulating existing single pane windows first.