Climate considerations when living off-grid or boondocking in an RV

Depending on what part of the country you’re staying in, and whether you have electricity or not, the climate can be friendly or a major foe. More than likely, if you’re off-grid, you will not be running air conditioning in the summer, and you may have limited heating in the winter. Below, I’ve compiled a list of considerations from temperature to humidity and everywhere in between.

Be prepared always.

Temperature changes

Temperature changes can affect your RVing experience drastically. So, you’ll want to be prepared ahead of time. Of course, budgetary constraints may get in the way, but these are things you want to seriously think about.

The heat

In the summer, the sun will heat your car, tent, canopy, or RV very quickly. In one of the spots I stayed in Arizona, the RV would get so hot during the day that it would be 7:30-8:30 at night before you could go inside. Even then, it was still pretty warm. You’d have to wait for the air to cool off so that the fans would be effective. If you’re in a humid environment, sometimes all the fan will do is push around hot, muggy air. I’ve also been stuck down in the Phoenix Valley in the heat. It is absolutely horrible.

Remember, air conditioning units require significant power, so ensure your solar setup or generator can handle the load. Alternatives include evaporative coolers (also known as swamp coolers) for dry climates and reflective window covers to block heat. For me, I just cover the windows when the sun is shining and use fans. Also, consider installing roof fans to help push hot air out or pull cooler air inside.

Park in shaded areas or use awnings and reflective tarps to reduce interior heat. Remember, light-colored RV exteriors absorb less heat. For some reason, newer models are really trying to add darker colors to the paint and canopies.

The cold

When boondocking in cold weather, keeping your RV cozy and functional takes some prep. Start with insulation—check the R-values of your RV’s walls, roof, and windows to make sure they’re up to par. Consider window insulation kits and blankets for draping across the windows. But, be sure to allow the walls and windows to breathe during the day to reduce condensation and the risk of mold.

You may also want to consider skirting around the RV’s base to block out chilly drafts. There are many different ways to do this, and each has varying costs. Another thing to consider is putting blankets on the floors to help keep the draft down, especially if you don’t have carpet.

For heating, you’ll want a solid setup like a propane furnace, diesel heater, or a portable electric heater if your solar panels or battery bank can handle it—just keep an eye on propane levels since cold weather burns through it fast.

Don’t forget about your water system; insulate pipes and tanks to keep them from freezing, or use heated water hoses, and in extreme cold, consider storing fresh water inside. Lastly, balance that toasty indoor heat with some ventilation to avoid condensation and mold, which can sneak up in cold, humid conditions. It’s a good idea to open the doors and windows (if not sealed) for about 15 minutes each day to help the place air out.

I also have a separate pump that draws water out of 5-gallon military water jugs. This for the least allows me to operate my sink to wash my hair and beard, dishes, and such. I have a 5-gallon grey tank under the sink as well to change over to in the winter if need be. This way, it doesn’t go to the main tanks.

The rains

If you are in areas that have monsoon rains, you can expect to be stuck inside for days or even weeks.

When boondocking or living off-grid in an RV, rain presents several challenges that require forethought to ensure safety, comfort, and equipment longevity.

Heavy or prolonged rainfall, like those monsoon rains, can lead to flooding or muddy conditions around your RV, potentially trapping your vehicle or damaging the site, so selecting a campsite with good drainage. Look for slightly elevated ground or gravelly and sandy terrain. Avoid low-lying areas or dry washes prone to flash floods, especially in desert regions. People get caught up in washes more often than you would think. Also, remember that muddy conditions can make towing or driving hazardous, so take extra care. Don’t take any unnecessary risks.

Waterproofing is essential; ensure your RV’s seals, windows, and roof are in good condition to prevent leaks, and consider using awnings, tarps, or rainflys to create dry outdoor spaces, though these must be securely anchored to withstand heavy winds. It’s also a good idea to have a tarp for covering the roof and possibly down the windows in the event of a leak, just like pictured below.

After having gotten the older RV, I was working on moving over when the window had sprung a bad leak, so I tarped the roof and over the window.

Importantly, excessive moisture increases the risk of mold and mildew inside the RV, so maintain ventilation with fans or vents and use dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers in humid climates.

Solar power and sunlight

Harnessing solar power is a game-changer, but the climate you’re in plays a big role in how well it works. If you’re parked in a sunny spot like the desert in Arizona, you’re golden—clear skies can give you 5–7 hours of strong sunlight to max out your solar panels. But in cloudier or northern areas, where you might only get 2–4 hours of decent sun, you’ll need to think about bigger solar arrays or a backup generator to keep the power flowing.

It’s worth checking the average sunlight hours for wherever you’re camping to plan ahead. Also, tweaking your solar panel setup with the seasons makes a difference—tilt them steeper in winter to catch low-angle rays and flatter in summer for optimal sun exposure. Keeping an eye on local sunrise, sunset, and cloud patterns helps too.

Then there’s your battery storage to consider: cold weather can sap efficiency, especially for lithium batteries, which struggle below 32°F unless you’ve got a heating system or insulation for the battery compartment. In hot climates, it’s the opposite—keep those batteries shaded to prevent overheating

Wind and storms

Wind and storms can throw some real challenges your way, so it’s smart to be ready. Strong winds can wreak havoc on awnings, antennas, or solar panels if they’re not battened down, so make sure to secure any loose gear and park your RV perpendicular to the usual wind direction for better stability—check local patterns, since places like coastal areas or wide-open plains can get especially gusty.

You’ll also want to keep an eye on regional weather risks, like hurricanes, tornadoes, or blizzards, depending on where you’re camped. It’s a good idea to have a plan to move to safer ground if things get dicey.

If you’re in a desert or drier climate, dust and sand can be a pain, sneaking into your RV through tiny gaps, so seal up windows and vents tight and use air filters to keep the indoor air cleaner. Frankly, the dust is going to find its way inside.

Humidity and moisture

Humidity and moisture in general can be a real enemy of RV life. So, it’s worth pointing this all out again. Remember, excessive moisture from rain or snow can lead to mold and mildew. But to the contrary, some people have more trouble with allergies and dry skin and such in areas with less humidity. In desert-like areas, be sure to drink more water!

Seasonal and regional considerations

• Seasonal migration: Many RVers follow the “70-degree rule,” moving to warmer southern regions ( Arizona, Texas) in winter and cooler northern areas (Montana, Colorado) in summer. So, expect more traffic at these times. Also, think about summer vacation and spring break.
• Altitude: Higher elevations have cooler temperatures and thinner air, affecting propane appliance performance, generators, and solar efficiency. It can also affect your breathing. Adjust equipment accordingly (especially generators).

Happy camping!