Usually, when you know winter's coming, you have plenty of time to take precautions by beefing up insulation and winterizing the water lines. You could even seal the windows with weather stripping or plastic wrap and install thermal blinds and insulating curtains to keep the cold air out. What do you do, however, when the weather changes with little warning, you run out of propane, or you lose power? Consider stocking up on heavy blankets for emergencies. Not only are they essential for bedtime, but you can use them to keep the cold weather out and the warm air in.
Use Heavy Blankets to Create Emergency Insulation
You can reduce drafts from the outside by hanging blankets in front of the windows and exterior doors. Then place a few in the doorways between rooms to create cozy spaces to hold in the heat. This is particularly good for creating a boundary around the cracks at the bottom of the door.
If you have a space heater, place it in the bedroom at night. You can add insulation by temporarily hanging thick blankets along the exterior walls. This is a great way to create a comfortable nook.
Make Insulating "Snakes" from Blankets
You can also use blankets to fabricate insulated “snakes” to keep cold air from seeping under the door and into your RV. Commercially produced "snakes" are made from stuffed cloth tubes that are typically three to four feet long. If you don't have them readily available, blankets make a great alternative.
Either roll the blankets and place them along the edges of the floor. You can secure them with a few bungees, rubber bands, or shoestrings. By placing them next to each other anywhere you feel a breeze, you can insulate the entire perimeter.
Use Warm Bedding at Night
Choosing the right bedding can exponentially improve your sleep, even when the rest of your motorhome is uncomfortably chilly. First, choose the right sheets. Poly-cotton sheets are great during the summer, and my parents swear that they hold in the body heat (once you get them warm. Personally, I dread the icy chill of the crisp sheets during the winter. Flannel ones are much warmer. Unfortunately, they can often become too warm after a couple of hours. A great middle-ground is a set of Jersey sheets that are made from T-shirt material. These are soft and warm, but not too warm.
Top that with the right blanket or two. When it's particularly cold, layers could help, as they allow you to remove and add blankets throughout the night as needed. Not only do they add a pop of color to your bedroom, and allow you to change the theme as often as you like, but they're incredibly versatile. You can pull them off and use them as another layer to your clothing. They can become a cozy throw for your sofa and or to lay over your lap while watching television or working online.
In Conclusion
Keeping your propane tank filled and your furnace maintained is just part of ensuring a comfortable winter. Space heaters are helpful and convenient, but they still require electricity and aren't guaranteed to work when you need them to. Blankets are relatively inexpensive, energy efficient, and versatile. By tossing a couple on your bed, one over the sofa, and tucking a couple in the toad (towed vehicle), you can carry plenty without taking up much of your limited storage space. If you collect a variety of snuggly blankets you're sure to always be fully prepared for any cold-weather emergency.