One of the wonderful advantages that separates Tiny Home RVs from regular RVs is that you can design them to withstand an extreme cold climate. At Tumbleweed, we’ve even designed tinies for wintering in Alaska! Below are FIVE techniques that will keep your Tumbleweed toasty, even in freezing temperatures.
Ariel’s Tumbleweed in Wyoming winter. Photo credit: http://fynyth.blogspot.com/
1). Start with a high R-value
Let’s begin with the obvious: the more insulation you pack into your Tiny House RV, the more efficient the space will be to heat and cool. For an extreme cold climate, we use rock wool insulation. Unlike a traditional RV that has 5-7 R of insulation a Tumbleweed Tiny House RV has about 17-18 R value. Even though this is lower than home insulation in extreme cold climates, we find that because the space is so small this proves to be enough insulation.
SIPs are another high R-value option for DIYers. These panels are more expensive than traditional framing, but they are extremely energy efficient and save you hours of build time.
2). Splurge for energy efficient windows
As a Certified Green Tiny House builder, we only install energy efficient windows. You may also want to consider sticking with smaller windows in your design. We met one Alaska Tiny House RVer who decided to only have windows on the south facing side of his tiny (because the south side received the most hours of sunlight). It’s good to think ahead about your parking space as well.
3). Design your roof for snow and ice
If your future location receives a lot of snowfall, make sure you design your tiny roof to withstand the load. You may also want to reconsider skylights, as they can leak if not properly installed. You should also read this article on preventing ice dams through your roof design.
4). Prepare your appliances
A few extra cold weather purchases will save your appliances from freezing. Propane heat blankets and fresh water heated hoses are worth the money. Wood stoves will sometimes preform better with a longer chimney pipe that you can install after travel.
You should also develop an insulated fresh, grey and black water system if your parking spot is not already set up for cold climates. This may involve heated hoses, french drains, insulating your water spigot, etc.
5). Skirt your Tiny House RV
The coldest part of your Tiny House RV is always going to be the floor. With the Tumbleweed trailer, you will have three inches of insulation in your trailer which is covered with a vapor barrier that adds 3R of insulation. Skirting your trailer is a requirement for extreme cold climates.
The Step Warm Floor company has much easier and better radiant floor matting that doesn’t use water and can be bought solar ready.. That’s what I’m going to use..
All good things.
The RV industry is a good thing to turn to if tank or pipe warmers are needed, they’re available in 12V or 110V. Also, it seems like it would be a good idea to insulate the heated fresh water hose as things approach 0.
I don’t know where you would get the idea that normal RVs can’t get equivalent insulation to a tiny house. It’s true that the normal recreational RV is 3 season, but in particular, there are 5th wheels that have better insulation than many houses. Couple that with the same things you’re talking about doing for a Timy House, and they could survive very cold temperatures. We have a 4 Season Motorhome that made it through -15degrees F and prolonged sub zero.
Another thing to note for a RV or Tiny House, higher R values help in hot climates, as hot weather can be problem as well, there’s just no worry about freezing
There is no way an RV has the same insulation as can be installed in a tiny home. If there is I would be very interested in the make and model.
Very good points indeed! It is true that south facing facade of the house always gets the more sunshine, while on the north it is the darkest and coldest. Also regarding the roof – for example gable roofs, or generally some sort of pitched or sloped roofs, are definitely better than a flat one, because the snow will just slide down from there and not stay on. That is good because it means less load on your roof, but also less chance to leak through. Oh and floor heating is a paradise, no matter where you are, so will definitely help! I would also add, thing about the main heating system in your tiny as well, as there is many options with various pros and cons and some might be more suitable for proper winters than other. I actually wrote an article about ways of heating your tiny house http://www.pinuphouses.com/tiny-houses-heating/ – if anyone may find it interesting (I’m an architect designing tiny houses)
Indeed, designing a Tiny House RV for extreme cold weather is not only fascinating but also a responsible approach towards energy efficiency. The emphasis on high R-value insulation, energy-efficient windows, and well-prepared appliances demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and comfort even in challenging climates. Skirting the trailer to address the cold floor is a practical and necessary step. It’s inspiring to see how innovative design choices can make tiny homes viable and cozy in even the harshest winters. Thank you!
I am wondering how tiny home owners deal with the ground freezing in winter. Does this cause problems with house being pushed up or out of level?
Thank you for sharing these valuable tips! But I wanted to add that while sealing your tiny house RV against the cold is crucial, it’s equally important to maintain proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and condensation. Consider installing a ventilation system with heat recovery to maintain indoor air quality while conserving heat.
And ensure pipes are wrapped with heat tape or foam insulation to prevent freezing. Consider running pipes inside the home’s insulated walls and away from exterior walls where temperatures drop. For extra protection, install a frost-free hose bib or use skirting around the foundation to help keep the underside of the house warm and prevent pipes from freezing.