What Should RVers Do During Winter Storms in North Texas?

North Texas winters are mostly mild, but every so often a cold front rolls in hard and brings a freeze, sleet or ice. If you live in an RV, those nights hit differently than they do in a house. Your water lines sit closer to the cold, your propane matters a lot more, and icy roads can keep you parked for days. Here's how to get your rig and your household ready before the next freeze, and what to do while it's happening.

If you're curious how this fits into life at a ranch style park, take a look at our park info page or read about living in your RV all year.

How Cold Does It Actually Get in North Texas?

Colder than a lot of newcomers expect. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth lists November 22 as the average date of the first freeze at DFW Airport and March 12 as the average last freeze. So late November through early March is your window to stay alert.

Big storms don't happen every year, but they do happen. In February 2021, the NWS Fort Worth event summary shows DFW fell to 2 degrees below zero on February 16 and stayed at or below freezing for 139 hours in a row, from February 13 to February 19. That's almost six straight days. You don't need to plan for that every winter, but you'll be glad you planned for it once.

What Do Freeze and Winter Storm Alerts Mean?

The National Weather Service uses a few terms you'll hear on the news all winter. Knowing them helps you decide when to act.

Freeze and Hard Freeze

The NWS glossary defines a freeze as surface air temps of 32°F or below over a wide area for a significant stretch of time. A hard freeze is 28°F or lower for an extended period. A hard freeze is the one that really threatens exposed hoses and water lines.

Watch vs. Warning

A watch means hazardous winter weather is possible, but timing or location is still uncertain. A warning means it's happening or about to. Treat a watch as your cue to prep, and a warning as your cue to already be done. Check the NWS Fort Worth forecast page for alerts that cover Kaufman County.

How Do You Keep RV Water Lines From Freezing?

This is the big one. Frozen lines can crack fittings and leave you with no water and a repair bill. Every rig is built differently, so your RV owner's manual is the best guide for your exact setup. A few habits help almost everyone:

• Know your rig. Find out whether your RV has a heated or enclosed underbelly, tank heaters, or a winter mode. Our post on staying comfortable year round in Texas covers four season features.

• Protect the hose. Use a heated water hose, or disconnect and drain your hose before a hard freeze and run off your fresh tank until it warms up.

• Keep the inside warm. Keep your furnace running so warm air reaches the cabinets and bays where lines run. Open cabinet doors under sinks so heat can get in.

• Watch the tanks. Full or partly full holding tanks can freeze too. Empty your gray and black tanks before a cold snap if you can.

One important note for our residents: our rates and rules don't allow space heaters or tarps and covers on sites, so plan around your RV's built in furnace and the other steps above. If you're unsure what's allowed, just reach out to us before the weather turns. For more cold weather comfort ideas, see staying comfortable in your RV all winter long.

How Should RVers Handle Propane in Cold Weather?

Most RV furnaces run on propane, so a freeze is the worst time to run low. The Propane Council of Texas suggests calling for a refill when your tank drops below 30%, and points out that winter roads can slow deliveries. It also notes that if your tank runs out, a propane provider or qualified technician must check the system for leaks before the gas goes back on. So don't wait until the gauge hits empty.

The Railroad Commission of Texas regulates propane in the state. Its Home Safe Home guide says propane is odorized so leaks smell like rotten eggs, and that you should never assume that smell just means your tank is low. If you smell gas in or around your RV, get out, then call your propane supplier or 911 from a safe spot.

How Do You Avoid Carbon Monoxide Danger?

When it's freezing out, it's tempting to get creative with heat. Don't. Ready.gov says to use generators and grills only outdoors and never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven. It also says generators should be at least 20 feet from windows and doors, and that you should install and test carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.

In an RV, that means testing your CO and propane detectors before the season starts. If you're building out your safety kit, our list of must have items for living in an RV and our guide to an RV maintenance schedule are good places to start.

“Severe weather safety for full-time RVers begins long before a warning is issued. Every guest should know where sturdy shelter is located, keep multiple weather alerts active, prepare pets and emergency supplies, and leave the RV early enough to reach safety.” Kristen, Management

What Should You Do if the Power Goes Out?

Texas runs most of its grid through ERCOT, which uses its TXANS system to warn people before periods of high demand. You can sign up for TXANS emails or use the ERCOT app. If ERCOT asks for conservation during a cold snap, it's a good sign to top off propane, charge your devices and get ready for a possible outage.

Ready.gov also recommends gathering supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. For an RVer, that means:

• Drinking water and shelf stable food for a few days

• Medications and pet supplies

• Flashlights, batteries and a charged battery bank

• Warm blankets and layers for everyone in the rig

• A battery powered NOAA Weather Radio

If you have pets, plan for them too. Our post on living in an RV with pets has more ideas for keeping them comfortable. And if you take medications that need refills, it helps to know your options for healthcare near Dallas before roads ice over.

Should You Drive Your RV During Ice or Snow?

Usually, no. Icy roads are dangerous in any vehicle and even more so in a tall, heavy rig or with a trailer. The NWS Fort Worth records for February 2021 describe a 133 vehicle pileup on icy Interstate 35W in Fort Worth. If you need to travel, check DriveTexas for current road conditions first. Ready.gov also suggests keeping a winter kit in your car with jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, water and snacks, plus a full tank of gas.

If you're a snowbird heading south for the season, try to arrive before the first freeze. Our guide to making Southern Belle your winter getaway can help with timing.

What About Tornadoes and Spring Storms?

Winter isn't the only season to plan for. North Texas spring storms bring a very different set of risks, and an RV is never a storm shelter. We covered that in depth in how RV owners can stay safe during tornadoes in North Texas. For statewide emergency info any time of year, the Texas Division of Emergency Management is a solid resource. You can also read what we think makes a long term RV park safe.

What Do Residents Ask About Winter Weather?

Q: When does North Texas usually get its first freeze?

A: NWS Fort Worth lists November 22 as the average first freeze at DFW Airport and March 12 as the average last freeze. Dates change every year, so watch the forecast starting in November.

Q: Can I use a space heater in my RV at Southern Belle?

A: No. Our park rules don't allow space heaters. Plan to rely on your RV's furnace, keep your propane topped off, and contact us if you have questions about staying warm.

Q: What should I do with my water hose during a hard freeze?

A: Use a heated hose, or disconnect and drain your hose and use your fresh water tank until temps rise. Check your RV owner's manual for steps that fit your rig.

Q: How do I get warnings about power grid problems in Texas?

A: ERCOT's TXANS system sends early notices about high demand periods. You can sign up for emails, follow ERCOT on social media, or download the ERCOT app.

Q: Who do I contact if something breaks at my site during a freeze?

A: Our emergency maintenance number is 972-210-3476, and texting is preferred for a faster response.

Thinking about wintering in a park that knows North Texas weather? Contact Southern Belle Ranch & RV Park or call 972-210-3476 to ask about a long term spot.