RV Snow Removal 101: How To Defend Your Roof from Winter’s Worst (2024)

Winter is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about how you will care for your RV through the cold months. Winterizing your rig is an important first step, but it isn’t the only thing you’ll need to do to make sure the winter weather doesn’t cause any damage to your trailer or motorhome. You’ll also have to stay on top of RV snow removal.

While some snow on top of your RV roof is probably fine, too much weight from snow and ice can cause damage to the structure of your roof, and once it’s built up, it’s much more difficult to remove. On top of that, as the snow and ice melt, the water that gathers on the roof is likely to find its way into nooks and crannies, causing water damage.

The good news is you can prevent these problems by going through the RV snow removal process throughout the winter season to prevent build-up.

The first thing you’ll need to do is gather the right tools for the job. There are two things to consider when choosing your tools: safety and the preservation of your roof. You’ll need tools that will be gentle on your roof while also reducing the chances of a slip and fall.

The following tools should do the job.

• Non-slip boots
• Waterproof work gloves
• A sturdy ladder
• Extendable, non-abrasive tools such as soft-bristled rakes and foam brushes
• A partner to assist

Proper Timing for Snow Removal

Choosing the right time to remove the snow is also important. It’s best to head out the day after a snowfall to ensure ice doesn’t have time to form. The middle of the day tends to be the best time, as this is when the sun is brightest, meaning the snow is softer and easier to manage. Besides, this is also the warmest part of the day, making it a more comfortable working environment.

It’s a good idea to remove snow as soon as it begins to soften because melted snow can cause water damage if it happens to find a way into your rig. On top of that, melted snow will freeze into ice overnight, making it much harder to remove and possibly causing damage.

RV Snow Removal Techniques

Now that you have the right tools and know when to tackle your RV snow removal job, let’s talk about how to do it.

It’s best to avoid walking on an RV roof when it’s covered in snow and/or ice. Therefore, you will want to take advantage of those extendable tools, using them to work from the ground or a sturdy ladder.

Working gently, remove snow from one corner, brushing the snow off next to you. Continue around the perimeter in sections, making sure to reach all the way to the middle of the roof. As you work, be careful of vents, A/C units, and other rooftop accessories, as the plastic covers can be broken and seals can be damaged.

During this process, avoid using blunt force to remove stubborn sections. You’ll also want to avoid using hot water to melt snow and ice. Both of these methods can cause damage to the roof. If a particular bit is stuck and cannot be removed, it’s best to wait until the sun melts it a bit so you can remove it gently.

Long-Term Prevention and Maintenance

RV snow removal is just one of many ways you can care for your RV roof throughout the winter. The following tips can 1) help prevent snow buildup altogether, 2) make the removal process easier, and 3) ensure your roof stays in tip-top shape throughout the cold months so your rig is ready to go when spring rolls around.

Park Under Cover

One of the best things you can do for your RV roof? Park the rig under a carport or in covered storage. This removes the possibility of snow buildup entirely and also protects the RV from sun and wind damage. Of course, it also prevents water damage while the RV is sitting in storage. All of this extra protection is likely to help your RV last a whole lot longer.

Cover It Up

Unfortunately, not everyone is able to find a covered parking spot for their RV. The next best thing? An RV cover. Using a cover specifically made for your RV will help protect the roof and sides of the rig from the elements.

Snow will, of course, still be able to build up on the cover, but it is much less likely to cause leaks as it melts. Snow is also much easier to remove from a cover, as you can pull the cover-up and shake it out to remove stubborn bits.

All in all, an RV cover is well worth the expense.

Inspect Regularly

Even if you store your RV under cover or use an RV cover, and especially if you don’t, you will want to inspect your RV roof regularly throughout the winter. Since you aren’t camping in the rig, it’s a lot easier for leaks to go unnoticed for weeks or months at a time, something that can cause severe damage.

Oversee the seals, resealing as needed. Look for tears in the rubber roof material and repair them when they’re spotted. It’s also a good idea to head into the RV and look for leaks, making sure to check inside of cabinets, under beds, in corners, etc.

Like winterizing your rig, caring for your batteries, and taking steps to prevent pests, RV snow removal is a super important part of winter RV maintenance. Make sure you stay on top of it this winter so your RV roof will be in good shape and ready to take out when the camping season shows up again.