If you do any camping or OHVing in cool, damp weather you're going to experience problems with windows and goggles fogging up. When it blocks your vista of the mountains or lake it is inconvenient or irritating. When it interferes with driver's or operator's vision it is a serious safety hazard! Make sure the defrosters on your RV or tow vehicle are in good working condition and are not blocked by errant objects left on the dash board. Large windshields like those on Class A motorhomes may need additional assistance. One of the best options are 12-volt oscillating fans like those used by commercial truck drivers. Still it is a good idea to keep a small squeegee or cloth handy to clear excess moisture from side windows and maintain a clear view. Anti-fog preparations will help deter windows and goggles from fogging over. The one I like best for windshields is made by 20-10, who also makes my favorite windshield wiper fluid. For goggles, try Cat Crap -- no, not the stuff from the litter box, a commercial anti-fog preparation popular with off-roaders. The color, texture, and consistency isn't very attractive (actually it is kind of green and slimy and looks more like snot than crap) but it works and has been the number one selling goggle cleaning and anti-fog preparation for more than a decade. Rain-X also makes an anti-fog spray that is effective and easy to use.
Another handy tool for dealing with foggy windows is a squeegee. We got ours at Dollar Tree so they don't have to be big or expensive. A squeegee will make quick work of fogged windows and windshields. They are easy to use, resusable, and don't take up a lot of room. For best results wipe the edge often to remove and prevent any buildup that might interfere with its functionality.
Goggles should be cleaned after every ride. Don't wipe them with a dry cloth. It will grind fine dust into the soft plastic surface and scratch it, blurring your vision. Rinse them with water or wash them with soap and water, then wipe them dry with a clean, soft cloth, tissue, or microfiber towel. If they do get scratched, you'll need to clean and polish the lens to restore clarity. I've had good success using a 3-stage cleaning system from Novus for maintaining googles. Each stage uses finer grit. The first stage removes heavy scratches, the second stage further refines defects, and the final stage polishes the lenses to a clear shine. Applying anti-fog on clean lenses is more effective and safer than wiping it on dirty or damaged surfaces.
Maintain that vista! While keeping the windows clear in camp is not as necessary for safety as it is on the road, it is still something you'll want to do. You'll want to enjoy the beauty of the natural features around you and, if you have children or pets you may need to keep an eye on them. Here again, a small squeegee is a quick way to clear fogged windows. Lacking that, dry them with paper towels. In really cold weather I don't worry too much about the view. I cover all my windows with foam insulation inserts to keep out the cold. Also works well to keep it cooler inside in hot weather. Controlling the condensation as it occurs will reduce the amount of frost that builds up overnight in cold weather. Frost on windows can be quite pretty, but it doesn't do much to maintain a warm interior and when it melts it can be damaging to the nearby surfaces and its a LOT harder to scrape off than mere fogging.
Speaking of frost, it can present other problems. Your RV steps may become dangerously slippery when they're covered with frost. You also aren't going to want to sit on a frosty OHV seat or camp chair unless you like the feeling of having a cold, wet butt. A frozen vinyl seat may also be more susceptible to cracking so wipe off the frost early in the morning and let the sun warm the seat a while before you take a ride. Frost can accumulate on tools left outside. A frosted axe or shovel handle could present a serious safety hazard. Frost on metal tools, like wrenches, pliers, sockets, and screwdrivers can lead to rust and corrosion as well as making them slippery and making your hands cold if you try to use them. Try to keep tools in out of the overnight dew and frost and wipe off any condensation or frost before using them or putting them away. Frosty metal can sometimes stick to your skin, especially if your skin is wet. You probably remember some kid (perhaps even you) getting his tongue stuck licking snow off metal fixtures like a swing set or flag pole. If you do get frozen to metal, flush the area with warm water to get loose without ripping off a layer of skin.
Even after using an anti-fog product you may have trouble keeping your goggles clear on cold wet rides. Tuck a soft cloth or some tissues in a convenient pocket or pouch on your coat or fanny pack and stop as necessary to dry the inside of your goggles. Rain and snow can accumulate on the outside of your goggles. I've seen riding gloves with a built-in wiper on the thumb to squeegee precipitation off goggles. You might get away with wiping them with a gloved finger, but it usually leaves streaks that can interfere with your vision. Exercise caution when wiping away mud since the grit in it may damage your goggles using either your finger or a glove-squeegee. If rain or snow is making it hard to see, take time to stop and clear it off from time to time. Ultimately you will get back to camp faster than by limping along blind and it could save you a nasty crash. If the crust on your goggles contains dirt or grit, take care removing it so you don't scratch the plastic. If you are having problems with your goggles fogging up and don't have any anti-fog solution with you, try cleaning the inside of the lens with saliva. This is a trick borrowed from SCUBA divers and snorklers. Yeah, it sound kinds of yucky, but just spit on the inside of the lens and wipe it all over and then dry the lens. This will usually reduce fogging, at least a little.
On cold days I like to wear a nylon face mask when riding my dirt bike to keep my face and nose from freezing. The only down side I've found is that if I cover my nose to keep it warm my breath fogs my goggles. And if I uncover my nose so I can see better, my nose freezes! It turns into a kind of balancing act, keeping my nose warm versus keeping my goggles fog free. If the eye opening is large enough you may be able to keep the googles in contact with your face to avoid breath coming up from inside the mask into your goggles. That isn't going to work if the mask has two separate eye holes instead of one large one.
Keep it clear!
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