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Planning to stay and journey in your motorhome this winter? Earlier than you set off, there are some issues it’s worthwhile to find out about winter motorhoming, residing in a van throughout winter and how one can keep secure (and heat!) in colder climate.
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Winter Van Life- the challenges
Once I give up my job to journey in a motorhome virtually fulltime, I by no means actually thought of the winter.
Oh, we thought of it in a enjoyable way- ought to we go snowboarding (extra on that later) or head as much as Norway to see the Northern Lights or head south to Spain for some winter sunshine?
However I by no means thought of how we’d carry snow chains- would we cart them round all 12 months or retailer them someplace in the course of the summer season?
What about winter tyres- when would we modify if we had been travelling away from the UK? The place would we retailer our summer season tyres? What a couple of hotter duvet- would we supply two all 12 months?
Can you employ a motorhome in winter?
Completely. Many motorhomes can be utilized all 12 months round and the ‘low season’ positively has some benefits. You simply must know how one can handle the downsides of winter tenting earlier than you set off in your epic winter highway journey in Europe
Execs of winter adventures with a motorhome or camper:
- Far much less vacationers at in style sites- that is the time to go to cities like Rome, Venice or Paris, but additionally busy and historic locations just like the Menin Gate warfare memorial in Ypres or Neuschwanstein Citadel in southern Germany.
- Many locations are lined in snow, making the photographs magical. It’s additionally a should if you wish to go snowboarding!
- If you happen to take pleasure in night time images, you will get some epic photographs on clear, crisp nights.
- The roads are typically quieter (besides key days like Boxing Day
- Campsites are much less crowded
Disadvantages of winter motorhoming highway journeys:
- Many sights and locations of curiosity shut for the winter
- Many campsites shut too, so areas on the ones obtainable are wanted. Attempt to keep away from grass pitches if in any respect doable.
- There are fewer hours of daylight, so much less time to discover
- Highway circumstances could be tough in freezing temperatures, particularly in snow and ice.
- Your motorhome can undergo from damp, condensation and mildew when you don’t look after it correctly (extra on that later)
- Drying garments and laundry is usually a ache (extra on that later too)
- Robust winds and rain could be robust to sleep by means of (ask any of us who survived Storm Denis in a van!)
- It may be COLD (until you’ve gone south) so that you’ll use a number of gasoline for the heating system and it takes longer to heat up the water heater/water tanks.
Over time, we’ve received a routine down for our winter journeys, and we all know the pitfalls to search for and how one can cope with them.
Winter Motorhome van life- the fact
Right here’s a video of the issues I’ve learnt while residing within the motorhome full-time throughout winter. It was a STEEP studying curve. I hope you discover it helpful.
We hope you discovered the video helpful. If you happen to did, we’d find it irresistible if you adopted us on Youtube. New movies with suggestions for motorhoming and campervanning within the UK and Europe are launched weekly.
Varieties of winter motorhoming & van life
There are a number of varieties of people that use their motorhomes within the winter, broadly categorised into:
- Those chasing winter sunshine
- Others chasing snow and mountain life
- Those that stay fulltime of their motorhome or campervan
- Everybody else, who simply enjoys exploring and spending time within the can when doable, even throughout winter.
Every of those teams has barely completely different issues, though a lot of the planning stays the identical. Let’s take a look at the variations under
Winter motorhome life within the sunshine
For anybody who needs to get away from the dreary UK winters, heading south to locations like Spain or Portugal in a motorhome is the proper answer.
In fact, the BREXIT guidelines of solely with the ability to spend 90 days in each rolling 180 has made it tough to remain away all winter, nevertheless it’s nonetheless doable to spend practically 3 months within the sunshine.
If that is the way you’re planning to spend your winter in a motorhome, then there’s not an entire lot it’s worthwhile to do in a different way than in the course of the summer season, though don’t neglect you now must adjust to the French winter tyre legislation (even when you’re simply passing by means of.)
If you’re driving your motorhome or campervan by means of France (in addition to all the remainder of the gear you need- seize your FREE Europe journey guidelines under.)
It does additionally get chilly in winter in lots of locations in Europe, even when you’re heading additional east and going motorhoming in Croatia or Greece. We are able to make no ensures, however when you’d like some concepts for locations to remain or go to, right here you go:
Chasing the snow- motorhome snowboarding
If you happen to’re the opposite finish of the spectrum and on the lookout for snow, there’s rather a lot you’ll must do to arrange your motorhome for winter within the mountains.
Gear it’s worthwhile to carry for winter campervanning within the mountains
In addition to the same old gear you want for motorhome touring in Europe, you’ll want to hold:
- snow chains (be sure to know how one can match them prematurely and TEST them!) We by accident purchased the incorrect measurement they usually didn’t match. 🙁
- You might want winter tyres; just like the new French winter tyre legislation
- Shovel- a vital for chilly climate tenting
- Lengthy-handled brush
- Bucket/ bowl to gather gray waste
You’ll additionally must test your camper van heating is working fine- whether or not you employ a diesel furnace, conventional Truma blown-air or propane heating system or one thing like an area heater. You’ll in all probability additionally must insulate your car, particularly the pipework and put an additional rug/ carpet on the ground.
Be sure to’ve had a full service in your motorhome or campervan earlier than you go and prime up the screenwash; salt on the roads means you’ll use it much more than ordinary.
If you happen to’d like extra suggestions and methods, take a look at our put up on motorhome snowboarding right here, which tells you all the pieces it’s worthwhile to know earlier than you go.
Dwelling fulltime in a van in winter
For anybody who lives of their motorhome, RV or campervan fulltime, winter brings its personal challenges.
Like everybody who makes use of their motorhome within the winter, even when just for a weekend, you’ll be going through condensation, chilly, moist clothes, and extra. We’ll go into every of these challenges under.
What’s the Greatest Motorhome for winter use?
Many individuals marvel which motorhome to purchase for winter use or winter RV residing and if it’s doable to make use of a motorhome in winter, even a British mannequin, like a Swift.
I can safely say that we went motorhome snowboarding with our Swift- and it was superb. Certain, it was somewhat chilly, and we would have liked to insulate the pipes and holding tanks somewhat higher, nevertheless it did the job.
In fact, European producers from international locations that are used to mountains and snow may have a better insulation stage (some even have an excessive climate bundle and heated hoses), however additionally they value extra, so do loads of analysis when you’re planning to spend so much of time in chilly environments in your motorhome.
Winterproof vs Winterised:
- “winterproof” means the motorhome could be warmed as much as a temperature of 20℃ (from 0℃) inside two hours, then keep pretty fixed.
- “winterised” means the temperature ought to attain 20℃ from -15℃ inside 2 hours, and the plumbing ought to work usually.
Planning a winter motorhome trip- issues to contemplate
If you happen to’re planning a winter motorhome journey or winter RV tenting, there are many issues to contemplate.
(If you happen to’re new to motorhoming and wish some assist with the place to begin, right here’s how one can plan EPIC motorhome journeys anyplace you wish to go.)
The most important issues with utilizing a motorhome or campervan within the winter embrace:
- The place to remain
- Climate circumstances and security
- Storage
- Gear to carry
- Staying heat
- Coping with damp and condensation
- Coping with moist garments and muddy/ moist boots- drying them
- Solar energy and managing assets
- Discovering contemporary water and emptying water- and stopping the contemporary water tank or waste tank hoses freezing!
First, we’ll think about the place you’re going to remain in a single day.
Motorhome campsites in winter
Many campsites across the UK and Europe shut throughout winter, which may depart discovering someplace to remain difficult.
We lately took our motorhome right down to Biarritz in southern France- STUNNING place to go to when you get an opportunity. Seize your France journey guidelines right here:
However we struggled discovering a campsite which was nonetheless open. Many locations shut across the finish of October and don’t reopen till Easter.
There are two strategies we use to fight this and discover campsites which keep open all 12 months.
For Europe
We’ve been members of the ACSI Tenting Card scheme for a number of years now and it’s good when you’re capable of journey exterior of peak season (which is often finish of June till September.) If you happen to can go to Europe exterior these occasions, you’ll save your self a fortune with an ACSI card.
Even higher, their web site/ app/ guide are nice locations to test to see when campsites shut. There are sufficient which keep open all 12 months; you simply want to search out them. There’s often a minimum of one close to each main metropolis/ in style space. In fact, the extra in style the world, the faster you’ll must guide.
The opposite technique we use in Europe is to make use of Park4Night and discover campsites close to the place we wish to go, after which Google the web site of these campsites and see in the event that they’re nonetheless open. If they’re, we guide (often by telephone or electronic mail.)
For the UK
Campsites for UK winter highway journeys can somewhat bit tricker. ACSI does have some UK websites, however they don’t present all those that are open all 12 months.
We use an app known as Seek for Websites to search out campsites close to our vacation spot, then test their web site or telephone to ask. Sure, this may be laborious and irritating.
Another choice is to make use of an internet site like Pitchup.com, which lets you seek for your dates, necessities (like a motorhome arduous standing pitch with electrical and which permits canines) and then you definitely guide by means of them.
Lastly, when you’re a member of a motorhome membership, you should utilize their web site or guide to search out locations.
Aires in Europe in winter
Many Aires in France and Europe keep open all 12 months, until they’re closed for upkeep or because of heavy snow (or the roads near them being closed.)
Nonetheless, there are sufficient of them that when you solely wish to keep someplace for an evening or two as you’re travelling by means of, they make the proper cease.
Simply keep in mind, ones close to mountains might be closed and if they’ve services like water often, the faucets is likely to be turned off to keep away from harm.
READ MORE: The best way to discover and use Aires in France and Europe
Different motorhome parking in winter
In fact, there are many different schemes when you don’t wish to use campsites or Aires. Schemes like Brit Stops and France Ardour have companies that are open all 12 months, particularly locations like pubs within the UK.
You possibly can, after all, nonetheless use wild tenting spots together with your motorhome or camper. Simply beware of sentimental muddy locations in forests- you’ll get caught very simply.
Be taught how one can discover in a single day parking spots across the UK and Europe right here
Think about the climate
Earlier than you head off in your winter motorhoming journey, pay additional consideration to the climate. Does the forecast embrace robust winds, fog, or snow?
None of these are a lot enjoyable in a van. Don’t neglect, you possibly can at all times modify your plans to go well with no matter is forecast- that’s among the finest issues about motorhoming.
Be sure to carry water, snacks and ideally some scorching drinks- simply in case.
Mice and Rodents in your van
The opposite factor to recollect is that chilly climate will trigger mice, rats and different rodents to search for shelter… they usually actually love hiding in motorhomes and campervans.
There are methods to discourage them (humanely!). Listed here are our prime suggestions for deterring mice and rodents in motorhomes and campers.
You can too see the harm they do on this video!
We hope you discovered the video helpful. If you happen to did, we’d find it irresistible if you adopted us on Youtube. New movies with suggestions for motorhoming and campervanning within the UK and Europe are launched weekly.
Gear to hold for winter motorhome life
Aside from winter/ all-weather tyres and snow chains, there are some issues we’ve discovered VERY helpful when motorhoming in winter (and even Autumn!)
Mud Mats/ Traction Grip mats
These items are a lifesaver. Final 12 months, we broke all our personal guidelines and camped up on a grass pitch.
And received caught.
Making an attempt to push a 3.5ton motorhome out of the mud or off moist grass is rarely going to occur and with out these we’d have been stuffed (you should utilize the carpets from inside your van when you’re actually caught, however they’re be ruined. Save your self the fear and carry a set of those all 12 months spherical.)
Groundsheet
We don’t often use a groundsheet after we’re motorhoming. More often than not, we keep in Aires or wild camp, so we are able to’t get it out and on a campsite we regularly use a hard-standing pitch reasonably than a subject.
Nonetheless, in winter a groundsheet turns into a necessity in lots of campsites. It stops us bringing a lot mud into the van- particularly as we journey with a mud-loving cocker spaniel.
Get one like this which could be pegged out securely within the corners so doesn’t fly away and which is wipe-downable. Some folks favor two smaller ones to allow them to use a smaller measurement when wanted.
Screenwash
Screenwash is extra vital in winter than at every other time of 12 months. There’s a lot salt and grit on the highway that it may well make the windscreen additional soiled.
Be sure to prime up your screenwash and convey additional. We love this one because it’s made for all 12 months use, even in colder climates, so received’t freeze on you whenever you want it most. The Demon Ice spray can also be nice because it slows down re-freezing
Don’t neglect an ice scraper when you don’t have one already! You’ll want one with a longer deal with like this so you possibly can attain all off the windscreen!
Inside mat
While we’re making an attempt to keep away from mud and moist footprints within the van, get a mat like this (pawprint optionally available!) We’ve used these for years on each the camper and our boats they usually actually are implausible for absorbing water from each canines and people when you wipe your toes (paws) on them!
It’s straightforward to wash with a jet wash whenever you’re cleansing your van however will final a very long time between washes if wanted.
Consuming water
Most aires and campsites will preserve a faucet working. DON’T flip this off- it’s working in order that the pipe doesn’t freeze (working water is tougher to freeze than static water within the pipe.)
It’s as much as you whether or not you select to drink out of your motorhome tank or not. We used to at all times drink from our LifeSaver Jerrycan, which purifies 99.9% of all contaminated water, making it secure to drink.
Nonetheless, this 12 months we fitted an inline water filter, which implies the water which comes out of the faucet within the kitchen is already filtered. It’s SO a lot simpler.
The one draw back is that it’s worthwhile to control your water consumption, which incorporates issues like showers, because it’s all coming from the one tank, reasonably than supplying you with a backup water provide only for ingesting.
READ MORE: The best way to discover ingesting water & empty waste on the highway
Winter motorhoming- damp and condensation
Condensation in a motorhome or campervan is a ache within the bottom and is among the greatest points with winter motorhoming. There are a number of methods to scale back the issue, however only a few which do away with it utterly.
Regardless of the chilly, your van will profit from somewhat air flow, so attempt to open a window a minimum of as soon as a day for some contemporary air.
Some folks run a dehumidifier, however you may battle with electrical energy for that. Non-electric damp bins or pouches (like those you set in wardrobes) are a good suggestion to absorb a minimum of a few of the moisture within the air.
See all our suggestions for lowering condensation in your motorhome right here.
Coping with moist/ muddy clothes
The most important factor to determine is the way you’ll cope with damp garments and moist/ muddy/ snowy sneakers. Taking all of them off on the door is important (therefore a groundsheet being helpful), however the place will you dry issues once they’re moist? The place will you cling moist coats?
We’re fortunate that in our motorhome we now have a heating vent within the lavatory, so all moist gear goes in there to dry in a single day. Sure, it makes going to the bathroom a MISSION, nevertheless it saves there being damp gear all over the place.
If you happen to’re doing laundry on the highway, that is the time to make use of website services or an area laundrette. Make certain all the pieces is dry earlier than you carry it back- having a van stuffed with damp clothes is not any enjoyable in any respect.
If the campsite has a drying room for moist ski gear, use it.
Winter Motorhoming with a canine
If you happen to’re travelling with a canine, there are some things you’ll positively must cease them overlaying your complete van in muck.
Listed here are our prime suggestions for winter vanlife with a canine.
Window Vac
One of many BEST motorhome equipment we’ve ever purchased is this Karcher window vac.
It removes condensation from inside your home windows in seconds AND it’s good for when it’s worthwhile to clear your motorhome. All in all, price each penny.
Thermal Display
We LOVE our thermal display from Rainbow screens. Not solely is it a enjoyable speaking level, nevertheless it does its job exceptionally effectively, reducing down condensation and warmth loss by means of the home windows.
(Disclaimer; we had been gifted the display, however we’re not being paid or inspired to incorporate it on this post- we genuinely assume it’s good.)
Nonetheless, we all know it’s costly, so right here’s a less expensive various for you:
READ MORE: Epic motorhome and campervan devices to make vanlife even higher
Winter motorhome living- Staying heat
Staying heat in a camper when it’s chilly exterior is usually a problem. You’ll in all probability wish to add insulation to your van and positively add one other rug or carpet on the ground to maintain it somewhat hotter.
Heating
Even when you’re chasing the sunshine down in Spain, it may well nonetheless get chilly sufficient to want heating in your camper throughout winter and within the mountains it’s important.
Many campsites within the mountains don’t have 16 amp electrical energy provide and so your electrical heating won’t work in addition to you’re used to. It additionally means it’s worthwhile to be selective about how a lot electrical energy you’re utilizing without delay (you don’t wish to be THAT van which is continually tripping everybody’s electrical energy…)
Fuel heating works effectively, however you’ll use a number of it- we use round 6kg each 2 days.
Diesel heating is a good various, however many vans don’t include it as customary. If you happen to do match it, concentrate on the load and the way it impacts your motorhome payload. Another choice is an oil-filled radiator, however make certain it’s low wattage.
12v heated blanket
YES, you possibly can have a heated blanket in your motorhome. I do know, I do know- you’re welcome. One of many issues my daughter HATED about winter motorhome residing was that she received chilly within the again seats if we didn’t drive with the heating on. This blanket mounted all that.
You can too put it UNDER your cover earlier than bedtime to heat the sheets- simply don’t sleep with it on.
I even have a low wattage electrical blanket in my van, which I run off my powerbank. That is the one I’ve.
(If you happen to’re , that is the powerbank I’ve)
Excessive Tog cover
Is there something higher than snuggling underneath a heat cover on a chilly night time? Make winter nights somewhat extra bearable with a 15 tog cover like this one (though clearly not when you’re going to Spain!)
Different suggestions embrace carrying a LOT of scorching water bottles, carrying thermals and investing in some superior fluffy slipper socks like these.
Managing energy for winter motorhoming or residing in a camper 12 months spherical
If you happen to’re on a campsite, you’ll in all probability have first rate entry to electrical energy. Nonetheless, when you’re utilizing aires or staying off-grid, you’ll must pay extra consideration to your energy consumption and the way you’re going to prime up your batteries.
Photo voltaic Energy
You possibly can’t depend on solar energy throughout winter to recharge your batteries in the identical manner you possibly can at different occasions of the 12 months. The solar isn’t as robust, there are extra nighttimes and extra areas of shade. Additionally, you’ll be utilizing extra energy than you may usually.
If you have already got a photo voltaic panel fitted, then by all means use what you possibly can, however don’t depend on it as your solely energy supply. If you happen to’re planning on being off-grid rather a lot, a motorhome generator might be a good suggestion.
Your motorhome Battery
Batteries don’t like chilly. They don’t run as successfully so it’s worthwhile to be extra vigilant about taking care of them, ensuring they don’t run too low, giving them cost often and usually babying them. Discover out extra about taking care of your motorhome leisure battery right here.
You might also wish to match a motorhome inverter too, particularly when you’re planning to remain off-grid rather a lot. This can provide help to make finest use of the ability in your batteries; simply do not forget that photo voltaic shouldn’t be so good in winter so it should take longer to recharge your batteries when you’ve drained them.
LED lights
We at all times suggest putting in LED lights in your van to avoid wasting power- particularly when you’re staying off-grid rather a lot, however in winter it turns into important as ‘regular’ bulbs drain the ability too shortly. Be sure to carry spares- they’ll be on for longer throughout winter and also you’ll in all probability want to interchange a pair.
Cooking
Cooking within the motorhome could be problematic throughout winter. You need one thing hearty and filling, however the longer you cook dinner, the extra steam goes into the environment, inflicting damp and condensation.
Additionally, when you’ve spent all day exterior, you in all probability received’t wish to cook dinner whenever you return. That’s why we now have a sluggish cooker which we solely use throughout winter.
In fact, this depends on an honest electrical connection. I’ve additionally heard good issues about thermal cookers (however by no means used one), which doesn’t want energy after the preliminary cooking and in addition good issues in regards to the On the spot Pot. Each are price exploring.
In fact, there are lots of methods to take pleasure in winter motorhoming. If you happen to identical to discovering a campsite close to your own home which is open all 12 months and staying within the van for a weekend, you in all probability received’t must do a lot in a different way. You possibly can even pre-cook hearty stews and convey it with you.
Equally, when you take pleasure in staying off-grid and wild tenting together with your motorhome, you received’t want a lot additional until you go someplace very chilly (like up a mountain!)
Simply keep in mind to test your methods earlier than you go and do your pre-trip motorhoming checks to make sure your car is secure in no matter circumstances you may end up driving in (like heavy rain!)
Final replace on 2023-12-19 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Pictures from Amazon Product Promoting API
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