Planning to spend time in your motorhome this winter? Contemplating some winter motorhome journeys, whether or not at house or overseas? Earlier than you set off, there are some issues you could learn about winter motorhome dwelling and keep secure (and heat!) in colder climate.
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Winter Motorhome Life- the challenges
After I give up my job to journey in a motorhome virtually fulltime, I by no means actually thought of the winter. Oh, we considered it in a enjoyable way- ought to we go to the mountains and 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 yr or retailer them someplace throughout the summer season? What about winter tyres- when would we modify if we have 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 yr?
Can you employ a motorhome in winter?
Completely, however there’s much more to motorhoming in winter than simply setting off. There are some particular professionals and cons of roadtripping in winter.
Professionals of winter adventures with a motorhome or camper:
- Far much less vacationers at common sites- that is the time to go to cities like Rome, Venice or Paris, but additionally busy locations just like the Menin Gate struggle memorial in Ypres or Neuschwanstein Fortress in southern Germany.
- Many locations are coated in snow, making the pictures magical. It’s additionally a should if you wish to go snowboarding!
- In case you take pleasure in night time pictures, you may get some epic pictures on clear, crisp nights.
- The roads are typically quieter (besides key days like Boxing Day
- Campsites are much less crowded
Disadvantages of winter street 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 attainable.
- There are fewer hours of daylight, so much less time to discover
- Street circumstances could be troublesome, particularly in snow and ice and particularly in case you’re not used to it
- Your motorhome can get damp, condensation and mildew in case you don’t take care of it correctly (extra on that later)
- Drying garments could be a ache (extra on that later too)
- Robust winds and rain could be robust to sleep via (ask any of us who survived Storm Denis in a van!)
- It may be COLD (except you’ve gone south) so that you’ll use a variety of fuel/ electrical for heating and it takes longer to heat up.
Through the years, we’ve obtained a routine down for our winter journeys, and we all know the pitfalls to search for and cope with them.
Sorts of winter motorhoming
There are three varieties of people that use their motorhomes within the winter:
- Those chasing winter sunshine
- Others chasing snow and mountain life
- And people who dwell fulltime of their motorhome or campervan
Every of those teams has barely completely different concerns, though a lot of the planning stays the identical. Let’s take a look at the variations beneath
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 troublesome to remain away all winter, however it’s nonetheless attainable 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 a complete lot you could do in another way than throughout the summer season, though France handed a brand new regulation in November 2021 about winter tyres and snow chains.
If you’re driving your motorhome or campervan via France (in addition to all the remainder of the gear you need- seize your FREE Europe journey guidelines beneath.)
It does additionally get chilly in winter in lots of locations in Europe, even in case you’re heading additional east and going motorhoming in Croatia or Greece. We will make no ensures, however in case you’d like some concepts for locations to remain or go to, right here you go:
Chasing the snow- motorhome snowboarding
In case you’re the opposite finish of the spectrum and searching for snow, there’s rather a lot you’ll have to do to arrange your motorhome for winter within the mountains.
Gear you could 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 (ensure you know match them upfront and TEST them!) We by chance purchased the incorrect dimension they usually didn’t match. 🙁
- Shovel
- Lengthy-handled brush
- Bucket/ bowl to gather gray waste
You’ll additionally have to verify your camper van heating is working high-quality and presumably insulate your automobile, 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 common.
In case you’d like extra suggestions and methods, try our publish on motorhome snowboarding right here, which tells you the whole lot you could know earlier than you go.
Residing fulltime in a motorhome 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 dealing with condensation, chilly, moist clothes, and extra. We’ll go into every of these challenges beneath.
What’s the Finest motorhome for winter use?
Many individuals marvel which motorhome to purchase for winter use and if it’s attainable to make use of a motorhome in winter, even when it’s a UK mannequin, like a Swift.
I can safely say that we went motorhome snowboarding with our Swift- and it was high-quality. Positive, it was just a little chilly, and we would have liked to insulate the pipes just a little higher, however it did the job.
In fact, European producers from nations who’re used to mountains and snow could have the next insulation, however in addition they price extra, so do loads of analysis in case you’re planning to spend so much of time in chilly environments in your motorhome.
Producers like Hymer use the next concerns:
- “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.
Verify the
Planning a winter motorhome trip- issues to think about
In case you’re planning a winter motorhome journey, there are many issues to think about. (In case you’re new to motorhoming and need some assist with the place to start out, right here’s plan EPIC motorhome journeys wherever you need to go.)
However, in winter, there are some additional issues to think about.
Greatest issues with winter motorhoming or dwelling in a camper yr spherical
The most important issues with utilizing a motorhome or campervan within the winter embrace:
- The place to remain
- Climate
- Gear to deliver
- Staying heat
- Coping with damp and condensation
- Coping with moist garments and muddy/ moist boots- drying them
- Solar energy and managing assets
- Discovering recent water and emptying water
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 might go away discovering someplace to remain difficult.
We just lately took our motorhome right down to Biarritz in southern France- STUNNING place to go to in case you get a chance- 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 yr.
For Europe, attempt ACSI
We’ve been members of the ACSI Tenting Card scheme for a number of years now and it’s sensible in case you’re capable of journey outdoors of peak season (which is normally finish of June till September.) In case you can go to Europe outdoors these instances, you’ll save your self a fortune with an ACSI card- you’ll be able to study extra concerning the scheme and the way it works right here.
However their web site/ app/ guide are nice locations to verify to see when campsites shut. There are sufficient which keep open all yr; you simply want to seek out them. There’s normally at the least one close to each main metropolis/ common space. In fact, the extra common the realm, the faster you’ll have to guide.
The opposite technique we use in Europe is to make use of Park4Night and discover campsites close to the place we need 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 (normally by telephone or electronic mail.)
For the UK
The UK is just a little bit tricker. ACSI does have some UK websites, however they don’t present all those that are open all yr.
Once more, we use an app referred to as Seek for Websites to seek out campsites close to our vacation spot, then verify their web site or telephone to ask. Sure, this may be laborious and irritating.
Another choice is to make use of a web site like pitchup.com, which lets you seek for your dates, necessities (like a motorhome laborious standing pitch with electrical and which permits canines) and you then guide via them.
Lastly, in case you’re a member of a motorhome membership, you should use their web site or guide to seek out locations.
Aires in Europe in winter
Aires keep open all yr, except they’re closed for upkeep or as a consequence of heavy snow (or the roads near them being closed.)
Nonetheless, there are sufficient of them that in case you solely need to keep someplace for an evening or two as you’re travelling via, they make the proper cease.
Simply keep in mind, ones close to mountains might be closed and if they’ve amenities like water normally, the faucets is perhaps turned off to keep away from injury.
You’ll be able to study discover and use Aires in France and Europe right here
Different motorhome parking in winter
In fact, there are many different schemes in case you don’t need to use campsites or Aires. Schemes like Brit Stops and France Ardour have companies that are open all yr, particularly locations like pubs within the UK.
You’ll be able to, after all, nonetheless use wild tenting spots along with your motorhome or camper. Simply beware of sentimental muddy locations in forests- you’ll get caught very simply.
You’ll be able to study extra about discover in a single day parking spots across the UK and Europe right here
Take into account 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’ll be able to at all times modify your plans to swimsuit no matter is forecast- that’s top-of-the-line issues about motorhoming.
Be sure to carry water, snacks and ideally some sizzling drinks- simply in case.
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
This stuff are a lifesaver. Final yr, we broke all our personal guidelines and camped up on a grass pitch.
And obtained 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 use the carpets from inside your van in case you’re actually caught, however they’re be ruined. Save your self the concern and carry a set of those all yr spherical.)
Groundsheet
We don’t normally use a groundsheet once we’re motorhoming. More often than not, we keep in Aires or wild camp, so we will’t get it out and on a campsite we regularly use a hard-standing pitch reasonably than a area. 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 choose two smaller ones to allow them to use a smaller dimension when wanted.
Screenwash
Screenwash is extra essential in winter than at some other time of yr. There’s a lot salt and grit on the street that it could actually make the windscreen additional soiled.
Be sure to prime up your screenwash and produce additional. We love this one because it’s made for all yr use, even in colder climates, so gained’t freeze on you once you want it most. The Demon Ice spray can be nice because it slows down re-freezing
Don’t neglect an ice scraper in case you don’t have one already! You’ll want one with a longer deal with like this so you’ll be able to attain all off the windscreen!
Inside mat
While we’re attempting to keep away from mud and moist footprints within the van, get a mat like this (pawprint non-compulsory!) 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 in case you wipe your ft (paws) on them!
It’s straightforward to wash with a jet wash once you’re cleansing your van however will final a very long time between washes if wanted.
Ingesting water
Most aires and campsites will maintain a faucet operating. DON’T flip this off- it’s operating in order that the pipe doesn’t freeze (operating water is more durable 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. Personally, we at all times drink from our LifeSaver Jerrycan, which purifies 99.9% of all contaminated water, making it secure to drink.
The opposite benefit of getting it onboard is you may have an additional provide of water, to final you longer earlier than you could refill.
Winter motorhoming- damp and condensation
Condensation in a motorhome or campervan is a ache within the bottom, however it’s one of many over-riding 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 just a little air flow, so attempt to open a window at the least as soon as a day for some recent air.
Some folks run a dehumidifier, however you would possibly wrestle with electrical energy for that. Non-electric damp packing containers or pouches (like those you place in wardrobes) are a good suggestion to take in at the least a number 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 footwear. Taking all of them on the door is crucial (therefore a groundsheet being helpful), however the place will you dry issues after they’re moist? The place will you cling moist coats?
We’re fortunate that in our motorhome we have now a heating vent within the rest room, so all moist gear goes in there to dry in a single day. Sure, it makes going to the bathroom a MISSION, however it saves there being damp gear in every single place.
In case you’re doing laundry on the street, that is the time to make use of web site amenities or a neighborhood laundrette. Be certain the whole lot is dry earlier than you deliver it back- having a van stuffed with damp clothes isn’t any enjoyable in any respect.
If the campsite has a drying room for moist ski gear, use it.
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 sensible for when you could clear your motorhome. All in all, value each penny.
Thermal Display screen
We LOVE our thermal display screen from Rainbow screens. Not solely is it a enjoyable speaking level, however it does its job exceptionally properly, slicing down condensation and warmth loss via the home windows. (Disclaimer; we have been gifted the display screen, however we’re not being paid or inspired to incorporate it on this post- we genuinely suppose it’s sensible.)
Nonetheless, we all know it’s costly, so right here’s a less expensive different for you:
Winter motorhome living- Staying heat
Staying heat in a camper when it’s chilly outdoors could be a problem. You’ll in all probability need to add insulation to your van and positively add one other rug or carpet on the ground to maintain it just a little hotter.
Heating
Even in case you’re chasing the sunshine down in Spain, it could actually nonetheless get chilly sufficient to wish heating 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 might be used to. It additionally means you could be selective about how a lot electrical energy you might be utilizing without delay (you don’t need to be THAT van which is consistently tripping everybody’s electrical energy…)
Fuel heating works properly, however you’ll use a variety of it- we use round 6kg each 2 days.
Diesel heating is a superb different, however many vans don’t include it as commonplace. In case you do match it, pay attention to the burden and the way it impacts your motorhome payload. Another choice is an oil-filled radiator, however be sure that it’s low wattage.
12v heated blanket
YES, you’ll be able to 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 dwelling was that she obtained chilly within the again seats if we didn’t drive with the heating on. This blanket mounted all that.
You too can put it UNDER your quilt earlier than bedtime to heat the sheets- simply don’t sleep with it on.
Excessive Tog quilt
Is there something higher than snuggling beneath a heat quilt on a chilly night time? Make winter nights just a little extra bearable with a 15 tog quilt like this one (though clearly not in case you’re going to Spain!)
Different suggestions embrace carrying a LOT of sizzling water bottles, sporting thermals and investing in some superior fluffy slipper socks like these.
Managing energy for winter motorhoming or if dwelling in a camper yr spherical
In case you’re on a campsite, you’ll in all probability have respectable entry to electrical energy. Nonetheless, in case you’re utilizing aires or staying off-grid, you’ll have to pay extra consideration to your energy consumption and the way you’re going to prime up your batteries.
Photo voltaic Energy
You’ll be able to’t depend on solar energy throughout winter to recharge your batteries in the identical means you’ll be able to at different instances of the yr. The solar isn’t as robust, there are extra nighttimes and extra areas of shade. Additionally, you’ll be utilizing extra energy than you would possibly usually.
If you have already got a photo voltaic panel fitted, then by all means use what you’ll be able to, however don’t depend on it as your solely energy supply. In case you’re planning on being off-grid lots, a motorhome generator might be a good suggestion.
Your motorhome Battery
Batteries don’t like chilly. They don’t run as successfully so you could be extra vigilant about taking care of them, ensuring they don’t run too low, giving them a very good cost usually and usually babying them. Discover out extra about taking care of your motorhome leisure battery right here
LED lights
We at all times suggest LED lights to avoid wasting power- particularly in case you’re staying off-grid lots, however in winter it turns into important as ‘regular’ bulbs drain the facility too rapidly. Be sure to deliver 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 ambiance, inflicting damp and condensation.
Additionally, in case you’ve spent all day outdoors, you in all probability gained’t need to cook dinner once you return. That’s why we have now 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 concerning the Instantaneous Pot. Each are value exploring.
