Planning to reside and journey in your motorhome this winter? Earlier than you set off, there are some issues it is advisable find out about winter motorhoming, dwelling in a van throughout winter and the way to keep protected (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 nearly 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 yr or retailer them someplace through 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 feature two all yr?
Can you utilize a motorhome in winter?
Completely. Many motorhomes can be utilized all yr round and the ‘low season’ positively has some benefits. You simply must know the way to handle the downsides of winter tenting earlier than you set off in your epic winter street journey in Europe
Professionals of winter adventures with a motorhome or camper:
- Far much less vacationers at fashionable 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 conflict memorial in Ypres or Neuschwanstein Citadel in southern Germany.
- Many locations are coated in snow, making the photographs magical. It’s additionally a should if you wish to go snowboarding!
- When you take pleasure in evening pictures, 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 street journeys:
- Many points of interest and locations of curiosity shut for the winter
- Many campsites shut too, so areas on the ones out there 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 situations might be tough in freezing temperatures, particularly in snow and ice.
- Your motorhome can undergo from damp, condensation and mildew in the event 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 might be robust to sleep by means of (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 lots of gasoline for the heating system and it takes longer to heat up the water heater/water tanks.
Through the years, we’ve obtained a routine down for our winter journeys, and we all know the pitfalls to search for and the way to cope with them.
Winter Motorhome van life- the truth
Right here’s a video of the issues I’ve learnt while dwelling 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. When you did, we’d like it 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 reside fulltime of their motorhome or campervan
- Everybody else, who simply enjoys exploring and spending time within the can when attainable, even throughout winter.
Every of those teams has barely totally different concerns, though a lot of the planning stays the identical. Let’s have a look at the variations under
Winter motorhome life within the sunshine
For anybody who desires to get away from the dreary UK winters, heading south to locations like Spain or Portugal in a motorhome is the proper resolution.
After all, the BREXIT guidelines of solely having the ability to spend 90 days in each rolling 180 has made it tough 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 an entire lot it is advisable do in a different way than through the summer season, though don’t overlook you now must adjust to the French winter tyre regulation (even in the event 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 in the event you’re heading additional east and going motorhoming in Croatia or Greece. We will make no ensures, however in the event you’d like some concepts for locations to remain or go to, right here you go:
Chasing the snow- motorhome snowboarding
When you’re the opposite finish of the spectrum and on the lookout for snow, there’s rather a lot you’ll must do to organize your motorhome for winter within the mountains.
Gear it is advisable 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 the way to match them prematurely and TEST them!) We unintentionally purchased the flawed dimension and so they didn’t match. 🙁
- You could want winter tyres; just like the new French winter tyre regulation
- Shovel- an important for chilly climate tenting
- Lengthy-handled brush
- Bucket/ bowl to gather gray waste
You’ll additionally must examine your camper van heating is working fine- whether or not you utilize a diesel furnace, conventional Truma blown-air or propane heating system or one thing like an area heater. You’ll most likely 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 normal.
When you’d like extra suggestions and methods, take a look at our put up on motorhome snowboarding right here, which tells you every little thing it is advisable know earlier than you go.
Residing 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 Finest Motorhome for winter use?
Many individuals surprise which motorhome to purchase for winter use or winter RV dwelling and if it’s attainable 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 a bit chilly, and we would have liked to insulate the pipes and holding tanks a bit higher, however it did the job.
After all, European producers from nations that are used to mountains and snow may have the next insulation degree (some even have an excessive climate bundle and heated hoses), however in addition they price extra, so do loads of analysis in the event you’re planning to spend so much of time in chilly environments in your motorhome.
Winterproof vs Winterised:
- “winterproof” means the motorhome might 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
When you’re planning a winter motorhome journey or winter RV tenting, there are many issues to contemplate.
(When you’re new to motorhoming and need some assist with the place to start out, right here’s the way to 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 situations 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 sources
- Discovering contemporary water and emptying water- and stopping the contemporary water tank or waste tank hoses freezing!
First, we’ll contemplate 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 tough.
We lately took our motorhome right down to Biarritz in southern France- STUNNING place to go to in the event 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 yr.
For Europe
We’ve been members of the ACSI Tenting Card scheme for a couple of years now and it’s sensible in the event you’re in a position to journey outdoors of peak season (which is normally finish of June till September.) When you can go to Europe outdoors these occasions, you’ll save your self a fortune with an ACSI card.
Even higher, their web site/ app/ guide are nice locations to examine to see when campsites shut. There are sufficient which keep open all yr; you simply want to search out them. There’s normally not less than one close to each main metropolis/ fashionable space. After all, the extra fashionable 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 (normally by cellphone or e-mail.)
For the UK
Campsites for UK winter street journeys can a bit bit tricker. ACSI does have some UK websites, however they don’t present all those that are open all yr.
We use an app known as Seek for Websites to search out campsites close to our vacation spot, then examine their web site or cellphone 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 onerous standing pitch with electrical and which permits canines) and then you definately guide by means of them.
Lastly, in the event you’re a member of a motorhome membership, you need to use their web site or guide to search out locations.
Aires in Europe in winter
Many Aires in France and Europe keep open all yr, except they’re closed for upkeep or attributable to heavy snow (or the roads near them being closed.)
Nonetheless, there are sufficient of them that in the event 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 normally, the faucets is likely to be turned off to keep away from harm.
READ MORE: The way to discover and use Aires in France and Europe
Different motorhome parking in winter
After all, there are many different schemes in the event you don’t wish 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 may, in fact, nonetheless use wild tenting spots together with your motorhome or camper. Simply beware of soppy muddy locations in forests- you’ll get caught very simply.
Be taught the way to 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 sturdy winds, fog, or snow?
None of these are a lot enjoyable in a van. Don’t overlook, you’ll be able to all the time regulate your plans to go well with 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.
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… and so they actually love hiding in motorhomes and campervans.
There are methods to discourage them (humanely!). Listed below 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. When you did, we’d like it 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
This stuff are a lifesaver. Final yr, we broke all our personal guidelines and camped up on a grass pitch.
And obtained caught.
Attempting to push a 3.5ton motorhome out of the mud or off moist grass isn’t going to occur and with out these we’d have been stuffed (you need to use the carpets from inside your van in the event you’re actually caught, however they’re be ruined. Save your self the fear and carry a set of those all yr spherical.)
Groundsheet
We don’t normally 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 relatively than a discipline.
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 might be pegged out securely within the corners so doesn’t fly away and which is wipe-downable. Some individuals want two smaller ones to allow them to use a smaller dimension when wanted.
Screenwash
Screenwash is extra essential in winter than at another time of yr. There’s a lot salt and grit on the street that it might 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 yr use, even in colder climates, so received’t freeze on you while you want it most. The Demon Ice spray can be nice because it slows down re-freezing
Don’t overlook an ice scraper in the event 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 making an attempt to keep away from mud and moist footprints within the van, get a mat like this (pawprint elective!) We’ve used these for years on each the camper and our boats and so they actually are unbelievable for absorbing water from each canines and people in the event you wipe your toes (paws) on them!
It’s straightforward to wash with a jet wash while you’re cleansing your van however will final a very long time between washes if wanted.
Consuming water
Most aires and campsites will hold 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 all the time drink from our LifeSaver Jerrycan, which purifies 99.9% of all contaminated water, making it protected to drink.
Nonetheless, this yr we fitted an inline water filter, which suggests 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 is advisable regulate your water consumption, which incorporates issues like showers, because it’s all coming from the one tank, relatively than supplying you with a backup water provide only for consuming.
READ MORE: The way to discover consuming water & empty waste on the street
Winter motorhoming- damp and condensation
Condensation in a motorhome or campervan is a ache within the bottom and is likely one of the greatest points with winter motorhoming. There are a number of methods to cut back the issue, however only a few which eliminate it fully.
Regardless of the chilly, your van will profit from a bit air flow, so attempt to open a window not less than as soon as a day for some contemporary air.
Some individuals run a dehumidifier, however you may wrestle with electrical energy for that. Non-electric damp containers or pouches (like those you set in wardrobes) are a good suggestion to take in not less than among the moisture within the air.
See all our suggestions for decreasing 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 grasp moist coats?
We’re fortunate that in our motorhome we have now a heating vent within the toilet, 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. When you don’t have a moist room, then a dry bag might be one other choice to hold moist / damp garments in – additionally good for retaining smelly garments from stinking out your van 🙂
When you’re doing laundry on the street, that is the time to make use of web site services or an area laundrette. Be certain that every little thing 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
When you’re travelling with a canine, there are some things you’ll positively must cease them overlaying the complete van in muck.
Listed below 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 sensible for when it is advisable clear your motorhome. All in all, value each penny.
Thermal Display
We LOVE our thermal display from Rainbow screens. Not solely is it a enjoyable speaking level, however it does its job exceptionally properly, chopping down condensation and warmth loss by means of the home windows.
(Disclaimer; we have been gifted the display, 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:
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 outdoors is usually a problem. You’ll most likely wish to add insulation to your van and positively add one other rug or carpet on the ground to maintain it a bit hotter.
Heating
Even in the event you’re chasing the sunshine down in Spain, it might 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 may not work in addition to you might be used to. It additionally means it is advisable be selective about how a lot electrical energy you might be utilizing directly (you don’t wish to be THAT van which is continually tripping everybody’s electrical energy…)
Gasoline heating works properly, however you’ll use lots of it- we use round 6kg each 2 days.
Diesel heating is a superb different, however many vans don’t include it as commonplace. When you do match it, concentrate on 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 can too put it UNDER your quilt 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 blanket I’ve.
(When you’re , that is the powerbank I’ve)
RELATED: How to decide on one of the best moveable energy station for motorhomes
Excessive Tog quilt
Is there something higher than snuggling underneath a heat quilt on a chilly evening? Make winter nights a bit extra bearable with a 15 tog quilt like this one (though clearly not in the event 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 dwelling in a camper yr spherical
When you’re on a campsite, you’ll most likely have first rate entry to electrical energy. Nonetheless, in the event 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 may’t depend on solar energy throughout winter to recharge your batteries in the identical manner you’ll be able to at different occasions of the yr. The solar isn’t as sturdy, there are extra midnights 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’ll be able to, however don’t depend on it as your solely energy supply. When you’re planning on being off-grid quite a bit, a motorhome generator might be a good suggestion.#
Energy Banks
An influence financial institution, like EcoFlow or Jackery are sensible for supplying energy for cooking and even an electrical blanket or small heater – this will depend on the scale / kind of energy financial institution and the equipment wattage utilization necessities. When you’re going to make use of an influence financial institution as a supply of energy, it is advisable be sure that it’s able to working / powering the home equipment you may be utilizing.
Your motorhome Battery
Batteries don’t like chilly. They don’t run as successfully so it is advisable be extra vigilant about taking care of them, ensuring they don’t run too low, giving them a superb cost often and customarily babying them. Discover out extra about taking care of your motorhome leisure battery right here.
You may additionally wish to match a motorhome inverter too, particularly in the event you’re planning to remain off-grid quite a bit. This may assist you make finest use of the ability in your batteries; simply do not forget that photo voltaic is just not so good in winter so it is going to take longer to recharge your batteries when you’ve drained them.
LED lights
We all the time suggest putting in LED lights in your van to avoid wasting power- particularly in the event you’re staying off-grid quite a bit, however in winter it turns into important as ‘regular’ bulbs drain the ability too rapidly. Be sure to carry spares- they’ll be on for longer throughout winter and also you’ll most likely want to exchange a pair.
Cooking
Cooking within the motorhome might be problematic throughout winter. You need one thing hearty and filling, however the longer you prepare dinner, the extra steam goes into the environment, inflicting damp and condensation.
Additionally, in the event you’ve spent all day outdoors, you most likely received’t wish to prepare dinner while you return. That’s why we have now a low wattage sluggish cooker which we use quite a bit throughout winter.
After all, this depends on a good 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 Instantaneous Pot. Each are value exploring.
After all, there are lots of methods to take pleasure in winter motorhoming. When you similar to discovering a campsite close to your own home which is open all yr and staying within the van for a weekend, you most likely received’t must do a lot in a different way. You may even pre-cook hearty stews and convey it with you.
Equally, in the event you take pleasure in staying off-grid and wild tenting together with your motorhome, you received’t want a lot additional except you go someplace very chilly (like up a mountain!)
Simply keep in mind to examine your methods earlier than you go and do your pre-trip motorhoming checks to make sure your car is protected in no matter situations you may end up driving in (like heavy rain!)
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