Planning to reside and journey in your motorhome this winter? Earlier than you set off, there are some issues you could learn about winter motorhoming, residing in a van throughout winter and 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, I considered it in a enjoyable way- ought to I’m going 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 I’d carry snow chains- would I cart them round all 12 months or retailer them someplace throughout the summer season?
What about winter tyres- when would I alter if I used to be travelling away from the UK? The place would I retailer the summer season tyres? What a couple of hotter duvet- would I carry two all 12 months?
Can you utilize a motorhome in winter?
Completely. Many motorhomes can be utilized all 12 months round and the ‘low season’ undoubtedly has some benefits. You simply have to know 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 common 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 Fortress in southern Germany.
- Many locations are coated in snow, making the photographs magical. It’s additionally a should if you wish to go snowboarding!
- Should you take pleasure in night time images, you will get some epic photographs on clear, crisp nights.
- The roads are usually quieter (besides key days like Boxing Day
- Campsites are much less crowded
Disadvantages of winter motorhoming highway journeys:
- Many points of interest 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
- Highway circumstances may be troublesome 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 may be robust to sleep by
- It may be COLD (until you’ve gone south) so that you’ll use a number of gas for the heating system and it takes longer to heat up the water heater/water tanks.
Over time, I’ve received a routine down for winter journeys, and I do know the pitfalls to search for and take care of them.
Winter Motorhome van life- the truth
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. Should you did, why not observe us on Youtube. We share new movies with ideas for motorhoming and campervanning within the UK and Europe weekly, plus highway journey concepts and epic locations.
Sorts of winter motorhoming & van life
There are a number of sorts 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 completely different concerns, though a lot of the planning stays the identical. Let’s have 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 right answer.
In fact, the BREXIT guidelines of solely having the ability to spend 90 days in each rolling 180 has made it troublesome to remain away all winter, nevertheless 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 you could do in a different way than throughout the summer season, though don’t neglect you now have to adjust to the French winter tyre legislation (even in the event you’re simply passing by.)
In case you are driving your motorhome or campervan by 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 the event you’re heading additional east and going motorhoming in Croatia or Greece. I could 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
Should you’re the opposite finish of the spectrum and in search of snow, there’s rather a lot you’ll have to do to organize 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 (be sure to know match them prematurely and TEST them!) I by accident purchased the flawed measurement and so they didn’t match. 🙁
- Chances are you’ll want winter tyres; just like the French winter tyre legislation
- Shovel- a necessary for chilly climate tenting
- Lengthy-handled brush
- Bucket/ bowl to gather gray waste
You’ll additionally have to test 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 have to insulate your car, particularly the pipework and put an additional rug/ carpet on the ground.
Be sure you’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 traditional.
Should you’d like extra ideas and methods, try the publish on motorhome snowboarding right here, which tells you all the things you could 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 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 surprise which motorhome to purchase for winter use or winter RV residing 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 I went motorhome snowboarding with my Swift- and it was wonderful. Positive, it was slightly chilly, and DIY insulation of the pipes and holding tanks may have been accomplished slightly higher, nevertheless it did the job.
In fact, European producers from international locations that are used to mountains and snow may have the next insulation stage (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 may 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 think about
Should you’re planning a winter motorhome journey or winter RV tenting, there are many issues to think about.
(Should you’re new to motorhoming and need some assist with the place to begin, right here’s 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 convey
- 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 take into account 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 depart discovering someplace to remain difficult.
Beforehand, I’ve taken my 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 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 I take advantage of to fight this and discover campsites which keep open all 12 months.
For Europe
I’ve been members of the ACSI Tenting Card scheme for just a few years now and it’s good in the event you’re capable of journey exterior of peak season (which is normally finish of June till September.) Should you can go to Europe exterior these instances, 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 normally no less than one close to each main metropolis/ common space. In fact, the extra common the world, the faster you’ll have to guide.
The opposite technique I take advantage of in Europe is to make use of Park4Night and discover campsites close to the place I 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, I guide (normally by telephone or e mail.)
For the UK
Campsites for UK winter highway journeys can slightly bit tricker. ACSI does have some UK websites, however they don’t present all those that are open all 12 months.
I take advantage of an app known as Seek for Websites to search out campsites or aires close to my vacation spot, then test their web site or telephone to ask. Sure, this may be laborious and irritating. Seek for Websites is the one app the place CAMpRA promote their Aires within the UK, these are an ideal alternate to campsites.
An alternative choice is to make use of a web site like Pitchup.com, which lets you seek for your dates, necessities (like a motorhome onerous standing pitch with electrical and which permits canine) and you then guide by 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 12 months, until they’re closed for upkeep or on account of 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, they make the right cease.
Simply bear in mind, ones close to mountains might be closed and if they’ve services like water normally, the faucets could be turned off to keep away from harm.
READ MORE: Tips on how to discover and use Aires in France and Europe
Different motorhome parking in winter
In fact, 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 12 months, particularly locations like pubs within the UK.
You’ll be able to, 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.
Study discover in a single day parking spots across the UK and Europe right here
Contemplate the climate
Earlier than you head off in your winter motorhoming journey, pay further 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 neglect, you may all the time modify your plans to swimsuit no matter is forecast- that’s top-of-the-line issues about motorhoming.
Be sure you 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 here are our prime ideas 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. Should you did, why not observe us on Youtube. We share new movies with ideas for motorhoming and campervanning within the UK and Europe weekly, plus highway journey concepts and epic locations.
Gear to hold for winter motorhome life
Aside from winter/ all-weather tyres and snow chains, there are some issues I’ve discovered VERY helpful when motorhoming in winter (and even Autumn!)
Mud Mats/ Traction Grip mats
These items are a lifesaver. I’ve within the pasy, damaged all my very own guidelines and camped up on a grass pitch.
And received caught.
Attempting to push a 3.5ton motorhome out of the mud or off moist grass is rarely going to occur and with out these I’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 12 months spherical.)
Groundsheet
I don’t normally use a groundsheet once I’m motorhoming. More often than not, I keep in Aires or wild camp, so I can’t get it out and on a campsite I usually use a hard-standing pitch relatively than a subject.
Nonetheless, in winter a groundsheet turns into a necessity in lots of campsites. It stops bringing a lot mud into the van- particularly as I journey with a mud-loving cocker spaniel.
Get one like this which may be pegged out securely within the corners so doesn’t fly away and which is wipe-downable. Some individuals choose two smaller ones to allow them to use a smaller measurement when wanted.
Screenwash
Screenwash is extra essential in winter than at every other time of 12 months. There’s a lot salt and grit on the highway that it may possibly make the windscreen further soiled.
Be sure you prime up your screenwash and produce further. I love this one because it’s made for all 12 months use, even in colder climates, so received’t freeze on you while you want it most. The Demon Ice spray can also be nice because it slows down re-freezing
Don’t neglect 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 may attain all off the windscreen!
Inside mat
While making an attempt to keep away from mud and moist footprints within the van, get a mat like this (pawprint elective!) I’ve used these for years on each the camper and boats and so they actually are unbelievable for absorbing water from each canine and people in the event you wipe your ft (paws) on them!
It’s simple to wash with a jet wash while you’re cleansing your van however will final a very long time between washes if wanted.
Ingesting water
Most aires and campsites will hold 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. I used to all the time drink from my LifeSaver Jerrycan, which purifies 99.9% of all contaminated water, making it secure to drink.
Nonetheless, I 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 you could keep watch over your water consumption, which incorporates issues like showers, because it’s all coming from the one tank, relatively than providing you with a backup water provide only for ingesting.
READ MORE: Tips on how 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 fully.
Regardless of the chilly, your van will profit from slightly air flow, so attempt to open a window no less than as soon as a day for some contemporary air.
Some individuals run a dehumidifier, however you may battle with electrical energy for that. Non-electric damp bins or pouches (like those you place in wardrobes) are a good suggestion to absorb no less than among the moisture within the air.
See all our ideas for decreasing condensation in your motorhome right here.
Coping with moist/ muddy clothes
The most important factor to determine is the way you’ll take care of damp garments and moist/ muddy/ snowy sneakers. Taking all of them off on the door is crucial (therefore a groundsheet being helpful), however the place will you dry issues once they’re moist? The place will you grasp moist coats?
I’m fortunate that in my motorhome I’ve 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, nevertheless it saves there being damp gear in all places. Should you don’t have a moist room, then a dry bag may be one other choice to hold moist / damp garments in – additionally good for retaining smelly garments from stinking out your van 🙂
Should you’re doing laundry on the highway, that is the time to make use of website services or a neighborhood laundrette. Be certain that all the things is dry earlier than you convey it back- having a van filled with damp clothes isn’t any enjoyable in any respect.
If the campsite has a drying room for moist ski gear, use it.
Winter Motorhoming with a canine
Should you’re travelling with a canine, there are some things you’ll undoubtedly have to cease them overlaying all the van in muck.
Right here is my prime suggestions for winter vanlife with a canine.
Window Vac
One of many BEST motorhome equipment I’ve ever purchased is this Karcher window vac.
It removes condensation from inside your home windows in seconds AND it’s good for when you could clear your motorhome. All in all, price each penny.
Thermal Display
I LOVE my thermal display screen from Rainbow screens. Not solely is it a enjoyable speaking level, nevertheless it does its job exceptionally properly, chopping down condensation and warmth loss by the home windows.
(Disclaimer; I used to be gifted the display screen, however I’m not being paid or inspired to incorporate it on this post- I genuinely assume it’s good.)
Nonetheless, I do 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 most likely wish to add insulation to your van and undoubtedly add one other rug or carpet on the ground to maintain it slightly hotter.
Heating
Even in the event you’re chasing the sunshine down in Spain, it may possibly 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 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 wish to be THAT van which is consistently tripping everybody’s electrical energy…)
Gasoline heating works properly, however you’ll use a number of it- we use round 6kg each 2 days.
Diesel heating is a superb various, however many vans don’t include it as normal. Should you do match it, concentrate on the load and the way it impacts your motorhome payload. An alternative choice is an oil-filled radiator, however be certain that it’s low wattage.
12v heated blanket
YES, you may 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 I didn’t drive with the heating on.
I even have a low wattage electrical blanket in my van, which I run off my powerbank. That is the blanket I’ve.
(Should you’re , that is the powerbank I’ve)
RELATED: How to decide on the most effective moveable energy station for motorhomes
Excessive Tog quilt
Is there something higher than snuggling underneath a heat quilt on a chilly night time? Make winter nights slightly extra bearable with a 15 tog quilt like this one (though clearly not in the event you’re going to Spain!)
Different ideas 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 residing in a camper 12 months spherical
Should you’re on a campsite, you’ll most likely have respectable entry to electrical energy. Nonetheless, in the event 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 may at different instances of the 12 months. The solar isn’t as sturdy, 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 may, however don’t depend on it as your solely energy supply. Should you’re planning on being off-grid rather a lot, a motorhome generator might be a good suggestion.#
Energy Banks
An influence financial institution, like EcoFlow or Jackery are good 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. Should you’re going to make use of an influence financial institution as a supply of energy, you could be certain that it’s able to operating / powering the home equipment you can be utilizing.
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 frequently 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 in the event you’re planning to remain off-grid rather a lot. It will aid 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 should take longer to recharge your batteries when you’ve drained them.
LED lights
I all the time suggest putting in LED lights in your van to avoid wasting power- particularly in the event 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 you convey spares- they’ll be on for longer throughout winter and also you’ll most likely want to interchange a pair.
Cooking
Cooking within the motorhome may 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 exterior, you most likely received’t wish to prepare dinner while you return. That’s why I’ve a low wattage sluggish cooker which I take advantage of rather a lot 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. Should you identical to discovering a campsite close to your property which is open all 12 months and staying within the van for a weekend, you most likely received’t have to do a lot in a different way. You’ll be able to even pre-cook hearty stews and produce 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 further until you go someplace very chilly (like up a mountain!)
Simply bear in mind to test your programs 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!)
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