Planning to spend time in your motorhome this winter? Considering some winter motorhome journeys, whether or not at residence or overseas? Before you set off, there are some issues it’s essential to learn about winter motorhome residing and tips on how to keep protected (and heat!) in colder climate.
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Winter Motorhome Life- the challenges
When 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?
But I by no means thought of how we’d carry snow chains- would we cart them round all 12 months 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? Where would we retailer our summer season tyres? What a few hotter duvet- would we stock two all 12 months?
Can you utilize a motorhome in winter?
Absolutely, however there’s much more to motorhoming in winter than simply setting off. There are some particular professionals and cons of roadtripping in winter.
Pros 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 locations just like the Menin Gate conflict memorial in Ypres or Neuschwanstein Castle in southern Germany.
- Many locations are lined in snow, making the pictures magical. It’s additionally a should if you wish to go snowboarding!
- If you get pleasure from evening 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 highway journeys:
- Many sights and locations of curiosity shut for the winter
- Many campsites shut too, so areas on the ones obtainable are wanted. Try to keep away from grass pitches if in any respect attainable.
- There are fewer hours of daylight, so much less time to discover
- Road situations will be tough, particularly in snow and ice and particularly if you happen to’re not used to it
- Your motorhome can get damp, condensation and mildew if you happen to don’t take care of it correctly (extra on that later)
- Drying garments could be a ache (extra on that later too)
- Strong winds and rain will be robust to sleep via (ask any of us who survived Storm Denis in a van!)
- It will be COLD (until you’ve gone south) so that you’ll use loads of fuel/ electrical for heating and it takes longer to heat up.
Over the years, we’ve acquired a routine down for our winter journeys, and we all know the pitfalls to search for and tips on how to take care of them.
Types of winter motorhoming
There are three varieties of people that use their motorhomes within the winter:
- The ones chasing winter sunshine
- Others chasing snow and mountain life
- And those that reside fulltime of their motorhome or campervan
Each of those teams has barely totally different concerns, 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 right resolution.
Of course, 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, but it surely’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 it’s essential to 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 might be driving your motorhome or campervan via 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 if you happen to’re heading additional east and going motorhoming in Croatia or Greece. We could make no ensures, however if you happen to’d like some concepts for locations to remain or go to, right here you go:
Chasing the snow- motorhome snowboarding
If you’re the opposite finish of the spectrum and searching for snow, there’s quite a bit you’ll have to do to arrange your motorhome for winter within the mountains.
Gear it’s essential to carry for winter campervanning within the mountains
As properly as the standard gear you want for motorhome touring in Europe, you’ll want to hold:
- snow chains (ensure you know tips on how to match them prematurely and TEST them!) We by accident purchased the improper dimension they usually didn’t match. ????
- Shovel
- Long-handled brush
- Bucket/ bowl to gather gray waste
You’ll additionally have to examine your camper van heating is working nice and probably insulate your car, particularly the pipework and put an additional rug/ carpet on the ground.
Make positive 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 common.
If you’d like extra ideas and methods, try our put up on motorhome snowboarding right here, which tells you the whole lot it’s essential to know earlier than you go.
Living 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 going through condensation, chilly, moist clothes, and extra. We’ll go into every of these challenges under.
What’s the Best 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 nice. Sure, it was somewhat chilly, and we wanted to insulate the pipes somewhat higher, but it surely did the job.
Of course, European producers from nations who’re used to mountains and snow may have the next insulation, however in addition they price extra, so do loads of analysis if you happen to’re planning to spend so much of time in chilly environments in your motorhome.
Manufacturers like Hymer use the next concerns:
- “winterproof” means the motorhome will 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.
Check the
Planning a winter motorhome trip- issues to think about
If you’re planning a winter motorhome journey, there are many issues to think about. (If you’re new to motorhoming and need some assist with the place to start out, right here’s tips on how to plan EPIC motorhome journeys anyplace you wish to go.)
But, in winter, there are some further issues to think about.
Biggest issues with winter motorhoming or residing in a camper 12 months spherical
The greatest issues with utilizing a motorhome or campervan within the winter embrace:
- Where to remain
- Weather
- Gear to carry
- Staying heat
- Dealing with damp and condensation
- Dealing with moist garments and muddy/ moist boots- drying them
- Solar energy and managing assets
- Finding contemporary 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 not too long ago took our motorhome all the way down to Biarritz in southern France- STUNNING place to go to if you happen to get a chance- seize your France journey guidelines right here:
But 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, strive ACSI
We’ve been members of the ACSI Camping Card scheme for a couple of years now and it’s sensible if you happen to’re capable of journey outdoors of peak season (which is normally finish of June till September.) If you possibly can go to Europe outdoors these occasions, you’ll save your self a fortune with an ACSI card- you possibly can be taught extra concerning the scheme and the way it works right here.
But their web site/ app/ guide are nice locations to examine to see when campsites shut. There are sufficient which keep open all 12 months; you simply want to seek out them. There’s normally a minimum of one close to each main metropolis/ in style space. Of course, the extra in style the world, the faster you’ll have to guide.
The different methodology 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 telephone or e mail.)
For the UK
The UK is somewhat bit tricker. ACSI does have some UK websites, however they don’t present all those that are open all 12 months.
Again, we use an app referred to as Search for Sites to seek out campsites close to our vacation spot, then examine their web site or telephone to ask. Yes, this may be laborious and irritating.
Another possibility 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 via them.
Lastly, if you happen to’re a member of a motorhome membership, you should utilize their web site or guide to seek out locations.
Aires in Europe in winter
Aires keep open all 12 months, until they’re closed for upkeep or as a result of heavy snow (or the roads near them being closed.)
Still, there are sufficient of them that if you happen to solely wish to keep someplace for an evening or two as you’re travelling via, they make the right cease.
Just bear in mind, ones close to mountains could be closed and if they’ve amenities like water normally, the faucets is perhaps turned off to keep away from injury.
You can find out about tips on how to discover and use Aires in France and Europe right here
Other motorhome parking in winter
Of course, there are many different schemes if you happen to don’t wish to use campsites or Aires. Schemes like Brit Stops and France Passion have companies that are open all 12 months, particularly locations like pubs within the UK.
You can, after all, nonetheless use wild tenting spots along with your motorhome or camper. Just beware of soppy muddy locations in forests- you’ll get caught very simply.
You can be taught extra about tips on how to discover in a single day parking spots across the UK and Europe right here
Consider the climate
Before you head off in your winter motorhoming journey, pay further 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 the most effective issues about motorhoming.
Make positive you carry water, snacks and ideally some scorching drinks- simply in case.
Gear to hold for winter motorhome life
Apart 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 issues are a lifesaver. Last 12 months, we broke all our personal guidelines and camped up on a grass pitch.
And acquired caught.
Trying 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 should utilize the carpets from inside your van if you happen to’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 normally use a groundsheet after we’re motorhoming. Most of the time, we keep in Aires or wild camp, so we will’t get it out and on a campsite we frequently use a hard-standing pitch relatively than a discipline. However, 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 will be pegged out securely within the corners so doesn’t fly away and which is wipe-downable. Some individuals favor two smaller ones to allow them to use a smaller dimension when wanted.
Screenwash
Screenwash is extra necessary in winter than at every other time of 12 months. There’s a lot salt and grit on the highway that it may make the windscreen further soiled.
Make positive you prime up your screenwash and produce further. We love this one because it’s made for all 12 months use, even in colder climates, so gained’t freeze on you whenever you want it most. The Demon Ice spray can be nice because it slows down re-freezing
Don’t neglect an ice scraper if you happen to 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!
Interior mat
Whilst we’re making an attempt to keep away from mud and moist footprints within the van, get a mat like this (pawprint non-obligatory!) We’ve used these for years on each the camper and our boats they usually actually are incredible for absorbing water from each canine and people if you happen to wipe your ft (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.
Drinking water
Most aires and campsites will maintain a faucet working. DON’T flip this off- it’s working in order that the pipe doesn’t freeze (working 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 protected to drink.
The different benefit of getting it onboard is you might have an additional provide of water, to final you longer earlier than it’s essential to replenish.
Winter motorhoming- damp and condensation
Condensation in a motorhome or campervan is a ache within the bottom, but it surely’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 eliminate it fully.
Despite 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 individuals run a dehumidifier, however you may battle with electrical energy for that. Non-electric damp packing containers or pouches (like those you set in wardrobes) are a good suggestion to absorb a minimum of among the moisture within the air.
See all our ideas for lowering condensation in your motorhome right here.
Dealing with moist/ muddy clothes
The greatest factor to determine is the way you’ll take care of damp garments and moist/ muddy/ snowy sneakers. Taking all of them on the door is important (therefore a groundsheet being helpful), however the place will you dry issues once they’re moist? Where will you cling moist coats?
We are fortunate that in our motorhome we’ve got a heating vent within the toilet, so all moist gear goes in there to dry in a single day. Yes, it makes going to the bathroom a MISSION, but it surely saves there being damp gear in every single place.
If you’re doing laundry on the highway, that is the time to make use of website amenities or a neighborhood laundrette. Make positive the whole lot is dry earlier than you carry it back- having a van filled with damp clothes is not any enjoyable in any respect.
If the campsite has a drying room for moist ski gear, use it.
Window Vac
One of the 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’s essential to clear your motorhome. All in all, price each penny.
Thermal Screen
We LOVE our thermal display from Rainbow screens. Not solely is it a enjoyable speaking level, but it surely does its job exceptionally properly, chopping down condensation and warmth loss via 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 assume it’s sensible.)
However, 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 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 if you happen to’re chasing the sunshine down in Spain, it may nonetheless get chilly sufficient to want 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 may not work in addition to you might be used to. It additionally means it’s essential to be selective about how a lot electrical energy you might be utilizing without delay (you don’t wish to be THAT van which is continually tripping everybody’s electrical energy…)
Gas heating works properly, however you’ll use loads of it- we use round 6kg each 2 days.
Diesel heating is a good different, however many vans don’t include it as commonplace. If you do match it, concentrate on the load and the way it impacts your motorhome payload. Another possibility is an oil-filled radiator, however ensure 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 the issues my daughter HATED about winter motorhome residing was that she acquired chilly within the again seats if we didn’t drive with the heating on. This blanket fastened all that.
You can even put it UNDER your cover earlier than bedtime to heat the sheets- simply don’t sleep with it on.
High Tog cover
Is there something higher than snuggling below a heat cover on a chilly evening? Make winter nights somewhat extra bearable with a 15 tog cover like this one (though clearly not if you happen to’re going to Spain!)
Other ideas embrace carrying a LOT of scorching water bottles, sporting thermals and investing in some superior fluffy slipper socks like these.
Managing energy for winter motorhoming or if residing in a camper 12 months spherical
If you’re on a campsite, you’ll in all probability have respectable entry to electrical energy. However, if you happen to’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.
Solar Power
You 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 midnights and extra areas of shade. Also, 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’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 it’s essential to be extra vigilant about taking care of them, ensuring they don’t run too low, giving them a superb cost frequently and customarily babying them. Find out extra about taking care of your motorhome leisure battery right here
LED lights
We at all times advocate LED lights to avoid wasting power- particularly if you happen to’re staying off-grid lots, however in winter it turns into important as ‘normal’ bulbs drain the ability too shortly. Make positive you carry spares- they’ll be on for longer throughout winter and also you’ll in all probability want to exchange a pair.
Cooking
Cooking within the motorhome will 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.
Also, if you happen to’ve spent all day outdoors, you in all probability gained’t wish to prepare dinner whenever you return. That’s why we’ve got a gradual cooker which we solely use throughout winter.
Of course, 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 Instant Pot. Both are price exploring.