Planning to reside and journey in your motorhome this winter? Earlier than you set off, there are some issues it’s essential learn about winter motorhoming, dwelling in a van throughout winter and learn how to keep protected (and heat!) in colder climate.
*We work onerous to make this one of the best motorhome journey weblog and highway journey web site doable, stuffed with useful content material for you. The web site is supported by our readers, so if you happen to purchase by way of hyperlinks on this web site we could earn a commission- at no further price to you. All opinions stay our personal.
In case you discover this submit helpful, you may additionally deal with us to a espresso – we promise to take pleasure in it whereas creating extra helpful content material like this- we would even take pleasure in a biscuit (or two!)
Winter Van Life- the challenges
After I stop my job to journey in a motorhome virtually fulltime, I by no means actually thought of the winter.
Oh, we thought of it in a enjoyable way- ought to we go snowboarding (extra on that later) or head as much as Norway to see the Northern Lights or head south to Spain for some winter sunshine?
However I by no means thought of how we’d carry snow chains- would we cart them round all 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 few hotter duvet- would we feature two all yr?
Can you employ a motorhome in winter?
Completely. Many motorhomes can be utilized all yr round and the ‘low season’ positively has some benefits. You simply have to know learn how to handle the downsides of winter tenting earlier than you set off in your epic winter highway journey in Europe
Professionals of winter adventures with a motorhome or camper:
- Far much less vacationers at well-liked 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 battle memorial in Ypres or Neuschwanstein Fort in southern Germany.
- Many locations are coated in snow, making the images magical. It’s additionally a should if you wish to go snowboarding!
- In case you take pleasure in evening pictures, you will get some epic images on clear, crisp nights.
- The roads are typically quieter (besides key days like Boxing Day
- Campsites are much less crowded
Disadvantages of winter motorhoming highway journeys:
- Many sights and locations of curiosity shut for the winter
- Many campsites shut too, so areas on the ones obtainable are wanted. Attempt to keep away from grass pitches if in any respect doable.
- There are fewer hours of daylight, so much less time to discover
- Highway circumstances might be tough in freezing temperatures, particularly in snow and ice.
- Your motorhome can endure from damp, condensation and mildew if you happen to don’t look after it correctly (extra on that later)
- Drying garments and laundry generally is a ache (extra on that later too)
- Sturdy winds and rain might be robust to sleep by way of (ask any of us who survived Storm Denis in a van!)
- It may be COLD (until you’ve gone south) so that you’ll use a number of gasoline for the heating system and it takes longer to heat up the water heater/water tanks.
Through the years, we’ve obtained a routine down for our winter journeys, and we all know the pitfalls to search for and learn how 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. In case 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.
Sorts 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 doable, even throughout winter.
Every of those teams has barely completely different issues, though a lot of the planning stays the identical. Let’s take a look at the variations beneath
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 answer.
After all, the BREXIT guidelines of solely with the ability to spend 90 days in each rolling 180 has made it tough to remain away all winter, nevertheless it’s nonetheless doable to spend practically 3 months within the sunshine.
If that is the way you’re planning to spend your winter in a motorhome, then there’s not a complete lot it’s essential do in a different way than throughout the summer season, though don’t neglect you now have to adjust to the French winter tyre regulation (even if you happen to’re simply passing by way of.)
In case you are driving your motorhome or campervan by way of 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 if you happen to’re heading additional east and going motorhoming in Croatia or Greece. We will 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
In case you’re the opposite finish of the spectrum and in search of snow, there’s rather a lot you’ll have to do to arrange your motorhome for winter within the mountains.
Gear it’s essential 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 learn how to match them prematurely and TEST them!) We unintentionally purchased the unsuitable dimension they usually didn’t match. 🙁
- You might 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 have to examine your camper van heating is working fine- whether or not you employ a diesel furnace, conventional Truma blown-air or propane heating system or one thing like an area heater. You’ll in all probability additionally have to insulate your automobile, 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 high up the screenwash; salt on the roads means you’ll use it much more than normal.
In case you’d like extra suggestions and methods, take a look at our submit on motorhome snowboarding right here, which tells you every part it’s essential 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 beneath.
What’s the Finest Motorhome for winter use?
Many individuals marvel which motorhome to purchase for winter use or winter RV dwelling and if it’s doable to make use of a motorhome in winter, even a British mannequin, like a Swift.
I can safely say that we went motorhome snowboarding with our Swift- and it was effective. Certain, it was a little bit chilly, and we wanted to insulate the pipes and holding tanks a little bit higher, nevertheless it did the job.
After all, European producers from nations that are used to mountains and snow may have a better insulation stage (some even have an excessive climate bundle and heated hoses), however additionally they 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.
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 think about
In case you’re planning a winter motorhome journey or winter RV tenting, there are many issues to think about.
(In case you’re new to motorhoming and wish some assist with the place to begin, right here’s learn how to plan EPIC motorhome journeys wherever you need to go.)
The most important issues with utilizing a motorhome or campervan within the winter embody:
- The place to remain
- Climate circumstances and security
- Storage
- Gear to deliver
- Staying heat
- Coping with damp and condensation
- Coping with moist garments and muddy/ moist boots- drying them
- Solar energy and managing sources
- Discovering recent water and emptying water- and stopping the recent 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 might go away discovering someplace to remain tough.
We lately took our motorhome right down to Biarritz in southern France- STUNNING place to go to if you happen to 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 good if you happen to’re capable of journey exterior of peak season (which is normally finish of June till September.) In case 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/ e book 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 at the very least one close to each main metropolis/ well-liked space. After all, the extra well-liked the realm, the faster you’ll have to e book.
The opposite methodology 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 e book (normally by telephone or electronic mail.)
For the UK
Campsites for UK winter highway journeys can a little 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 telephone to ask. Sure, this may be laborious and irritating.
Another choice is to make use of an internet site like Pitchup.com, which lets you seek for your dates, necessities (like a motorhome onerous standing pitch with electrical and which permits canine) and then you definitely e book by way of them.
Lastly, if you happen to’re a member of a motorhome membership, you need to use their web site or e book to search out locations.
Aires in Europe in winter
Many Aires in France and Europe keep open all yr, until they’re closed for upkeep or as a result of heavy snow (or the roads near them being closed.)
Nonetheless, there are sufficient of them that if you happen to solely need to keep someplace for an evening or two as you’re travelling by way of, they make the proper cease.
Simply 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.
READ MORE: Tips on how to discover and use Aires in France and Europe
Different motorhome parking in winter
After all, there are many different schemes if you happen to 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 may, in fact, nonetheless use wild tenting spots along with your motorhome or camper. Simply beware of soppy muddy locations in forests- you’ll get caught very simply.
Study learn how to 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 further consideration to the climate. Does the forecast embody robust winds, fog, or snow?
None of these are a lot enjoyable in a van. Don’t neglect, you may at all times alter your plans to go well with no matter is forecast- that’s the most effective 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… they usually actually love hiding in motorhomes and campervans.
There are methods to discourage them (humanely!). Listed here are our high suggestions for deterring mice and rodents in motorhomes and campers.
You too can see the injury they do on this video!
We hope you discovered the video helpful. In case 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 if you happen to’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 once 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 slightly 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 might 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 necessary in winter than at another time of yr. There’s a lot salt and grit on the highway that it might make the windscreen further soiled.
Be sure you high up your screenwash and convey further. We love this one because it’s made for all yr use, even in colder climates, so received’t freeze on you once you want it most. The Demon Ice spray can also 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 may 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-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 toes (paws) on them!
It’s simple to wash with a jet wash once you’re cleansing your van however will final a very long time between washes if wanted.
Consuming 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. We used to at all times 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 implies the water which comes out of the faucet within the kitchen is already filtered. It’s SO a lot simpler.
The one draw back is that it’s essential control your water consumption, which incorporates issues like showers, because it’s all coming from the one tank, slightly than supplying 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 largest 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 a little bit air flow, so attempt to open a window at the very least as soon as a day for some recent air.
Some folks run a dehumidifier, however you may 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 very 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 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 dangle moist coats?
We’re fortunate that in our motorhome we’ve got a heating vent within the lavatory, so all moist gear goes in there to dry in a single day. Sure, it makes going to the bathroom a MISSION, nevertheless it saves there being damp gear in all places.
In case you’re doing laundry on the highway, that is the time to make use of web site amenities or an area laundrette. Make sure that every part 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.
Winter Motorhoming with a canine
In case you’re travelling with a canine, there are some things you’ll positively have to cease them protecting the complete van in muck.
Listed here are our high suggestions for winter vanlife with a canine.
Window Vac
One of many BEST motorhome equipment we’ve ever purchased is this Karcher window vac.
It removes condensation from inside your home windows in seconds AND it’s good for when it’s essential 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, nevertheless it does its job exceptionally effectively, slicing down condensation and warmth loss by way of 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 assume it’s good.)
Nonetheless, we all know it’s costly, so right here’s a less expensive various for you:
READ MORE: Epic motorhome and campervan devices to make vanlife even higher
Winter motorhome living- Staying heat
Staying heat in a camper when it’s chilly exterior generally is 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 a little bit hotter.
Heating
Even if you happen to’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’re used to. It additionally means it’s essential be selective about how a lot electrical energy you’re utilizing directly (you don’t need to be THAT van which is continually tripping everybody’s electrical energy…)
Gasoline heating works effectively, however you’ll use a number of it- we use round 6kg each 2 days.
Diesel heating is a good various, however many vans don’t include it as normal. In case 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 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 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.
I even have a low wattage electrical blanket in my van, which I run off my powerbank. That is the one I’ve.
(In case you’re , that is the powerbank I’ve)
Excessive Tog quilt
Is there something higher than snuggling below a heat quilt on a chilly evening? Make winter nights a little bit extra bearable with a 15 tog quilt like this one (though clearly not if you happen to’re going to Spain!)
Different suggestions embody 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
In case you’re on a campsite, you’ll in all probability have respectable entry to electrical energy. Nonetheless, 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 high up your batteries.
Photo voltaic Energy
You may’t depend on solar energy throughout winter to recharge your batteries in the identical means you may at different instances of the yr. The solar isn’t as robust, 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 may, however don’t depend on it as your solely energy supply. In case you’re planning on being off-grid so much, 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 be extra vigilant about taking care of them, ensuring they don’t run too low, giving them a very good cost repeatedly and usually babying them. Discover out extra about taking care of your motorhome leisure battery right here.
You may additionally need to match a motorhome inverter too, particularly if you happen to’re planning to remain off-grid so much. This can assist you to make greatest use of the facility in your batteries; simply keep in mind that photo voltaic will not be so good in winter so it’ll take longer to recharge your batteries when you’ve drained them.
LED lights
We at all times suggest putting in LED lights in your van to save lots of power- particularly if you happen to’re staying off-grid so much, however in winter it turns into important as ‘regular’ bulbs drain the facility too shortly. Be sure you deliver 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 might be problematic throughout winter. You need one thing hearty and filling, however the longer you cook dinner, the extra steam goes into the environment, inflicting damp and condensation.
Additionally, if you happen to’ve spent all day exterior, you in all probability received’t need to cook dinner once you return. That’s why we’ve got a gradual cooker which we solely use 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 likewise good issues concerning the Instantaneous Pot. Each are value exploring.
After all, there are various methods to take pleasure in winter motorhoming. In case you similar to discovering a campsite close to your house which is open all yr and staying within the van for a weekend, you in all probability received’t have to do a lot in a different way. You may even pre-cook hearty stews and convey it with you.
Equally, if you happen to take pleasure in staying off-grid and wild tenting along 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 examine your programs earlier than you go and do your pre-trip motorhoming checks to make sure your automobile is protected in no matter circumstances you may end up driving in (like heavy rain!)
Final replace on 2023-12-20 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photographs from Amazon Product Promoting API
