Strategies to maximize your winter caravanning adventure
Preparing for Winter Caravanning: A Comprehensive Guide
Winter caravanning offers a unique experience, with quieter campsites, cheaper pitches, and a chance to appreciate the beauty of winter landscapes. To ensure a safe and comfortable journey, it's essential to prepare your caravan appropriately.
Caravan Preparation
Modern UK caravans, with their Grade III certified insulation and heating, are ideal for winter touring. However, there are specific steps to take before hitting the road. Winterising the water system by draining all pipes is crucial to prevent freeze damage. Disconnecting gas supplies for safety is also essential. Using breathable covers to protect the exterior during storage is important, allowing moisture to escape and preventing rot or mold.
Moisture and damp prevention are critical during winter caravanning. Use moisture absorbers, maintain proper ventilation after cooking or showering, and regularly check seals around windows and doors. Conduct annual professional servicing covering brakes, suspension, electrics, and gas appliances to maintain safety and warranty coverage. Tyres should be inspected for wear, cracking, and inflation before trips, replacing those over five years old.
Safety Equipment
A carbon monoxide detector is essential for winter caravanning due to increased time spent inside the van with the heating system on. Always carry safety equipment such as warm clothing, blankets, and prepare for potentially icy road conditions by having snow chains if touring in cold climates.
Winter Touring Essentials
Use warm clothing and blankets inside the caravan or campervan, ensuring the heating system is functioning. Maintain good ventilation despite the cold to avoid dampness and condensation inside, which can make conditions feel colder.
Small, 12V aquarium water heaters or heating pads can be bought online to help prevent the Aquaroll from freezing. An awning can act as an 'airlock' and provide a place to store muddy boots and wet clothing during winter caravanning.
Winter Breakdown Kit
When driving or touring in winter conditions, carry a winter breakdown kit with warm clothes, blankets, a torch with spare batteries, high-visibility jackets, and sturdy boots with grip for safety. Snow chains are important in areas where snow or ice is common, and knowing how to fit them is crucial.
Tech Advancements
App compatibility allows for remote control of a caravan's systems such as heating, lights, and hot water. Consider packing thick socks, warm pyjamas, a sweater, a super-warm 12 tog duvet, and a slow cooker for winter caravanning.
Enjoying Winter Caravanning
Rod and Kim Farrendon enjoy winter caravanning for its solitude and increased awareness of the natural environment. Winter caravanning offers a tranquil and beautiful experience, with the stillness and beauty of winter landscapes to enjoy.
Remember, some campsites may not remain open all year round; check online when planning a trip. Ensure all external waste pipes run straight and downwards to avoid the risk of sitting water, which might freeze up. A cordless drill can be used with a 4mm masonry bit to drill tent peg guide holes in frozen ground. Use a weatherproof plastic cover to protect a join when linking two hook-up cables together. Always plug hook-up cables into the caravan first before attaching to the hook-up post.
In summary, thorough winterising of the caravan’s water and gas systems, moisture control, vehicle and tyre maintenance, safety preparations for driving in winter conditions, and essential equipment are key to safe and comfortable cold-weather touring and storage.
For seasoned winter caravanners seeking different travel experiences, considering home-and-garden styled caravan sites offers a unique lifestyle. These sites often provide homely amenities, blending the pleasure of travel with the comforts of home, enhancing the overall enjoyment of winter caravan trips.
In terms of travel, those who enjoy winter caravanning may also appreciate extended stays at home-and-garden themed caravan sites, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and exploration during the colder months.
