How to Enjoy Winter Touring in Your Caravan or Motorhome

During the 1960s and 1970s, caravan holidays were taken mainly in the summer, with some hardier folk choosing to tour during spring and autumn. Darker evenings were a blessing during the chillier months as gas lighting, which many caravans were equipped with, also heated the living space.

However, modern construction methods and heating appliances make winter touring a doddle, and with an increasing number of sites remaining open year-round, more caravanners and motorhomers are enjoying true four-season touring.

However, if you’re new to winter touring and want to know a little more before taking the plunge, this guide will help you get the most from your leisure vehicle, be it a caravan or motorhome.

What extra things do I need to enjoy winter caravanning?

In short, very little. During winter 2017, we towed two Bailey Pursuit caravans into Finland’s Arctic Circle. Apart from a refillable Gaslow gas system, an onboard water tank, and winter tyres, the caravans were standard with no change to the insulation or heating system. In fact, the caravans were so well insulated that I had to turn the heating down when we reached our most northerly point, 300 km within the Arctic Circle.

Which gas type – butane or propane?

If you’re in the UK, Calor gas is usually one of two types – butane or propane. Butane can struggle if the bottle temperature falls towards freezing, with propane continuing to work until the mercury hits -40°C. Butane is popular among caravan and motorhome owners because Calor butane bottles are 7kg, 1kg more than the propane equivalent. However, to avoid swapping bottles, pigtails, etc., many use propane gas year-round, myself included.

Water systems

We may have had an inboard water tank fitted for the Arctic trip, but an Aquaroll can cope with surprisingly chilly temperatures if given a little help. Insulating covers are available, although a heavy coat manages rather well if you require an emergency cover. Simply zip the Aquaroll into the coat and feed the water pump hose through one of the arms. Wooden blocks underneath the Aquaroll also help prevent freezing.

This is a recent discovery, but did you know that Elsan makes antifreeze for leisure vehicle water systems? Regular antifreeze should never be used in your caravan or motorhome’s water system, nor should it be discharged at any emptying point, but this Elsan product may be a handy addition to the Wastemaster if temperatures dip. Please follow the instructions carefully, however.

Insulated windscreen covers for motorhomes

Insulated covers that fit the outside of motorhome windscreens and side windows are common at any time of the year, but they can be a vital addition during the colder months. Unlike plastic windows in the habitation area, large sections of glass can soon cool the cab, although good quality screen covers can be fitted in moments, save energy, and increase comfort levels.

Condensation?

Is condensation a problem in the morning? We tend to use a large, good-quality microfibre cloth to remove any condensation from the windows as it’s quick and leaves a clean, streak-free window. Wet before use, wring out, and use like a chamois leather.

Winter vent covers for fridge

Fridge vent covers are often overlooked, even though they make absorption fridges work more efficiently at temperatures of 8°C or less. This is due to the cold air outside preventing efficient heat exchange. What’s more, even if your caravan isn’t in use during the winter, these covers can help prevent water or insects from entering the vented area.

Towing cover?

To protect the front of the caravan, an increasing number of people are using towing covers. As roads tend to be grubbier during the winter months, they keep the front of the caravan clean and protect it from salt, debris, etc.

Will the caravan or motorhome toilet freeze?

This was a concern before the Arctic Trip, so we spoke to the folks at Thetford, who told us that the correct dose of Thetford loo chemical should prevent the cassette from freezing. Despite sub-zero temperatures in Finland and Sweden, the loo continued to function perfectly. I may use the ‘splash and dash’ approach when adding loo chemicals during spring, summer, or autumn, but the correct amount is essential during the winter.

Storing your caravan between trips

Don’t forget to winterise your caravan or motorhome when not in use. A how-to guide can be found here.

Does anyone spend Christmas in their caravan or motorhome?

Absolutely. Christmas breaks are incredibly popular, with many sites remaining open for the festive period. There’s no need to miss out on decorations, Christmas trees, presents, Xmas jumpers, or festive dinners, as it’s positively encouraged.

Where can I find a site that’s open during the winter?

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has fifty sites that open year-round, a mixture of club-owned sites and associated sites. The CL (Certified Location) site network boosts this number.

The Camping and Caravanning Club has eighteen sites that open year-round, with an additional five sites that have extended opening into January. As with The Caravan and Motorhome Club, the Camping and Caravanning Club’s CS (Certified Site) site network also boosts this number.

The UK Campsite website is also a popular way to find campsites open during winter, with a dedicated page that narrows search results by region. The results include club sites, CS sites, CL sites, and independent sites. For example, searching for a site in the South West revealed page after page of sites open for the winter season.

If you’re looking for a smaller 5-unit site, the CL Booking app and website are worth looking at. At the time of writing, 240+ CL sites are listed, and the ease of booking makes this service popular. Instead of phoning or emailing each CL site to check availability, sites with empty pitches are shown, and bookings can be made from the same page. Final confirmation must be received from the site, but it saves a lot of time when searching for a CL with availability. Currently, this service is only for Caravan and Motorhome Club CL sites.