The insulating properties of the outer Alu-Tech bodyshell, coupled with a carefully designed heating system, ensure that ‘Grade 3’ is exceeded, an award granted to tourers that offer year-round comfort.

To test performance in cold weather, we placed the caravan in a -30°C cold chamber at Truma, and tested further with a trip 300km inside the Arctic Circle.

Using what we’ve learned, here are our top tips to maximise your winter trip potential or settle your caravan into hibernation for the chiller months.

If you use your caravan all-year-round, temperatures will likely fall between trips.

The following steps will help to protect it:

• Drain the water system

Before returning home (or reaching the storage yard), open the yellow toggle switch that drains the water heater.

With it open (facing upwards), open all taps and allow the motion when travelling to aid the emptying process.

However, it’s illegal to discharge water onto the carriageway so don’t open the drain valve before joining the M5.

• Remove the top from your Aquaroll before storing

We recommend keeping it in the shower when not in use

• Charge the leisure battery every few weeks

This will help prevent a flat battery when are ready for a trip

• Drain the toilet

Thetford state that correctly diluted loo chemicals can prevent toilet cassettes from freezing at temperatures as low as -20’C. The flush is easily forgotten but make sure it’s drained down.

• Turn off gas

When storing your caravan, turn off gas cylinders

• Keep doors ajar

Keep the fridge and freezer doors ajar for air circulation and prevention of mould and mildew build-up

• Inflate tyres

Correctly inflated tyres are a must. It’s also an excellent opportunity to check the tyre’s date of manufacture,. The date can be found on the sidewall in a four-digit (month and year) format.

• Secure your caravan

Secure your caravan to make sure it is there when you want to take a trip!

Proper winter care of your caravan during the cold months is essential to maintain a practical caravan.

Here are some of our top tips for how to store your caravan:

• Clean

First of all, give the inside a thorough clean. Forgotten crumbs or unseen spillages can become mouldy if left unattended.

• Maintain airflow

Pull the seating/bedding cushions an inch or so away from the wall to allow airflow.

• Remove filter

If you have an inboard water filter, moisture can sit next to the threads and crack the housing if it freezes. So either remove the filter or change it before using again.

• Screen your vehicle

Leaving the blinds down for extended periods can weaken the internal springs. Instead, screen the inside of your caravan instead of closing the curtains.

• Check seals

The ‘blade’ in the toilet cassette can become stuck against the rubber seal if left closed for longer periods. Thetford sell a rubber seal lubricant to prevent the seal from getting stuck, or olive oil is a handy substitute.

• Use moisture traps

Moisture traps can be highly effective and remove surprising amounts of water from the air inside your caravan. However, some may need regular maintenance

• Check your battery

The cold weather weakens your battery’s power. However, some caravans require a permanent 12-volt supply for security reasons. Other than that, remove and store your battery in a warmer area.

Remember to keep charging the battery every few weeks.

• Consider a caravan cover

Breathable caravan covers keep out the elements surprisingly well. We used one regularly with our first caravan until the frequency of our trips increased.

If you cover up during winter, ensure your caravan is clean, as road grime is a surprisingly effective abrasive. Also, don’t forget to cover the hitch to shield it from moisture, dirt and debris.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravaning Club provide storage facilities to leave your caravan over the winter.

Visit their websites for more information.

You can also check locally to you to find independent storage facilities and yards.