Winter camping: Simple tips for the upcoming winter season with your camper
Winter is a wonderful time of year to travel with a camper. The snowy landscape and the cozy atmosphere make camping a unique experience. However, to ensure that you feel comfortable even in colder temperatures and that your camper is optimally prepared for the winter conditions, we have a few simple tips for you:
Preparing the vehicle
- Check the condition of the battery and charge it if necessary.
- Make sure that the tires have sufficient tread and that the correct winter tires are fitted. In fact, there is no obligation to use winter tires on caravans, but this is different for towing vehicles and motorhomes.
- Check your gas supplies and bring an extra bottle if necessary. Please note that butane is only suitable for temperatures above 0°C and that you should therefore use propane gas. The 11-kilo bottles usually last for 2-3 days in the winter, so bring a good supply or check at the campsite whether they have connections to a fixed gas line. If you are unsure how much gas you have left in the bottle, you can use this level gauge to measure your gas bottle in your caravan.
- Check that the heating is working properly and insulate windows and doors if necessary.
Winterproof equipment in the camper
- Suitable tools : Hammer for pegs in snow/ice, broom, snow shovel/shovel, ice scraper, jump leads
- Place a thick layer of insulating material under the sleeping area.
- Prepare a small plastic tub at the entrance for wet or snow-covered shoes.
- Protect yourself from frozen water in the camper. This means only filling the water tanks with water when the interior of the camper is warm and the water cannot freeze! Heated water tanks are a useful upgrade for campers. Even though the tanks in most caravans or motorhomes are either under the seat or in the converted van, you want to avoid frozen water pipes. Warning: Waste water tanks are often not heated either. Either let the waste water in the camper drain directly or simply add some antifreeze.
Winter camping tips
- Just like at home, the same applies to your caravan or motorhome: heat and ventilate. Ideally, you have an awning or the campsite has a drying room where you can hang up your wet clothes. Try to prevent moisture in the motorhome.
- Don't forget the toilet cassette. Feel free to pour a large amount of antifreeze in there too.
- Always tilt the window when cooking in the camper
Food supplies
Make sure you have enough food supplies for the winter. You may not be able to go shopping easily due to snow or poor road conditions. Also think about warming drinks like tea or cocoa.
Winter campsites
Find out in advance about winter campsites that are also open during the cold season. These sites often offer special facilities such as heated toilets and electricity for campers.
Safety first
Always think about your safety and the safety of other road users. Adapt your driving style to the winter road conditions and keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front.
Now you are well prepared for the upcoming winter season with your camper. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and the unique atmosphere of winter camping!
