USE YOUR CARAVAN OR MOTORHOME OVER THE WINTER SEASON
With modern caravans and motorhomes now having good heating and insulation systems, why not continue to utilise your most valuable asset during the winter months rather than have it sitting unused on your driveway for months on end.
In addition to its all-important annual service, below are some top tips for a successful winters touring.
KEEP WARM AND DRY
- Resist the temptation to block off permanent vents. This is extremely dangerous as they are essential in the event of a gas leak.
- Condensation can be a problem during the colder months. Ensure that your unit is well ventilated as this could lead to damp.
- Never use a gas hob as an additional source of heating as it could elevate levels of Carbon Monoxide.
SAFETY FIRST
- If you are using your gas for heating, you may be tempted to opt for a larger cylinder. For safety the size of cylinder used should fit into your unit’s gas locker. Propane gas generally works better in the cold.
- Well maintained and properly inflated tyres are ever more important during winter months. For motorhomes, consider fitting winter tyres which are made from a rubber compound designed to avoid hardening as temperatures fall below 7C and provide better grip on the road. Note: in certain countries snow chains or winter tyres are mandatory requirements.
- For touring caravans, if tyres are over 5 years old, replacement tyres are recommended.
GOOD PRACTICE
- Make sure the base vehicle is ready for the winter by having it serviced regularly
- Water freezes from the top down, so insulate your water container with a ‘jacket’ and lag the water pipe with a foam pipe.
- Avoid water supply and drain pipework from freezing, bring freshwater inlet hose inside and have a bottle of water available for the first brew of the day.
- Consider leaving the waste drain valve open and drain direct into a bucket where the frozen waste can be dealt with be more easily.
- Ensure your battery is fully charged as cold temperatures can slow down the reactions in the battery’s chemistry and result in a reduction in battery capacity.
- An awning is invaluable for storing those wet items, such as raincoats and wellington boots. Although if you intend to stay on a hardstanding pitch, you may struggle to peg out. Extra-long steel pegs are advised. However, bear in mind that it may be prudent to take an awning down and pack away outside items like tables and chairs if a winter storm is forecast.
- With the light fading fast in the evening, it’s an idea to work out an evening routine. 1) Check fresh, waste-water and toilet tank levels. 2) Check that there is enough gas to last until morning.
- Think about weight before setting off - do you need outdoor chairs, BBQ etc.? Take only what you need.
