For new customers as well as experienced customers, venturing out during the winter months can feel daunting. With the right preparation, winter touring can be easier than you would expect. We have set up a guide to cover essential winter caravan tips, towing with a car and winter safety checks, how to stay warm in a caravan, motorhome or campervan, as well as some practical advice to stop water barrels freezing during cold and frosty conditions.
Winter Towing: Safety First
Before setting, make sure to give yourself some extra time to check everything.
Towing in winter will mean slippery roads, reduced visibility and low temperatures, these can affect tyre pressure as well as braking distances.
· Tyres: Ensure both the tow vehicle and caravan tyres have good tread (legal minimum 1.6mm but 3mm is far safer for winter)
· Lights and Indicators: Winter road grime and spray can quickly cover lenses. Check all rear lights, indicators, and brake lights are clean and working.
· Breakaway cable: Check this is correctly attached and is free from wear.
· Brakes and Hitch: Check the caravan’s handbrake releases fully and the hitch head is clear of snow and ice.
· Weight distribution: Ensure the weight is evenly distributed across the floor and not overloaded at the rear of the caravan, especially important during windy, wintry weather.
· Drive gently: Increase stopping distances, avoid heavy acceleration and corner more slowly.
Caravan Parks in Winter: What to Expect
Some caravan parks stay open through the winter months, like ourselves, and can be less busy than in the main summer season.
When booking, search for “winter caravan park”, “all year touring sites” or “best caravan sites for winter stays”. Remember to look for:
· Electric hook-up (EHU): Important for heating, kettles and leisure battery charging.
· Heated toilet and shower blocks
· Good road access: Some rural sites can be tricky on untreated roads.
Staying Warm in a Caravan, Motorhome or Campervan
Keeping warm is one of the main concerns for winter caravanners.
Most modern leisure vehicles are built with great insulation, but a few simple habits will make a huge difference.
· Use onboard heating wisely: better to start up on gas to warm the space faster and heat elements up faster before switching onto electric.
· Insulate windows: Thermal blinds or external screen covers can help reduce heat loss considerably.
· Draught-proof doors and vents: Vents must remain open for gas safety, but soft draught blockers around the floor can help retain inside temperature for longer.
· Rugs and carpets: Bare floors do get cold – add carpets and rugs to help keep heat in your unit.
· Layer up bedding: Fleece blankets, thermal toppers and hot water bottles will help keep you warm in bed.
Preventing Water Barrels and Pipes From Freezing
One of the most common problems during winter months would be frozen water systems. A few protective steps can save a lot of hassle.
· Insulate your Aquaroll or water container: Use a thermal cover, bubble wrap or even an old sleeping back or an old thick winter jacket, remember to also protect the water pump from the water container to the caravan.
· Raise it off icy ground: A wooden board reduces contact with frosty ground.
· Use warm (not hot) water when refilling: Slows freezing without damaging the water container.
· Consider onboard tanks: Some caravanners switch to using internal tanks only during winter.
Protecting Pipes and Waste
· Lag exposed pipes with foam insulation
· Use table salt or grey-water antifreeze in your water container to prevent freezing
· Drain Down when leaving your caravan leave taps in the open position and remember to leave your bathroom taps, including shower taps, in the open position
Final Thoughts
Winter touring can be rewarding – quieter campsites, crisp, frosty walks with clear blue skies and warm,relaxing evenings inside your caravan or campervan.
By following these winter caravan safety tips, insulating water systems, keeping your caravan and yourself warm, you will enjoy safe and comfortable cold-weather adventures.