Planning to reside and journey in your motorhome this winter? Earlier than you set off, there are some issues it is advisable to learn about winter motorhoming, dwelling in a van throughout winter and the right way to keep protected (and heat!) in colder climate.
*We work laborious to make this the most effective motorhome journey weblog and highway journey web site attainable, stuffed with useful content material for you. The web site is supported by our readers, so when you purchase by hyperlinks on this web site we might earn a commission- at no further price to you. All opinions stay our personal.
In the event you discover this submit helpful, you may additionally deal with us to a espresso – we promise to take pleasure in it whereas creating extra helpful content material like this- we would even bask in a biscuit (or two!)
Winter Van Life- the challenges
After I stop my job to journey in a motorhome nearly fulltime, I by no means actually thought-about the winter.
Oh, I thought of it in a enjoyable way- ought to I am going snowboarding (extra on that later) or head as much as Norway to see the Northern Lights or head south to Spain for some winter sunshine?
However I by no means thought-about how I’d carry snow chains- would I cart them round all yr or retailer them someplace throughout the summer time?
What about winter tyres- when would I alter if I used to be travelling away from the UK? The place would I retailer the summer time tyres? What a few hotter duvet- would I carry two all yr?
Can you utilize a motorhome in winter?
Completely. Many motorhomes can be utilized all yr round and the ‘low season’ undoubtedly has some benefits. You simply have to know the right way to handle the downsides of winter tenting earlier than you set off in your epic winter highway journey in Europe
Execs of winter adventures with a motorhome or camper:
- Far much less vacationers at standard sites- that is the time to go to cities like Rome, Venice or Paris, but in addition busy and historic locations just like the Menin Gate struggle memorial in Ypres or Neuschwanstein Fortress in southern Germany.
- Many locations are coated in snow, making the pictures magical. It’s additionally a should if you wish to go snowboarding!
- In the event you take pleasure in evening pictures, you will get some epic pictures on clear, crisp nights.
- The roads are typically quieter (besides key days like Boxing Day
- Campsites are much less crowded
Disadvantages of winter motorhoming highway journeys:
- Many points of interest and locations of curiosity shut for the winter
- Many campsites shut too, so areas on the ones obtainable are wanted. Attempt to keep away from grass pitches if in any respect attainable.
- There are fewer hours of daylight, so much less time to discover
- Highway situations will be tough in freezing temperatures, particularly in snow and ice.
- Your motorhome can endure from damp, condensation and mildew when you don’t look after it correctly (extra on that later)
- Drying garments and laundry could be a ache (extra on that later too)
- Sturdy winds and rain will be robust to sleep by
- It may be COLD (until you’ve gone south) so that you’ll use a whole lot of gas for the heating system and it takes longer to heat up the water heater/water tanks.
Through the years, I’ve bought a routine down for winter journeys, and I do know the pitfalls to search for and the right way to take care of them.
Winter Motorhome van life- the truth
Right here’s a video of the issues I’ve learnt while dwelling within the motorhome full-time throughout winter. It was a STEEP studying curve. I hope you discover it helpful.
We hope you discovered the video helpful. In the event you did, why not observe us on Youtube. We share new movies with suggestions for motorhoming and campervanning within the UK and Europe weekly, plus highway journey concepts and epic locations.
Forms of winter motorhoming & van life
There are a number of sorts of people that use their motorhomes within the winter, broadly categorised into:
- Those chasing winter sunshine
- Others chasing snow and mountain life
- Those that reside fulltime of their motorhome or campervan
- Everybody else, who simply enjoys exploring and spending time within the can when attainable, even throughout winter.
Every of those teams has barely totally different issues, though a lot of the planning stays the identical. Let’s take a look at the variations beneath
Winter motorhome life within the sunshine
For anybody who desires to get away from the dreary UK winters, heading south to locations like Spain or Portugal in a motorhome is the proper answer.
After all, the BREXIT guidelines of solely having the ability to spend 90 days in each rolling 180 has made it tough to remain away all winter, but it surely’s nonetheless attainable to spend practically 3 months within the sunshine.
If that is the way you’re planning to spend your winter in a motorhome, then there’s not a complete lot it is advisable to do otherwise than throughout the summer time, though don’t neglect you now have to adjust to the French winter tyre regulation (even when you’re simply passing by.)
In case you are driving your motorhome or campervan by France (in addition to all the remainder of the gear you need- seize your FREE Europe journey guidelines beneath.)
It does additionally get chilly in winter in lots of locations in Europe, even when you’re heading additional east and going motorhoming in Croatia or Greece. I could make no ensures, however when you’d like some concepts for locations to remain or go to, right here you go:
Chasing the snow- motorhome snowboarding
In the event you’re the opposite finish of the spectrum and on the lookout for snow, there’s quite a bit you’ll have to do to organize your motorhome for winter within the mountains.
Gear it is advisable to carry for winter campervanning within the mountains
In addition to the standard gear you want for motorhome touring in Europe, you’ll want to hold:
- snow chains (ensure you know the right way to match them prematurely and TEST them!) I by chance purchased the flawed dimension they usually didn’t match. 🙁
- It’s possible you’ll want winter tyres; just like the French winter tyre regulation
- Shovel- an important for chilly climate tenting
- Lengthy-handled brush
- Bucket/ bowl to gather gray waste
You’ll additionally have to examine your camper van heating is working fine- whether or not you utilize a diesel furnace, conventional Truma blown-air or propane heating system or one thing like an area heater. You’ll in all probability additionally have to insulate your automobile, particularly the pipework and put an additional rug/ carpet on the ground.
Ensure you’ve had a full service in your motorhome or campervan earlier than you go and high up the screenwash; salt on the roads means you’ll use it much more than common.
In the event you’d like extra suggestions and methods, try the submit on motorhome snowboarding right here, which tells you all the things it is advisable to know earlier than you go.
Residing fulltime in a van in winter
For anybody who lives of their motorhome, RV or campervan fulltime, winter brings its personal challenges.
Like everybody who makes use of their motorhome within the winter, even when just for a weekend, you’ll be dealing with condensation, chilly, moist clothes, and extra. We’ll go into every of these challenges beneath.
What’s the Finest Motorhome for winter use?
Many individuals marvel which motorhome to purchase for winter use or winter RV dwelling and if it’s attainable to make use of a motorhome in winter, even a British mannequin, like a Swift.
I can safely say that I went motorhome snowboarding with my Swift- and it was advantageous. Certain, it was somewhat chilly, and DIY insulation of the pipes and holding tanks may have been executed somewhat higher, but it surely did the job.
After all, European producers from international locations that are used to mountains and snow can have a better insulation stage (some even have an excessive climate package deal and heated hoses), however in addition they price extra, so do loads of analysis when you’re planning to spend so much of time in chilly environments in your motorhome.
Winterproof vs Winterised:
- “winterproof” means the motorhome will be warmed as much as a temperature of 20℃ (from 0℃) inside two hours, then keep pretty fixed.
- “winterised” means the temperature ought to attain 20℃ from -15℃ inside 2 hours, and the plumbing ought to work usually.
Planning a winter motorhome trip- issues to contemplate
In the event you’re planning a winter motorhome journey or winter RV tenting, there are many issues to contemplate.
(In the event you’re new to motorhoming and need some assist with the place to start out, right here’s the right way to plan EPIC motorhome journeys anyplace you need to go.)
The most important issues with utilizing a motorhome or campervan within the winter embrace:
- The place to remain
- Climate situations and security
- Storage
- Gear to deliver
- Staying heat
- Coping with damp and condensation
- Coping with moist garments and muddy/ moist boots- drying them
- Solar energy and managing sources
- Discovering recent water and emptying water- and stopping the recent water tank or waste tank hoses freezing!
First, we’ll think about the place you’re going to remain in a single day.
Motorhome campsites in winter
Many campsites across the UK and Europe shut throughout winter, which might go away discovering someplace to remain tough.
Beforehand, I’ve taken my motorhome right down to Biarritz in southern France- STUNNING place to go to when you get an opportunity. Seize your France journey guidelines right here:
However struggled discovering a campsite which was nonetheless open. Many locations shut across the finish of October and don’t reopen till Easter.
There are two strategies I exploit to fight this and discover campsites which keep open all yr.
For Europe
I’ve been members of the ACSI Tenting Card scheme for just a few years now and it’s good when you’re in a position to journey outdoors of peak season (which is often finish of June till September.) In the event you can go to Europe outdoors these occasions, you’ll save your self a fortune with an ACSI card.
Even higher, their web site/ app/ ebook are nice locations to examine to see when campsites shut. There are sufficient which keep open all yr; you simply want to seek out them. There’s often a minimum of one close to each main metropolis/ standard space. After all, the extra standard the realm, the faster you’ll have to ebook.
The opposite technique I exploit in Europe is to make use of Park4Night and discover campsites close to the place I need to go, after which Google the web site of these campsites and see in the event that they’re nonetheless open. If they’re, I ebook (often by telephone or e mail.)
For the UK
Campsites for UK winter highway journeys can somewhat bit tricker. ACSI does have some UK websites, however they don’t present all those that are open all yr.
I exploit an app referred to as Seek for Websites to seek out campsites or aires close to my vacation spot, then examine their web site or telephone to ask. Sure, this may be laborious and irritating. Seek for Websites is the one app the place CAMpRA promote their Aires within the UK, these are an awesome alternate to campsites.
Another choice is to make use of a web site like Pitchup.com, which lets you seek for your dates, necessities (like a motorhome laborious standing pitch with electrical and which permits canine) and you then ebook by them.
Lastly, when you’re a member of a motorhome membership, you should use their web site or ebook to seek out locations.
Aires in Europe in winter
Many Aires in France and Europe keep open all yr, until they’re closed for upkeep or as a consequence of heavy snow (or the roads near them being closed.)
Nonetheless, there are sufficient of them that when you solely need to keep someplace for an evening or two as you’re travelling by, they make the proper cease.
Simply keep in mind, ones close to mountains might be closed and if they’ve services like water often, the faucets is perhaps turned off to keep away from injury.
READ MORE: The best way to discover and use Aires in France and Europe
Different motorhome parking in winter
After all, there are many different schemes when you don’t need to use campsites or Aires. Schemes like Brit Stops and France Ardour have companies that are open all yr, particularly locations like pubs within the UK.
You may, in fact, nonetheless use wild tenting spots together with your motorhome or camper. Simply beware of sentimental muddy locations in forests- you’ll get caught very simply.
Be taught the right way to discover in a single day parking spots across the UK and Europe right here
Think about the climate
Earlier than you head off in your winter motorhoming journey, pay further consideration to the climate. Does the forecast embrace sturdy winds, fog, or snow?
None of these are a lot enjoyable in a van. Don’t neglect, you may all the time regulate your plans to go well with no matter is forecast- that’s among the best issues about motorhoming.
Ensure you carry water, snacks and ideally some scorching drinks- simply in case.
Mice and Rodents in your van
The opposite factor to recollect is that chilly climate will trigger mice, rats and different rodents to search for shelter… they usually actually love hiding in motorhomes and campervans.
There are methods to discourage them (humanely!). Listed below are our high suggestions for deterring mice and rodents in motorhomes and campers.
You can too see the injury they do on this video!
We hope you discovered the video helpful. In the event you did, why not observe us on Youtube. We share new movies with suggestions for motorhoming and campervanning within the UK and Europe weekly, plus highway journey concepts and epic locations.
Gear to hold for winter motorhome life
Other than winter/ all-weather tyres and snow chains, there are some issues I’ve discovered VERY helpful when motorhoming in winter (and even Autumn!)
Mud Mats/ Traction Grip mats
This stuff are a lifesaver. I’ve within the pasy, damaged all my very own guidelines and camped up on a grass pitch.
And bought caught.
Attempting to push a 3.5ton motorhome out of the mud or off moist grass isn’t going to occur and with out these I’d have been stuffed (you should use the carpets from inside your van when you’re actually caught, however they’re be ruined. Save your self the fear and carry a set of those all yr spherical.)
Groundsheet
I don’t often use a groundsheet once I’m motorhoming. More often than not, I keep in Aires or wild camp, so I can’t get it out and on a campsite I typically use a hard-standing pitch relatively than a area.
Nonetheless, in winter a groundsheet turns into a necessity in lots of campsites. It stops bringing a lot mud into the van- particularly as I journey with a mud-loving cocker spaniel.
Get one like this which will be pegged out securely within the corners so doesn’t fly away and which is wipe-downable. Some individuals desire two smaller ones to allow them to use a smaller dimension when wanted.
Screenwash
Screenwash is extra essential in winter than at some other time of yr. There’s a lot salt and grit on the highway that it may make the windscreen further soiled.
Ensure you high up your screenwash and produce further. I love this one because it’s made for all yr use, even in colder climates, so gained’t freeze on you once you want it most. The Demon Ice spray can also be nice because it slows down re-freezing
Don’t neglect an ice scraper when you don’t have one already! You’ll want one with a longer deal with like this so you may attain all off the windscreen!
Inside mat
While attempting to keep away from mud and moist footprints within the van, get a mat like this (pawprint optionally available!) I’ve used these for years on each the camper and boats they usually actually are implausible for absorbing water from each canine and people when you wipe your ft (paws) on them!
It’s straightforward to scrub with a jet wash once you’re cleansing your van however will final a very long time between washes if wanted.
Consuming water
Most aires and campsites will preserve a faucet operating. DON’T flip this off- it’s operating in order that the pipe doesn’t freeze (operating water is tougher to freeze than static water within the pipe.)
It’s as much as you whether or not you select to drink out of your motorhome tank or not. I used to all the time drink from my LifeSaver Jerrycan, which purifies 99.9% of all contaminated water, making it protected to drink.
Nonetheless, I fitted an inline water filter, which suggests the water which comes out of the faucet within the kitchen is already filtered. It’s SO a lot simpler.
The one draw back is that it is advisable to regulate your water consumption, which incorporates issues like showers, because it’s all coming from the one tank, relatively than supplying you with a backup water provide only for ingesting.
READ MORE: The best way to discover ingesting water & empty waste on the highway
Winter motorhoming- damp and condensation
Condensation in a motorhome or campervan is a ache within the bottom and is without doubt one of the largest points with winter motorhoming. There are a number of methods to scale back the issue, however only a few which do away with it fully.
Regardless of the chilly, your van will profit from somewhat air flow, so attempt to open a window a minimum of as soon as a day for some recent air.
Some individuals run a dehumidifier, however you would possibly wrestle with electrical energy for that. Non-electric damp containers or pouches (like those you set in wardrobes) are a good suggestion to take in a minimum of among the moisture within the air.
See all our suggestions for lowering condensation in your motorhome right here.
Coping with moist/ muddy clothes
The most important factor to determine is the way you’ll take care of damp garments and moist/ muddy/ snowy sneakers. Taking all of them off on the door is crucial (therefore a groundsheet being helpful), however the place will you dry issues once they’re moist? The place will you grasp moist coats?
I’m fortunate that in my motorhome I’ve a heating vent within the lavatory, so all moist gear goes in there to dry in a single day. Sure, it makes going to the bathroom a MISSION, but it surely saves there being damp gear in every single place. In the event you don’t have a moist room, then a dry bag will be one other choice to preserve moist / damp garments in – additionally good for preserving smelly garments from stinking out your van 🙂
In the event you’re doing laundry on the highway, that is the time to make use of web site services or an area laundrette. Be sure that all the things is dry earlier than you deliver it back- having a van stuffed with damp clothes is not any enjoyable in any respect.
If the campsite has a drying room for moist ski gear, use it.
Winter Motorhoming with a canine
In the event you’re travelling with a canine, there are some things you’ll undoubtedly have to cease them masking your entire van in muck.
Right here is my high suggestions for winter vanlife with a canine.
Window Vac
One of many BEST motorhome equipment I’ve ever purchased is this Karcher window vac.
It removes condensation from inside your home windows in seconds AND it’s good for when it is advisable to clear your motorhome. All in all, price each penny.
Thermal Display
I LOVE my thermal display from Rainbow screens. Not solely is it a enjoyable speaking level, but it surely does its job exceptionally properly, chopping down condensation and warmth loss by the home windows.
(Disclaimer; I used to be gifted the display, however I’m not being paid or inspired to incorporate it on this post- I genuinely suppose it’s good.)
Nonetheless, I do know it’s costly, so right here’s a less expensive various for you:
READ MORE: Epic motorhome and campervan devices to make vanlife even higher
Winter motorhome living- Staying heat
Staying heat in a camper when it’s chilly outdoors could be a problem. You’ll in all probability need to add insulation to your van and undoubtedly add one other rug or carpet on the ground to maintain it somewhat hotter.
Heating
Even when you’re chasing the sunshine down in Spain, it may nonetheless get chilly sufficient to want heating in your camper throughout winter and within the mountains it’s important.
Many campsites within the mountains don’t have 16 amp electrical energy provide and so your electrical heating may not work in addition to you’re used to. It additionally means it is advisable to be selective about how a lot electrical energy you’re utilizing without delay (you don’t need to be THAT van which is consistently tripping everybody’s electrical energy…)
Gasoline heating works properly, however you’ll use a whole lot of it- we use round 6kg each 2 days.
Diesel heating is a superb various, however many vans don’t include it as normal. In the event you do match it, pay attention to the load and the way it impacts your motorhome payload. Another choice is an oil-filled radiator, however be sure it’s low wattage.
12v heated blanket
YES, you may have a heated blanket in your motorhome. I do know, I do know- you’re welcome. One of many issues my daughter HATED about winter motorhome dwelling was that she bought chilly within the again seats if I didn’t drive with the heating on.
I even have a low wattage electrical blanket in my van, which I run off my powerbank. That is the blanket I’ve.
(In the event you’re , that is the powerbank I’ve)
RELATED: How to decide on the most effective transportable energy station for motorhomes
Excessive Tog cover
Is there something higher than snuggling below a heat cover on a chilly evening? Make winter nights somewhat extra bearable with a 15 tog cover like this one (though clearly not when you’re going to Spain!)
Different suggestions embrace carrying a LOT of scorching water bottles, carrying thermals and investing in some superior fluffy slipper socks like these.
Managing energy for winter motorhoming or dwelling in a camper yr spherical
In the event you’re on a campsite, you’ll in all probability have first rate entry to electrical energy. Nonetheless, when you’re utilizing aires or staying off-grid, you’ll have to pay extra consideration to your energy consumption and the way you’re going to high up your batteries.
Photo voltaic Energy
You may’t depend on solar energy throughout winter to recharge your batteries in the identical approach you may at different occasions of the yr. The solar isn’t as sturdy, there are extra nighttimes and extra areas of shade. Additionally, you’ll be utilizing extra energy than you would possibly usually.
If you have already got a photo voltaic panel fitted, then by all means use what you may, however don’t depend on it as your solely energy supply. In the event you’re planning on being off-grid quite a bit, a motorhome generator might be a good suggestion.#
Energy Banks
An influence financial institution, like EcoFlow or Jackery are good for supplying energy for cooking and even an electrical blanket or small heater – this is dependent upon the scale / sort of energy financial institution and the equipment wattage utilization necessities. In the event you’re going to make use of an influence financial institution as a supply of energy, it is advisable to be sure it’s able to operating / powering the home equipment you may be utilizing.
Your motorhome Battery
Batteries don’t like chilly. They don’t run as successfully so it is advisable to be extra vigilant about taking care of them, ensuring they don’t run too low, giving them cost usually and usually babying them. Discover out extra about taking care of your motorhome leisure battery right here.
You might also need to match a motorhome inverter too, particularly when you’re planning to remain off-grid quite a bit. This can make it easier to make finest use of the facility in your batteries; simply do not forget that photo voltaic will not be so good in winter so it’ll take longer to recharge your batteries when you’ve drained them.
LED lights
I all the time advocate putting in LED lights in your van to avoid wasting power- particularly when you’re staying off-grid quite a bit, however in winter it turns into important as ‘regular’ bulbs drain the facility too shortly. Ensure you deliver spares- they’ll be on for longer throughout winter and also you’ll in all probability want to exchange a pair.
Cooking
Cooking within the motorhome will be problematic throughout winter. You need one thing hearty and filling, however the longer you cook dinner, the extra steam goes into the ambiance, inflicting damp and condensation.
Additionally, when you’ve spent all day outdoors, you in all probability gained’t need to cook dinner once you return. That’s why I’ve a low wattage sluggish cooker which I exploit quite a bit throughout winter.
After all, this depends on an honest electrical connection. I’ve additionally heard good issues about thermal cookers (however by no means used one), which doesn’t want energy after the preliminary cooking and likewise good issues concerning the On the spot Pot. Each are price exploring.
After all, there are lots of methods to take pleasure in winter motorhoming. In the event you identical to discovering a campsite close to your own home which is open all yr and staying within the van for a weekend, you in all probability gained’t have to do a lot otherwise. You may even pre-cook hearty stews and produce it with you.
Equally, when you take pleasure in staying off-grid and wild tenting together with your motorhome, you gained’t want a lot further until you go someplace very chilly (like up a mountain!)
Simply keep in mind to examine your methods earlier than you go and do your pre-trip motorhoming checks to make sure your automobile is protected in no matter situations you would possibly end up driving in (like heavy rain!)
Final replace on 2025-08-26 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Pictures from Amazon Product Promoting API
