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How to Winterise your Motorhome
As the winter season approaches and motorhomers drift away to the foreign ski slopes or even camp out during a harsh UK Winter it is time to think of heat in the motorhome, and motorhome winterising
If you are the owner of a brand spanking new European motorhome then there is a good chance you will already have a winterised motorhome to a degree, i.e. double floor with pipework etc running within it protected from the elements, interior waste and fresh tanks, insulated walls etc
however some of the tips below will still apply to you regardless. The owners of older vehicles will benefit immensely from the information gleaned on how to winterise your motorhome from our members below.
Preparation is the key here, think about winterising your motorhome whilst in the relative comfort and heat of the front drive etc, rather than trying to compensate later on in sub zero temperatures.
1. One of the biggest sources of cold in a motorhome is caused by draughts through the ventilation grilles in the cab. You should close all of them when you are parked up in a cold place, But NOT the fixed vent grilles at low level within the caravan part of the motorhome, as these are safety devices in case of gas leak / carbon monoxide poisoning (from gas appliances)
2. Try to park on a slight slope so water doesn't sit in the internal waste pipework. Around -10C the u bend freezes and then you will need to put antifreeze or salt down them.
3. Make some extra screens for the windows from 2 layers of the polystyrene/tinfoil laminate made to put down the back of radiators
4. If you have waste tank underslung at the rear, leave the drain tap open on site and a good old bucket slung underneath and emptied regularly
5. Leave INTERNAL locker doors open overnight, the heat will then enter preventing condensation.
6. Fit exterior silverscreens and if its really cold interior silverscreens to cab windows.
7. When on Hookup lift the cable every day to prevent it freezing to the ground or getting buried in snow.
8. Carry Snow chains or Snow Belts
and a folding shovel in the Motorhome. And know how to use them (snowchains). Practice putting them on and taking them off in the warmth of your driveway - far better than on a freezing roadside........lots of items
9. If you’re considering camping off hookup make sure you’ve got a good healthy leisure battery or consider fitting another in tandem to boost your amperage.
10. When parked up for long periods leave vehicle in gear, chock the wheels and leave handbrake off if possible, prevents rear drums freezing on.
11. If intending to stay on campsites with hookup availability etc then consider using fish tank heaters in the waste and fresh tanks
12. If intending to stay put for extended periods (Entire ski season etc) then the following may be of use:-
Adapt the gas hose to allow use of large 49Kg Propane bottles supplied by some sitesbuild wooden skirting round the van from floor to ground to restrict the wind flow underneath,But DO allow some ventilation as this is where (1) the internal gas heater draws its fresh air supply from and (2) any escaped gas within the van will eventually drop below the van through the vent grilles provided and MUST be allowed to escape (blow away).
13. Check Vehicle door seals replace the rubbers if needed.
14. If your cab doors have air vents seal em up.
15. Ensure you are using Propane not Butane as Propane freezes at much lower temperatures.
16. Seal around the fridge, seal the rear of the fridge from the interior. And use the correct winter covers for your fridge ventilation grilles outside on the bodywork walls - the fridge will run more efficiently. BUT DONT COVER THEM UP COMPLETELY - EVEN ON ELECTRIC HOOK UP
17. Fit cling film or similar to window frame interior, At no point should it touch the plastic of the window, it should be fitted on wall and cover the "hole" where the window sits. This gives a trapped air insulation pocket.
18. if you have an older mh then consider sealing the roof permanent vents (If applicable) Caveat is to ensure there will still be sufficient oxygen transfer for breathing
We hope that our motorhome winterising tips assist you in the pursuance of heat whilst out enjoying the slopes and the scenery
Winter Wanderings
On the road in your motorhome this winter
When you’ve spent thousands on your dream motorhome the last thing you want to have to do is leave it standing on your driveway for weeks on end during winter.
That’s why hordes of motorhomers spend the colder months out and about in their motorhomes still enjoying their hobby.
Many seek out the winter sunshine of places like Spain or Portugal or the ski slopes of Austria or France but others like to stay closer to home.
It divides opinion but some say that winter motorhoming is better than spending a summer in their ‘van.
This is because there aren’t the guaranteed holds-ups of the summer months like the long queues as people head for our most popular destinations. Bright and crisp mornings are perfect for walking and it’s unlikely that campsites (that are open all-year round) will be full
So, whether you want to see in the New Year on a campsite in Scotland where there may be some package available for site, dinner and a New Year’s Eve party available, visit a Christmas market in Belgium or grab some winter sunshine in Portugal, your motorhome is still the perfect travelling companion.
It’s important that any motorhome novices ensure their vehicle is fit for purpose before embarking on a winter trip.
For example, fresh and waste water in externally mounted water tanks could freeze in sub-zero temperatures. Many water tanks are fitted under the floor and purpose-designed immersion heaters are available from motorhome accessory stockists or you could lag them with some sort of insulation to help prevent them from freezing.
Motorhoming in the snow?
Keeping the ‘van warm will help too but it’s worth asking your dealer for their advice before you set off on your winter adventure.
Other tips include using external blinds to reduce condensation, carrying plenty of anti-freeze and checking the local laws of any country you visit as you may be required to carry snow chains and high visibility jackets for example.
In case you have to park on wet and snow-covered grass, take a grip mat with you to solve any traction problems and use Propane gas and not Butane. To get the most out of winter, take your waterproofs and walking boots too – perfect companions for those chilly days.
And don’t forget to drain your motorhome down when you return home.
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