Even if winter campervan travel may sound a bit strange to some, it can be a great adventure with some prep. There are many reasons why winter campervan travel is worth it, and above all, you can save a lot of money because prices for rental motorhomes and campgrounds are much lower in winter than in summer. And of course, it is much cheaper than el with paying for airplane tickets and hotels.
Winter campervan travel also allows you to enjoy magnificent snowy landscapes and it is much easier to do many adrenaline activities while traveling with your van and make your winter vacation unique and creative. So, the old season here means you need to stay at home and gamble on South Africa online casino or do something else at home. However, winter campervan travels may not just be thrilling, but a bit challenging and there are some essentials to know before starting your unique winter experience on the road. These tips help you to avoid cold-weather mishaps.
MAKE SURE YOUR VAN IS SUITABLE TO USE IN WINTER
Not all motorhomes are suitable to use in winter, only winter-proof and winterized ones are. Winter-proof motorhomes are those that have passed endurance tests in cold chambers. During this test, the temperature in the motorhome is cooled down to at least 0°C over several hours, and then the heating system within the van must be able to heat the interior of the van to 20°C within two hours.
Winterized motorhomes are also suitable for winter just like winter-proof vans and they can withstand lower temperatures. Many modern manufacturers know the trend of winter camping and therefore sell winter-proof and winterized motorhomes that are well-equipped and suitable for winter. Moreover, you can equip your motorhome with a more powerful heating system for winter or an underfloor heating system. If the temperatures in your destination can get below freezing, the van must be winterized and it is important to take different measures to prevent the pipes in your van from bursting and raining the water lines and water heater. It can be made by a local motorhome company. However, the best option would be to rent a van that is already properly winterized if you haven’t traveled in winter before.
THINK ABOUT PROPER HEATING SYSTEM AND INSULATION
Modern winter-proof and winterized vans are equipped with different heating systems such as hot water heating and hot air heating. If you rent a van, ask the manufacturer about the heating system and choose the van which is suitable for you. Proper insulation of a van helps you to stay warm and keep you away from cold.
Think about the slide-outs and place a foam board of insulation underneath each of your slide-outs to reduce drafts. The vinyl skirt to wrap around your van also will keep your van warmer inside, so as plastic film for insulation of your windows. Vent insulator pillows also keep warm air in your van. All these devices help you to save hundreds of dollars on heating systems or make your travel a very comfy one.
DOWNLOAD OFFLINE MAPS ON YOUR SMARTPHONE
On the road, you can always find yourself in a situation where you do not have access to the Internet. To protect yourself, be sure to download on your smartphone handy apps with offline maps to your destinations. It is also a good idea to buy regular (not digital) maps for the road. Be sure to download offline maps on your phone that show campgrounds, gas stations, markets, stores, hostels, restaurants, and pubs.
And as you travel in winter, it would be good to visit Christmas markets and cozy pubs. Not to get stuck in unsafe road conditions, always check up on road advisories and apps which provide information about local weather conditions. Be sure to take the time to find good apps for your phone that will also inform you about wind speed and snowfalls.
PACK THE RIGHT GEAR
If the temperatures in your destination must get low, pack an engine block heater, stabilizing jacks, and a small space heater to prevent your pipes from freezing. Don’t forget tire chains, gallons of drinking water in heated storage space, a blow dryer for defrosting pipes, and extra propane tanks if you use propane to heat your van.
And of course, if you want to spend winter days in your van, you will need such things as a small portable propane heater, warm sleeping bags, electric blankets, and windproof, waterproof clothing. Don’t underestimate the power of layers, so take enough jackets, at least two pairs of warm pants and thermal underwear, wool gloves, and a hat. To feel comfortable in your van, take all the toiletries on the road you regularly use, and of course a first aid kit and necessary medications. Be sure to bring a supply of canned food and extra cash for an emergency case. To keep everything organized and neat, take trash bags, small storage bins to keep snacks in them, and disposable plastic plates to use whenever you are eating. This way you keep everything organized and make cleaning easier for you.
DRIVE CAREFULLY
If you drive in winter, you must be more careful than usual. You will need to check the schedule of different campgrounds on your way and better call them in advance. Многие campgrounds are not officially opened in winter but you can still stay there if you call them in advance. Plan your trip so that you will have different open campgrounds where you can stay if something goes wrong. And always slow down and ease on the brakes and put your headlights on the low beam setting.
CONCLUSION
If you are not accustomed to driving in winter, it is better to choose a destination with warmer temperatures. For example, Portugal and southern Spain are popular van places for vans in the cold season. And before you start your first winter van trip you should rent a van for a few days and find out if it is worth it for you or not. If yes, then you will need to follow these tips, track down winter gear and make your van well-prepared for winter road trips. With the right preparation, this trip can be a great and unique adventure.
