Eager to visit some winter campervan sites? Whether you’re hiking up mountains or trekking through snow-covered forests, the key is properly preparing your camper.
Fortunately, the expert team of campervan designers and engineers at Landseer Leisure have pulled together some of our top winter campervan tips in this comprehensive guide.
We explain how to prepare your campervan for safe and warm travelling during cooler weather, including how to heat a campervan in winter for a cosy home-from-home experience you’ll want to enjoy every year.
Can you use a campervan in winter?
While campervan adventures can feel synonymous with summer holidays, there’s certainly nothing stopping you from making the most of these recreational vehicles all year-round – all you need to do is find out how to winterise your motorhome and campervan.
Learning how to properly prepare or ‘winterise’ your camper for the cooler weather is essential for safe and comfortable travel.
How to heat a campervan during winter
So, how do you heat a campervan in the winter? If you’re new to heating a campervan in winter, there’s three main systems you can use: gas, electric, and solar.
Each one has their own advantages and areas to consider, but you should also take into account the size, insulation, and fuel type of the campervan, as well as your budget when making your decision.
Do I need to insulate my campervan?
Campervan insulation is highly recommended for temperature regulation, reducing condensation, and minimising heat loss all year-round. The Landseer Ford Custom 2.0 campervan, for example, is fitted with high-quality insulation materials to keep you comfortable no matter what time of year it is.
Preparing your campervan for cold weather
Before you head out on any winter campervan trips in the UK or choose to store away your camper for a couple of months, it’s crucial that you take the proper steps to protect the vehicle and yourself. To maintain your campervan in winter in the UK, we recommend:
Switching to snow tyres
Just like standard cars and vans, the regular tyres on your campervan should be switched to winter tyres that offer better grip for travelling on ice build-up or snow during the cooler months. You may also want to consider snow chains and practice fitting them to your camper’s wheels.
When parked, covering the tyres can also help to protect them from dirt, salt, and snow.
Checking your braking system
Whether you drive a car, van, or campervan, brakes are essential – especially during wet, cold, and icy conditions which can make roads slippery and more hazardous.
Servicing your braking system and changing the braking fluid can therefore give you greater confidence that your brakes are able to withstand temperature changes and more regular usage as you navigate frost-covered mountains and hills.
Protecting the windscreen
To keep your vision clear when travelling in winter, it’s important to prepare and protect the windscreen. You can do this by applying a dedicated winter protection fluid which actively repels water, dirt, and algae, after cleaning the windscreen with warm water and an extendable squeegee.
This fluid can also be used to prevent the build-up of dirt and algae if you’re putting your campervan into storage, negating the need for a campervan winter cover.
Inspecting the heating
Naturally, ensuing the heating system is working correctly is one of the most important aspects of making your campervan winter-ready. Start by checking the connections for leaks and damage, then connect the system to the fuel supply and clean the vents to make sure they’re clear.
The final step is to simply turn the system on and ensure it’s performing as it should be.
Packing a safety kit
Putting together a safety kit in the event of an emergency could prove to be invaluable when travelling in winter. We therefore recommend packing a variety of safety gear including a shovel, ice scraper, warning triangle, hi-vis vest, and first-aid kit.
Essential food and drink, such as bottled water and nutritious snacks, alongside jump leads, and printed maps can also support you through winter emergencies on the road.
A campervan ready for adventure: Landseer’s Ford Custom 2.0
Specially designed by a team of experienced engineers, the Landseer Ford Custom 2.0 is a camper that’s always ready for adventure – no matter the weather.
Combining luxurious living with off-grid features, it boasts a Clayton LPSII 100Ah 2500w 230v lithium power system with touch screen control panel for gas-free and complete “off grid” capability.
Also featuring twin induction hob fitted into a real oak worktop and an advanced heater with multi-function smart controller, it’ll keep you comfortable and cosy all winter long.
Find out more about our latest model by calling 01772 429763, emailing us at info@landseerleisure.com, or heading online to submit your enquiry.
