Camping in the off-season: 8 tips for your Motorhome after the summer
The school holidays are over, the campsites are emptying and the prices are dropping. For many Motorhome owners, the most beautiful time of the year is just beginning. No crowds at the sanitary buildings, plenty of space at Motorhome pitches and often pleasant temperatures for weeks on end in Southern Europe. However, camping outside the high season requires slightly different preparation. With these tips, you'll get the most out of your Motorhome in autumn and winter.
1. Choose your destination based on the weather
If you want sun in October and November, head south, for example: Andalusia, a Motorhome holiday in Portugal or Southern Italy often still have daytime temperatures of twenty degrees or more in the off-season. Prefer to stay closer to home? Then the Ardennes, the Eifel and the German wine regions are at their most beautiful in autumn, although you'll have to take cold nights into account there.
2. Check in advance which campsites are open
Many campsites close their doors after the autumn holidays or operate with a smaller staff, with some facilities closed. So, don't just check if a campsite is open, but also if the sanitary facilities, the service column and the power connections are available. Campsite guides and Motorhome apps usually indicate for each location until when it is open.
3. Use the right gas
Butane gasifies poorly at temperatures around freezing point. If you are driving to a cold destination, opt for propane or a mixture with a high proportion of propane. Also, check if you are taking enough gas with you: the heating in autumn quickly uses a multiple of what you consume in summer.
4. Control moisture and condensation
Cold outside air, a warm Motorhome and wet jackets together cause a lot of condensation. Therefore, ventilate every day, even when it's cold. Leave the roof hatches slightly open, do not dry wet clothes inside if not necessary, and wipe the windows dry in the morning. This prevents mold and damp spots in the body.
5. Ensure your insurance suits how you camp
If you are going away for longer and further in the off-season, it is wise to read your policy again. A Motorhome is not an ordinary car. You sometimes live in it for weeks, it has an awning, bicycles are attached to the back, and you are often hundreds of kilometers from home. Insurance specifically aimed at campers is a better fit than a standard car policy.
Among others, Kampeerspecialist ACSI offers a Motorhome insurance where you can choose from third-party liability, limited comprehensive or fully comprehensive, supplemented with coverage for inventory, legal assistance, occupants and roadside assistance. It is precisely these extras that make the difference for Motorhome owners and cover you against multiple damages.
6. Protect your water system against frost
If the temperature drops below zero, pipes, the pump and the boiler can freeze. Many boilers have a frost protection valve that automatically drains the water when it gets too cold. If you are going to leave the Motorhome unheated overnight, drain the system yourself. If you are driving with water on board, leave the heating on at a low setting.
7. Plan shorter stages
In November, it gets dark after five o'clock in the afternoon in large parts of Europe. Finding a Motorhome pitch in the dark is no fun, especially on unfamiliar roads. So, plan shorter stages, leave on time and make sure you reach your destination well before sunset.
8. Pay attention to winter tires and local regulations
In Germany and Austria, winter tires are mandatory under winter conditions, also for Motorhomes. In other countries, snow chains may be required on certain mountain roads. Find this out for each country on your route, so you won't be surprised during a check.
Stabling or driving on?
Not everyone has to put the Motorhome in storage immediately in October. With good preparation, you can effortlessly extend the camping season by a few months, and after a busy summer, that often feels like a real holiday. Are you still looking for a Motorhome that is suitable for year-round use, with good insulation and powerful heating?