Winter Camping: prepare well

More and more people are discovering how relaxing it can be: winter camping. And with the right preparations and camping accessories, it can even be called comfortable. Another glass of mulled wine? Before you know it, you'll be enjoying the peace and quiet of the campsite in the middle of winter.

If you are going camping during freezing weather, it is good to check a few things in your camper or caravan. Many new campers and caravans are well insulated these days, is yours too?

Good insulation

Good insulation during the winter months is very important. The cold stays out and you prevent condensation. In addition, you use much less gas to keep the camper or caravan warm. Even though most campers and caravans are well insulated, it turns out that the wheel arches are a weak spot in this insulation. You can prevent this by placing extra insulation material there yourself. What helps for extra insulation: a rug. If your camper or caravan does not have underfloor heating, you can buy special mats for it. Nice warm feet!

Heated winter camping

Speaking of heating. A good heater in your camper or caravan is not enough. It is important that everything is properly heated to prevent condensation. The most suitable systems are central air heating or central liquid heating. The difference is the use of heated liquid or air. In the cold, the heating has a lot to endure. Before you leave, it is therefore very wise to test the heating thoroughly. Is everything still working?

Heating during winter camping — In the cold, the heating has a lot to endure

Use propane gas

Did you know that butane gas freezes? That's why it's wise to use gas bottles with a propane filling. And you'll need quite a few of those bottles, because during winter camping it's best to heat day and night. Often you can therefore rent larger gas bottles at the campsite. These stay outside, so you need a longer gas hose. Some extra tips regarding gas consumption:

Use a 12 volt heating element on the pressure regulator, so that it does not freeze.
Tilt this pressure regulator so that any water drains off. This prevents freezing.
Place a carbon monoxide detector in your camper or caravan.
Vent your camper or caravan at least twice a day for about 20 minutes.
Take an electric heater with you as emergency heating.

Water pipes

Water freezes. This means that the water pipes of your camper or caravan can also freeze. Especially if they are outside. You can then protect them with a frost protection cable. Or insulate the water pipe and water drain. You can hang a 12 volt heating element in the water tank. This prevents the water tank from freezing.

Is the water tank in the drawbar box? Then move it inside, for example in the bench box, in the kitchen or in the toilet area. A connection is often already present here. Also consider the length of the drain. This can freeze. So keep this drain as short as possible and prevent freezing.

With the right preparation, winter camping can even be comfortable

Electricity

The cable for the electrical connection can also freeze. Special cables are available that remain flexible even in harsh weather conditions. Make sure the cable does not touch the cold ground. Because the cable gets warm, it can melt into the ground.

Rubbers and locks

When winter camping, prevent the doors of your camper or caravan from freezing shut. Spray them with silicone spray, lubricate them with a rubber stick or with petroleum jelly. For frozen locks, you need a special lock spray. By the way, don't keep the latter under lock and key. Imagine needing it and not being able to get to it…

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