For those who are already winter caravanning converts they will tell you there is nothing like it. However, the fun quickly disappears if you are not prepared for keeping cosy should the temperatures plummet. The following offers some information on how to heat a caravan as well as a few hints and tips. These will hopefully help you decide which choices are best for you and your needs so that your winter caravanning experience is snug instead of being an endurance exercise.

Factory fit heating options

All caravans will have some form of heating as part of their fixtures and fittings but depending on the age of your caravan and the type of heating offered, this may not be entirely suitable on its own to meet your winter caravanning needs. Most caravans offer either gas powered heaters or those that can use either gas or electric.

Gas only – this may get rather expensive. Your consumption will be high due to the fact that you will have your heating running more frequently and also that gas is utilised less efficiently in lower temperatures. Butane is not suitable at all for very low temperatures as it will not perform. Gas alone is rather impractical for winter usage as you will need to constantly replace used up cylinders and, depending on your set-up, even risk running out completely.

Gas with electric option heaters – these can be powered by gas alone, electric alone or a combination of the two and are generally better than the gas only option if you are on a camp-site which offers electric hook-up. The ability of the factory-fit heaters to keep you cosy will depend entirely on their output and efficiency which may vary considerably.

Some very new caravans are incorporating alternative heating systems to the traditional ones listed above, due in part to manufacturer’s recognising the rising popularity of off-season caravanning and the need for better caravan heating in lower temperatures. Such new designs are also available as retro-fits and accessories (see below).

Retro fit options

Unless you are lucky enough to have a shiny new top of the range caravan which incorporates the latest in heating innovations, then most winter caravanners opt for some kind of retro-fit heating device or accessory.

Free standing halogen heaters– these heaters, which come in a wide range of sizes, are very popular as they are safe (automatically cut-off if knocked over), have an immediate heating output, are typically energy efficient and are usually small and unobtrusive.  Additionally, of all the options, they are the cheapest to buy and easiest to use with no installation required.

Gas or gas with electric option – many older model caravan owners invest in these either to upgrade their original factory-fitted heater or to replace a unit which has failed a safety test/ceased working. Alternatively they are bought as an additional heating source to supplement the fitted heating appliance.  Again, as mentioned previously, they are not always the most suitable option for winter caravanning but it will depend on the model you buy.

Diesel powered heaters – many of these heaters which store the fuel in the caravan’s usual gas cylinder compartment, have the useful option of switching to power by electric. This option is gaining some popularity and there is some talk of certain new caravan makes factory fitting such systems. One major bonus of a diesel powered heater is that it can be operated while the caravan is being towed meaning you arrive with a toasty caravan.

Under floor space heaters – the latest of the caravan heating technologies to hit the market, under floor space heating is now being incorporated into several new build models. The heater itself is fitted beneath the caravan in a weather-proof cover, can be powered by either gas (propane or butane) or electricity and claims to reduce caravan heating costs by 25% due to its innovative energy efficiency design. However, these heaters currently come with a rather hefty price tag – around the £550 mark – so, although they are convenient, efficient and ideal for winter caravanning, they are not an option for everyone.

Bedding

This may sound obvious but the bedding you require for winter caravanning will be very different to what is used the rest of the year.

The superior thermal properties of wool make it an excellent choice for keeping cosy (paradoxically wool is also able to keep you cool in hot temperatures) so investing in a high quality wool blanket or two is a good idea.

You may also want to swap your traditional bedding for a good quality sleeping bag(s). This is a vast subject in itself but with the right sleeping bag you will find it far easier to keep warm in bed than with sheets and blankets or duvets, even if these are winter strength.

Preventing heat loss

There are many places through which air and therefore heat can escape in a caravan. It doesn’t help that the shells themselves are often paper thin and don’t conserve heat well (some newer models have better insulation). It is of course vitally important that your caravan has adequate ventilation and this becomes even more essential depending on how you are heating your caravan and powering such things as your fridge.

However, not all of the places through which heat can escape are made that way on purpose and you may be able to take some steps to raise your caravan’s ability to hold the heat which in turn helps with fuel efficiency.

Check door and window seals – these do perish over time and may need replacing.

Check roof light seals – as for windows

Caravan doors – these are notoriously bad for inexact fitting and inadequate seals. It can help to put up a thick curtain over the inside of a caravan door.

Keep doors closed – if you have separate ‘rooms’ in your caravan and each is independently heated then do keep the doors closed at all times to help with heat conservation.

This is by no means an exhaustive list for caravan heating and a quick browse round any caravan accessory shop will show you a few of the options you have. Additionally, new innovations and products are being introduced all the time, each aiming to make the caravanner’s life a little more comfortable.

The decision you make for how best to equip your caravan for winter warmth will be up to you and will depend on when and how you use your caravan, the age of your unit and the budget you have available to make any improvements.

There are many caravan sites across the U.K. that stay open in the winter to cater for the dedicated caravanners among us. If you are considering going away in a caravan this winter don’t forget to be prepared. There are a number of things that you will need for your winter trip that you didn’t need in the summer.

How to heat a caravan

For heating a caravan over the winter, gas appliances can be used, but be aware of the dangers of leaving them on overnight whilst you are sleeping. It is a better idea to invest in a low wattage electrical heater that you can leave on most of the time to keep the caravan warm.

Modern caravans are well insulated and being such a small space you may only have to heat the caravan for an hour or two a day. Buying a porch awning is a good way to preserve heat. It will stop cold air rushing into your caravan when you open the door. A porch can also be handy for storing things like wellington boots, wet shoes and large winter coats.

Take lots of extra bedding; it is worth investing in a high tog quilt or a expedition quality sleeping bag to keep you warm at night.

Pack lots of extra clothes, remember that you are likely to need extra pairs of everything as there may be adverse weather conditions to contend with.

Access to Water

Outside water containers are likely to freeze if the temperature plummets below zero. In order to ensure that you always have access to fresh water it is worth keeping an insulated tank inside your caravan. Many modern caravans have the advantage of having tanks in lockers on the inside of the caravan that are accessible from outside, often these are designed to prevent freezing. It is advisable to check the manual before you make your journey.

Filling up water tanks in the evening creates a large mass of water that will be more resistant to freezing than a small amount. The slightly higher temperature in the day time should help to prevent freezing in the daytime as you lower the water supply.

You can use anti-freeze or a similar product to keep waste water from freezing. Make sure that there is no chance of contaminating fresh water when you use any products of this nature.

Try to ensure that pipes are all flat so that no pools of water gather in them as this is when the water is most likely to freeze.

Other Things To Consider

Use propane and not butane. Butane will freeze when it reaches -4 degrees. Not being able to cook or heat up water if the temperature did drop below this would not be ideal. If you need to change from butane to propane use do not forget that you will need a different adaptor as they are not interchangeable.

Condensation can be an issue in the winter, try to make sure that if you are cooking or showering that the area is well ventilated. If necessary you can purchase moisture absorbing crystals to deal with this issue. They are widely available.

Keep moving parts of the caravan well oiled to prevent seizing.

If the weather is set to be ice and snow then consider buying winter tyres for your caravan and your towing car. The improved grip will make the journey much safer.

1. Caravan storage can affect your insurance premiums.
2. Most caravan theft occurs in the months when caravans are not being used.

3. Bad weather can damage your caravan.

4. You are likely to want to do some work on your caravan when you are not using it.

5. You may want to take spontaneous trips with your caravan.

There are a number of options for seasonal caravan storage available to you, depending on your priorities. It is a good idea to look into all of the available caravan storage options before making a decision, you may find that it is cost effective to store your caravan in a secure site as your insurance premiums may drop but this can be inconvenient in other ways. Always read the small print in your insurance documentation as there are likely to be clauses that specify how winter caravan storage must be done.

Home Storage

Many people choose to store their caravan at home, normally on a driveway. This is the cheapest place that you can store your caravan and it has the advantage that your caravan is easily accessible. You can carry out routine maintenance without much hassle, you can go away for the weekend without having to sign out and into a secure site. But there are disadvantages, firstly the presence of your caravan becomes an indicator for thieves whether or not you are at home. Secondly your neighbours may not like your caravan being visible on your driveway. There may also be legal issues with storing your caravan on your drive, it is forbidden in the deeds of some houses. Always check before you begin storing your caravan at home. Insurance premiums are likely to be higher if you are storing your touring caravan at home, contact your insurance provider and ask them their policy about home storage.

Open Air Storage

If you do not have room or do not want to store your caravan at home storing it at an open air facility is likely to be the next cheapest option. Prices start from around £3 per week. Not all of these facilities will have hard standing areas on which you can secure your caravan. Those that do will be more expensive. If your caravan is placed on the earth you need to ensure that it is firmly anchored. One of the major drawbacks to this type of storage is that your caravan will be exposed to the elements whenever it is not being used. The chance of weather damage, particularly in the winter, is quite high. Additionally a lot of these sites do not have great security measures in place, increasing the risk of theft. Ultimately if there are any issues with damage or with theft it is likely to take longer for them to be noticed, unless you regularly go and check your caravan.

Permanent Siting

If you consistently return to the same caravan site you could consider getting a permanent siting on that site. This will mean that you do not have to move your caravan when you wish to go on holiday. It is likely to be relatively inexpensive to do this but the drawbacks of storing your caravan in the open air are still present. Weather damage and potentially low levels of security are issues with permanent sitings. On the plus side if it is a busy location there are likely to be lots of people around who will inform you if there are any problems.

Undercover Storage Sites

There are now many facilities which over undercover storage for touring caravans. Across the country there are large warehouses and barns which have been converted into caravan storage areas. The main advantage of these undercover caravan storage sites is that the caravan is kept away from potentially being damaged by the weather and it is kept under lock and key meaning that it is extremely unlikely that you will be the victim of theft. These sites cost substantially more, but they are monitored and will have a varying number of security measures in place. Some sites will pick up your caravan for you, which is especially useful if you are uncomfortable reversing it into tight spaces.

Registered Undercover Storage Sites

There are a number of organisations that offer exceptionally good security and are regulated by trusted organisations. The Caravan Club, the Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA) all offer high standards of undercover storage. Protecting your caravan from both theft and weather damage. Although the cost may seem at first glance to be prohibitive you may find that your insurance premium will drop substantially if you use one of these accredited sites. It is advisable to contact your insurance provider and ask them what their policies are about storage sites. The waiting lists can be long for a spot at one of these sites so it is worth contacting your local caravan storage site in order to check availability of places and to be added to a waiting list if necessary.

• Fit a stabiliser to help prevent swerving and snaking.

• When you begin your journey check that the brakes are in good working order.

• It is illegal to drive in the right hand lane of a motorway if you are towing a caravan unless you are directed by a police officer or lane restrictions are in place.

• Do not be tempted to drive too fast, drive according to your experience and the conditions on the day.  Never exceed the general maximum speed limits, in the U.K they are as follows, unless signs indicate otherwise:

30mph on roads with street lights

50mph on single carriageways

60mph on dual carriageways and motorways

• It is illegal to carry a person in a caravan whilst it is moving. Pets can legally be carried in the caravan whilst it is moving, but this is not advisable.

• Caravans can snake or swerve if they are incorrectly loaded, if you are travelling too fast or if you break or accelerate too hard. If this happens you need to gently decrease your speed and continue on in a straight line. Do not break or accelerate heavily as this is likely to exacerbate the problem.

• Be aware of and take into account the weather and the condition of the road and drive accordingly.

• Leave substantially more time for each manoeuvre, including driving around bends, than you would for driving only a car.

Specific Towing Issues

Reversing

1. It is a good idea to practice reversing a caravan somewhere safe, possibly offroad, if you are unfamiliar with the procedure. There are also a number of courses available which provide training if you feel that extra help would be beneficial.

2. Caravans have large blind spots so you should never begin to reverse without physically getting out and checking that there are no pedestrians or obstacles behind you.

3. Ideally have someone else stand in a safe position near the caravan and guide you whilst you are reversing.

4. When reversing your caravan it is important to be aware of irregularities on the road surface. For example potholes, cambers and slopes will make reversing a caravan in a straight line more challenging.

5. Reversing at a low speed and as smoothly as possible will help to ensure the safety of yourself and other road users.

Hills and Mountains

To ascend a hill whilst towing will take considerably more power than travel on flat surfaces. It is advisable to keep out of the way of other vehicles as much as is possible. Use lower gears and try to ensure that you progress at an even rate up the hill.

Starting upon any uphill slope should be considered a hill start, however slight the gradient. Make sure you have adequate power when you release the handbrake to prevent rolling backwards.

If you plan to caravan in the mountains it is advisable to check that your towing vehicle is adequately powerful to deal with continual slopes and potentially difficult terrain.

Weather

It is always worth checking weather forecasts before you travel. Rain reduces grip on the road, and increases braking distances. Winds are especially hazardous for caravans. If you are driving into a head wind you are likely to find the caravan more difficult to control. This is because the nose weight will be lessened, reducing stability. Driving into a headwind has much the same effect as driving fast; both can cause the caravan to snake and swerve. To avoid this lower your speed.

The other places to be especially wary of winds are on exposed bridges and open areas where you are likely to be able to feel the effects of cross winds. Also be aware that being close to large vehicles is likely to affect the aerodynamics of your caravan, as these vehicles create their own slip stream.