How to stay warm and snug while winter caravanning

Caravanning is popular among Australian holiday goers, but it doesn’t have to be a summer-only affair. There are plenty of reasons why caravanners choose to hit the open road during wintertime – site costs at caravan parks are often lower in the cooler months and winter fishing spots provide some quality catches.

But if you’re not used to travelling during winter in your motorhome, one of the biggest obstacles may be facing the harsh, cold weather – especially at night. So, whether you’re taking the family to the usual camp spot or you’re exploring the caravan friendly roads along the Sloways, here are a few tips to help you stay snug as a bug and keep warm while caravanning in the cold.

1. Dress your caravan for the cold

Just like you’d layer up on wearing warmer clothes during winter, do the same for your motorhome. Put winter-weight curtains on the windows and a draught snake at the crack of doors to prevent cold draughts from sneaking in. It is also worth investing in insulation for the walls, roof and floor if you plan on spending a lot of time in your caravan in winter. Lay carpet down over the entire floor area to provide insulation and stop the cold from seeping up off the ground and into your caravan. Put thick rugs on the floor, particularly where you first place your feet when you hop out of bed.

2. Create heat and trap it in

If you’re not blessed with a brand new caravan that includes reverse cycle air-conditioning, why not consider giving your motor home an upgrade by getting one installed. But be sure to contact the manufacturer or a specialist caravan accessories supplier to get the job done.

If you opt for a LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) heater, or if you’re planning to have any LPG appliances installed, you’re required to have a Gas System Compliance Certificate issued by the holder of an LP Gas Licence. This certificate is also required in order to register your caravan. The Australian Standard for LP Gas installation is AS5601 and the detail of this Standard must be complied with at all times.

If forking out money to install heating into your travelling home isn’t an option, the most convienient alternative to warming up is investing in a portable space heater. The perk of using this type of heater is that it’s inexpensive to buy and can fit almost anywhere – like on a bench top or on the floor. Just keep in mind that in order for space heaters to run, they require energy, which means your caravan will need to be connected to a powered site or power source.

3. Pick a prime sunny site spot

Park where the sun will warm the caravan for most of the day, then draw the curtains just before the temperature drops. This way, you’ll seal whatever heat your caravan absorbed from the sun during the day and it’ll keep your caravan toasty on the inside.

4. Use heat to keep the condensation away

Condensation is a natural part of caravanning. It happens often in winter when moisture in the air comes into contact with cold surfaces, such as your caravan’s walls, doors and windows. Keep warm and ward off condensation and mould by running a heater overnight or during the coldest times of day. It may seem counter productive, but if you don’t want to run your heater or are unable to, leave a roof vent or window slightly open to allow air flow in and place a few moisture absorbers in your portable home.

5. Transform your bed into a toasty haven

Sometimes all it takes is a good quality, thick mattress to keep you snug all night long. The additional expense is worth the investment because it offers an extra layer of insulation – especially when it’s topped off with a thick, winter mattress protector, a woollen underlay on top, extra blankets and even an electric blanket or a hot water bottle. And if you don’t have a bed to sleep in, opt for multiple sleeping bags and layer them up.

6. Ward off the chills with warmth

One of the best ways the keep warm is by starting a campfire just before dusk. Enjoy the company of your friends and family huddled around the flames into the wee hours of the night until you go to sleep. This way your body will be warm before you even slip into bed.

7. Coat your caravan

If your caravan annex or awning doesn’t have walls to create an enclosed area, it’s worth investing in to not only give you an extra room that is sheltered from the cold, but also to provide insulation and protect your motorhome from cold breezes every time the caravan door opens. Attach a draught skirt so wind and rain cannot reach from under the caravan and top up groundsheets with rubber flooring or mats, so your feet aren’t so cold on the ground. Consider investing in a caravan cover too! These offer protection from birds, dirt and all weather, so when you’re not on the road, you can tuck your caravan up for the winter.

8. Warm up with a cuppa

A nice big cup of coffee or tea will warm you up nicely. Why not even make a large pot of your drink choice in the morning and keep it hot in a thermos throughout the day. The same goes with food for warming you up – like a steaming hot bowl of pumpkin soup.

And of course, before you even pack your bags and hitch the caravan to your car, it’s always wise to make sure you have adequate insurance in case the unexpected happens. With NRMA Caravan Insurance you can protect your touring or on-site caravan or camper trailer with cover against accidental damage, theft, fire, storm, vandalism and more.

To find out more about NRMA Caravan Insurance, call us on 132 132 to get a quote or find us online 24/7 at nrma.com.au.