Winter is not the best time of year to own a motor home or camper van because the weather is so poor, but parking for months at a time isn’t great for the vehicle, either. While some fair-weather campers may choose to visit sunnier destinations or wait and plan trips for the spring, there are those hardcore users who will carry on camping regardless. Whichever category you fall into, it is still vital to ensure your vehicle is correctly maintained through the cold winter months. This guide aims to help you do just that.
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Using Your Van In Winter?
It is important to make allowances for difficult road conditions when planning your trip, particularly if you are not an experienced motor home driver. Take extra care and allow more time to get to each destination.
Here are the simple steps you should take to get your vehicle winter-ready.
1. Stock up on de-icer so you aren’t caught out with an icy windscreen after an overnight stop.
2. Inflate your tyres correctly in accordance with the manufacturer’s advice.
3. Check oil and water levels regularly.
4. Invest in snow chains to help in really adverse conditions.
Staying at Home?
Whether you are headed to the Scottish Highlands in the springtime or planning to be Welsh coast campers in the summer, it is a good idea to make use of the winter months to carry out essential maintenance while you have no travel plans.
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Here are some tips.
1. Give your van a good cleaning so dust and grime don’t build up and become a major job in the spring.
2. Check your motorhome every couple of weeks to make sure everything is in order and that water tanks aren’t leaking.
3. Run the engine periodically or take the van out for a ten-minute spin when the weather is good.
There is a wealth of information online on this subject, such as the servicing guidance from the Camping and Caravanning Club, or there are specialist companies that will be able to advise you, such as Welsh Coast Campers.
When the weather improves in the springtime and you are itching to jump back behind the wheel and hit the road again, you will have a van that is in tip-top shape and ready to go.