Winter is not everyone’s favorite camping season. After all, it’s cold and that’s why people prefer to take their camper into winter storage or leave for the warmer destinations in the south. But winter camping with a campervan also has its charms. From tranquility everywhere and snowy landscapes to warm campfire evenings and being able to watch the stars all evening. But winter camping with the camper can also be quite a challenge. That’s why I share my best tips in this blog on what you need or should take into account when you go wintercamping.
Winter camping with the campervan: what do you need?
Summer is the most popular season for camping, but one of my favorite seasons to hit the road with the RV is winter. I prefer to leave for Scandinavia, where it’s extra quiet in this season and you continuously drive through a big winter wonderland. The snow, the landscapes, the tranquility, the campfire evenings and the magical Northern Lights is something that continues to attract me and makes me come back time after time. But temperatures down to -25°C are nothing to mess with and therefore good preparation is necessary. With the experience of camping during these Scandinavian winters, I know – after many learning moments – what is really useful for winter camping. In this blog I share my best tips to make your wintertrip a success.
#1 Diesel heater
You can insulate a camper but to get it warm inside you will have to add heat, the insulation only keeps it inside better. A heater is necessary, especially at temperatures below freezing. Not only to keep it pleasantly warm inside, but also to prevent things from freezing or becoming unusable inside. Think of the water tank or the service battery that runs empty faster due to the cold and may no longer charge in case of a lithium battery. In my opinion, the best option for a heater is a diesel heater. Most campers run on diesel (so you always have the fuel with you and you don’t need a separate tank) and the heater is very efficient with the fuel.
#2 Insulation for the windows and on the floor
A lot of cold comes in from the windows and through the floor. This makes it important to insulate a little extra in those places if you like to keep the cold out as much as possible and the heat in. You can do this by placing insulation mats or covers in front of the window and placing a warm rug on the floor. You can also consider a floor heating system but these work on electric and consume a lot of power which will drain you battery rather quick. Do you have Maxxfan on your roof? There’s even insulation covers for them available.
#3 Curtain between living space and the cabin
Unlike the living space, the cabin at the front of the vehicle is usually not insulated. It’s also difficult to do in a proper way because there are many extra windows in the cabin. So a solution to keep the cold from the cabin out of the living space as much as possible is to hang a curtain between it, which separates the two areas. This really makes a huge difference. Would you prefer the cabin itself to be a bit warmer? You can then purchase an insulation blanket that you place on the outside over the front and side windows, like a big scarf for your campervan. This not only keeps the cold out better, but also ensures less condensation and you don’t have to clean the windows on those freezing mornings.
#4 Keep your vehicle in good condition
The cold makes it extra difficult for your vehicle. So make sure to prepare and maintain it well and that important parts are in good condition. Consider a good starter battery and fluids such as coolant and washer fluid that are suitable for temperatures in the country you are going to. For example, in my case where I am traveling to Scandinavia, I am looking at liquids that are suitable for temperatures down to -30°C. But when you go winter camping in the Netherlands or the Alp regions a coolant that goes down to -15°C is generally sufficient.
#5 Winter tires and snow chains
Driving with winter tires in winter is always recommended, but especially in snow it’s much more pleasant and safer to drive with more grip. Depending on where you are going, a normal winter tire will suffice or you may prefer to drive on studded tires. In any case make sure that you always have snow chains with you (in some countries it’s also mandatory to have them with you).
#6 Snow shovel, tow rope and recovery tracks
You can’t lose a little self-reliance, but even if help comes along, you can’t always assume they have the right gear and tools with them. So in case you do get stuck somewhere in the snow, some handy accessories to take with you are: snow shovel, towing or recovery cable (make sure that it can pull the weight of your vehicle) and possibly recovery tracks. This way you may be able to drive yourself out or possibly with the help of somebody who is passing by. But are you really stuck and is the vehicle going nowhere? Then don’t make it worse, just arrange a good insurance in advance so you can call a tow truck.
#7 Tank heating
Many people have their freshwater tank inside their vehicle, but to save space (and make it easier to empty) the waste water tank is often mounted underneath the camper. Because it’s out of the reach of the heater, the contents of the tank and the release valve are extra prone to freezing. Some people therefore temporarily place a jerry can inside for waste water, but people with a smaller campervan do not always have the space for this. A solution to this is to work with tank heating, for example a 12V heating mat that you stick under the tank or an heating element that you mount inside of it. A good heater comes with a built-in thermostat and switches on at a temperature of a few degrees above 0°C to prevent freezing and switches off again when the temperature has returned well above freezing temperatures. It’s also recommended to insulate the tank itself.
#8 Propane gas when cooking
Although most of the gas used in campervans is propane anyway, I would still like to mention it. Perhaps you spend a large part of the year in warm climates or you cook with a gas canister/cartridge which make you cook on butane. But remember, butane gas is not suitable for winter camping. The boiling point of butane is around 0°C, below zero the butane stays liquid and is not suitable for cooking. The boiling point of propane is around -40°C and is therefore suitable for winter camping. Did you accidentally bring butane? Cooking over a campfire is always an option as well 🙂
#9 Warm clothing
Warm clothing is always recommended in winter whether you go with a campervan or without. If it’s really cold it’s best to wear layers of clothing. Because the layers not only provide an extra insulating layer, but you also have the option to take something off if it’s too warm. For example during an activity such as snowshoeing or skiing. This prevents you from sweating and getting cold later when you are less active again. A good layer structure is:
Underlayer = Thermal clothing made of merino wool
Pants = Lined pants, possibly with fleece on the inside for when it’s really cold
Sweater = Fleece sweater
Jacket = Insulation jacket with wool or down (preferably sustainable of course)
Also consider thick merino wool socks, a warm hat, gloves (or mittens, which are warmer) and insulating and waterproof snow boots. Consider to buy your snow boots 1 or 2 sizes larger so you can put on thick socks and the extra air provides an extra insulating layer as well.
#10 Fire pit
Winter camping is also perfect for making a campfire. You need a fire pit for this, but not all fire pits work equally well. You probably know those standard fire pits and fire bowls where there is always someone sitting in the direction of the smoke. That’s why I’ve been using the Solo Stove Ranger for a number of years. It might cost a bit, but man, I’m so happy with this thing! Due to the efficient combustion, little to no smoke is released and you get beautiful flames. It’s also ideal for cooking by placing a BBQ grill on it or hanging a Dutch oven above it.
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