Staying Warm in Your Motorhome this Winter

If you’re planning to be spending some time this winter in your motorhome or campervan, then keeping warm will probably be one of your top priorities. Many modern motorhomes will come with a heating system included to ensure an all-year-round possibility for travel. By using the central thermostat, you can regulate the temperature in your vehicle, however this may take some time to heat up. It’s advisable to give 30 – 40 minutes for your heating to start circulating properly and setting a timer to switch on and off when needed.

You shouldn’t let the colder climate stop you from enjoying a trip that’s packed full of adventure. If you’re looking for other ways to keep warm, we have all the information needed to help your camper be extra cosy this winter and to safeguard that the frost doesn’t stop you from having a very comfortable staycation this time of year.

Outside the motorhome

In addition to on-board motorhome heating systems, there are numerous things that you can do to make your stay as fun and comfortable as possible.

Firstly, a good starting point is by stopping the cold from getting into your vehicle in the first place. Here are some of our recommendations to help you ‘winterise’ the outside of your motorhome.

External thermal screen covers

Modern motorhomes have vast expanses of glass in the windscreen. This is fantastic for providing panoramic views of your surroundings, but glass itself is not the best insulator. Once parked up, fitting external screens can significantly help reduce heat loss from the windscreen, driver, and front passenger windows. Combined with adequate ventilation, external screens are also a good way to help prevent condensation from forming on the inside of your windscreen. From plain to more playful designs such as huge eyes, these covers come in many different patterns and can even be used to add some more character and personalisation to your vehicle. The covers can be fitted quickly and typically attach to your motorhome around the wingmirrors using velcro. Some covers come with suction pads too. Not only do thermal screens help to protect you from the elements, helping to keep you warm and cosy, but they’ll also help you save some money too on the running costs of your motorhome heating system.

Draught skirts

These are designed to help prevent the circulation of air underneath your motorhome. A constant circulation of wind and air has a cooling effect on the habitation area temperature. If you’re a regular winter motorhome traveller it’s worth investing in a high-quality draught skirt. Attaching along the bottom section of the motorhome or campervan the skirt hangs between the vehicle and the ground. They can be pegged into place to stop them from lifting and letting in any strong drafts.

Awnings

These come is different sizes and deigns. Lighter weight awnings are perfect for the summer months, but if you’re planning on a winter adventure in your motorhome, you’ll need a sturdy awning. Winter awnings have many benefits – they provide extra space; they help prevent drafts and create a pocket of air which helps to keep your habitation area warm. Awnings are also very handy in winter in that they help to keep some of the mud and snow from being carried into your motorhome. Skiers and snowboarders often use winter awnings to store their equipment, so that the motorhome can be kept clean, tidy and relatively clutter free.

Inside the motorhome

Curtains

A great way of keeping your motorhome warmer this winter is by fitting a curtain to separate the cab area at the front of your vehicle from the rest of the living space. A lot of the cold air comes from the front windows, so blocking this off will allow what heat you do have to stay within a confined zone. This doesn’t just benefit you by helping to keep your vehicle warmer, but it also provides some added privacy when inside your motorhome too.

Small rugs 

Motorhome and campervan flooring comes in various finishes. Many owners choose vinyl floor covering, or a similar material because it’s easy to keep clean. In winter however easy to wash floor coverings can become cool under foot. To make your motorhome more comfortable in winter you may like to consider fitting carpet or carpet tiles which also add an extra layer of insulation. If you’ve already got carpet, adding a rug or two gives even more warmth and comfort to the interior of your motorhome. Specialist rugs are available, but if you’re looking for a more cost effective option, bedside rugs can be picked up cheaply in many high-street shops as well as online. Consider buying rugs that are machine washable, particularly if you’re travelling with pets that are likely to leave muddy pawprints behind.

Bedding, sleeping bags, blankets, and throws

It goes without saying that a thick high-quality, high tog rated duvet will be worth taking on your winter break. Alternately, or perhaps even in addition to this are some winter sleeping bags that will make your sleep as cosy at possible. If you’re travelling with young children they’ll love the excitement that a novelty sleeping bag brings. But choose carefully so that it provides the warmth that they need too. Packing a few warm blankets or throws may also come in handy for that extra element of warmth, as will a mattress topper suitably designed to fit motorhomes or campervans. Choose the right combination of bedding and you’ll be as warm as toast throughout the night and will wake up feeling refreshed and raring to go.

Hot water bottles 

A good old fashioned hot water bottle is perfect for those winter evenings and nights spent away. There are now different shapes and sizes available to keep you snug including extra-long hot water bottles that keep multiple parts of your body warm all at once.

Winter motorhome clothing

As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, it’s only bad clothing. Choosing the right clothes, can either make or break a winter adventure. Here are some of our tips:

Thermal clothing

A good layering system is really important when you need to keep warm, whether you’re inside or outside your motorhome or campervan. Merino wool is the perfect choice, because it helps to keep your body temperature regulated, wicking away sweat so that you keep dry and don’t get a chill as your body temperature drops after physical activity. Merino wool is remarkably odour resistant too so that you don’t need to wash (or dry) your clothes as often -something that isn’t easily done in the middle of winter.

Waterproof clothing

If you can keep dry on the outside this will help to keep you warm and cosy on the inside. A good quality waterproof breathable jacket and trousers is a must. Gortex or equivalent is recommended. For extra warmth you may want to include a down or synthetic alternative layer beneath your outer shell to help retain your body heat.

Gloves, hat, and scarf 

Around 30% of body heat is lost through the head. If it’s very cold outside a hat can be a real lifesaver. If the night time temperature dips in your motorhome when you’re in bed, a hat can keep you warm. Gloves and scarves are worth packing for that extra comfort too. With technology becoming a bigger part of our everyday lives whether it’s for navigation, photographs, or information, getting gloves that can work with touch screen devices is worth considering.

Boots

Waterproof, comfortable and warm boots are a winter camping clothing essential. To really keep your feet dry, you can’t go wrong with a good pair of wellingtons. If you’re planning to explore on foot, walking boots and gaiters will keep your feet comfortable, warm and dry.

Winter motorhome food & drinks

Winter food

Keeping your body warm in winter requires extra calories. Good wholesome food such as casseroles, stews, chillies, spaghetti bolognaise is warming and comforting. Many motorhome owners invest in a slow cooker so that they can enjoy a warming wholesome meal without having to spend hours slaving over a hot stove. Although more taxing on the wallet, if budget permits, a trip to a local pub with a roaring fire and some great pub grub can make for a really great night out before returning back to your motorhome to snuggle up into bed.   

Hot drinks

Us brits love a brew. A warm drink in the winter is ideal for taking the edge off the chill in the air. Don’t forget that the kettle you use at home isn’t going to cut it when out in your motorhome. Appliances like this, that you would usually use at home, require a large amount of power. That’s why it’s important to get a low wattage kettle, suitable for when you’re away. Alternatively, if you have a gas stove, this method of heating is going to be your quickest way of boiling some water both for your hot drinks and filling up your hot water bottles. There’s also your motorhome microwave, which is perfect for making a milky bedtime drink, before drifting off for the perfect snooze……

Get all year round cover for your motorhome

At Comfort Insurance, we’ve helped thousands of our customers find great value motorhome and campervan cover so that they can embrace and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle all year round, whatever the weather. We’re here to help you to get behind the wheel with complete confidence in your insurance whatever time of year that you travel. Why not get an online quote or give us a call on 0208 984 0666 to speak to our friendly team today.