Just want some advice about using the FC at the end of October and not sure whether it would be too cold. Any advice off anyone that's used theirs over halloween would be useful.
Draughts are not as big a problem as you might think. They're more of an issue when it's windy, rather than when it's just cold.
I find that a convector heater or oil filled radiator will keep the worst of the chill off and we have a two bar electric fire for when it gets really cold. Never tried the electric blanket, as I've never needed one. A night heater and thick duvet have always been plenty.
The only thing that does change for me in the Winter is that I wouldn't, personally, consider using a site without electric hookup. I have a couple of little portable gas heaters. They are great for heating a camper, but have a number of problems, mainly that they are expensive to run, and can't be left on all night, partly due to the fire hazzard and partly because they are not recommended for indoor use, due to carbon monoxide risks.
In terms of drying out the camper, whilst it's true that the air isn't as dry in Winter, a camper will still dry out reasonably quickly, as long as you have the space to open it up to air. I have an adaptor as well, which allows me to plug the EHU lead into a normal domestic socket, so I can leave a heater on low, to dry the canvas out from within, as well as the interior.
I would say give it a go. I tend not to bother with the awning in the winter, as it's more difficult to heat, and it's another thing to have to dry out after, but that's just personal choice.
At the risk of repeating advice from others, the only issues I have found in camping late in the season, or even in winter, is cold and damp.
A small electric heater which can be left on overnight and warm, dry bedding are essential, so EHU is really a must. I use a small thermostatically controlled fan heater which is quiet and works very well. Low wattage electric blankets will keep the bedding cosy.
Since dew and perhaps frost may occur you will need a plan to dry the camper and any awning if you use one. I sometimes use a small porch awning. Also watch out that your water supply/pump does not freeze.
If you have a plan for issues such as these and are OK with it, then go and enjoy yourself.
Post last edited on 02/09/2014 09:26:45
------------- Phil
Blood, Sweat and Beers.
The more I learn the more I know, the more I know the more I forget, the more I forget the less I know
Booked so far:
June: Charity Farm
July: Gullivers MK
August: Tregurrian, Cornwall
Sept: New Forest
Regularly camp in October, with much use of the on board heater. We can get draughts from where the gas struts go under the canvas, but I plug the one by my head in the bed, and those where we sit with old towel.
------------- Alan
2016
February C&CC Theobalds Park
March C&CC Salisbury
May C&CC Adgestone IOW
July Le Clos Auroy, Auvergne France
August C&CC Polstead
August C&CC Oxford
October C&CC Lauder
We used ours in a very cold and frosty Easter a few years ago and was fine inside using an oil rad left on which also had a fan heater aswell.
Plenty of layers underneath you meant sleeping was fine but as already mentioned its the dryng out that MAY be the issue in more off season camping, somewhere top leave it up if need be is an essential for me for use of a FC throughout extended season
Thank you everyone for your advice and yes I would definitely have the fan heater and electric blankets but the site I have in mind has you buy electric cards for the ehu and I know fan heaters gobble the credit very quickly I've used one on their site before. how much an electric blanket on low would use though I'm not sure. the built in heater we have in the crusader runs on gas. I think the best option is to choose a different site.
One thing, you'll find the underside of your bed mattresses will be soaking wet in the morning due to condensation. It will dry out by day if you can lift them a bit to let some air get under.
Sheets of corrugated cardboard under the mattresses will help with the condensation. Cheap fix! Halogen heaters use less electric I believe, and add light!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: using FC end of October??
