We are looking at buying a motorhome....we will probably have lots of questions in the future but for now
We know we are looking for a rear u shaped lounge probably between an 05-08 age van and we would like to be able to use it all year round how do you know if a van is winterised? Is it more of a recent development on newer vans? Would we be able to tell when viewing if a van is winterised?
I'm not sure is any vans are built with extra insulation, but the obvious area to look at is the water tanks. Are there inside? insulated? or have small heaters to stop them freezing.
Maybe also look for thermal blinds on the windows and vents.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Hi,
Definitely agree with the Capt about the Thermal blinds,my underslung water tanks have an insulated lagging around them. I also have put the grey pipe insulation around all the pipes I can get to.
Keep cab vents closed and some people add antifreeze to waste tanks (not fresh water tank !)
Use Propane not Butane.
A useful link just to read through below.
Regards,
Greg
Good morning, and welcome to the UK Campsite forums. You have chosen a very good place for info from our many forum users. Capt Lightning is correct, 'Winterisation' is a general term for the level of insulation built into a van. The newer vans do offer a better degree (as in F or C degree LOL)of insulation in walls, roof and flooring, in order to make it more economical to heat the interior and a better comfort level. This also helps to keep the van cooler in summer of course. Water tanks and pipes do need protection for winter use. Internal tanks will most likely have insulation. External / Underslung tanks must have / will need, insulating (or heater)if you find 'your van' and it does not have it. I would like to say, we started MH ownership in 2008 and the van that 'caught' us, and 'reeled' us in was in fact a 'U' shape lounged Autocruise Starspirit...a beautiful van. However it was the Mrs who spotted it and by the time I got around to viewing, it was sold! We bought a different make, but similar layout. We kept it 3 yrs only. The only reason for such a short ownership....2 seatbelts only! Now it is possible to buy a 'u' shape with more than just the driver and co pilot belts. In vans with dinette up front, and all round lounging aft.
Please ask your questions, we are in general all know it all's, and like to show off / share our knowledge. Watch your weight /tyres /length/width etc. i.e. will it fit on your drive. Oh, and watch the excitement when looking for your dream van. You could perhaps save time / fuel by googling Images of rear 'u' shaped vans. Then when you have a couple or so that interest you.....search for where you can find one of those in stock. And with that...don't buy a million miles from home. Anything amiss will take longer to sort out. Enjoy your search.
Hi You will find most modern motorhomes offer some degree of winterisation - certainly enough for comfortable all year use in The UK.
As has been mentioned look for thermal blinds to all windows and use external thermal blinds on the windscreen.
I understand that German Motorhomes have to meet a higher degree of insulation than UK vans and if you wish to take you motorhome to the Alps in winter for example - some motorhomes offer a double floor with the void being heated and available for storage.
Beware though of not taking additional care over the winter when not using the van - even if winterised it is wise to drain down the water and empty the boiler (all easy tasks) during longer cold snaps - we store our motorhome on the drive and hooked up so to save time between trips we leave an oiled fired heater on frost setting in the van to prevent freezing and damp.
------------- It's only an expensive hobby when it's parked on your Drive....use it, love it , live it.
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Topic: winterised
