Year round tent camper here. As long as you can heat and light your unit and have some means of taking a middle-of-the-night pee without traipsing across site, it’s a wonderful experience.
Why not do a quick one nighter in November and see whether it’s for you before committing your Christmas?
We always go away in the caravan for Christmas and New Year. Last year went to a CL in North Devon which should not have been open, the mud was terrible (rave reviews on the CAMC website). This year we will go to Lowestoft to see family.
Some campers must be gluttons for punishment. Personally, I cannot see the point of hauling a caravan when there is every threat of icy roads and appalling weather conditions, or being in a well equipped and and cosy caravan and then venturing out into a cold, slippery climate under arctic conditions.
I wonder how many campers have slipped and broken an ankle/leg or worse, and wished they had stayed at home?
Bertie.
We are definitely on the same wavelength Bertie! Perhaps for me it's because I spent a great deal of my life driving for a living, out in all weathers and road conditions. Now, when I don't have to go out in bad conditions, I stay at home. I only go out when I know I'll enjoy it. I have always hated the cold anyway, and I hate having to pile on numerous layers to prevent myself freezing. Sitting in the warm on my recliner with a good book, my wife and dog at my side, beats trudging across frozen grass dressed up like an Eskimo any day!
I'll be wearing my thermals when I go to the Heritage Railway where I volunteer, for the Santa Specials in December Mrs Bonce. Still gets mighty nippy when I get off the train though!
You'll still never convince me to go caravanning though.
As they say each to their own but don't let the stay at homers put you off winter caravaning. I'm not talking about going in bad conditions but there are many fine weekends and days with brilliant sunshine. Also it's not an age thing, I'm an OAP my motto is use it or lose it!
Lots of folk go caravanning in the UK in winter and enjoy it, especially at Christmas - plenty of sites put decorations up!
In countries such as Germany and Austria there are sites which stay open all year and are popular with winter sports enthusiasts. The camp sites are all geared up for very cold weather, and many German caravans are insulated and have strong roofs to deal with snowy conditions. Both roads and drivers are ready for severe weather. We lived in Canada for a while so got used to coping with very low temperatures and heavy snow fall - it always amuses us when this country comes to a standstill after half an inch of snow!
------------- Il vaut mieux vivre ses reves que rever sa vie
It seems though some winter campers are boosting the pursuit as though their lives depend on it. Let's just face it - some do it for whatever reason, whilst others are content to restrict themselves to the more temperate times of the season.
Personal choice either way.
Bertie.
Finding it quite funny about the weather warnings - gales and rain keeping you awake all night....yep, had all that in May and August 😂😂😂. Ice and snow is maybe specific to winter and needs planning for but we’ve had very severe weather in the summer so I say just go for it 👍
I lived in a touring caravan four years, with just a 6 amp supply, once the aqua role froze, it took 3 days to melt it again, after that I fitted a heater under it, pipe would freeze but they also melt again quickly, always had some water indoors.
Today more insulation on caravan and 16A supply, so much better, if it snows then I simply would not return home, I would not tow in the snow even with a Kia Sorento, not worth the risk, if I did have to go home, I would leave caravan behind. And return latter for it.
Yes problems with gas, so in winter all electric. As yet not needed to use hold down screws when touring, but did for those 4 years.
If with the caravan you can use car as wind break, but if you leave it, then needs the screws and tying down, depending on how exposed the site is.
Never use awning in winter, if wind does get up, then taking it down near impossible.
I would look at forecast and if snow or wind forecast then would not go, but this year was away in Feb. Wife goes to craft shows November and next one Jan, most all year round sites are sheltered so in the main not a problem, always hard standing in winter, not so much for caravan but for us walking in and out not bringing in mud.
Quote: Originally posted by trog100 on 22/10/2018
lack of daylight hours means you spent more time in the van.. if you dont have a hook up with electricity you will use a lot more gas..
be careful you dont get snowed in but this does depend on where you go.. keep an eye on the weather forcast act accordingly..
We watched the forecast. Rough conditions stay at home. Cold and frosty ok, but what I remember is the van takes some warming up, worktops, seats and floor very cold and that was with the heating on.
Once it warmed through it was fine, but took a good coup!e of hours.
Aqua roll cover and a bit of water in the kettle, just in case, caravan opposite us had a leak from the barrel and his pitch was like an ice rink. His kids loved it
Quote: Originally posted by The 2 Tops on 26/10/2018
Some campers must be gluttons for punishment. Personally, I cannot see the point of hauling a caravan when there is every threat of icy roads and appalling weather conditions, or being in a well equipped and and cosy caravan and then venturing out into a cold, slippery climate under arctic conditions.
I wonder how many campers have slipped and broken an ankle/leg or worse, and wished they had stayed at home?
Bertie.
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: Winter caravanning
