Most motorhome users will park up or store away their vehicle for the winter, but there are some hardy and brave souls who’ll use the coldest season as a uniquely quiet opportunity to hit the road. For those seeking peaceful escape at this particularly crisp time of year, understanding how to stay warm and comfortable is a must. This edition of the Dicksons blog covers the essentials: Heating systems, insulation techniques, practical solutions for heat retention and winter-friendly habits you can get into, all to prepare for a cosy time in your motorhome, no matter what the outside temperature is.

Motorhome Heating Systems

A high-quality heating system is a must for winter motorhoming. A-class motorhomes often include advanced systems such as waterborne underfloor heating, which radiates heat consistently throughout the interior and creates a nice toasty atmosphere without cold spots. Other motorhomes may include a wet system (which uses a heated liquid to distribute heat in the motorhome through pipes and radiators) or an air blown system (in which a small gas or diesel-powered heater unit or boiler heats air and blows it into the motorhome interior through a series of vents).

In the rare case of your vehicle not having built-in heating, there are portable options easily available. It is possible, for instance, to connect diesel heaters to the motorhome’s main fuel supply, making them very practical for longer trips. Propane heaters are also quite a popular option though they do require careful ventilation due to the risk of carbon monoxide build-up (so be particularly careful if you choose this option). If you decide on an electric heater, check it has automatic shut-off features to prevent overheating and tipping hazards. For those camping off-grid during the winter, a hybrid heating solution combining diesel and electric might be the best option.

Motorhome Insulation

Insulating your motorhome can reduce the need for heating as it’s a really effective way to retain warmth. Many motorhomes include built-in insulation, but there are additional measures you can take which will make a big difference. Reflective panels for windows are simple but effective, as they block cold air and keep warmth inside. Custom-fitting thermal curtains can help too, and once fitted you should close them tightly at night to trap in as much heat as possible. Floors can benefit from insulation too. Thick rugs or even installing underlay to prevent cold drafts are both good methods. Adding draft stoppers to doors will seal off gaps, keeping more warmth inside and minimising your heating costs in the long run.

Motorhome Skirting

Exterior skirting your motorhome creates a sort of barrier around the base, helping to prevent heat from escaping through the floor of the vehicle and keeping the cold from circulating beneath. Professionally made motorhome skirts are durable and often insulated. However, if you don’t want to spend money you could always come up with your own DIY version (say, foam board or heavy-duty fabric) which will work. By reducing the amount of heat lost from the vehicle’s undercarriage, skirting is a particularly helpful addition, especially for anyone parked up in one particular location for an extended period. Skirting is especially effective in protecting pipes and water tanks from freezing, as it shields these sensitive systems from the cold outdoor air.

Motorhome Moisture Control and Ventilation

Cold weather leads to excess condensation, as windows and walls react to the temperature differences between the interior and exterior of the motorhome. To reduce dampness and prevent mould, ventilation has to be carefully managed. You should open vents slightly, to encourage airflow but without letting in too much cold air. Add a small dehumidifier, which will extract moisture from the air and reduce the risk of mildew. For better results, if it’s an electric version run it during the day as humidity is typically higher then and you’ll keep surfaces dryer and improve the quality of the air. Ventilation fans are also helpful as they can circulate warm air or (if they have reverse mode) pull out damp, stagnant air.

Thermal Layers and Textiles

Adding textiles such as rugs, curtains and thermal blankets will help to maintain a warm atmosphere in your motorhome. Thick rugs or carpets on the floor trap warmth and make the space feel cosier and inviting. Thermal curtains not only block out the cold from windows but will also allow natural heat inside when opened up on sunny days. Layering up blankets on your bed and seating areas at night creates additional insulation, as body heat will be trapped in. Electric blankets are also a highly effective way to stay warm. If you’re not connected to a campsite’s electric hook-up and are ‘off-grid’ use them sparingly to conserve energy.

Motorhome Solar Panels

Even though winter sunlight is often weaker than during spring and summer months, solar panels can still be useful for winter motorhoming, as they could still capture enough sunlight to support lighting, charging and small appliances. Solar energy can also be used to run low-wattage items, which may allow you to conserve gas or diesel for critical heating needs. Having a properly configured system may even allow you to use electric blankets or a portable electric heater if conditions allow.

Efficient Habits

A few smart habits will go some way to maximising heating in a motorhome. During the day, keep the curtains open to let sunlight warm the interior – and, conversely, once the sun sets close them all to keep warmth inside. If you’re using portable heaters, place them in areas that are usually colder (eg. near the door or around seating). If your motorhome layout permits, use inbuilt doors and dividers to section off areas, and concentrate heating efforts on the space that you’re in. Being smart and parking up your motorhome with the side that has the most windows facing the sun will also provide a steady natural source of heat.

Motorhome Water Systems

Freezing temperatures pose a particular risk to the water systems in motorhomes, as water freezes and can burst pipes or tanks. If this happens it’s often significant damage, and costly to put right. To protect pipework, think about wrapping electric heat tape around it, which can keep water moving by providing gentle warmth. If your motorhome has heated water tanks, ensure they’re insulated and fully functional before you head off into cold weather. Using motorhome antifreeze is another option (especially for waste tanks) as it stops water freezing even in harsh conditions. If it’s exceptionally cold, keep a slight drip going from the taps overnight – though this should only ever be done with caution, if water supplies are limited.

Emergency Supplies

Having a portable heater as a back-up is a smart move, in the event of your main heating system failing. Even with a functioning system, a back-up can help you cope with sudden temperature drops, or serve as an source of heat during those occasional truly bitter nights. In addition to heaters, your stock of emergency heating supplies should include extra blankets and hand warmers.

Weather

When you have decided that winter motorhoming is something you’d like to do, being flexible and ready to handle the changing weather is a big part of ensuring you have a safe and comfortable time. Monitoring weather forecasts and being ready to change route or schedule (to avoid severe weather) is important. In extreme cold, think about parking at a campsite with electric hook-up, heated facilities and shelter options. Many campsites reduce their available services in winter, if not close altogether, and so you should check in advance whether water, power and sewage facilities will be available. If heavy snowfall and/or icy roads have been forecast, it’s good to be flexible enough to be able to stay put for a day or two to wait out the conditions. Adapting to weather is key to a worry-free motorhome winter.

By choosing a motorhome from Dicksons, and then following the tips we’ve provided in this edition of our blog, you can enjoy the quite unique pleasure that winter motorhome travel can bring, while staying safe and comfortable on the road.

Motorhoming: How to stay warm and comfortable on the road