Caravan Guard reports: hints and tips on caravanning in bad weather

Modern caravans are designed to be used all year round. So to get the most out of your investment means using it even in bad weather. It also means that a bit of pre-planning will help ensure you get the maximum amount of enjoyment from it.

LPG gas

You’ll need propane – red cylinder – LPG because butane will not ‘gas’ below 1^oC whereas propane will do so down to -40^oC. You will also need a propane regulator available from caravan dealers. And to make sure you don’t run out of gas we recommend taking two cylinders – say a 6kg and a 3.9kg.

Warning: Never use the oven and/or grill to help warm the caravan because carbon monoxide – which is a by-product of combustion – is a killer.

Mains electricity

If you intend staying on a site offering electric hook-ups you could supplement your caravan’s gas heating system with a portable 2Kw heater although the amount of electricity can vary according to the number of caravans connected to the bollard.

When the days are short and the nights are long it makes sense to take a spare battery with you

12V DC

Make sure the caravan’s leisure battery is fully charged before setting off. And if you  intend staying for more than a few days a second battery is worth considering as so many of the caravan’s appliances rely on 12V in order to work properly.

Preventing the water freezing

An inboard water tank is the ideal water container in bad/freezing weather conditions. But if an Aquaroll or other external water container is used it will need insulating to prevent the water from freezing. For the best results use a purpose-designed jacket but avoid jackets which require the full container having to be lifted into the jacket. Instead buy a wrap-around jacket.

Some salt added to the waste water container after emptying will help prevent freezing.

In cold conditions leave the handbrake off to prevent the brakes from freezing on the drums

Pads and blocks

If the caravan doesn’t have captive pads fitted to the steadies you can make your own from four pieces of 12mm thick wood 15cm x 15cm square. Placed under the steadies they will prevent them sinking into the ground. It’s also a good idea to make a fifth pad to go under the jockey wheel to prevent it from sinking when you’re levelling the caravan.

Place blocks in front or behind the wheels as appropriate, to prevent the caravan from moving when pitched on a slope. Similarly, because the caravan handbrake should be left in the off position to prevent the brakes from freezing onto the drums in sub-zero temperatures, use blocks to choc the wheels.

If it isn’t possible for the towcar to pull the caravan off a boggy pitch move the towcar to firmer ground and use a towrope

Track mats and tow ropes

A pair of track mats – available from any good caravan accessory shop – can be used to help the towcar get off a boggy pitch. However, if the towcar is unable to pull the caravan off the pitch, unhitch the caravan and drive the towcar forward onto firmer ground. Then use a tow rope to pull the caravan off the pitch. But remember that tow ropes available from high street car accessory shops are intended to be used with rolling loads – not bogged down caravans so make sure everyone stands well clear in case the rope breaks.

And never let anyone push the caravan as it will only apply its brakes as it moves towards the towcar.

Wet gear

Regardless of weather forecasts, expect poor weather so make sure you have adequate suitable clothing with you. Similarly, suitable bedding will ensure you don’t get cold in bed so replace the summer duvet with a winter one – or take extra blankets.

A porch awning gives you somewhere to leave wet clothes, boots etc, and helps keep the cold out of the caravan

Porch awnings

A porch awning is ideal for bad weather caravanning as it gives you somewhere to hang your wet gear rather than having it in the caravan. It also helps prevent heat escaping because the caravan door is inside it. An awning carpet will also help prevent mud etc from being taken into the caravan.

Snow and rain

Snow build up on the roof of the caravan isn’t usually a problem in the UK but on an awning it can be, so make sure to brush it off before it causes the awning to collapse. Similarly, ensure the awning roof is set at an angle which allows rain to run off.

Make sure to keep the caravan’s air vents clear of snow build up in blizzard conditions and never block them to reduce draughts.

In cold weather add some salt to the waste water container to prevent the waste water from freezing

Draining down

Before leaving for home don’t forget to drain down the hot water tank and the inboard tank to prevent the water in them from freezing. And leave all taps slightly open so that if the residual water in the pipes freezes the air can escape as the ice expands.

Do you have any hints on maintaining caravans throughout the winter? Share your tips in the comment box below!

Bad weather can strike at any time, that’s why provide cover for when your caravan is out on the the road and also when it’s stored away. We also cover storm, flood and accidental damage which means that you’re insured whatever the weather. Find out more about our tourer caravan insurance policy.