Winter is almost upon us, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! If you own a motorhome, you can get out and about to explore the country as it turns into a winter wonderland. If you don’t want to stay at home this winter, or you’ve got the travelling bug and don’t want to let the weather stop you, there are a few things you need to consider!
The weather isn’t always consistent, especially in winter, so it’s important to be prepared for your winter trip. Driving in the winter can be incredibly treacherous.
Preparing your motorhome
You should regularly check the weather forecast so that you know what could be in store for you on your trip. However, even if the forecast looks clear, you should prepare your motorhome for all elements.
In the UK and even abroad you could be exposed to severe weather, such as flooding, ice or snow, thunderstorms and high winds. This can make driving more difficult and in some circumstances it may be wise to postpone your trip or wait for the weather to pass before driving on!
Make sure your motorhome is in tip top condition before you set off; clean it down and check everything is in working order to decrease any chance of breakdowns. It’s also important to adapt your driving style if you come across bad weather. If you encounter snow or ice it may be worth driving slow, as your tyres will have a better grip at a low speed.
Take the essentials
When taking trips in winter in your motorhome, there are specific essentials that you should take with you to help your trip go as smoothly as possible. Whether you have snow forecast, or it’s just going to be particularly cold, make sure you pack these essentials.
Plenty of anti-freeze is a must; this could come in very handy in the mornings or if the temperature suddenly drops. Likewise, you might require snow tyres or even chains depending on your destination. It may also be useful to pack extra blankets, a shovel and perhaps even a thermos flask in case you do break down somewhere!
For inside your motor home why not think about taking a heater to use on particularly cold days. Motorhomes can feel rather chilly in the colder months. The Provence Gas Heater can be used in both the main motorhome itself and any awnings you use on the exterior of the motorhome. It will keep you all cosy and warm, you may even forget that it’s still winter.
If you are travelling abroad, check the laws of the country as equipment such as snow tyres and high visibility jackets might be required by law. External blinds are useful for your motorhome during winter to reduce condensation.
Planning a trip
When planning a trip in winter, there’s a strong possibility you will have to be flexible on your departure date and even your destination. Unpredictable weather could mean last minute changes to your planned journey.
It’s also worth remembering that in winter there will be less hours of daylight. If you are unfamiliar with the roads or your end destination, then you should plan your journey to arrive in daylight.
Before you set off anywhere, double check the opening times of your campsite. There are some campsites open all year round, but extreme weather could affect this!
There are many people who love using their motorhome through the winter. Find out for yourself and invest in your very own motorhome for a winter adventure!
