How to stay warm when you caravan all year

Ben Hackney-Williams, 2nd October 2017, Caravan

Don't be scared of the cold, get cosy in your caravan. The tips on how to stay warm whatever the season!

Many of the caravan heating options around today offer high tech control panels or even app compatibility to warm your tourer while you're still out and about, ready for when you get home, and still people have fears about heading to a campsite in anything but the sunniest of climes or the height of summer.

One of the main benefits of off-season touring is that you don't get anywhere near the numbers, whether that's on the road or on sites themselves. Many magnificent campsites offer all-year-round opening times that are begging to be taken advantage of. Plan ahead and the weather won't bother you a bit!

What's the difference between caravan heating options?

Blown air – when warm air is circulated around the caravan by fan to warm your interior.
Combi heating – this option will warm your interior and your water in one go.
Underfloor heating – does what it says on the tin for excellent heating and space saving.
Freestanding heaters –there are an almost endless selection of these are their infinitely safer today than yesteryear, including killswitches for if they get knocked over.

Perfect for winter touring? Prove it

A caravan is put through its paces to simulate a lifetime of use in a matter of days.

Caravan manufacturers and heating specialists have been teaming up for years to test their tourers in the harshest of conditions, whether it be taking to tracks for speed tests or driving over cobbled roads to test structural matters.

When it comes to staying warm, the best R&D departments will take products to a specially built cold chamber and drop temperatures to well below zero.

Collectively, these methods of scrutiny are known as accelerated life tests, meaning that a caravan is put through its paces to simulate a lifetime of use in a matter of days. Ask your manufacturer if and how they can back up their insulation claims.

Pick the perfect awning

Many awning manufacturers make outdoor spaces suited specifically to winter weather. Whether the difference is in particularly resistant materials that keep the cold out, or alterations in construction so that snow doesn't collect on the roof, it's worth researching what your brand of choice offers when it comes to the cold snap.

Sort your service

Heat will escape by any means it can. One of the most efficient ways to keep it in while you're away is by having your window and door seals checked before you travel. Ask for advice on how to look after these during your annual service.

The little things

It may sounds like an obvious point but better bedding makes such a difference in comfort and luxury. And don't forget that if you plan to cook meals using the oven, you'll be adding a heat source at the same time as preparing a delicious dinner.

Use all of these collective points of advice to stay toasty in your tourer at any time of year.

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