Winter camping? 7 tips for a warm and comfortable camping holiday!
Winter camping is becoming increasingly popular. And that’s hardly surprising! Quiet campsites, stunning winter landscapes and warming up in your own motorhome, caravan or tent in the evenings. However, camping in winter does require a little more preparation than in summer. How do you keep the cold out, prevent problems with frost and ensure you have enough heat and lighting? With these seven tips, you’ll be well prepared for your adventure!
1. Keep the heat in and the cold out
On cold nights, the temperature inside your motorhome or caravan can drop considerably. A lot of heat is lost through the windows in particular. Good insulation helps to keep the heat inside for longer and makes your stay much more comfortable. For motorhomes, the HABA Toledo window insulation is a handy solution. It insulates the windscreen and helps to minimise heat loss through the glass. This insulation also comes in handy in summer, as it helps block out the sun’s heat.
2. Provide extra warmth on cold days
After a walk in the cold, you’ll naturally want to warm up straight away. Before you set off, check that your heating is working and, if necessary, make sure you have an extra heat source. The HABA Sunnywarm 360 is ideal for providing extra warmth in your motorhome, caravan or suitable awning. With two heat settings of 600 and 1200 watts and a 50-degree swivel function, the heat is distributed evenly. What’s more, the heater is fitted with protection against overheating and tipping over. Do bear in mind the power capacity of your campsite and only use an electric heater in accordance with the safety instructions. Keep flammable materials well away and do not use the heater as unattended overnight heating.
3. Avoid problems with your power supply
When camping in winter, you use more electricity than in summer. You’ll be using the heating, lighting and other electrical appliances more frequently. A reliable power connection is therefore particularly important. Check in advance how many amps your campsite provides and avoid using several high-power appliances at the same time. You should also use a sturdy power cable suitable for outdoor use, such as the HABA CEE extension cable (25 metres, 3 × 2.5 mm²). Its length gives you plenty of reach between the power point and your vehicle. Always unroll the cable completely, check it regularly for damage and ensure the connections are not lying in water or snow.
4. Keep rain and snow out as much as possible
Winter camping doesn’t always mean snow. In the Netherlands in particular, you’ll regularly have to deal with rain and wind. So make sure you have a dry entrance and prevent moisture from getting inside unnecessarily. With campervans, rainwater from the roof can easily run down alongside the sliding door. The HABA Viganella door light and rain gutter combines outdoor lighting with a rain gutter function. This channels rainwater away from the doorway whilst also providing good visibility when getting in and out. Models are available to suit various campervan types. An extra tip: let wet shoes and clothes dry as much as possible before storing them inside. This helps to minimise damp and condensation in the living area.
5. Make it cosy during the long winter evenings
It gets dark early in winter. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to do! With good lighting, you can turn your awning into a cosy spot to play a game together, have a drink or simply relax. The HABA Insight Deluxe awning lamp provides plenty of light at 780 lumens and, thanks to its built-in dimmer, can be adjusted to suit the atmosphere you want to create. What’s more, the lamp operates on both 12 and 230 volts – handy for a variety of camping situations!
6. Protect your water supply from frost
When the temperature drops below freezing, water pipes and tanks can freeze. This can cause nasty damage. Check whether your vehicle’s water tank and pipes are frost-proof. In severe frost, it may be wise to drain the water system and store a separate supply of water indoors.
7. Choose a winter destination that suits you
Winter camping in the Netherlands is very different from camping in the Alps. In the Netherlands, you can enjoy peaceful nature reserves, walks in the woods and perhaps a light dusting of snow. In countries such as Austria, Germany or Switzerland, you can combine winter camping with activities such as skiing or cross-country skiing. Do bear in mind, however, that you’ll face harsher frosts, snowfall and the mandatory or necessary winter equipment for your vehicle.
Always check which campsites are open during the winter.
Ready for your winter camping adventure?
Whether you’re heading to the Veluwe for a weekend or exploring the snow-covered Alps: with the right preparation, winter camping is just as much fun as camping in summer. Discover the handy camping accessories from HABA and make your next winter camping adventure even more comfortable!
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