A well-insulated caravan can be used comfortably in the winter months too. However, unlike in summer, there are three topics to pay attention to: heating, humidity and end-of-season maintenance.
1. Heating
The insulation value of the panel body directly determines how long the heater will run. The floor panel being 50 mm is the detail that makes the difference so your feet don't get cold. Instead of running the heating at the highest level all night, keeping it steady at a medium level both saves fuel/energy and prevents sudden temperature differences inside.
2. Humidity and condensation
The most common winter complaint is water building up on the windows and in the corners. The cause is usually not a fault but condensation: the breath of four people, cooking and showering produce litres of water vapour in a single night. Warm, humid air condenses when it touches a cold surface.
The solution is not to cut the heating but to keep ventilating:
- Do not close the roof vent or the floor/wall vents. These are not decoration but part of the air circulation.
- Cross-ventilate for 5-10 minutes while cooking and after showering.
- Let air in under the beds and cushions from time to time; that is where the most moisture collects.
- A small dehumidifier box is useful, especially on long stays.
3. When closing the season
- Drain the water system completely. Water left in the tank, pump and boiler freezes and causes permanent damage.
- Leave the battery fully charged and, if possible, switch off the main cut-off; check it once a month.
- Leave the fridge door ajar, otherwise it develops an odour.
- Do not leave textiles damp inside; air the cushions and store them in a dry place.
- Check tyre pressures and, if possible, rest the caravan on its support legs.
- Inspect the sealing gaskets. This once-a-year check prevents major repairs later on.