Snowy camping or van hibernation? Here's your winter campervan prep guide

Whether you’re after a year-round van life or looking to give your camper a rest throughout the colder months, our winter campervan tips have got you covered.

Let’s face it, winter camping isn’t for everyone. While some of us can’t wait to embrace cosy travel holidays in an insulated home on wheels, securing the ideal chilly pitch on winter’s less crowded campsites, it’s not a universal appeal. You may see the colder months as the perfect time to give your camper a hard-earned rest, letting it hibernate until warmer weather returns.

No matter which camp you fall into, we’ve got a few tips to help winterise your campervan.

Braving the elements

Looking to explore colder climates, try camping in the snow, and experience the changing of the seasons first-hand? Staying warm is priority number one, for both you and your campervan. 

Insulation is key, and as the majority of heat escapes through a camper’s windows, fitted thermal window covers can make a huge impact. From there, to keep things toasty, DIY conversions can be fitted with additional insulation (under the floor for example) and draft excluders. And for any pop-top campervans — such as Ford’s iconic expandable Nugget — thermal roof wraps are available to seal up this exposed section, which otherwise may be worth keeping closed. Oh, and you can’t go wrong with some good old winter duvets and sleeping bags.

Of course, insulation can only do so much, and a heat source is also needed to keep you warm. Many manufacturer-backed campervans boast comprehensive climate control systems — such as the luxurious Mercedes Marco Polo’s ‘Energising Comfort Control’ which lets you tweak internal temperatures all the way down to some heated massage seats. Yet, in sub-zero temperatures and in larger conversions, this may not be enough. Many winter camping enthusiasts opt for a diesel or gas-powered heater to ensure things are kept nice and toasty.

Depending just how cold your camping spots get, it may be worth keeping this heat source running at all times, even if at a reduced level. This will help to prevent any pipes and water tanks from freezing, allowing for appliances to remain functional and undamaged. Alternatively, some van-dwellers opt to drain their water systems and use external canisters as a source instead to be doubly sure they won’t encounter any cracked plumbing components.

Unfortunately, with heat, comes condensation. The best way to deal with this, and to avoid any unpleasant moisture build-up, is to ventilate your camper. Yes, it’s counter intuitive considering the precious warmth you’ve generated, but it’s worth it to stay dry. A tip here is to go for a campervan with an awning which can keep any rain or snow from getting in as you leave the doors open during the (slightly) warmer hours. Even better, why not double down with something like the new dual-awninged Volkswagen California for a quick airing out.

Now, let’s talk about getting to and from your winter camping spots. Recent research has revealed that nearly three-quarters of UK drivers feel worried about driving in wintery conditions. Any of our favourite off-road and 4-wheel drive campers can lend a hand here, and adding the right tyres can go a long way to relieving any anxiety. For traction in snowy conditions something like the Continental Van Contact Winter can do the job, while the all-season Michelin Agilis CrossClimate can function safely in every weather condition. 

When heading out we’d also recommend packing plenty of food and drinks to keep you going, some de-icer, a torch, and a shovel, to keep you safe on the UK’s wintery roads.

Preparing for hibernation

Winter camping not for you? Well, there’s also a few things to consider when storing your campervan away for a well-deserved break over the colder months.

Sadly, our old friend condensation makes an appearance here too. Camper conversions have become increasingly technology packed (we’ve seen many a Mercedes Sprinter camper or decked-out Fiat Ducato loaded with TVs and luxury electronics) and any water which gathers inside gadgets can wreak havoc when it’s time to defrost in spring. If any devices can’t be removed for cool and dry storage, it’s worth allowing a little longer for your camper to warm up when first powering back up. It’s also not unheard of to plug in a dehumidifier, either to speed things up, or to put in a proactive shift throughout the storage period.

Pre-hibernation is great time to give your campervan a good clean. Fridges should be given a little extra attention here: cleared out to avoid any unwanted scents (or guests) and left ajar to allow air circulation. Water tanks and pipes should be cleaned and drained to avoid cracks and frozen water damage, and for an extra-pristine look, soft furnishings can be removed to (once again) keep that pesky damp from getting into them.

While you’ve still got the cleaning gloves on, you might want to give the exterior a good wash too. This will give you the option to cover your camper and avoid any mucky buildup if left outside, without worrying about the wrap having a sandpaper-like effect on any precious paintwork. We recommend a soft and breathable cover to further ensure this, while separate tyre covers can be an option to protect them from the elements too. 

Last up, batteries. Campervan and DIY style leisure batteries may suffer damage if they’re not given a little charging boost from time to time. If possible, it is best to store them in a dry place and keep their charge level above 50% (although check your manufacturer guidelines for exact levels) to avoid any degradation or reduced lifespan.

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