The winter months represent something of a challenge when it comes to motorhoming, but with the right precautions and attitude can be just as enjoyable and safe as the sunnier months. The main thing is to be prepared for every eventuality, as problems which are easily dealt with in fair weather can become a mammoth task in icy conditions. A faulty windscreen wiper is a good example; in a light shower you’ll get away with it, but in heavy rain or snow you simply can’t drive without it working properly.
The answer is to avoid things going wrong in the first place, check and double check equipment, and where possible bring spares for anything that will get a lot of use during the winter, i.e. windscreen wiper blades and de-icer. This is particularly important on longer trips where you may not be able to pick up items as you go, so play it safe and stock up.
It’s also worth getting a full service before the winter season as you want everything to be in full working order, not only the engine and mechanical parts but also the habitation systems such as the all important heating and water facilities.
Check the outside of the motorhome for any exposed pipe work and be sure to lag any exposed water pipes with insulation to avoid them freezing should the temperature dip below zero degrees, also check for any leaks or drips around the water pipes as these need to be fixed to avoid frozen water making any existing holes larger.
Top Tips:
- Avoid getting stuck in severe snow or ice whilst driving by always checking both the weather and travel reports prior to setting off, sometimes delaying a journey by half a day can make a huge difference.
- Always keep the motorhome topped up with fuel incase you have to make a detour, the last thing you want is to be stranded with no fuel.
- Carry a few winter weather essentials at all times: two torches (incase one stops working), jump leads, a tow rope, warm clothing and blankets, food and drinks, and comfortable and warm walking shoes or boots.
- You can get your motorhome off icy ground when stuck by jamming your footbed grip mats under the driving wheels, the motorhome can grip on to these to get going.
- Always have a mobile phone with you and keep it charged up. If you have two phones then consider having one charged up, but turned off, and use it as a backup.
- Make sure the anti-freeze container under the bonnet is full and you have some spare fluid inside the motorhome incase it runs out.
- Check tyre threads. The legal minimum depth is designed for average road use, so may not have enough grip for winter driving. The deeper the tread the more grip you’ll have in icy conditions.
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