Most people will prefer to store their caravan away when the temperature starts to drop, but the more intrepid are often less eager to be prevented from hitting the road by the thought of frosty mornings and snowy roads. That's great; taking your caravan out during the winter can be fantastic. Of course, you'll need to make sure that you take come precautions.
1. Check Your Insulation Grading
Caravans are tested in cold chambers prior to being released to the general public. This test will demonstrate how well they can hold up to colder temperatures, and each one will be given a rating or grade. Check your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine your caravan's insulation grade, checking that it will be suitable for your trip.
2. Carry Backup Water and Gas
If you're going to be travelling during a cold snap, remember to keep a few bottles of water with you in case the pipes turn out to have frozen at your site. You should also pack a few more gas bottles just in case you end up getting stranded somewhere.
3. Leave Your Heating On
It might sound odd, but leaving your heating system running all day long can actually help you save fuel. This means that the caravan will stay at a constant temperature; you won't have to keep reheating the interior when things get too cold. Additionally, it's far nicer to come back to a warm caravan when you've been out in the cold all day!
4. Lighten Up
A heavier caravan is always going to be harder to control than a lighter one, and weight becomes an even more important factor during the winter. Stopping or slowing down will take much more time if your caravan is fully-loaded, so make sure you carry as little as possible. This can be tough when you also need to take more water and fuel, as well as winter clothing, so try removing some of the general items that you won't necessarily require during each and every journey.
5. Park Away from Trees
Snowfall can turn the landscape into a winter wonderland, but it can also put you in danger if you park too close to, or under, a tree. Snow will build upon a tree's branches, and can eventually create enough added weight for a branch to snap off. If that branch hits your caravan, it could do major damage.
Taking the steps listed above will help ensure that your winter caravanning trip goes off without a hitch, so it's well worth making the effort.