Are you among the Dare Devils who plan their holidays in winter? If yes, then this article is essential reading….
Winter is not a very forgiving season. Although it has its own charm, you should be prepared for its harshness. If the weather around you is too cold all the time, holidays can become dull and boring.
To ensure warmth in your holidays, you have to keep your caravan warm. Not only warm enhances the fascination of your holidays, but it also helps you stay tidy. Sure, caravans have hot water but you need more than warm water to survive the winter!
In this thread, we will discuss different ways of keeping your methods to keep your caravan warm during the winter months:
Caravan Central Heating System
If you want to feel at home during the holidays, you can get a central heating system for your caravan similar to the one in your home. Most of the modern-day caravans come preloaded with such systems; you simply have to turn it on.
If you plan to upgrade to a newer model, then purchasing an after-market system might not be worth it. It is because heating systems cost a pretty decent amount of money. You can save this money to get better options in your upcoming holiday chariot.
Caravan Underfloor Heating
Another option that is relatively cheaper yet effective is the underfloor heating system.
Underfloor Heating, especially dry ones, is the ideal option for touring caravans. It is because conserving energy and saving space is the biggest concern when you are touring on a caravan.
This system works by installing thin mats or electric wires beneath the floor of your caravan. One thing to note here is that you should carry out a heat loss calculation before installing the system. By doing this, you will know whether your caravan is sturdy enough or not.
On a similar note you’ll find carpet a much better insulator of heat for your caravan than lino or tiling.
Portable Heaters For Caravans
If you are in a hurry or on a tight budget, then portable heaters are the best option for you. They come cheap as compared to the other options on the list. Moreover, plug-in heaters can’t be beaten in terms of convenience.
You simply have to buy one from and plug it in one of the sockets after unboxing. In addition, they also consume less energy than any other heating system. The only drawback is that portable heaters take some time to turn your place into Madagascar.
There are a lot of varieties available on the market to choose from. Just make sure that it is compatible with your caravan voltage-wise.
Caravan Fireplace
This option is exclusively for static caravans. Ever wondered what else your fireplace could do other than just being a decoration? Yes, you guessed it right, it can be turned into a good source to keep your caravan warm.
Simply by adding a gas fire outlet or a stove burner, it can be a gentle smoke-free heat source. If you don’t have a fireplace already, you can get it installed without the fear of losing money; in fact, it will complement the value of your caravan.
Warming up the caravan is easy but retaining the heat inside is the real deal. Down below are some instructions that you should follow to insulate your caravan.
How To Insulate Your Caravan
It won’t be wrong to say that insulating your caravan is even more important than heating it. Insulation also saves energy by retaining heat inside as the heating systems don’t have to work 24/7. All in all, you should pay equal attention to insulation as the heating system.
Here are some things you can do to keep your beloved warmth inside your caravan:
Caravan Thermal Blinds
These things sound and look fancy, but actually, they are among the most affordable things you can get for insulation. The best part is that they are easily available in the market.
These blinds are quite efficient in keeping heat from going out. Moreover, these blinds are available in different designs, so they will also complement the aesthetics of your interior.
Use Glycol-free Antifreeze
In winters, water pipes are prone to freezing which is a terrible thing to happen. If you want to spend trouble-free winter holidays, then go for Glycol-free Antifreeze. Getting glycol-free antifreeze is important because glycol-based products can be harmful.
Use Propane Gas
In winters, you have to say goodbye to the most commonly used butane gas. The sole reason behind is that the butane doesn’t burn under five degrees Celsius. On the other hand, you can use propane gas no matter how low the temperature.
Wrap External Containers
There’s nothing between external water containers and harsh cold weather, so they get damaged easily. Water becomes more necessary when you are out on holidays, so you clearly can’t afford damaged external containers.
To save external water containers from freeze or any other kind of damage, use bubble wraps or quilted coats.
Summary
The trend of spending winter holidays in caravans is rising today more than ever. Undoubtedly, the experience is matchless, but it can easily become a nightmare if you are not well prepared.
There’s no second opinion that extreme cold can ruin the whole essence of holidays. Everyone needs a warm and cozy place to lie down and relax after a day full of fun activities. If you can’t relax because of the cold, you won’t be able to enjoy the next day.
Fortunately, you don’t have to shiver due to the cold because several solutions are available in the market. If you already have a central heating system in your caravan, then there’s nothing left to worry about.
If you don’t have a pre-installed central heating system in your caravan, you can always get an after-market one. If an after-market central heating system is out of range, options like underfloor heating systems, fireplace, and heaters are still there.
After taking care of the source, you have to work upon retaining the heat. Other options exist of course such as a log burner but do require some serious consideration and planning before you go sticking one in a caravan! You don’t have to spend tons of money for this one necessarily; instead, you just have to act smartly.
Hopefully, this guide has shown you how to keep a caravan warm in winter and discover what is the best way to heat a caravan in a safe and efficient way.
