The Auto Trail Tracker FB has opened the opportunity to travel out-of-season. Whilst I used my previous motorhome - a 1994 CI Mizar - during the winter, trips were short, sharp and challenging. Now with the luxury of the Tracker, things are very different.
With this blog entry, I will be addressing winter travelling, with tips and remedies.
Those who have read previous entries here will be familiar with the Auto Trail Tracker FB - a motorhome 'for two-to-travel', with fixed double bed (hence the FB tag). The Caravan Club Wharfedale site provided mains electric hook-up to each pitch. Without this, I sense that winter motorhoming for any significant stay would be too demanding.
Regular readers will also know that as an extra, I had a Gaslow refillable autogas system fitted to the vehicle. Refillable gas delivery comprises a principal gas bottle, linked to a smaller 'spare', the whole system being remotely filled or topped up at an autogas service station via an externally mounted filler, similar to those found on LPG powered cars. Gas is then delivered via the regulator on demand to the heating, refrigeration and cooking appliances (when not programmed to operate on mains electric).
For winter motorhoming, a refillable gas system is imperative, avoiding the calamity of bottles running dangerously low - to be replaced by expensive cylinders from sites and far-flung suppliers. Cheaper gas means that the heating can be set affordably to electric/gas mix for the initial temperature boost. Simply programme the setting at the control board, set the thermostat in the mid 20's and the heating fan on the high setting. As the temperature rises, seize the moment to revert to mains electric and a more modest temperature setting.
The header photograph to this entry reveals a second 'must-have' for the winter motorhomer. Reflective screens provide insulation in both summer and winter; but at this time of year they are essential not just for temperature but for condensation.
After examining the options and trawling the motorhome owner sites, I settled on Taylormade as a supplier. Significantly, the company is operated by motorhome owners that know what is needed, and have incorporated their know-how into the finished product. Robust and well made, the screen cover has the added advantage of length, covering the engine compartment air vents. It also comes with a fold down centre panel, opening with simple Velcro fastening at each side.
With the cover fitted, for the first time in out-of-season motorhoming, we suffered no condensation, and the cab which is incorporated into the sitting area in the FB, became useable. Whilst on site we kept the screen cover in place, but rolled down the centre panel for daylight, closing at dusk.
When ordering the screen cover, I decided to invest in a Talormade bonnet cover for a modest additional charge. Whilst this proved to be slightly more fiddly to fit (mainly due to an absence of application to the fitting instructions on my part), it certainly made a difference to the ingress of cold air which is a feature of the Fiat cab. Unlike the screens, the bonnet cover is not insulated, so takes little packing space making it a simple but effective extra.
Whilst dealing with the question of temperature control whilst pitched, don't forget to close the blown air points inside the cab. Without a running engine, these simply admit cold air and drafts.
Finally, the issue of sleeping. When Stephanie returned last autumn with a Winceyette bottom sheet, high-tog duvet and a throw, I wondered when on earth these would be used. Well, the answer is - as soon as you commit to out-of-season travelling. Night time may be the most challenging time in a motorhome. Economy and ecology suggest that the heating should be turned to a lower setting, and indeed this is better for comfort. But the addition of great bedding is a luxury not to be ignored.
With these simple, positive steps, winter motorhoming is not just possible, but pleasurable. It opens a further opportunity to get the best use out of your van and to experience a winter break with a difference!
