Caravanning in Winter: 5 Handy Accessories & Appliances to Keep the Chill at Bay

Caravanning in the wintertime is a challenging but rewarding experience, offering you a drastic change of scenery, contrasting landscapes and a new perspective entirely for any seasoned holidaymaker. To get the most out of your holiday, keeping warm and happy inside your caravan for the duration of your stay is absolutely vital. We're here with five must-have items that will aid in a comfortable and relaxing getaway.

With the excellent insulation and on-board heating systems modern caravans now provide, it is no wonder many people are choosing to caravan throughout the year despite the chilly temperatures outside. Even older model tourers are being taken out for winter breaks as opposed to being stored away, facilitated by the excellent winter products on the market to reduce any chill-related issues. After all, it makes for a change of scenery and offers you a new and unique experience – why not use your caravan all year round if you can?

If you're looking to join in and potentially take your caravan out of hibernation this winter, our comprehensive guide to caravanning in winter should hopefully get you started if you are looking to find out the basic dos and don'ts. We recommend giving this a read first so you can begin your preperation!

With this in mind, it is important to appreciate that extra equipment will often be necessary (and extremely beneficial), regardless of your caravan's features and capabilities. When packing, you will find yourself reaching for many more items than you typically would for a summer break away. For anyone needing advice on what to bring, we have selected five items that we think will help you on your way to a comfortable, warm and well-rested winter caravanning holiday.

1. Storm Resistant Porch Awning

Porch awnings are a perfect space-creating addition to your caravan and become a must-have for winter holidaying – especially for those with lots of snowy boots and walking equipment. Porch awnings provide that perfect in-between place to take these items off without muddying your interiors, whilst also keeping chilly winds and heavy rain away from your caravan door.

To help combat the more unpredictable winter weather, we recommend choosing an awning that is storm resistant, offering you that extra peace of mind when battling extreme weather forecasts. Storm awnings incorporate a range of winter-fighting innovations to their designs including the use of heavier materials, sturdier frames, precise roof angles to stop snow build up and window foil to withstand intense temperatures. These truly make a great and functional addition to your winter caravan break.

2. Low-Wattage Portable Heater

Even with good insulation, you might find yourself feeling colder inside your caravan, especially on the evenings and nights when the temperature drops. To boost the circulation of heat inside your caravan, we recommend investing in a low wattage heater that is easily transportable and storable for when you don't need it. This can be turned on and off as and when required, ensuring you don't feel uncomfortable during those chillier evenings.

Many heaters often double up as a fan for the warmer seasons too, so they can be used throughout the year – just make sure you check prior to buying!

3. Good Quality Bedding & Blankets

Guarantee a warm and cosy night in your caravan by investing in good quality bedding and sheets, including a higher tog duvet than you would traditionally use in the warmer months. Blankets and throws also make for a great addition, offering you that extra layer on those chillier nights to keep you comfortable whilst being easily removable should you get too hot. These can be used in the daytime too, perfect for warming up after a long day adventuring outside!

4. Outdoor Winter Emergency Kit

Whilst we hope you don't need to use this, it is a smart idea to have emergency supplies on board, especially in the colder temperatures where different scenarios may arise. Whilst the seasoned caravanner may already have many 'just in case' items, new or unsure holidaymakers may find a comprehensive kit of some kind useful. Items such as a shovel, torch and first aid kit could really make all the difference should any problematic situation arise and can be easily stored away until their use is required.

5. Insulated Aquaroll Cover

Take advantage of your inboard water tank if you have one to prevent your water supply from icing over in the colder temperatures. However, if you are using an external water container such as an Aquaroll, you may need to take extra precautions to prevent your water from freezing by investing in a purpose-designed insulated cover. These work by using a range of insulating layers to combat freezing temperatures, keeping your water safe and usable.

And there we have it! Those were our recommended 5 items to take with you on a winter caravanning holiday to help you keep the cold away! You should also check out our other winter essential items, which covers storage too for when you need it. 

Is there anything you can't live without during your winter caravanning breaks? Let us know in the comments below – we love hearing from you!