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I would really appreciate any advice/tips from people who use their vans all year round.

I am very new to caravanning (done 2 nights at a local site with no EHU) and thoroughly enjoyed myself as did my son.

I would really love to go on a few more trips in Holi but have no winter camping or caravanning experience.
My little van is 41 years old so no double glazing, insulated walls/floor or any mod cons like new vans!
I do have mains power (6 sockets) so could take the fan heater we use for camping to provide heat and to power the mini fridge.
Lights are 12v LED strip lights and I also have 2 battery powered wall lights.

The boys have good quality sleeping bags and I have a standard winter Duvalay.

We have an awning but have never used it (it's a Bradcot Portico Plus porch awning that actually covers the whole van so looks like a full awning because my caravan is so little!)

What do I need to consider/buy/use to make sure we have a happy and comfortable experience?

Thank you so much for all the replies.

Don't have a problem with water freezing as Holi has no pumped water or Aquaroll container - I just use a small water carrier that sits in one of the cupboards in the van.
Will keep an eye out for the waste water pipe from the sink and waste container freezing though (never thought about that!)
I tend to use a small cartridge stove in the van but will consider changing to propane gas incase I do take the 2 burner stove (Holi doesn't have any built in appliances!)
I kept the kitchen window open all the time and the sky light and 2 side windows were opened during the day so hopefully that will help with ventilation.

The heater we have is a small 1kw fan heater with variable thermostat - we use it in the tents to keep the chill off so it should be OK to use in the caravan without overloading the site electrics - only other thing I might plug in would be a small lamp and the mobile phone chargers.

Definately liking the sound of this winter caravanning, being all snug and cosy in my little van whilst it's cold and icy outside!

Thanks again!!

Quote: Originally posted by michael on 17/9/2010best tip is have a large bottle of fresh water for brews and drinks,teeth,and hand washing in the caravan.

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We also learned the hard way with frozen water pump, no gas etc. At least we didnt end up with frozen (and subsequently broken) taps. I would worry that 1kw may not be enough if its freezing outside but again its realitive to the size of your caravan.

The heater I have has 2 heat settings - 1kw and 2kw. Never had to use the 2kw setting when we've been away in the tent but the extra output would be there if necessary.

Holi is very tiny - internal size is just 9' 8" x 5' 9" x 6' tall so think 1kw should be enough to keep us warm!

The heater I have has 2 heat settings - 1kw and 2kw. Never had to use the 2kw setting when we've been away in the tent but the extra output would be there if necessary.

Holi is very tiny - internal size is just 9' 8" x 5' 9" x 6' tall so think 1kw should be enough to keep us warm!

The heater I have has 2 heat settings - 1kw and 2kw. Never had to use the 2kw setting when we've been away in the tent but the extra output would be there if necessary.

Holi is very tiny - internal size is just 9' 8" x 5' 9" x 6' tall so think 1kw should be enough to keep us warm!

The heater I have has 2 heat settings - 1kw and 2kw. Never had to use the 2kw setting when we've been away in the tent but the extra output would be there if necessary.

Holi is very tiny - internal size is just 9' 8" x 5' 9" x 6' tall so think 1kw should be enough to keep us warm!

The heater I have has 2 heat settings - 1kw and 2kw. Never had to use the 2kw setting when we've been away in the tent but the extra output would be there if necessary.

Holi is very tiny - internal size is just 9' 8" x 5' 9" x 6' tall so think 1kw should be enough to keep us warm!

The heater I have has 2 heat settings - 1kw and 2kw. Never had to use the 2kw setting when we've been away in the tent but the extra output would be there if necessary.

Holi is very tiny - internal size is just 9' 8" x 5' 9" x 6' tall so think 1kw should be enough to keep us warm!