Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Winter Caravanning Advice Post Reply Post New Topic
18/9/2006 at 12:55pm
 Location: Middle Earth
 Outfit: Former tin tent owner
View jonbob71's Profile View Profile   Reply to jonbob71 Reply   Quote jonbob71 Quote  
Joined: 14/4/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   718

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

HI All

Hope someone can offer some advice, we have recently moved house and one of the advatages of this is that our caravan is now stored at home, therefore we want to take advatage of this and have a few winter weekends away with the children. We don't want to go away in the depths of January or February because we simply don't have the time but we would like to use the caravan right up until the early weeks of December. The advice i'm after is about heating, someone has suggested that we use a lowish wattage oil filled radiator (about 800w) as opposed to a fan heater because of the noise during the night. We only have the basic truma gas heater, which is fine during the day, but I don't want to leave it on all night because of safety. Secondly we are running on Butane, which I know will freeze during really cold weather but do you think we will get away with it during early December. (I do carry a propane pigtail with me just in case). And is there anything else i've missed.

Thanks in advance

Jon

 



18/9/2006 at 1:09pm
 Location: norwich
 Outfit:  Pageant Vendee
View judas_hill's Profile View Profile   Reply to judas_hill Reply   Quote judas_hill Quote  
Joined: 21/5/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2066

Site Reviews Total: 42
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 4  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 4
Site Nights 2020: 27
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi jon

we have caravaned in dec and feb we have used a fan eater on low all night and can not hear it ruuning.

Margaret



Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

18/9/2006 at 1:30pm
 Location: Essex
 Outfit: None Entered
View CaravanSkier's Profile View Profile   Reply to CaravanSkier Reply   Quote CaravanSkier Quote  
Joined: 28/12/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1004

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Some of the modern fan heaters are very quiet. Ours does not disturb us.



-------------


18/9/2006 at 3:44pm
 Location: Hamilton Lanarkshire
 Outfit: Audi A6 Avant & Coachman Highlander
View ANDYN's Profile View Profile   Reply to ANDYN Reply   Quote ANDYN Quote  
Joined: 04/1/2005

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   134

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I use the van all year. Last Christmas/New Year was the coldest in a long time.

Use Propane to ensure the gas will work. As far as the blown air goes, mine's on all night and I just don't hear it.

Andy


18/9/2006 at 4:04pm
 Location: The Beautiful Lake District
 Outfit: Buccaneer Clipper Autotrail Cheyenne
View pinkfloyd's Profile View Profile   Reply to pinkfloyd Reply   Quote pinkfloyd Quote  
Joined: 09/2/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1095

Site Reviews Total: 22
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 3  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 8
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1

I don't know if I would use an oil filled radiator as they can be heavy and quite cumbersome in the limited space  of a caravan. I would suggest maybe a small fan heater which has a  thermostat control or why not use the blown air on propane gas. The fan heaters give off a very low noise output and the blown air fan is barely noticeable....Floyd.


Advertisement



18/9/2006 at 9:33pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
View michael's Profile View Profile   Reply to michael Reply   Quote michael Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   23517

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

hi we use one from argos  415/9139 £19.99 convecter heater with thermostat.just need to take care when in use,ie turn off to use the kettle.see also   www.bags4everything.co.uk  (see miscellaneous) they do a insulated cover for the water barrel and pump pipes.but if its very cold we take our pump inside at night.make sure ALL waste pipes are empty,had a pig of a job unblocking mine in march.ice expands 8 to 1 and can damage all pipes containing water.take a large water bottle for fresh water for teeth and brews and hand washing. [:o)]www.argos.co.uk

-------------
the only silly question is the one you do not ask.


18/9/2006 at 10:16pm
 Location: Dewsbury west yorkshire
 Outfit: abby windrush 520
View SWIFT22's Profile View Profile   Reply to SWIFT22 Reply   Quote SWIFT22 Quote  
Joined: 21/6/2006

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   434

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We use a small fan heater & leave it on all night...Dosen't keep us awake...Keeps the van nice & warm and dosen't take too much room...Its also safe..

Jackie...



-------------
MICK & JACKIE...


19/9/2006 at 4:42am
 Location: South Gloucestershire
 Outfit: Avondale Kingfisher Super 1979
View Paul + Wendy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Paul + Wendy Reply   Quote Paul + Wendy Quote  
Joined: 16/4/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   8693
Tent Reviews:   2

Site Reviews Total: 12
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We were away last new year in -9 temperatures, we also used fan heaters but did find ourselves waking up with it being to hot, this is down to buying a cheap fan heater with too much play in the thermostat so it meant that it would stay on for too long.
A cheap alternative for your aquaroll is to buy a hot water cylinder lagging jacket or even cheaper is an old coat, the sleeve then gives insulation to the pump pipe as well.


19/9/2006 at 6:46am
 Location: South Gloucestershire
 Outfit: Sterling Excel 550 - Honda CR-V Mk4
View Ulti-Mates's Profile View Profile   Reply to Ulti-Mates Reply   Quote Ulti-Mates Quote  
Joined: 26/10/2003

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4931

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi,

We have now done a fair bit of winter caravanning, always used butane, never insulated the aqua roll, never had a problem.

Clearly if there was a really cold spell you will have to take precautions but in December I simply wouldn't worry. If it is that cold you won't choose to go away that week-end anyway!

If you are really worried about a cold snap you can just empty the aquaroll overnight and put the gas bottle in the car boot or awning.

I personally wouuld be much more concerned about a slight sprinkle of snow which would scupper my chances of getting off a grass pitch.

regards

 

Mr Ulti-Mate

 



19/9/2006 at 8:57am
 Location: Stafford
 Outfit: Toyota Surf + Swift Corniche
View vulpecula's Profile View Profile   Reply to vulpecula Reply   Quote vulpecula Quote  
Joined: 23/3/2006

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   16

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi,

Bought first van and couldn't wait to have a weekend away. We went to Derbyshire in March this year, with sprinkling of snow on the ground....goodness knows what temperature was below zero with a chill factor making it feel like Siberia. Being a novice had butane bottle plus on getting water all filled up never gave it a thought about freezing. During the first night had to switch the blown air heating off...too hot. Had no trouble with the gas or the water. Second night had heating on until bedtime. How long does it have to be outside and at what temperature to freeze? This coming winter will take more care though, already changed to propane and have priced covers for the water, going to take no chances.

Vulpecula

-------------


A mystery of life - why do learner drivers always learn in front of you?


Advertisement



19/9/2006 at 9:45am
 Location: Middle Earth
 Outfit: Former tin tent owner
View jonbob71's Profile View Profile   Reply to jonbob71 Reply   Quote jonbob71 Quote  
Joined: 14/4/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   718

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi All

Thanks for your advice, its always reassuring to hear what people have to say from the real world, which as far as i'm concerned carries more weight than so called advice articles. We probaly won't have a problem with water because our Adria has an on board water tank in the front locker so it is well up from the ground. But because it is a basic van we don't have blown air heating, just the basic Truma, hence my questioning about the night time heat. Thanks for all your replys and heres to cosy nights and frosty mornings,

Jon

 




In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














8590 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder