If you’re touring in winter then some caravan accessories will make your trip more comfortable, cosy and trouble-free.
Last month we asked caravanners to vote for their top winter caravanning accessory and now the votes have been counted we can reveal your top five must-have accessories for winter touring.
1. Water carrier cover
The last thing you want when caravanning in winter is a frozen water supply. So it was no surprise that a water carrier cover took first place with 16 per cent of the votes.
An insulated water carrier cover will reduce the risk of freezing water in winter – look out for ones with a pipe cover too.
2. Propane gas
Many caravanners use propane gas for its all-year-round capabilities – but in winter it’s essential for coping effectively with freezing temperatures.
It gained second place with 11 per cent of the votes.
3. Thermal clothing
When it comes to winter caravanning you want to make sure you’re warm when venturing outdoors. Layering up is key and thermal clothing will not only help you stay warm, but moisture-wicking fabrics will also mean you stay dry.
Thermal clothing took third place in our winter accessory poll.
4. Winter tyres
Winter tyres came in at number four. Fit these to your tow car and they’ll provide better grip in wet or dry road conditions when temperatures fall below seven degrees celsius.
They also provide shorter stopping distances.
5. Portable heater
A portable heater took the fifth spot with six per cent of the votes. Portable heaters are great for supplementing any heating system you already have in your caravan. A fan heater should quickly warm up your caravan and an oil-filled radiator will keep your ‘van toasty and warm in the long, cold, evenings.
Other accessories which made the top ten included, wellies, porch awning, onboard water tank, slippers, extra blankets, waterproof shoes, boots and thick socks, plus grip mats.
Thanks to everyone who voted and to those who added some things we missed. Whilst not a caravanning accessory, “a light right foot for your brakes and accelerator” attracted a handful of votes, as well as Alde heating and a shovel!
Insurance considerations
Don’t forget to make sure you include the value of any winter caravanning accessories in your caravan insurance sums insured so they’re covered in the event of theft.
And check out our new gear guide which looks at 10 caravanning accessories for some winter wanderings!
Before you fit different tyres make sure your insurance still covers you….some see this as an alteration and invalidate the policy
Paul Clarke says that instead of fitting winter tyres you should fit cross climate tyres. Whilst this is a good idea for general winter weather in the UK, as these are a reasonable performer, they are not so great on ice. So you need to fit the tyres suited to the conditions where you are going. Winter tyres are much better performers on snow with underlying ice, although if you travel overseas to Germany etc, winter tyres (or chains may be permissible) are required by law.
All items covered in the article are relevant, however, instead of fitting winter tyres to your tow vehicle just for the winter period consider fitting cross climate tyres (I have Michelin fitted) for all year use.