How to keep a motorhome warm in winter

On some days summer may seem as if it is not quite over yet – but pleasant weather doesn’t mean you can relax when thinking about how to keep your motorhome warm over autumn and winter. Now is actually the right time to start boning up on all the info you need, and working out what steps you should follow to take to control of conditions in your motorhome as best you can.

Your motorhome will almost certainly be fitted with a heating system. If it is not, then you should consider having a system fitted. It could be one of the following:

Hot air heating system: This type of system works by drawing in the interior’s air, heating it in a gas-powered burner and then passing it back out into the motorhome through outflow channels. It’s effective, inexpensive and lightweight.

Hot water heating system: This type of system uses a closed water circuit which uses heat exchangers. Hot water heating systems are physically heavier than air heating systems, and are expensive so tend to only be used in larger motorhome models.

You could also use portable heaters to ‘top up’ the heat in your motorhome – though you must only ever do so carefully and with caution. They must be safe models and you must always exactly follow manufacturer instructions.

Electric Heaters: A fan heater powered by electricity is an inexpensive way to add to the heating system in your motorhome. They can warm an interior up fairly quickly, and can also be used for keeping your awning warm, too.  Electric fan heaters are light and small and simple to use.

Infrared Heaters: This emits heat waves and so the surfaces facing the heater will warm up, with this warmth easily transferring into the surrounding environment. Infrared heaters supply modest heat, and so are best used as an addition to your main system.

Installing insulation and upgrading seals are potential ways to counter heat problems.

Insulation: Adding insulation to the walls, ceiling and floor of your motorhome is a great way to ensure you don’t ‘lose’ heat, and can also help prevent cold air from entering the vehicle. We’re not suggesting you strip out panelling or boarding to do this yourself, as it is a serious step – and in certain cases it could prove impracticable and would certainly invalidate your warranty (if you bought your motorhome from new and have one). If this is the particular route you choose to go then you should consult the manufacturer or the dealership – who may be able to provide a solution for you.

Window insulation: There are ‘stick on’ thermal sheets available for windows, as well as reflective covers, and these can help provide you with a modicum of protection against the cold. They will prevent heat loss through the windows.

Seals: You can check for air leaks at windows and doors and around vents – in fact, anywhere there is a seal between the interior and the exterior of your motorhome. Using insulation tape, weatherstripping or caulking to seal any gaps and joints will prevent air leaks and increase their effectiveness. It is worth checking your seals every year to see if they are holding up – and, obviously, taking steps if they are compromised or damaged in any way.

Coverings: Using curtains or blinds is a clever contributor to dealing with heat issues in a motorhome interior. Just like in a bricks-and-mortar home these things will keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Closing them at night will retain some precious heat inside the motorhome.

Clothes and Blankets: Over autumn and winter, if you are out on the road, you could ‘layer up’ clothing to stay warm. Beginning with thermal or wool-derived underwear is always a smart move in more temperate conditions (and then jumpers, thick socks and heavier trousers on top). Using electric blankets at night is also a possible step to provide extra warmth while you sleep. Again, as with the portable heaters we mentioned, you should always follow manufacturer instructions and safety advisories.

Skirt: A possible addition if you are staying in one location for any length of time is a motorhome skirt. This is, essentially, sheeting which you can put around the bottom exterior of your motorhome. It prevents cold air from circulating beneath your vehicle and, therefore, offers protection against this cold ‘coming up’ into the motorhome through the floor. Draught skirts for motorhomes are not a solution in themselves, but should be considered part of your armoury in the war against winter!

Parking: Be strategic about where you park, if possible. Although autumn and winter are cold seasons there is still sunlight during the day – and therefore there is still heat which can be absorbed and accumulated. The interior of your motorhome may naturally heat up. In truth it may not be much, but it’s a start!

The likelihood for most people is that their motorhome will be correctly winterised and not used over the colder seasons. However, all of the tips we’ve provided here should see you right if you do decide to get out on the road over autumn and winter. In addition, let’s not forget that it can get cold at night even in the summer. Good luck – and stay warm!