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Best motorhome for winter use: complete buying guide

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Best motorhome for winter use: complete buying guide

15th April 2021•Camplify Team

People are sometimes put off by the idea of taking a road trip during the winter months. They think that the cold weather will somehow put a dampener on their trip. But in reality, there are heaps of reasons why you should go camping in winter. Think snowy alpine regions, clear starry nights and hot chocolate. However, there is one important question you must ask before setting off:

Which is the best motorhome for winter use?

Camp in a motorhome this winter

In this article, we discuss:

Features that make your motorhome comfortable in winter.
Features that help your motorhome perform well in winter.
Other motorhome essentials to pack for winter.
Some of the best motorhomes for winter use in Australia.

At Camplify, we give you the option of choosing from thousands of motorhomes, campers and vans - each one with unique features. If you are planning on taking a road trip around Australia between June and August, you can search for plenty of motorhome rentals that are great for winter use.

Best Motorhome Features for Winter Use

Choosing a Motorhome That’s Comfortable In Winter

A cosy motorhome interior

Insulation Insulation is intended to keep warm air trapped inside your motorhome whilst also keeping cold air out. It is the most important thing to consider when choosing a motorhome for winter use.

When choosing a motorhome for use in cold and icy temperatures, choose one that is insulated with a high “R-value”. The higher the R-value of your motorhomes insulation, the greater the thermal efficiency of your motorhome (and the greater the energy savings).

Ask the owner of the motorhome if it is insulated with fiberglass or rigid foam? Either of these forms of insulation are highly effective and will keep you warm through the chilliest of winter nights.

Also check that the floor and roof of the motorhome are insulated, as this will make a big difference to the internal temperature.

Heating System Consider how the inside of the motorhome is heated. Although insulation is great for keeping hot air inside the motorhome, it does not necessarily generate heat. To warm the inside of the motorhome, you will need a heating system.

Generally, motorhomes are internally heated in one of three ways:

Reverse-cycle air conditioning
Gas heater
Diesel heater

Reverse-cycle air conditioning is very popular in most motorhomes these days because it comes in handy during both the summer and winter months. People tend to prefer air conditioning in their motorhome because:

It dries the air whilst also making the motorhome warmer or cooler;
Air conditioning systems are reliable and safe to run overnight;
The system is not space-consuming (often fitted to the roof of the motorhome).

The only downside of air conditioning is that it will likely need 240v AC power to run, meaning that you will need to park your motorhome at a powered campsite.

If you are more likely to be camping off-grid during the winter months, you might prefer to choose a more self-sufficient motorhome with gas or diesel heating. A gas system can be beneficial because it:

Draws from the same gas canister which supplies gas to the rest of your motorhome for cooking, hot showers, fridges, etc.
Gas is efficient, with a 9kg bottle providing you with about 2 weeks of heating.

Diesel systems are also easy to use and efficient if you’re travelling off-grid, however, they tend to take up a little more space.

Motorhome Windows

During chilly winter months, thin windows on your motorhome can cause hot air to escape and cold air to enter. This is why it is important to ensure that your motorhome’s windows are suitable for winter conditions.

Most motorhomes are manufactured with single-pane windows. This only provides minimal insulation and in many cases will mean that the motorhome is not well suited for use in the winter months.

When choosing the best motorhome for winter, look for one that has dual-pane or triple-pane windows. Dual pane windows have two sheets of glass that are separated by sealed air space in between them. The more panes, the better your windows will be at insulating your motorhome from cold winter conditions.

Regardless of whether your motorhome has single-pane or dual-pane windows, there are other things that you can do to improve insulation, including:

Closing the blinds or curtains on your motorhome; or
Putting up a reflective window sunshade on your motorhome windscreen.

Choosing a Motorhome That Performs Well in Winter

Explore the wilderness this winter

Enclosed Underbelly

If you plan on taking your motorhome into freezing temperatures during winter, you will want to ensure that the underbelly of the vehicle is enclosed and heated. That is, when you look underneath the motorhome, the motor is covered and hidden from the elements.

Insulated Water Lines

When choosing a motorhome, ask whether the water lines and the water tanks onboard are well-insulated (or even heated) to prevent them freezing over.

Motorhome Skirting

Some motorhomes come with skirting that can be lowered around the bottom of the vehicle when it’s parked. If you plan on leaving your motorhome in one place for several days, this is a wise option. It helps to further protect the underside of the vehicle from the elements.

Thermal Motorhome Cover

A thermal motorhome cover can be set up on the outside of the vehicle and acts as another layer of insulation. You do not necessarily need to cover the entire motorhome. Just covering the windscreen and the bonnet can make a big difference during winter.

Other Essentials for Your Motorhome in Winter

Snow Chains

Take measures for icy conditions

If you plan on taking your motorhome into snowy or icy conditions, it is essential that you take snow chains (if your vehicle isn’t already fitted with snow tyres). There are alpine regions in Australia (e.g. Kosciuszko National Park) where you may not be allowed to drive if you are not carrying a set of snow chains in your vehicle. It’s in your best interest to fit snow chains in icy conditions as they will prevent you from losing control of the vehicle.

Traction Mats

It can be extremely difficult to get a heavy motor vehicle out of a sticky situation. Tractions mats can help you to free your motorhome if it ever becomes bogged and/or the wheels keep spinning. Simply lay the mats on the ground in front of the wheels. The tyres will grip the traction mat and this should free the vehicle as you drive forward.

Snow Shovel If you think there is a chance that your motorhome could be snowed in, be sure to pack a snow shovel. It will come in handy for both freeing the vehicle and creating pedestrian paths back and forth from the motorhome. It is best if the shovel is collapsible so that it takes up less space.

Ice Scraper There will be some winter mornings where you wake up to find your motorhome’s windshield and windows covered in a thick layer of ice. An ice scraper is the fastest way to clear your windows. Don’t pour hot water on the windows, as this could cause them to crack.

Anti-Freeze

Anti-Freeze is a liquid that you pour into your engine's coolant reservoir. It prevents the radiator from freezing or overheating and is essential in colder climates. If you don’t know how to add antifreeze to your vehicle, see your manual or visit a mechanic.

Portable Heater

If you’re concerned that your motorhome’s heating system will not keep you warm enough during winter, consider investing in a portable heater. They are affordable and can make a considerable difference to internal temperatures. However, you will likely need a 240v power source if you want to run a portable electric heater all night, which means camping at a powered site.

Diesel Generator

If you plan on taking your camper into the wilderness (away from powered campsites), but still want the ability to use electrical appliances, you may want to consider taking a diesel generator. This gives you the ability to run portable heaters and air conditioning whilst you don’t have direct access to a 240v power source.

Blankets, Linen and Thermals

It’s amazing how much of a difference a few extra layers can make. The cheapest and easiest way to stay warm in your motorhome during winter is to take extra blankets and linen. Also, consider taking thermal underclothing to insulate your own body and trap heat.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

If you’re concerned about running gas appliances all night (such as a gas heating system), ensure that your motorhome is fitted with a carbon monoxide alarm. If it isn't, consider taking a portable one. These days, you can buy a dual alarm that will alert you to both carbon monoxide and smoke.

Best Motorhome for Winter Use: Australia

Roxy, a luxury motorhome for hire on Camplify

Here at Camplify, we are all about making your next road trip as comfortable as possible. And nothing makes a journey more enjoyable than a cosy motorhome to return to each night. If you’re planning a chilly Australian road trip between June-August, here are a few of the best motorhomes available for use in winter 2021.

NSW: John and Glenda’s Winnebago Esperance