Equipment for safe driving and parking in winter
In winter, travelling to your campsite with a caravan requires extra vigilance. Snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures mean you need the right equipment to drive safely and manoeuvre calmly when you arrive at your pitch.
Winter tyres for the towing vehicle
As soon as the temperature drops below 7°C, winter tyres provide much more safety than traditional tyres. The laminated and more heavily treaded structure of winter tyres, combined with soft compounds that work over a wide temperature range, provides much better grip in difficult conditions (mud, snow, etc.) and reduces the risk of aquaplaning.
Whatever your vehicle (front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive), it is recommended that winter tyres be fitted to all four wheels of the towing vehicle, to guarantee greater driving safety, both when braking and manoeuvring. These tyres must have the same load index characteristics as summer tyres (the maximum speed index may be reduced, simply take this into account when driving). Note also that it is much more practical to have specific rims for each set of tyres, as this avoids the costs of mounting, dismounting and balancing.
What the law says: In France, for a towing vehicle pulling a caravan, the necessary requirement depends on the mountain area (Mountain Law): winter tyres marked 3PMSF or anti-skid devices (chains/socks) must be present according to the signage. The towed caravan is not required by law to be equipped with winter tyres, although it is recommended for safety reasons.
Snow chains (composite) / winter alternatives
To cope with snow and ice, it is essential to have suitable chains or alternative accessories such as approved snow socks, which can improve traction and meet local requirements in mountainous areas.
Lock defroster/de-icer
If not for the car, where your central locking system will certainly not jam, this de-icer (50 ml can) could well be useful for the lock on the caravan entrance door or the gas box.
Snow shovel
The repeated snowy episodes are proving those who are equipped with them right. For caravanning enthusiasts, of course, the snow shovel remains an indispensable accessory. It is best to use a telescopic shovel to store it more easily.
Wide squeegee
With the fashion for SUVs and MPVs, panoramic windscreens are now commonplace. You might as well adapt the accessory you use to scrape it. A wide scraper should do the trick.
Jumper cables
In winter, the cold can weaken the battery of the towing vehicle: having jumper cables can save you a lot of hassle, especially after several nights of standing still.
Suction cups or stabilising wedges
On frozen, snowy or uneven ground, stabilising wedges or suction cups are essential to ensure that the caravan is stable and to guarantee comfort and safety once parked.
Managing gas and technical equipment sensitive to cold
Cold weather can have a significant impact on the proper functioning of a caravan's technical equipment, particularly gas-related equipment. Anticipating these constraints can help prevent heating or cooking failures once you are settled in.
Propane gas
Caravanning in winter, especially in the mountains, requires at least two large bottles of gas (this corresponds to a "standard" consumption in a week of caravanning). It is essential to use propane, as butane freezes at 0°C.
It is essential to check the filling dates and pressure, and always adjust the quantity according to the length of your winter stay, as consumption can be faster in very cold weather.
Gas level tester
It is simply positioned against the cylinder to check the filling level. The height of the liquid gas is measured by means of ultrasound. A green light shines when gas is detected, a red light lights up if it is empty. It is suitable for all cylinders, steel or aluminium, with a diameter ranging from 20 to 35 cm. Powered by a 9V battery, it can also be used as a torch.
Sliding tray for gas cylinders
Installed in a boot or compartment accessible from the outside, the sliding tray makes it easier to handle and store gas bottles in winter. It allows you to remove the bottles effortlessly, even in cold weather, while limiting dirt inside the caravan.
Protection, insulation and comfort in your caravan in winter
To fully enjoy your winter camping trip, it is essential to protect and insulate your caravan properly, while improving everyday comfort in the face of cold, damp and often wet or snowy ground.
Auxiliary heating
In addition to the main heating system, an auxiliary heater suitable for caravans can improve thermal comfort, provided that safety rules are strictly followed.
Carbon monoxide detector
If you use gas or electric heating inside your caravan, a carbon monoxide detector is essential to prevent any risk of poisoning.
Blankets, duvets, insulating mats
In addition to heating, extra blankets, duvets suitable for low temperatures and insulating mats placed inside the caravan can significantly improve thermal comfort, especially at night and in very cold weather.
Accessories for skylights and openings
Skylights, windows and hatches must be protected from frost and draughts: insulating covers or specific protective devices help to retain heat and prevent moisture from entering.
Protection against freezing of water circuits
In winter, the pipes, tanks and taps in your caravan are exposed to freezing temperatures: specialised protection, such as insulating sleeves or drainage systems, can prevent leaks and costly damage.
Snow lock awning
For winter sports, the snow lock is ideal for a caravan. It provides a barrier against the cold when the caravan's entrance door is open, allowing you to remove your shoes or store your equipment.
PVC floor mats (for cars)
These mats are the best friends of your tractor's interior carpets. Non-slip, they protect the car from all kinds of winter dirt (snow, salt, mud, etc.).
Protective cover
For winter storage, this cover (95% non-woven polyester, 5% polyethylene) keeps your caravan clean. The breathable fabrics allow for good ventilation of the body and there is zip access on the right side and at the entrance door. The hems are elasticated. Five sizes are available, for caravans between 3.70 and 4.30 m, 4.30 and 5.20 m, 5.20 and 5.80 m, 5.80 and 6.40 m, 6.40 and 7.00 m.
Are you a winter sports enthusiast who enjoys camping in the mountains, even in winter? Discover our winter caravan parks.