How to act before a cold wave in a motorhome?

Hello again fan of caravaning!

Traveling the world in a motorhome is a passion shared by thousands of people, and surely you are one of them if you have come this far. It is fantastic to savor the adventure of crossing regions or countries with the house in tow, such as the routes through France or Portugal that we have already seen in this blog. For caravan lovers like us, it is essential to be able to stop where it arises or merge with nature. This, for us, are some of the rewards we get for being 'born to be wild'.

These tips are not scared to do kilometers and more kilometers, so that we can learn together how to react to a cold wave and that our journey does not become a highway that leads us directly to hell. Or rather, towards the Pole!

We old asphalt rockers know that the cold can be our worst enemy. Adverse weather conditions condition the state of the roads, limit driving in some areas and can even cause isolation in very extreme situations. And, in the worst case, be the cause of an unfortunate accident.

For this reason, any prevention is insufficient and precautions must be taken to avoid the negative consequences that a circumstance of this type may entail.

How to deal with a cold wave in a motorhome

#1. Be aware of what the weather is going to do

The first thing is to always keep informed of the weather situation, as well as the state of the road network. The information will allow you to make important decisions about whether it is convenient to stop and take refuge in the nearest accommodation, take an alternative route or continue the journey. Although it may catch you unexpectedly, if you are traveling in winter months, always make sure that the sun will shine throughout the trip. It may be that when you leave the campsite the weather will be exceptional but as you go forward kilometers things start to get ugly.

#2. Use common sense

Traveling in a caravan is a unique experience, but you have to be careful so that this adventure does not turn into a nightmare. In this sense, using common sense is recommended. It may seem like a no-brainer, but it's not. If you see that the route you have marked is in the thick of a big storm or snowfall, look for alternative routes, even if they are longer. Don't get into the wolf's mouth.

#3. The tank? Full, please

If there is a risk of snowfall and there are likely to be hold-ups, maxing out the fuel tank can save anyone from a dirty trick. In this case, anyone who travels through an area in these conditions must know that they are also exposed to finding a dangerous asphalt. Whatever scenario arises before you start your trip, try not to rush until you reach the reserve in case anything unforeseen could happen.

#4. Adequate equipment

There are a number of accessories that you should always carry in a motorhome. But there are some that are especially necessary in winter: it is advisable to pack the wheel chains, misting cloths, snow blades, gloves, flashlights and ensure that the mobile phone battery has sufficient charge. Some call it 'Murphy's law', but sometimes it happens that this device that is used around the clock stops working when it is most needed. Always carry your phone charger and, if you have one, a GPS in case the phone fails.

#5. Warm clothing

Obviously it is preferable to stop and take shelter if there is a risk of snowfall, but if it appears unexpectedly and there is no other option than to stay in the caravan, the situation will always be more bearable if you are warm and have sufficient provisions. Better to wrap several thin garments than a single one of great thickness, and it is convenient to carry foods with high caloric contributions in the pantry.

#6. Antifreeze fluid and periodic checks

The antifreeze liquid will prevent the cold from causing dire consequences in the caravan. It is something that is recommended not only when planning an adventure in this type of vehicle, but should also become a routine internalized by any driver: periodic reviews are essential.


Now that winter is here to stay and temperatures are beginning to drop, know how to react to a cold wave if traveling by motorhome It can save you from many complicated situations.

What tricks do you use to combat the cold when you travel with your motorhome? Leave us a comment with your tips so that together we can make a much bigger Caravaning community.

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