The camper has no seasonality
Among the destinations of autumn foliage, winter snow
and those who flee to warm countries,
we start again with the advice of Assocamp dealers
to always be prepared on the road
Summer is over, but the camper season lasts twelve months a year. Those who have a camper do not stop when the weather conditions change, and prepare to face autumn but above all winter, to enjoy the landscapes in shades of red and yellow or completely white. AND, thanks to high bills, a tendency for many campers is to escape to warm destinations.
“If in past years these were the first weeks in which check-ups were carried out in affiliated workshops after the end of the holidays and in anticipation and preparation for tourism in winter, between ski slopes and Christmas markets, this autumn many, especially retired or digital nomads, they are preparing to reach warmer destinations. Perhaps also to counteract high bills. Morocco and the Canary Islands are among the destinations that will welcome many campers, but also Sicily and other destinations in southern Italy. It doesn't take much to heat a camper if the temperature is mild, and with photovoltaic modules you can be truly independent. For the coldest temperatures, gas or diesel stoves are used and photovoltaic modules power utilities such as lights, refrigerator, heating, boiler, water system, television - comments Ester Bordino, President of Assocamp, the Italian Association which brings together over 90% of recreational vehicle dealers in our country, when it takes stock of the coming months – To get around, even in this season, the professional rental of a camper can be a good solution: the rates, especially for long periods, are competitive and the vehicle fleet has a wide choice to satisfy the most diverse needs.
Esther Bordino,
President of Assocamp
The most experienced campers know that traveling in a camper in the summer and traveling in the winter are two very different conditions. When the climate is harsher, you need to be well prepared and with the right equipment. Campers are designed to be used even in the cold: There is, of course, heating and hot water on board. The roof and walls are well insulated and there are additional covers to be applied to the windows to avoid heat loss.
The professional operators affiliated with Assocamp have drawn up a detailed handbook of precautions, dedicated above all to beginners, to enjoy weekends in nature and on the ski slopes even when the temperatures get cold.
VADEMECUM
TO FACE THE WINTER MONTHS IN A CAMPER
WHAT TO BRING ON BOARD – For those who rent, it is a good idea to make sure when booking which supply kits the rental service has and which are optional. Among the equipment, chains (or snow tires), the cable to connect to the electricity grid, the hose to refill water and the essential heat shields must not be missing. Wedges can also be useful, two "wedges" on which you climb with the camper's wheels to correct any slopes of the ground and sleep "level". Of course, duvets for the beds cannot be missing. Password: don't be caught unprepared.
THERMAL BRIDGES – Before leaving it is a good idea to check that you have a complete set of heat shields. The most important is the one that insulates the cockpit, where the large windshield and side windows are a major source of heat loss. In most modern campers, the passenger and driver seats rotate to form the “living” area. In this case the option is to use one heat shield, i.e. a sheet of technical insulating synthetic covering fabric to be applied to windshields and windows. There are two types: those that are applied to the glass from the inside with suction cups or those that are applied from the outside. The second is preferable because it insulates better and avoids the formation of condensation on the glass. There is an even more complete one called "coat" which also covers the bonnet, offering the maximum in terms of insulation from the cold. If the heat shield is installed inside the windshield it is good practice to lift the windshield wipers from the glass to prevent them from sticking to the windshield.
HEATING – In most campers, the heating is usually gas, it works with cylinders. Some models are diesel powered. Those who are experts know how to safely manage their system. Those who rent for the first time are advised to ask the dealer to explain in detail how the system works, how to intervene if the cylinder runs out to replace it, and where to purchase one in case of need. In addition to always having two full cylinders on board. In winter it is better to use propane gas rather than butane. And, experts say, always have a flashlight, annoyances often arise in the middle of the night.
BELOW ZERO? STOVE ALWAYS ON AT MINIMUM – The gas heating system is equipped with a safety device that opens the boiler valve (emptying the entire water tank) if the internal temperature drops below 5° centigrade. This is to prevent the water in the boiler tank from freezing and damaging the system. For this reason it is important to leave the system turned on at minimum even when you go skiing or leave the camper for an excursion.
WINTER DIESEL – Being below zero can create starting problems in Diesel engines. The freezing point of diesel is around 2°C, because it contains paraffin which solidifies below those temperatures. Refueling from petrol stations in the mountains has the advantage of filling the tank with a product already designed for low temperatures, winter diesel.
THE WATER SYSTEM – There are three tanks on board a camper. The one for drinking water which is always placed inside the passenger compartment and does not risk freezing. A removable cistern connected to the toilet which is used in combination with special liquids and does not present particular problems in winter. And then the water collection tank for the shower, washbasin and kitchen sink, known as the gray water tank. This, however, could be affected by the external temperature. It is therefore useful to add an antifreeze liquid which prevents the water and the valve from freezing.
ADDITIONAL ADVICE – In winter, driving or in a camper, there are no particular problems. More caution will be required when going downhill because the weights involved are different from those of a car and control can be more complicated in the event of ice. Always remember that you are taller than you are used to and that on campers with an attic it can reach three metres. Be careful of balconies, overhangs and underpasses. For maneuvers it is useful to rely on a person who will have to position himself so that he is visible from one of the two rear-view mirrors and gives directions when reversing.