10 useful tips for winter camping

Many motorhome enthusiasts love this type of holiday, even in the cold season. The ADAC has put together tips for beginners so that nothing can go wrong the first time.

1. Winter campers should reserve their desired spot in good time, as nicely located and well-equipped winter campsites are often quickly filled, especially in the Alps.
    
2. Nothing works without winter tyres! The tread depth should be at least 4, better 5 mm. You should also take snow chains with you.
    
3. Before parking the mobile home, the parking space should be well cleared of snow. In order to prevent the vehicle from tipping over in defrost weather, sufficiently large boards should be placed under the lifting supports so that they cannot sink. When the motorhome is fixed with the supports, engage a gear and release the handbrake so that it cannot freeze. Protective covers protect the handbrake lever and limiter against icing.
    
4. Power cables must be routed in such a way that they cannot be damaged by the snow plough.
    
5. <!--[endif]-->A awning is particularly useful for winter camping, which not only protects against snow, but is also suitable as a storage space for sports equipment and wet clothing.
    
6. <!--[endif]-->Make sure that the ventilation openings do not cut to size. Leaving the skylight open also improves air circulation.
    
7. <!--[endif]-->Pay attention to your tanks! As long as the vehicle is heated and all water supplies are inside, nothing can freeze. If your waste water tank is not insulated or heated under the vehicle, leave the drain tap open and direct the water into a bucket. This means that you can also dispose of the waste water well as an ice block.
    
8. <!--[endif]-->Modern recreational vehicles generally have good insulation of the structure and glazing as well as sufficiently dimensioned heating. In motor homes with an integrated cab, the cold can get through the single glazed windows. This can be remedied by separating curtains and insulating mats.
    
9. <!--[endif]-->If it snows heavily, the roof must be regularly cleared of snow. High or wet snow can quickly become a tonne heavy load. A few centimetres of powder snow, on the other hand, provides better insulation. In any case, remove it or ice on the roof before driving again so that you do not endanger other road users. It is therefore essential to take a ladder with you that is long enough and ideally also a snow shovel and snow shovel.
    
10. <!--[endif]-->The gas system should only be operated with a propane/butane mixture that remains gaseous even at minus temperatures. In winter, you should always operate a two-cylinder system with automatic switchover so that the supply does not end unexpectedly. Keep in mind that 11 kg of gas is only sufficient for about 2 to 3 days. The equipment with "EisEx" is also useful; electrical heating of the pressure regulator prevents freezing. More gas supply tips can be found on the ADAC website.

More information on the winter camp

ski resorts in South Tyrol with suitable parking spaces

Source & amp; Further information: 
www.adac.de

Text: Gerd Henghuber