Winterised - what does this mean

[GinaRon]

We are thinking of upgrading our van - and while at the Lincoln meet members very kindly let me look at their vans and explained the workings. The word winterised was mentioned and I think I understood what it required but when I tried to explain it to Ron - I realised again that I only understood half of it (not unusual for me)

So can someone/everyone explain what is needed for a winterised van. We do intend to use it during the cold weather for as long as possible - when it becomes six food snow drifts!!!!!!!:anyone:

 

[Smaug]

Well insulated, water & room heaters that can be left on 24/7 (ie thermostatic & sealed flues), water tanks inside the van rather than under the floor, no plumbing outside the van, propane bottles rather than butane, double glazed & silvered window screens.

Others may remember more things, but those are the main ones I can think of. Also, if an A-class, the cabs can be draughty so consider a heavy curtain separating the cab from the hab to reduce draughts. Shutting down the heater vents can be helpful on windy nights as can parking with your butt into the breeze rather than side on (it wobbles) or head on (draughty). Finding a sheltered South facing wilding spot is also a good idea.

 

[mark61]

I copied this a while ago. No idea if the spec has changed, and can't remember where I got it from.


"Caravans built to European Standards (ie models from 1999 onwards) are given one of three grades to indicate the effectiveness of their insulation and their heating systems.
• Grade 1 rating specifies a minimum degree of insulation but does not measure the capabilities of the heating system. These caravans should be considered suitable for ‘seasonal’ rather than all year round use.
• Grade 2 rating requires the same level of insulation but adds a requirement for a heating system capable of maintaining the interior at 20 °C when it is 0 °C outside. This grade should be suitable for ‘extended seasonal’ usage, or all year round in reasonably favourable climates like the UK.
• Grade 3 has a higher standard for both insulation and heating, such that the interior can be kept at 20 °C when it is -15 °C outside. It also requires that all water systems will operate when the outside temperature is -15 °C. These caravans should be habitable all year round in almost any weather conditions.
The standard for motorcaravans is somewhat different and has not yet been universally adopted by all manufacturers. There are three grades, but these indicate heating classification, not insulation performance. In fact, there is no specific requirement for motorcaravans to have insulation although clearly most, if not all, will have. Grade 1 means the heating has not been rated. Grade 2 heating will achieve 20 °C inside when it is 0 °C outside. Grade 3 heating will achieve 20 °C inside when it is -5 °C outside and also requires that the fresh (but not waste) water supply must operate when it is -15 °C outside."

 

[vwalan]

all my vans have been winterized . it means you leave for spain or morocco in early november and dont come back till end of april. just need plenty of sun tan lotion .

 

[DTDog]

Generally if it says the van is winterised it means that the van manufacturers have taken extra measures to prevent problems when out in extreme winter weather.
Usually, but not always:-
The fresh water tank is internal and not under the van.
Heating pipes tend to run inside the van rather than out and under then van.
It has a heating system that can be run even when the van is being driven.
The van will have better insulation properties so will retain what little heat is in there for longer.
My van has a thick insulated main door rather than the thin doors you see on most vans.

This does not mean that if it doesn't say winterised, the van will not cope in the winter weather.
Several members live in their vans 24/7 and still manage to not freeze to death.

 

[maingate]

Fully winterised vans are not made in the UK, although some have 12 volt heaters in the fresh and waste tanks. Mine is fully winterised. It has a false floor which contain fresh and waste tanks and batteries. External tanks freeze up and the cold can affect the efficiency of batteries.

 

[mark61]

Here.

 

[hextal]

Always seems a bit draft to me that they use heating as part of the insulation rating.

You could probably park a convertible next to a patio heater and stay nice and toasty, doesn't really mean its well insulated.

 

[GinaRon]

all my vans have been winterized . it means you leave for spain or morocco in early november and dont come back till end of april. just need plenty of sun tan lotion .

This one I like but Ron is not quite ready for it yet (I will keep working on him):cheers:

 

[ellisboy]

My vans fully winterised and made in the uk, by me ! :hammer:

 

[MATS]

I use mine in winter a lot and I have added insulation in the form of the red insulating strips you have in your house for hot water tanks - think they are called jackets. Unpiece them and add to bottom of underfloor cupboards, around water tank even if it is inside, and any area that you can fit them in voids that sit against outside - van is definately warmer. I have also fitted thermal backed curtains to partition van into sections. Mine now divides in 3. Outside thermal silver screen a big must and I also added diy shaped silver type bubble blankets to the roof lights ie fit between sliding cover and the roof light - massive reduction in heat loss. Able to run truma on no 3 even if about -10 deg C outside. I have to let go of waste water regularly as it will freeze - if on electric it has a heater but off line I do not think it works.
And the icing on the cake - well it actually goes in my Whiskey - where else?

 

[The Rowleys]

Hi Gina & Ron

Nice to have met you both at Nettleham.

Our Rapido's winterised - we weathered some pretty cold days & nights last winter in Northumberland and Scotland.
Only "problem" with the Rapido's and possibly other continental builds is that there's an automatic water drop which kicks in when temperature hits about 4 C. Heater tank empties (to avoid freezing & possible bursting).
If you're over Belper way, you're both very welcome to call in and check our van out.

All the best
Bob & Sandra (The Rowleys)::goodluck:

 

[Dezi]

The Murvi is winterised as much as a panel van can be.

Water tanks & batteries inside, foam insulation and industrial felt on internal walls.

Lined,winterised curtains between cab & living area. Webasto heating system.

We travel in Europe during the winter months & have always been comfortable, however we also don the thermal long johns.

The photo below is early morning on the col de portalet. We had stayed over night.
Dezi

 

[GinaRon]

Hi Gina & Ron

Nice to have met you both at Nettleham.

Our Rapido's winterised - we weathered some pretty cold days & nights last winter in Northumberland and Scotland.
Only "problem" with the Rapido's and possibly other continental builds is that there's an automatic water drop which kicks in when temperature hits about 4 C. Heater tank empties (to avoid freezing & possible bursting).
If you're over Belper way, you're both very welcome to call in and check our van out.

All the best
Bob & Sandra (The Rowleys)::goodluck:

Thanks for that we have spent today looking at motorhomes and tomorrow we are off to Hull. We went to SMC on Sunday on way home and found something interesting- so if nothing else turns up we will go back to them. It was nice meeting you too - did you buy anything from car boot?:camper:

 

[GinaRon]

Just to say thank you to everyone for their helpful hints and explanations - fortunately for me Ron understands technical stuff and he has read all the posts - everywhere I go I tell everyone I meet they should join the Wild Camping forum - best thing I ever did.

 

[The Rowleys]

Thanks for that we have spent today looking at motorhomes and tomorrow we are off to Hull. We went to SMC on Sunday on way home and found something interesting- so if nothing else turns up we will go back to them. It was nice meeting you too - did you buy anything from car boot?:camper:

Hi You Two.....sorry about delay in replying.:bow: Combination of IT problems (caused by changing provider !!!!!) and us being out and about and working on kitchen refit (in home).

Hope you found what you were looking for.We'll see it if you got it (we've booked for the first music gig at Shap in Dec.....so you will need winterising !!!!!!

Re Car boot...Has the Pope got a Balcony ?.....yes of course we (rather Sandra)...bought stuff ! God knows what we'll do with it though !.

All the best
Bob & Sandra (aka The Rowleys)

 

[oldish hippy]

there is the show at nec next week if you wish to dfind out more before you commit

 

[Glass man]

Tyres

Please think about your tyres. I have got a set of Snow Tyres which are a softer rubber and different tread pattern, They give a MUCH better grip on icy and snow covered roads and shorter stopping distance on cold roads. ( Below 10 Deg C. )

They also give a ' softer ' ride so are more comfortable for passengers. You will feel the van leans a little more if you corner quickly because the rubber tread grips to the road so well that the tyre wall deflects before the wheels slide sideways.

I would recommend you consider them for use in the UK.

Winter tyres are COMPULSORY in many European counties. Please check before you go as stopping foreign visitors is quite common. Chains may also be required.

If you do not have a heated waste water tank put a bucket underneath and do NOT close the waste valve as it will freeze. Shallow buckets can be found at places that supply horse riding and stables.

Enjoy your winter.

 

[Smaug]

(snip)
If you do not have a heated waste water tank put a bucket underneath and do NOT close the waste valve as it will freeze. Shallow buckets can be found at places that supply horse riding and stables.

Enjoy your winter.

Good idea, they are called "calf buckets" at farm shops (like Countrywide) and are more robust & wider than normal as well as shallower. Much less likely to get knocked over & fit under a van a treat. Normally used for taking feed pellets to animals.