8 Essential Things to Prepare for YOUR Winter Vanlife Adventures
Winter vanlife in the UK is a different kind of adventure. Quieter roads, snow-dusted landscapes, and the cosy glow of a heater after a day exploring. It’s a season that tests your setup but rewards you with moments you’ll never forget: misty mornings, quieter landscapes, peaceful wild pitches, and the feeling of having the world (almost) to yourself.
But winter brings its own challenges - from frozen pipes to limited daylight and icy roads. The key to enjoying it all is preparation. Whether you’re heading off for a festive road trip or spending the season living full-time in your van, these essential winter vanlife tips will help you stay warm, safe, and ready for anything.
Here are eight things you should prepare for before hitting the road this winter.
How to Winter-Proof Your Campervan
Your van is your home on wheels, so winter-proofing it is the first step to a successful winter adventure.
Insulation: Proper insulation is crucial to keeping your van warm. Insulate your floors, walls, and ceiling to retain heat and block the cold. Consider adding thermal window covers to prevent drafts.
Heating Systems: Install or test your heating system. Popular options include diesel heaters, propane heaters, or wood stoves (if your van layout allows). Ensure your heater is safe, properly ventilated, and functioning well. There are a range of heating solutions that make travelling in cold conditions more comfortable and convenient. Many find that diesel heaters vs gas offer better economy in the long term through generous winter use.
Check Seals and Weather Stripping: Inspect your van’s doors and windows for gaps that could let in cold air. Replace worn weather stripping and seal any cracks.
Antifreeze and Fluids: Top off your van’s antifreeze, and consider switching to winter-grade oil and washer fluid to prevent freezing.
Engine Pre-Heater: If you plan to head to more extreme Winter environments, such as the Nordics, you’ll need ensure your engine can be started regardless of the freezing temperatures. This is where an engine preheater is essential. For more details and in depth extreme Winter vanlife tips, this video by Mispronounced Adventures has even more helpful advice.
2. Staying Warm and Cosy in Your Van
Staying warm isn’t just about insulation and heating - it’s about layering and having the right gear.
Clothing: Pack layers of thermal clothing, wool socks, gloves, and hats. Merino wool is an excellent option as it’s warm, moisture-wicking, and odour-resistant. Check out Vanlove’s range of Beanie Hats, Hoodies and Socks ideal for cooler moments on the open road.
Bedding: Invest in a high-quality winter sleeping bag or a thick duvet. Consider adding an electric blanket if your power setup allows.
Rugs and Curtains: Adding rugs to your van’s floor can make a significant difference in keeping the space warm. Heavy curtains or thermal liners for your windows can help retain heat.
Hot Water Bottles: These are a low-tech but effective way to stay warm at night.
Flask of Tea: Keep a flask of hot tea or coffee ready before bed - it’s a simple comfort that goes a long way on chilly mornings.
Remote Heating: If you have a heater than you turn off overnight, having a remote so you can start it up from the comfort of your bed as soon as you wake in the morning is a great option, so you can wait for the van to warm up before venturing out from beneath your covers.
3. Managing Power and Batteries in Winter
Winter conditions can impact your van’s energy efficiency, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.
Solar Panels: Shorter days and cloudier skies mean reduced solar energy. Clean your panels regularly to maximise efficiency, and consider using a portable solar panel to supplement your power supply. If you’re looking to add solar to your 12v set up, BSPK Solar can tailor a system to your project.
DC-DC Charging: Since solar energy is in short supply at this time of year. You’ll also want to ensure you have a DC-DC charger as part of your set up, so that you can top your batteries as your drive along your route.
Battery Management: Cold weather can reduce your leisure batteries’ capacity. If you have lead acid batteries, you’ll often find they loose their charge faster, whereas if you have lithium batteries you’ll notice low temperature charging protection will kick in at around 4 degrees C and will no longer charge. Be mindful of where you batteries are positioned – raise them off the floor a little and if positioned in a garage area or other cold area of the van try and get some of the warm ventilation circulating.
Additional Power Source: Whilst your leisure battery capacity might serve you well for most of the year, in the darkest months you might find that having a backup charging method in the form of portable power solution, such as an EcoFlow DELTA Portable Power Station, can help keep you going when running low.
Energy Conservation: Use energy-efficient LED lights and minimise the use of high-power appliances to extend your leisure battery life.
4. Driving Safely in Snow and Ice
Driving in winter conditions requires preparation and caution to ensure safety.
Winter Tyres: Equip your van with winter or all-weather tyres for better traction on snowy or icy roads. Check tire pressure regularly, as it can drop in cold weather. Rogue Alloys help you build a unique alloy wheel and tyre package to suit any car, van or truck.
Snow Chains: Carry snow chains and know how to install them. Practice beforehand, so you’re prepared if you need them.
Emergency Supplies: Keep an emergency kit in your van that includes a shovel, ice scraper, sand or even cat litter (for traction), and a first aid kit.
Plan Your Routes: Research weather conditions and road closures before heading out. Stick to main roads that are more likely to be plowed and maintained.
Stay Safe and responsible: Keep and eye on weather conditions and avoid putting others in harms way by not going somewhere remote and getting snowed in as rescue services will have to come to get you.
5. Food, Water, and Fuel Essentials for Winter Vanlife
Winter vanlife requires more planning when it comes to food, water, and other essential supplies.
Water Storage: Prevent your water tanks and lines from freezing by insulating them or using tank heaters. Store backup water in insulated containers inside the van.
Non-Perishable Foods: Stock up on non-perishable and easy-to-prepare meals, as cooking in cold weather can be challenging. Think soups, stews, pasta and instant meals. Check out Vanlife Eats Pasta Fagioli recipe, a perfect vanlife recipe as it uses little resources and cooks in one pan.
Cooking Equipment: If your usual stove struggles in the cold, consider carrying a backup like a portable propane stove. Ensure proper ventilation while cooking. Jetboil's high-performance propane/isobutane four-season fuel delivers higher vapour pressure for improved performance in cold weather when used with one of their portable stove systems.
Morning Coffee: The Outin Nano is the ultimate portable espresso machine built for life on the go, with a rechargeable battery that can brew up to 5 cups per charge.
Fuel Supply: Keep your fuel tanks full to avoid condensation and ensure you have enough for heating and cooking.
6. Staying Safe, Informed, and Connected on the Road
Winter travel can be unpredictable, so prioritise safety and communication.
Navigation and Communication: Use GPS and offline maps, as mobile service may be spotty in remote areas. You could even carry a two-way radio or satellite communication device in case of emergencies.
Weather Updates: Stay informed about weather conditions and storm warnings using apps or a weather radio.
Emergency Shelter: Be prepared for the unexpected. Keep a tent or emergency bivvy in case your van becomes uninhabitable.
Health and Safety: Carry a fully stocked first aid kit and any necessary medications. Keep a fire extinguisher in your van, especially if you’re using heating or cooking equipment.
7. How to Tackle Condensation and Keep Airflow Healthy
Moisture builds up quickly in cold weather, so good ventilation is just as important as insulation.
Ventilation: Crack open a window or roof vent slightly - even on cold nights - to allow airflow and reduce condensation.
Moisture Control: Use moisture traps or a small dehumidifier to keep humidity levels down. Wipe down windows regularly to prevent mould or mildew from forming.
Drying Wet Gear: Hang damp clothes in a dedicated drying space or near a gentle heat source, ensuring proper ventilation to avoid moisture build-up. If you have a shower room this can, multi-purpose as a great drying room.
Keep Cosy: It’s a classic winter vanlife struggle: waking up to fogged windows, damp bedding, and that stubborn chill in the air. Keeping your van dry is key to staying comfortable, and keeping that fresh, “homey” feeling even when the frost hits.
8. Where to Stay: Finding Winter Campsites and Off-Grid Spots
Many of the smaller campsites shut their gates once autumn ends, but that doesn’t mean your travels have to. With a bit of planning, you can find plenty of winter-friendly places to park up.
Open-All-Year Sites: Some UK sites stay open year-round - look for ones with hardstanding pitches, electric hook-ups, and heated facilities of you need to top your batteries up. Always double-check seasonal closures before arriving.
Apps and Resources: Use apps like Park4Night, Search for Sites, or Brit Stops to find reliable spots. Pub stopovers can be a great winter option as you’ll have hardstanding to park on and the benefit of a cosy pub to spend the evening in – bonus if there is a roaring fire!
Sheltered Park-ups: When wild camping or parking off-grid, choose sheltered areas away from strong winds or potential flooding spots.
Respect Local Rules: Remember The Vanlove Commitment - be kind, leave no trace, and travel considerately, especially in quiet rural communities during the off-season.
*Thanks to Mike Sowerby for sharing the above Vanlove snow art with us!
Final Thoughts…
Winter might not be the easiest time to live or travel in a van - but for many, it’s the most rewarding. With the right preparation, it becomes less about surviving the cold and more about embracing the stillness and magic of the season.
Stock up on the essentials, trust your setup, and stay flexible when plans shift - winter weather has a way of rewriting the script, and that’s part of the adventure.
Don’t forget to make it enjoyable, too: string up fairy lights, keep your favourite hot drink close, and get outside for brisk walks to stay warm and energised.
If you’re planning a winter road trip, browse the Vanlove shop for cosy gear that keeps you warm wherever you park up.
Here’s to a winter full of adventure - with a van that’s ready for it!
