You don’t have to go back to driving school to learn how to drive a campervan in a cold climate. A campervan rental is usually associated with warm weather. However, since a year goes through different seasons, at some point you will have to consider driving in cold temperatures when it’s raining and snowing all over the place. A campervan is a car like any other, but with huge modifications that make driving it a special challenge.

Here are the tips to help you drive a campervan in cold temperatures:

Service the Campervan before Winter

First, don’t wait for temperatures to drop to below zero before taking the campervan for servicing. In fact, the best time to service the car is right now. Somehow, the campervan always seems to develop problems in winter. The spark plug wires, water pumps, belts, and hoses can leave you in a crisis while out on the roads with the vehicle. While servicing the van, don’t forget to check that the tire has enough pressure.

Inspect the battery and its charging system

Second, your focus should be on the battery as well as the battery charging system. Everything should be functioning properly. Ask the mechanic to check the campervan belts, charging system and battery. An old and lousy battery is worth replacing if you don’t want the campervan to screech to a halt suddenly while driving it in some remote location. Remember, simply because the battery served you well in summer doesn’t mean it will do the same in winter.

Check, repair or replace the cooling system

Checking the cooling system is highly recommended. You may think that the low temperatures in winter reduce the campervan’s need for a properly functional cooling system. Well, the truth is that all cars need good cooling systems throughout the year. The cooling system’s main job is keeping the engine from overheating. Before boarding the campervan and taking off, check that it’s coolant isn’t too old, as this could make it to lose its most important protective properties.

Test the wipers or install winter wipers

Cool temperatures or weather often signals snow or rain. This could hinder visibility, especially when driving in harsh conditions. Fortunately, you can make things easier or bearable for yourself by confirming that the wipers function properly. In fact, there’s nothing wrong with investing in and installing some winter wipers. Be ready with the winter wipers and install them just after summer in preparation for winter.

Travel on a full tank

Avoid driving with the tank half empty. As much as possible, you should drive the campervan with a full gas tank. The risks that you take during summer, such as driving the van until the tank is completely empty of gas, are not worth attempting in winter. When the weather is too cold, the car might stop suddenly when you’re far away from the nearest mechanic, thus forcing you to rely on its engine for some warmth. An empty tank makes it impossible to enjoy any warmth.

Finally, it doesn’t hurt to carry a sack of sand in the back of the campervan. The extra weight that the bag of sand bears down on the car increases the rear wheels’ traction. Furthermore, it’s fine to add a single block heater to the campervan’s engine, too. Check that the rear-window defroster operates well before setting off on your journey. Take time knowing the car in and out, as this knowledge could be a lifesaver when you’re all alone out there on some strange roads. 

RV winter Tires Canada

If you are planning a winter RV Rental in Canada, suppliers will fit winter tires, example Cruise Canada RV Rental fit all weather tires suitable for snow and mud. One advantage to renting an RV in winter is the seasonal rate will be cheaper than the more expensive summer months.