If you are thinking of using your caravan in the off season to just get a novel experience of doing something new and exciting or just to avail a discount on your favourite sites then you are just in luck. Changing weather though brings new risks to your adventures; but this itself can also prove challenging and fulfilling. Also with the weather change all over the world over the years it is perhaps advisable to know and understand the adverse effect of weather that might hinder your caravanning adventures to mitigate trouble.
Remember that with each different weather condition your caravanning safety priorities will change as it will require new and novel tricks of the trade for you carry on. However, no matter what the weather is insuring your campervans and RVs is a must if you are an avid caravanning enthusiast. This will save you a lot of trouble and money throughout your experience from maintenance or your RVs to cover your medical bills. The best and immediate ways to mitigate trouble in adverse weather caravanning are listed below for your benefits. Read them and apply them as required.
Strong winds:
This is one of the most dangerous weather conditions that you can face while towing. Whether you are pitched or towing or even if you have stored your caravan, strong winds can be destructive and dangerous. If there is a strong wind forecast while you are on the trail towing, then it is best to avoid it as much as possible. Strong winds can cause your truck to swivel and snake around which is dangerous. If you are already pitched or have your van stored in the open, make sure that your awning is secured and fastened properly. However, do not try and awn your caravan while there is a strong wind blowing as this might cause serious damage and accidents.
Caravan towing in snow and ice and rain:
Towing your caravan on ice must be seriously avoided at all cost. However, if you are caught up in the snow while you are on the trail and you do not have a suitable place to pitch, then it is best to go slow and calm with a steady speed. The loss of traction in snow and ice while driving a car is amplified while you are towing thus, reducing the speed, increasing your breaking time and moving slow is your only chance to avoid any mishaps. Check your weather forecast and plan accordingly, so that you can avoid any snow or ice formation on the road while you are towing. Also do your best to avoid steep hills and treacherously sharp bends.
Also driving a white caravan in the snow can hinder visibility for the traffic on the road. In such cases try adding some fluorescent stickers around your van for better visibility and identity. Try and take a couple of maneuvering and towing lessons if you are seriously considering this option to develop your skills before heading out. During the rainy season try and remain vigilant. Always remember that breaking distances and cornering speeds are affected due to the damp wet road surface. During severe rainfall roads can get flooded which is when the wheels start losing contact with the road surface resulting in complete loss of traction. In such a condition completely avoid towing. If you think that your visibility is hindered due to the rain while you are driving, then park at the closes gas station and wait for the worst to pass over.
Hook up for heat:
Most pitching sites have electric hookups which enables you to supplement your van’s heating system. In cold, windy or damp weather condition this supplement is essential. However, remember that the amount of electricity that you may receive from the site may vary according to the number of vans pitched at the site. So try and conserve energy as much as possible. This way you not only get the optimum power when required but also help others to use their fair share.
Back up your battery:
Weather can be tricky and may change within a wink of an eye, which means that you may require as much help as you could gather especially if you are towing. Thus it is advisable to have a backup battery fully charged and warm just in case your van’s battery dies down or gets cold.
The above list is just a few things that you need to know to help you cruise through in wild weather conditions; however, they are not absolute. Remember that the absolute ground rule of caravanning is to come to a complete halt and avoid towing of any kind at all cost in adverse weather conditions.
