Caravanning in winter can be a brilliant time to be out and about if you are suitably prepared.

I can’t believe the winter months and the shorter nights are upon us again!

While most put their touring caravan or motorhome away for the winter months, there are those who see this season as an opportunity to explore places when the tourists have all but gone.

Seeing a favourite holiday spot in winter can give you a whole new approach on that view, village or town.

If I get an opportunity to get–away to a favourite place in a tourer or motorhome, then I love to see the difference and how generally quiet it is too.

Of course some caravan parks don’t open after October, but the Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club do have a good number open all year. Private parks do too, so it’s a case of checking out where you need to be and finding out what caravan sites are available. Even though it can be cold in a tourer or a motorhome, it all feels rather snug! Being out in the winter also means you have to take more precautions with regard to keeping warm (and also make sure you are safe to travel, towing or not).

1971 Fleetwind caravan brochure. Can you imagine dressing up in Tudor clothing ?

If you have an awning (and it is in my experience a good idea to use it in winter too), don’t forget it will get very cold. Also condensation is likely so don’t put electrical equipment in there. Always make sure that you scrape snow off if you can. Wet snow especially can cause the roof to strain under the weight damaging the poles. Don’t forget to insulate the water containers with an old coat to keep the frost from getting in the water supply – and make sure your running on red gas cylinders too.  Finally, don’t forget hard standing pitches are advisable.

Changing the subject a little, I was looking through some archive material the other day and it struck me just how caravan manufacturers have changed in advertising their caravan models.

I picked out a Fleetwind 1971 caravan brochure in which all the folk in the shots are in Tudor dress!!! The slogan was “Gracious living in a Fleetwind” somehow I couldn’t see this happening with the caravan industry today. But it shows how times have changed and how about this one from Thomson Caravans back in 1969 – Go Gay The T-Line way!

Skoda Yeti Greenline looks distinctive with good road manners and economical running costs.

I have to admit in being a bit of a Skoda fan, and just recently I was given the Skoda Yeti Greenline to try out.

The 1.6 CRD engine produces 105 bhp but comes with low emissions and the Yeti Greenline is an inch or two lower than the normal Yeti.

So how did I find it?

Well the Yeti is a good car whatever guise it comes in. For those towing a small tourer and wanting a solid well built car with handling to match some family hatches, it’s a sheer delight. 60 mpg and surprisingly packing a fare punch too.

Comfortable ride and roomy enough for five adults, the Yeti Greenline certainly takes some beating.

Does anyone have any useful winter caravanning tips or perhaps suitable winter caravan sites they would recommend to our Caravan Blogger readers?