Waveney Campers Unlock the Magic of Winter Van Life

At Blanc Creative, we’re always excited to explore new ideas and trends, and today, we’ve got a special treat for camper van enthusiasts.

Now, we absolutely love camper vans and especially the thought of maximising the usage, because should owning a camper only be a summer pleasure.

So we headed over to the go-to place for Norfolk Camper Van rentals and sales and sat down with James Hodds, Director of Waveney Campers, to get his take on how to best prepare your camper van for winter.

Top Tips from Waveney Campers

From insulation hacks to exterior modifications, James shares his top tips for winter-proofing your van and why winter adventures might just become your new favourite thing.

**Blanc Creative**

James, thanks for chatting with us today! Let’s dive right in. Winter camping in a camper van might seem like a challenge for some, but here at Waveney Campers, you’re big advocate for it, aren’t you?

**James Hodds**

Absolutely! I think a lot of people associate camper van life with summer, but winter can be just as rewarding—if not more so.

There’s something a bit special about being out in the frosty landscapes in the UK or abroad. At Waveney Campers, we see an incredibly diverse range of customers who

We’ve got some amazing scenery and having a warm and cosy van as your base means you can really immerse yourself into nature all year round.

Plus, without the summer crowds, it feels like you have these amazing locations all to yourself.

**Blanc Creative**: That sounds incredible. But to get the most out of those winter trips, surely you’ve got to prepare your van properly. I have these visions of damp bedding, ice on the insides of the windows and feeling absolutely miserable.

I mean, what’s your first tip for winter-proofing a camper van?

**James Hodds**: It all starts with **insulation**. If your van isn’t insulated properly, you’re going to feel the cold straight away. A lot of people think just having basic insulation is enough, but it’s worth upgrading to something like sheep’s wool or foam insulation for the walls and roof.

It keeps the heat in and helps manage moisture, which is really important when it’s cold outside. The floor’s another big one. A lot of cold can come up through the floor so adding thermal mats or cork underlay makes a massive difference.

And don’t forget your windows! They’re one of the biggest culprits for heat loss.

Investing in some thermal window covers is a game changer. You pop them in at night, and you’ll notice how much warmer it stays inside. At Waveney Campers, we’ve been helping clients for many years and we can’t stress enough, that Autumn and Winter are fabulous times to explore.

We can definitely help you with modifications or general advice. We specialise in these areas.

**Blanc Creative**: So, keeping warm inside the van is key. What about heating systems? Do you have any suggestions for people looking to stay warm on the go?

**James Hodds**: Definitely! A good quality heating system is essential if you’re serious about winter camping. There are various option, but safety and economy are massive factors, so you need to make some serious considerations before you going jumping in to the first thing you see.

• Gas Heaters
  Ideal if you already use gas in your van, but it requires strict adherence to safety regulations. Ensure proper installation and use a carbon monoxide detector. A portable propane heater is a good back-up option, just as long as you’re ventilating the space properly.
• Petrol Heaters
  Great if your van runs on petrol, offering easy refuelling. However, petrol heaters emit harmful gases and aren’t the most eco-friendly choice.
• Diesel Heaters
  Similar to petrol heaters but more expensive. Diesel is widely available, though environmental regulations may restrict usage in some areas. They are popular with a lot of our customers. They’re fuel-efficient, work quickly, and can run all night if you need them to
• Electric Heaters
  These are obviously a greener option, but they’ll take mains power, so really unsuitable for off-grid camping. Electric heats quickly, but they are energy consuming.

Diesel heaters are popular with a lot of our customers. They’re fuel-efficient, work quickly, and can run all night if you need them to.

If you’re staying at campsites with electrical hook-ups, an electric heater can work wonders as well. It’s safe, easy, and you don’t need to worry about fuel.

And for those off-grid trips, a portable propane heater is a good back-up option, just as long as you’re ventilating the space properly.

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**Blanc Creative**: That’s makes good sense! Now, water systems can be a bit tricky in the winter. What should people do to avoid freezing pipes?

**James Hodds**: That’s a great point. One of the worst things that can happen is a burst pipe in freezing weather!

To avoid that, the first step is to insulate your water tanks and pipes.

You can wrap your tanks with thermal blankets, and foam pipe insulation works well to keep things from freezing.

For anyone planning to hook up to an external water source, a heated water hose is worth considering.

It’ll stop water from freezing as it comes into your van. And if you’re off-grid, it’s always smart to have some bottled water on hand, just in case your system freezes up.

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**Blanc Creative**: Good advice! Let’s talk about interior comfort. What kind of things can people do to make their van feel extra cosy during the winter?

**James Hodds**: The great thing about winter camping is creating a warm, cosy space. There are a few simple things you can do to improve the comfort of your van.

Heated mattress pads are brilliant—they keep you warm at night without needing to blast the heater.

You could also add thermal curtains between the cab and the living space. They help block out cold drafts, especially at night.

And something as simple as adding rugs or carpets can really make a difference. They insulate the floor and give you a warmer surface to walk on.

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**Blanc Creative**: That sounds ideal for staying cosy inside. What about the outside of the van?

What should owners think about for winter-proofing the exterior?

**James Hodds**: The exterior is just as important, especially if you’re travelling through snow or ice.

If you’re heading into colder regions, snow chains for your tyres are a must-have. They give you the traction you need on icy roads.

I also recommend switching to all-weather tyres or even winter tyres if you’re planning on driving in harsh conditions. It’s all about keeping safe.

For those staying in one spot for a while, exterior skirting around the base of the van is a good idea.

It helps keep the cold from creeping underneath. You can DIY it with insulation boards or tarps if you’re feeling creative!

And lastly, don’t forget about solar panels. Even in winter, you can still get enough daylight to charge your batteries, especially if you’re running heating or lighting during the long nights.

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**Blanc Creative**: Great advice, James. Finally, what would you say to people who are thinking about winter camping but might be a bit hesitant?

**James Hodds**: I’d say go for it! Winter camping opens up a whole new world of adventure.

You don’t just have to stick to the UK, either. Europe is full of amazing winter destinations—imagine driving through snow-covered forests in Norway or exploring the Alps.

As long as you prepare your van properly, winter camping can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll have in a camper van.

It’s quieter, more peaceful, and there’s a real sense of adventure. Plus, having a warm, winter-proofed van to come back to after a day of exploring is something special.

**Blanc Creative**: Thanks so much for your time, James. You’ve given us some amazing insights into winter van life!

**James Hodds**: Anytime! Always happy to chat about camper vans. At Waveney Campers, we’re here all year round. It’s not just the summer months.

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Why have we written this story… In 2013, Lee Blanchflower, founder of Blanc Creative won the SWPP Travel Photographer of the Year Award, for a gritty image of New York on. a cold, wet December Day.

Travel has always been a huge part of his work and Blanc Creative are all about celebrating year-round adventures.

If you’re thinking about winter-proofing your camper van or just curious about what it takes, don’t hesitate to reach out to James and the team at Waveney Campers in Norwich on [email protected]

With the right modifications and a bit of preparation, winter could easily become your favourite season for hitting the road.