In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Can you live in a park model in the winter? We will give you advice on how to live comfortably in a park model even on cold winter nights.
Can you live in a park model in the winter?
Yes, you can live in a park model in the winter as well. A park model trailer gives you the opportunity to travel or even live comfortably. Park model trailers are taken from amusement park to amusement park and stay in each place for an extended amount of time.
You can also, with a park model trailer, permanently park and use it as a permanent living space. However, if you decide to use a park model trailer, you need to make sure that the elements will affect your trailer as little as possible, especially in winter. Winterizing your trailer takes a little time and effort, but can save on expensive repairs that might be necessary if your trailer is not winter-ready.
How to prepare your park model for winter living
| To prevent moisture, mildew and mould | Store your cushions and mattresses on their side to ventilate them. Leave the doors to rooms and furniture open. Do not cover your park model with tarpaulins. It will cause condensation. Do not block the aerators. Use products that absorb moisture. Clean and empty the refrigerator and leave the door open. Make sure all windows are securely closed. |
| The water system | Open all faucets, including the shower faucet, and place the head in the tray. Empty the flush, the toilet bowl and all the siphons (sink, shower, sink). Put antifreeze in the bottom of the toilet bowl. Freshwater circuit: rinse the pipes with vinegar water. If your residence is not inhabited in winter, it is imperative to follow the following procedure: Shut off the water supply and unplug the power supply. Drain the circuit by opening the tap located under the residence (next to the arrival). Open all the mixers (hot and cold) and put the showerhead in the shower tray. Drain the water heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Empty the flush and the toilet bowl, and put antifreeze in the bottom of it. |
| Gas circuit | Close the gas taps and open the drain point (s) under the park model. Block the gas inlet fittings. Bleed the gas circuit after having closed and sheltered the cylinder (s). Loosen the water heater’s drain screw and let all the water in the appliance flow. |
| Electricity circuit | Turn off the power supply and electricity at the circuit breaker. Unplug electrical appliances (household and others). |
| Electric water heater | Cut off the power supply and the cold water supply, open the hot water mixers and drain using the safety group lever. |
| General maintenance and prepares | Lubricate the support legs and the coupling device. Check that there is no trace of corrosion in the ducts. If so, you can replace them at the start of next season. Check that the windows are properly closed and draw the curtains. Remove all food (including canned food) from cupboards to avoid any risk of rot or rust. Leave cupboards and chests open to prevent the build-up of condensation or mould. Wash and empty the refrigerator, leave the door ajar. Install moisture absorbers in all rooms. Make sure that all fixed vents are not blocked. Place cushions and mattresses upright. |
How to stay warm in a park model in winter
Here are some original methods to heat a park model in winter:
Hot water bottle method
If you find yourself on a cold night with no heat nearby, hot water bottles are a cheap and easy way to stay toasty.
Simply boil some water and pour it into a water bottle or container with a lid that you can use to warm the bed or lie on the side. Water bottles can stay warm for up to 6-8 hours at night and can be all you need.
Cover the bottle with a towel or cloth while pouring hot water into it, being careful not to burn yourself. Make sure the lid is on tight so it doesn’t spill.
One word of caution: Don’t overfill the water bottle. ¾ full is all it takes to stay warm.
If you’re parked at a friend’s driveway or have the luxury of a hook-up campsite, electric heating is a great option. Electric heaters are lightweight, soundless, odourless, and safe to use in tight spaces.
Ceramic heaters can be a great option if you have a power source.
Electric heaters produce a consistent heat output that can be easily adjusted. Plus, they’ll blow hot air in one direction, allowing you to direct the heat where you need it.
When using an electric heater there are a few things to be careful about. Many heaters have built-in protections to prevent overheating or tipping. When in a small area such as a vehicle, you must be aware of your surroundings to avoid burns. Also, not all electric heaters are quiet, so be prepared for a soft hum.
Electric blankets also use a lot of energy and are unrealistic to run overnight. However, if all you need is a quick warm-up a few minutes before bed, they may be a good option for work.
Some blankets come with timers to prevent them from running too long and eating up the battery.
Realistically, if you are going to live in a van full time, electric heating may only be feasible if you have access to energy. Otherwise, you have to carry a large capacity battery to keep you warm all night.
If you can collect your own firewood, it will be practically maintenance-free. This sounds great, but wood stoves can be time-consuming.
To operate a wood stove, you need to constantly fill it with chopped wood. The size of the pieces of wood will depend on the type of stove you choose to buy. Some very high-efficiency stoves can heat up and burn with just a few small sticks.
Based on your level of activity, constant firewood gathering may or may not be a breaking factor. Not only is wood chopping labour-intensive, but wood also takes up space and you will need to store it in or near your vehicle.
Winterizing a park model
To put it simply, winterizing a park model is an essential type of maintenance in your park model just before winter. It consists of carrying out certain activities to enable the rolling house to withstand the cold and the snow. When winter arrives, the campsite manager does indeed close his door. It’s the end of the season.
Thereafter, you must leave your residence for two or three months. And, in order for the park model to preserve its youthfulness during the winter period, you must put it in the winter. With this in mind, you must carry out all the work and take all the necessary precautions in order to optimize the resistance of your park model and to avoid all accidents of everyday life in your absence.
How to winterize a park model?
In order for your park model to remain functional for the next season, certain operations must be carried out before your departure. All of these operations form the wintering works. First, winterizing a park model must begin with the general operation of the residence.
You must degrease the props as well as the equipment making up the hitch. If you ever notice a trace of corrosion in the pipes, consider replacing them before your departure. Then check the window locks and don’t forget to draw the curtains. To prevent mould from growing in cupboards, chests and the refrigerator, empty them all and leave them open.
Winterizing work in a park model must also include maintenance of the water and gas circuit. Close the gas valves securely to prevent gas leaks. Even block the gas inlet connections. As for the water circuit, this time open all the taps. Flush the toilet, sink and clean the pipes with vinegar water.
What about putting the park model back into service in the spring?
All wintering work in a park model must be carried out in reverse order for the next season. Otherwise, your park model will not be functional. In a house that is empty for months, the rate of mould in the air will be too high. To purify the air inside the house, it is necessary to ventilate all the rooms well.
To do this, open all the windows wide morning until evening. Then go straight to the electrical circuit. Switch the power supply back on and reconnect it to the mains. This will allow you to turn on the air conditioning system quickly. And this, in order to better recycle the air in the park model. Then comes the water circuit.
Obviously, water points that are not used for months will be susceptible to bacteria. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is prudent to let the water run for some time. The pipes require maintenance. Clean them again with vinegar water. Regarding the gas circuit, all you have to do is reopen the taps.
Conclusions
It is possible to live in a park model in winter, but you must insulate your vehicle well and make all the necessary preparations.
Snow, heavy rain, cold or ice may be very present on the road. But you don’t have to worry, today’s park model brands are prepared for all types of climates. What’s more, new park models on the market are becoming better equipped to be able to use them regardless of the season of the year.
Do you want to share any tips on how to keep warm in a park model in winter? Let us know!
FAQ on Can you live in a park model in the winter?
How do I prepare my park model for wintering?
Here are a few tips to prepare your park model for wintering:
- Empty the water heater.
- Empty and clean the toilet tanks.
- Remove the gas cylinder (s).
- Put the windows in the ventilation position.
- Open the bathroom door.
- Do not unscrew the feet.
- Do not put plastic sheeting on the park model.
- Put the clean trailer in the garage.
Should you cover a park model in winter?
Yes, you should cover a park model in winter with good quality, breathable and light park model cover. A park model with a protective cover can be safely stored inside and outside, no matter the season, but especially in winter.
How to protect a park model in winter?
The first solution is the most economical: the protective cover. It covers a park model that usually sleeps outside. It is never advisable to leave a motorhome outdoors for a long period, it is damaged and degrades more quickly (bodywork, gaskets, batteries, tires, etc.)
Other FAQs about Park model trailers that you may be interested in.
Can you travel with a park model RV?
How much does it cost to move a park model camper?
Can I tow a park model trailer?
