Can you use a motorhome in winter?
Yes, as long as the motorhome is built for the cold and you know how to use it. What makes the difference is powerful heating, tanks protected against frost and good energy management.
The Sunlight V66 Adventure we rent at Segimon Rental is winter ready: Truma Combi 4 heating with EisEx and a heated grey-water tank. Even so, there are a few things worth knowing before you head for the snow.
Heating: Truma Combi 4 and EisEx
The Truma Combi 4 runs on gas and provides both space heating and hot water. It blows warm air around the living area and heats the cabin quickly even when it is freezing outside. At night, most people leave it on a moderate setting rather than switching it off completely.
EisEx stops ice forming on the heater's external flue outlet, so the heating keeps working reliably below zero. Check now and then that snow isn't blocking that outlet.
One important detail: the Combi's water heater has a frost-protection valve. When temperatures approach freezing and there is no power, it opens and drains the boiler to prevent damage. If you find the boiler has emptied, that valve is usually the reason.
Water and grey water in a frost
The heated grey-water tank greatly reduces the risk of freezing, but it can't work miracles if you switch the heating off for hours in sub-zero temperatures. The rule is simple: in a frost, keep the heating on, even while you're out skiing.
Empty the grey water regularly at authorised points and don't leave the tank full before a very cold night. The outdoor shower is not an option in freezing weather: use the one inside.
Lithium battery and power in the cold
The 300 Ah LiFePO4 lithium battery gives you plenty of headroom, but winter consumption is higher: the heating fan works harder, nights are long and you use the lights more. At the same time, the 100 W solar panel produces little with short days and a low sun, and nothing if it is covered in snow.
As a general rule, lithium batteries should not be charged below 0 °C, and many have built-in protection that limits charging in the cold. Keeping the living area warm helps the battery work in good conditions. The battery also charges from the engine while you drive.
For all these reasons, in winter it makes sense to choose campsites with electric hook-up and alternate them with nights at authorised motorhome areas. Bear in mind that some campsites limit the power available, so avoid running several high-consumption appliances at once.
Gas: expect higher consumption
In winter the heating uses by far the most gas, much more than cooking or hot water. Plan your days around the gas you have and check the bottles daily.
Gas bottles are handed over full and should be returned full; otherwise the gas used is charged. In severe cold, propane performs better than butane, which loses efficiency below 0 °C: ask us if your trip will take you high into the mountains.
Snow on the road: chains and tyres
Snow chains are available as an optional extra. If you're heading to the Pyrenees or Andorra in winter, it is strongly recommended to take them and to practise fitting them at home before you need them on an icy verge.
In Catalonia and the rest of Spain, when signs show that chains are compulsory, only vehicles with chains or other approved devices, or with winter tyres, may continue; traffic officers can also restrict access depending on road conditions. In Andorra, winter equipment is required in snow or ice and drivers without it can be turned back. If you cross into France, winter equipment rules apply in mountain areas during the cold season.
Always check road conditions before setting off (Servei Català de Trànsit, the DGT or Andorra's mobility service), and remember that mountain passes can close temporarily.
- Drive smoothly: a 3,500 kg motorhome needs more distance to stop.
- Clear snow from the roof and windows before driving.
- In very cold weather, avoid leaving the handbrake on overnight: leave the vehicle in gear and park on level ground if you can.
- Pack gloves, a small shovel and an ice scraper.
Condensation and ventilation
Breathing, cooking and drying clothes inside the motorhome produce a lot of moisture, which condenses on windows and cold surfaces. The answer is ventilation: open the windows for a few minutes several times a day and keep the roof vents slightly open.
Never block the ventilation grilles: as well as controlling humidity, they are a safety feature in a vehicle that uses gas. Dry ski clothing in the campsite drying room if there is one, and wipe the windows in the morning.
Planning a trip to the snow
From our base near Granollers, the Pyrenees are around 1 h 30 away and Andorra about 2 h 15. As collections are in the afternoon (16:00 to 19:00), in winter it makes sense to keep the first leg short and avoid driving mountain passes in the dark. In low season the minimum rental is 3 days.
This guide focuses on equipment and on using the motorhome in the cold. To choose a resort and find out where to sleep near the slopes, see our guide to skiing by motorhome; for a multi-day trip through the mountains, take a look at our Pyrenees route.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cold inside a motorhome in winter?
Not if it is well equipped. The Truma Combi 4 heating keeps the interior comfortable even below zero. The key is having enough gas and ventilating to avoid condensation.
Does the water in a motorhome freeze?
The heated grey-water tank and keeping the heating on greatly reduce the risk. In a frost, don't switch the heating off for hours, and empty the grey water regularly.
Do I need snow chains to drive to Andorra in winter?
It is strongly recommended: winter equipment is required in snow or ice. You can add snow chains as an optional extra when booking, and check road conditions before you set off.
Where can I stay with a motorhome in the snow?
The most comfortable option is a campsite that is open in winter and has electric hook-up, ideally near the ski resorts. Check it is open before you go, as many close out of season.
