#45 Full Time Caravanning in the winter?! What it's like to live in a caravan?

Is living in a caravan in winter even enjoyable? Join me on a frosty morning of winter caravanning. This year we've been full time caravanning in North Devon in winter for the first time, and very quickly we learnt that caravanning full time in winter means dealing with frost and frozen water tap. I filmed this material for you on an early morning to give you a taster of what it is really like to do winter caravanning. Our biggest worry was that a toilet cassette would freeze, as we heard scary stories that it could happen, luckily for us it hasn't yet. Kat still cooks in the awning during midday, partially out of habit. Cooking bigger meals which can be reheated later works well. Moving inside you will see that the thermal blinds are still down to minimize the heat loss. Luckily our fendt caravan has good insulation in general and we manage to keep it warm, however the big windows make it a bit tricky, and they need to be covered from evenings, through nights to the first rays of sun. On the other hand caravanning in winter and living in caravan on an empty campsite is amazing, as the site is quiet and peaceful. We love our warm caravan in winter, even though caravanning in the uk with a dog is a bit tricky - think early morning and evening walks in really cold weather. We keep these walks short and take Diesel for longer walks at midday, when it is a bit warmer. In general living in a caravan full time in winter is much tougher than for the rest of the year, and we are happy to endure it as long as we don't have to work. I don't think we could do both, as daily life in a caravan is a job in its own right. For the right people it may be a campsite dream, rather than a campsite nightmare. Still, we love living in travel trailer and wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you for watching.
01: 26 Below freezing temperatures biggest risk: frozen toilet cassette.
02:16 Frozen water point, can't top up water tank in a caravan, how do we cope?
03:40 How do we organize cooking, do we cook in a caravan?
04:20 Cooking in the awning, dealing with damp and condensation.
05:03 Keeping the thermal blinds down over night and early mornings to keep the heat in.
06:02 Dealing with draft from windows.
06:18 How do we heat our caravan in winter?
06:50 Freezing caravan floor and shoes to wear inside.
07:15 Our caravan fridge turned into a freezer.
07:40 Beauty of the site, winter walks with a dog.
08:47 How do we organise food shopping.
09:20 Is our German caravan suitable for living in it in winter?
09:50 Do we regret living in a caravan in winter?
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[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Here is winter 2023 take on the same topic, even more on winter caravanning: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5_MlK2adpeoq6ssi=53rGPBiZ0teescio

[@Samboide49]

Hi Kat! I’m an American living in Italy in a Fendt Caravan full-time like yours. It’s March now and Spring is in full swing, but this was the first winter I spent living 24/7 in a caravan. There’s a lot to learn and adjust to, but I wouldn’t go back for a moment. I love this cozy space I’ve created and it’s a joy to wake up in my Fendt with the big windows, rain or shine. Nice to know there’s others like you that live off-grid and celebrate this way of life. Thanks for your videos!

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Hello, thank you for reaching out. Many people watch our videos, but never write anything! So we are really happy to know that you are with us. Italy sounds amazing, we've been just once and it is my dream to live there for at least a few months. I am happy your Fendt serves you well! We love ours too. Where about in Italy are you? Kat

[@speakout7707]

I've movedback into a new and modern tourer again after a 3 yr stint from 2010. Enjoyed it so much. Winter is amazing. quiet, warm, water went from direct feed to 2 x aquaroll and thermo jackets. Filled during the day.

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Great to hear! Not long and we will do it all over again. We are enjoying cosy autumn evenings in our caravan! Shame mornings are dark already. Nice to wake up in the sun. Are you still in a caravan? K

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

😊 In this video we explain 5 the biggest challenges of winter caravanning, if you would like to explore this topic further: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZrQcnx8rMZsfacsi=xxtfI_FfQdGWxmAe

[@glyn829]

Merry Christmas and hope you manage to stay warm 👌

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Hi, yes we were warm and had everything we needed ;-) Thank you. Hope you had a good time soon. I just published an update in the community section on how we spent our Christmas in a caravan ;-) Best wishes, Kat.

[@CoveBayBill]

Merry Christmas to you both. I hope the temperature rises a little for you so that you don’t have to put up with frozen pipes!

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Hi Bill, yeah, luckily it is much warmer now :-) We survived! 😊

[@user-hq1ob1gb4c]

Nice 😊

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Thank you! K

[@heyholetstow]

We didn’t really go away over winter, mainly because we were too busy but back at it now

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Season started a bit later this year, March was horrendous! Roll on summer days! K

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

What are ADVANTAGES and DISADVANTAGES of working and living on the campsite? kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZzPfnd4jdlppKM

[@pawezabocki8198]

Merry Christmas to all three of You. 😁☃️🎄 Do not worry... Your flawers did not die... they just gone to the winter sleep and will be beautifull in the spring again. 😁👍

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Hi, thank you :-) Hopefully they will bounce back :-) Merry Christmas to you and all patrons of the Master Brewer in Folkestone :-)

[@poldekfotoamator3063]

@@FreedomSeekers-FS Thank You. SeeYou soon.

[@morgansteele3158]

Just about to go through a split and not ready to buy a house yet and thought about living in a caravan for a few months so this is very interesting 😊

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Best of luck! Thank you for watching!

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

Hi guys loved the video I fitted a diesel heater to my caravan that helped a lot and I found it to be cheaper than gas.

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Hello, great idea! Thank you for watching and reaching out. Roll on spring! Kat

[@wujekkarmel1114]

Good evening, it's good that you are healthy, it's the most important thing, it's a pity that you do not have snow as if it was a better Christmas atmosphere Merry Christmas

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Hi, we are very very happy with green grass rather than snow 😁😁😁 Thank you for your kind words and thoughts :-) Will you have some time off for Xmas? :-) K

[@wujekkarmel1114]

@@FreedomSeekers-FS Good evening, unfortunately I'm still working tomorrow and on Christmas Eve Greetings

[@user-vg5xv1mo6x]

hello, adventure, life can be great in a caravan

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

So true! Sometimes it is tough, but still... we love it! K

[@voytek2337]

Oh man, it's freezing in the UK! 😉😉😉

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Hi, yes it was! We had really cold weather for about a week! K

[@saskiaverhulst2302]

Thank you, very informative. I have one question; why is a Fendt better insulated than an English brand? We live in the Netherlands and we definitely prefer English brands. Thank you

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Hi there! Thank you for your comment. From our experience, German caravans like Fendt are often built with a focus on durability and resilience to withstand the harsher weather conditions commonly seen in Germany. The thicker walls and sturdy materials used in their construction are designed to handle the more extreme temperatures and elements. While the weather in England is milder, the German caravans' insulation can provide added protection and comfort, especially for those looking for extra durability. It's great to hear that you prefer English brands, and we're sure they have their own unique qualities. Happy caravanning! 🚐✨

[@keith4518]

Hi just come across your vlog really enjoyed it I am thinking about returning to the UK and thought about buying a caravan or motor home could you tell me what the fees are for leaving a touring caravan sited thanks

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Hi, Keith, thank you so much! We are very happy that you enjoy our videos. Prices for pitches vary according to the location and facilitied... the range is from £1500 to £3000 a year I would say. We made a video about seasonal pitches which I believe you will find really useful. If you have further questions, don't be shy :-) K kzbin.info/www/bejne/raPEgYSNjLJlbdU

[@keith4518]

@@FreedomSeekers-FS thank you so much I will have a look at the video you put up earlier merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all

[@jamesmuir6725]

​@@FreedomSeekers-FSuh

[@baievan74]

Could you, please, share some links or pics of people with installed wood burners in caravans?

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Sure, if I find some :-) Kat

[@VERN6822]

Hi kat we are going for it in new year so I might need a few questions answered if OK to ask just came across you and subscribe to your chnl you are getting on with it so hopefully chatt in new year all the best ..

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Yes of course! Happy New Year! K

[@MrToneski1]

Hi Kat , how do you keep warm during the night? Do you leave the heating on? If so, do you use gas or electricity during the night? Loving your vlogs, keep warm and safe, regards Tony

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Hi, we use both, depends on the weather, and Diesel has his own heating: a small 30W electric blanket under his bed. You definitely need heating on overnight, we use electric oil heater. Thank you for watching our videos! Kat

[@xzxz-uy2lm]

Bubble wrap on windows works well

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Thank you! Will test it! Kat

[@rumwilliam2767]

Hi which site do you use which permits 12month caravaning

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Hi there! Thank you so much for watching our video! Unfortunately, I have to tell you that our site doesn't have a license for residential caravanning, so it's not possible to live there all year round. Working at the campsite is an option that would allow you to live in your caravan throughout the year. If working at the campsite isn't what you're looking for, don't worry! There are other sites out there that have the necessary license, and I'm confident that you'll be able to find one that suits your needs.

[@robertcroft8241]

Heating with Propane/Butane ? you must be Very,Very , Rich. Get a diesel heater fitted.

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Hi Robert, I wouldn't call us rich, nevermind very, very rich :D The van is quite well insulated, covering windows during cold snaps helps and we have a big dog to keep us warm 😁 We save throughout the year to make sure we can spend winter in comfort :-) Still, we believe it is cheaper than heating a house. K

[@peterhynes5316]

You should get yourself an electric blanket And they do not cost much to run

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Our dog uses an electric blanket, and he loves it! 😁

[@trueblue0743]

How much dose it cost per week to live in your caravan

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Hi, what do you mean? :-) K

[@RemePrayer]

Where can you find a caravan site long term please do you know

[@RemePrayer]

For a touring caravan

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Hi, there are dedicated Facebook groups :-) these are probably the best places to find a pitch :-) K

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

You really need fridge vent covers, thats why your fridge is getting too cold.

[@FreedomSeekers-FS]

Yeah! Good point. Kat

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

@@FreedomSeekers-FS I'm in a caravan this winter as I'm a site warden so I'll be looking after a closed site over the winter season, gotta know all the tricks to make life easier over the colder months. I've only just got this caravan so I'm about to start insulating all the locker doors as it helps to hold the heat in, fridge vent covers will be going on in another 6 weeks or so.