Keeping warm on a caravan holiday?

Katgoddess

Any tips for keeping warm in a caravan? We went on a Sun holiday last October half term and it was freezing. We were expecting that, but would like to be more prepared this time.

We will have a four year old with us. We will be staying in a haven caravan over Easter, and a randomly allocated one near the north pole for October half term this year.

Thanks. :beer:

Meadows

Base layers and several thin layers rather than one thick layer, which can be added to or removed as needed.
Thin clothes mean you can move around comfortably rather than chunky sweater etc.
Buy a few cheap fleece throws/ blankets to add warmth to the bed or drape around knees at night.

ariba10

We take an extension lead and a small fan heater.

good_advice

Hiya, lots of caravans provide heaters. If you think you will need more take a small heater with you in the car. We will on our next trip to avoid the hire charge of borrowing one.

Hot chocolate is always nice in a flask when out walking.

tanith

Havens top of the range caravans now have central heating , some of the lower ones have heaters in all rooms.. so if you can go for their top of the range. You could ask to upgrade when you get to the site.

Katgoddess

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I'm thinking an electric blanket will be an investment for night time. Any recommendations for hot water bottle type things for kids? He's got a wheat bear, and I've got a gel one he can use.

I'm hoping the Haven caravan won't be too bad, but unless I'm lucky and get my park choices, the randomly allocated one for October could be anything!

The gas fire heating up the living area really well. I set my alarm for 6am every day and put it on then jumped back into bed. Don't think I can leave it on overnight?

WestonDave

I wouldn't personally run a gas fire overnight - in theory the van should be well enough ventilated but you never know and could end up with a build up of carbon monoxide if some idiot has decided to block a few "draughts" - aka vents. Obviously during the day its fine so its really only making sure you aren't cold overnight.

For the little one it might be worth considering getting a sleeping bag - get a decent one from somewhere like Go Outdoors rather than a cheapo Argos one. OK its money but for £20-£30 you'll have something he can use for a long time. If he sleeps in that with the provided duvet etc over the top he'll be fine - plus if you are careful, in the morning you can just take him in the bag into the living area to watch TV etc until the van warms up enough to get out and get dressed.

For your room an electric blanket is probably the easiest solution. We've got a little fan heater which is about the size of a large lunch box which we'd take if we did this sort of holiday again. They tend to warm things up pretty quickly.

I know what you mean though - we had a few days in a converted railway carriage, which structurally is the same as a caravan (thin metal skin = no insulation). We used to all snuggle down into bed and be warm enough, then one mug (me) had to get up and turn all the heaters on so that it got warm enough for us all to get up.

creased-leach

Definitely a small electric heater, especially if electricity is included!
Sleeping bag for the little one- more snug, less draughty, and for a four year old a little more fun.
We've been in caravans in Holland in late October, when it can be icy cold.
Pop the heater on in little ones bedroom half an hour before he goes to bed- tiny rooms heat quickly.
Take it out & put it in your room before you retire- plug it in so you can reach to switch it on again from bed in the morning, then once the chill is gone you can brave grabbing a dressing gown & turning the fire on.

sazziecee

Onesies and a fan heater, I have read reviews for Haven and lots say they have ran out of heaters at the hire shop, so for £10 I would take my own in case. Possibly also take your own duvets as Havens can sometimes be very thin and worn x

steph2901

I'm going to France in October half term and know it's likely to be freezing, so will be taking a fan heater, fleece blankets, sleeping bags and onesies

arbroath_lass

Katgoddess wrote: »

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I'm thinking an electric blanket will be an investment for night time.

If you don't want an electric blanket a cheap duvet under your sheet will keep you warmer.