We want to use our Westy in temperatures below the factory specified limit of -10°C without problems - freezing water lines, cold areas inside etc. We have actually used it offgrid at -10°C without problems - only extra was a outside winter cover for the windshield and the front door windows. Cold areas were located at the footwell below the dashboard and at the sliding door - this was leaking a lot of cold into the van. We have also read about waterlines freezing.
I have searched how and where improvements can be made.
First step was to purchase prefabricated inside winter covers for the windscreen and front door windows. With both outside and inside covers we should have enough insulation for the single glass windows.
Next step was to buy a sheet of the same material and make a cover for the entire sliding door. We used the factory installed fasteners for the mosquitonet to fasten the cover. I have attached pictures of the cover mounted. In the future we might add a zipper running from bottom to top for easier access. This mod made a huge difference - the cold leaks from the sliding door are minimized and as a result the heater fan runs on lower rpm.
We are also making a cover for the footwell below the dashboard - I will attach more pictures when it is finished and in place.
Third step is to secure the waterlines from freezing. Westfalia have routed the lines next to the heater hoses to keep them from freezing. I have followed the routing and the only weak spot I have found is below the toilet where the lines are far from the heater hose (se pictures) close to the valve used for emptying the waterheater. My plan is to wrap the heater hose and the water lines with some of the insulating material I have previously used, making a contained package were enough heat hopefully will stay to keep the waterlines from freezing.
I'll report back how things progress.
(I don't know why the pictures are rotated when uploaded?)
I have searched how and where improvements can be made.
First step was to purchase prefabricated inside winter covers for the windscreen and front door windows. With both outside and inside covers we should have enough insulation for the single glass windows.
Next step was to buy a sheet of the same material and make a cover for the entire sliding door. We used the factory installed fasteners for the mosquitonet to fasten the cover. I have attached pictures of the cover mounted. In the future we might add a zipper running from bottom to top for easier access. This mod made a huge difference - the cold leaks from the sliding door are minimized and as a result the heater fan runs on lower rpm.
We are also making a cover for the footwell below the dashboard - I will attach more pictures when it is finished and in place.
Third step is to secure the waterlines from freezing. Westfalia have routed the lines next to the heater hoses to keep them from freezing. I have followed the routing and the only weak spot I have found is below the toilet where the lines are far from the heater hose (se pictures) close to the valve used for emptying the waterheater. My plan is to wrap the heater hose and the water lines with some of the insulating material I have previously used, making a contained package were enough heat hopefully will stay to keep the waterlines from freezing.
I'll report back how things progress.
(I don't know why the pictures are rotated when uploaded?)
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