with Dethleffs caravans
The Allgäu – Dethleffs headquarters since 1931 – is a popular winter destination with its long winters and abundance of snow. It is therefore hardly surprising that Dethleffs has earned a reputation as a true winter expert. You can recognise this from standard features such as the Dethleffs AirPlus overhead-locker ventilation and our particularly well-insulated living areas; but also from the fact that you can order most models with comfortable warm-water heating with separate heating circuits, internal wastewater tanks and optional flush fitting windows.
Winterproof: Dethleffs Winter Comfort Packages
A unique feature of Dethleffs is our optional Winter Comfort Packages – they allow true winter fans to enjoy winter camping even in icy temperatures. Numerous clever details ensure limitless winter fun, such as the use of highly compressed XPS foam as an insulation material, a powerful warm-water heating system as well as insulated and heated wastewater pipes, which prevent the water circuit from freezing. And the floor heating, which can be operated electrically or with hot water depending on the system, is a touch of pure luxury.
Experience winter camping in a new light – with winterised vehicle technology from Dethleffs, the winter specialists.
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- AirPlus ventilates the overhead lockers and thus prevents the formation of condensation
- The XPS insulation combined with the 34 mm-thick walls and 42mm-thick floor provides optimum insulation, even in freezing temperatures
- The water pipes are laid directly on the
heating pipes and thus protected from
freezing (fig. warm-water heating)
- Whether hot water or electric, the floor
heating ensures uniform heat distribution –
and warm fee
- Heated and insulated 42l
wastewater tank so that nothing
freezes – even when the mercury
falls below zero (only included
in the “Beduin Scandinavia”
series)
Dethleffs indoor climate systems
For a feel-good atmosphere – even in winter
AirPlus overhead locker ventilation
Wherever warm air cools quickly, moisture is generated – in a caravan, this primarily occurs on the exterior walls during very cold weather. Our AirPlus system provides rear ventilation for the overhead lockers, which improves the air circulation in the room and prevents the build-up of condensation from the outset. The result is healthy interior air without mould formation or mould spots.
First-class insulation values
The better insulated your vehicle is, the lower your energy costs for heating or air conditioning will be. The living area inside your Dethleffs caravan is constructed using extra chunky sandwich elements, including 34mm-thick walls and a 42mmthick floor – above-average values that guarantee first-class insulation.
Enjoy the perfect indoor climate with premium warm-water heating
Our premium warm-water heating ensures even and comfortable heat distribution throughout the vehicle. As a fanless system it is ideal for allergy sufferers. Combined with the optional floor heating, it creates an optimal living climate, even for bare feet.
The Winterproof Endurance Test
For a feel-good atmosphere – even in winter
Swedish winters can be very cold. Especially in the cold chamber of our Swedish supplier for caravan warm-water heaters. This was where we chose to put one of our winterproof caravans from the Allgäu through its paces. We subjected a Dethleffs Caravan equipped with our Winter Comfort Package to a real endurance test at -30°C – watched live by Scandinavian and German journalists.
Let the test begin:
For the test in accordance with DIN EN 1645-1, the vehicle is cooled down to -15°C. Subsequently, the temperature in the interior must have reached a pleasant 20°C after 4 hours. Our hardy caravan from the Allgäu not only reached +20°C in just 2.5 hours, but also passed the Dethleffs endurance test at a canter – with the outdoor thermometer showing a frosty -30°C. And inside? Cosily pleasant temperatures and satisfied faces on the technicians and journalists.
Suitable for winter use – or fully winterproof?
”Suitable for winter use“ means that, at an outside temperature of 0°C, the vehicle’s interior can be permanently heated to 20°C. This is the case for all production vehicles from Dethleffs. For most manufacturers, “winterproof” describes a vehicle that complies with inspection level 3 of the DIN EN 1645-1 standard. This stipulates that it must be possible to heat a completely cold vehicle from -15°C to +20°C in just four hours.
- AirPlus ventilates the overhead lockers and thus prevents the formation of condensation
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It’s so easy to make your Dethleffs winterproof
Being a true Allgäu native, every Dethleffs caravan is a big fan of winter camping. This means you can enjoy a winter trip even with a compact caravan (from our Camper series). Our Winter Comfort Packages are available with electric heating or a fanless or warm-water heating system (ideal for allergy sufferers). In addition, all packages include floor heating.
also depending on the series:
- Hot-water floor heating (only in comb. with option 205)
- Heated and insulated 42-litre waste water tank
- Waste water pipes insulated and heated
- Electric autonomy equipment
- XPS insulation for front, rear and sides
- Flush-fitting windows
Detailed information on the packages can be found in the current caravan price list.
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Practical winter accessories
In order to improve the winter-readiness of your existing vehicle, tailor-made winter accessories are available from Dethleffs Original Accessories. Retailers such as Movera also offer a wide range of useful additions.
For caravans with a roof flue, a flue extension (1) makes sense if there is a lot of snow; special windbreak covers are also available. With heating systems with side-wall flues, there is the risk of condensation freezing and obstructing the exhaust air. Special attachments (2) prevent ice formation. If heating with gas, you are well advised to carry a reserve bottle. The only downside is if you need to change the bottle at night. The DuoControl (3) automatically switches over to the full bottle for you. The lower the temperatures, the better the insulation should be. Thermal mats (4) can be used as additional insulation for your windows.
In winter, wheel covers and sleeves (5) for the piping profile prevent cold wind from blowing under the vehicle and into the awning.Water systems can be protected with the universal EisEx heated cable (6), which is laid along the wastewater pipes and powered by the 12V supply. Please note: this requires a compatible connection as well as a suitable transformer for 230V operation. Real winter camping fans swear by floor heating. This can also be retrofitted as an electrical variant. There are also special heating mats (7) which can be laid under any carpet that is suitable for floor heating. They can be regulated via timer, thermostat or dimmer and are available in 12V and 230V versions.
For more information Dethleffs Dealers
or www.dethleffs-original-zubehoer.com -
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Tips & tricks Caravans
Stay safe on the road in winter
To ensure you don’t get caught out in icy and snowy conditions, there are several things you should keep in mind:- Winter tyres are a “must” during the cold months of the year.
- Always go easy on the accelerator, steering wheel and brakes on slippery roads, because even assistive technologies such as electronic stability control have their limits.
- Always maintain sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead. Only by doing so will you have enough time to react in an emergency.
- Particular care should be taken on bridges, roads through dense forest, and shaded, north-facing surfaces – frost and black ice may be lurking there.
- Slow down whenever visibility is poor. A rule of thumb, if you can’t see beyond 50 metres, don’t drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
- Your motto should always be “see and be seen”. Switch on your lights before you need to and keep headlights, indicators and sidelights free of snow and dirt.
- Put on snow chains in due time – before you start your trip, take time to practice putting them on and removing them while under no time pressure.
Make your caravan ready for winter
Glittering snow and enchanting winter landscapes are best enjoyed in a warm and cosy caravan. However, to make your winter fairytale come true you need to do some preparation. Here are the most important tips for getting your vehicle in top condition for the winter.- Put special winter gear in your vehicle (see checklist on the right).
- Weight on the drive axle of the towing vehicle gives you extra traction and helps when manoeuvring on snow and ice.
- Remove snow from the caravan before setting off on your trip: snow and ice that suddenly breaks loose from your roof can endanger others.
- The best campsites are often fully booked – so get in touch and reserve your spot ahead of time.
- If you can avoid it, do not park your caravan under trees covered with snow. If snow and ice are dislodged, roof fans can be damaged.
- Place small boards or special plates underneath the crank supports so they do not sink into the ground and get frozen in place.
- Always keep forced ventilation for the vehicle and gas systems clear; remove snow under the vehicle if necessary.
- Keep the exhaust gas flue of the gas heating free of snow and ice.
- Route power cables in such a way that they cannot freeze to surfaces or be damaged when removing snow.
- Avoid introducing moisture into the interior; knock snow off clothing outside the vehicle. Briefly air out the interior by opening all doors and windows in the morning and after cooking.
- Release the handbrake so that the rods, cables and brake shoes do not freeze up (use wheel chocks to secure the caravan against rolling away).
And then sit back and watch the driving snow with a cosy cup of tea.
Have fun!
