COLD CLIMATE AND SNOW? NO NEED TO FRET: PLAN AHEAD AND LET YOUR FIAT DUCATO MOTORHOME TAKE IT ALL IN ITS STRIDE.

Tyres and fuel: an important choice

We are well aware that the possibility of feeling free on board is what makes recreational vehicles the best choice for so many of us. However, planning ahead and making the right choices will prevent us from finding ourselves with a frozen engine because we weren’t careful when choosing the best fuel! Before setting off, we must ensure that we have the most suitable model of tyres for our requirements, also by asking our trusted service point for advice. Similarly, if we’re headed for areas where temperatures are expected to reach 10 degrees below zero, we need to kit ourselves out with Arctic Diesel, on sale in almost all fuel stations in these areas. The last thing to watch out for when it comes to fuel is the quantity: leaving your tank almost empty during breaks, especially long overnight ones, will make it more likely for it to freeze up. So, it’s always a good idea to fill up your tank before stopping, so that you don’t run any risks.

Planning the trip: a maximum 20 km range

As mentioned above, during the cold months, planning becomes essential. To understand the best things to do and how much distance we can safely travel from a place where help is at hand, we need to do a simple mathematical calculation. So, maps at the ready!
If we’re planning an adventure in the mountains, we should ensure we’re not stopping overnight in a place that’s further than 20 km from the nearest city where all the support services you might need are available. As well as enabling us to return home quickly in case the weather takes a turn for the worse, this will also ensure that we receive prompt assistance in case of unexpected circumstances. We should therefore select the centre of our circle with a radius of 20 km and choose our next destination in this space. We know that this might seem restrictive for those whose sense of freedom knows no bounds, but we motorhome owners are famous for our ability to adapt to the circumstances!

Last tip: careful maintenance

The last important precaution to take before leaving for the winter months is none other than to have our beloved Fiat Ducato-based motorhome carefully serviced and therefore ensure that it’s in splendid form!
If you notice any drips or leaks coming from the water system (keep an eye out for ice in the plumbing!). And don’t even think about setting off unless you’ve given the heating system the once over: if it happens to break down, this could oblige us to come back early. A full, detailed check on all these parts, and on the vehicle’s general health, is what we need to do if we want to be sure we’re travelling safely.

Obviously, it’s also important that you pack all the personal belongings you’ll need for your trip, but we’ll leave packing your case entirely up to you!

We've now come to the end of this short handbook for our winter trips... a new itinerary is just about to begin! The adventures you experience on board your Fiat Ducato-based motorhome are unique, in every season, if planned responsibly and with a sole objective in mind: safety.