Winterisation Devon Aztec

[DizzyHippy]

Hi I am new to owning a motorhome and put a deposit down on a 2008 Devon Aztec at the weekend. I read some previous comments about them only being summer vans. What exactly does that mean? I had hoped to be able to use it March to November at least. In my wee campervan we managed fine late November with a little oil radiator on board and that was a pop top!

 

[MikeD]

We have a PVC and they are fine for three seasons use but I suspect if you fancied spending the winter skiing in the mountains it might be a bit uncomfortable.

Compared to a coach built van they generally have much less insulation to keep the place warm.

But welcome to the forum

 

[Lenny HB]

I read some previous comments about them only being summer vans. What exactly does that mean?

The insulation may not be up to the level of a fully winterised van but as long as it has a decent heater that won't be a problem.
The main problem for winter use it that it will probably have uninsulated external tanks. Unless we get a very cold March or November should be OK for your use. You can still get by in very cold weather by leaving the waste valve open draining into a bucket or container & keeping some water in a container inboard although you would have to forgo your morning shower.

 

[dotsontour]

You would manage march to October in your Devon Aztec for sure . However @ Lenny HB gave good advise re water tanks etc. As you said you managed in a pop up so you will be fine in your Devon .
good luck and enjoy

 

[DizzyHippy]

Thanks, that is assuring. I had thought that I would just revert to what I did in the campervan by taking big bottles of drinking water and staying on sites with facilities! Emptying the water before it turns cold. I am getting very excited.

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[Ranger]

We had a Devon Sahara and used it down to -8 fine and the only problem was the underslung water tank as would be expected. Devon's are insulated with Thinsulate and it is the material I insisted on our converters using on our present conversion, it's light, doesn't absorb moisture and works well but is expensive.

 

[Waveski]

I have a Vantage PVC with underslung tanks which I use all year round. I easily survived -7C in February during the Beast from the East. A short pipe underneath did freeze briefly overnight and interrupted the pumped fresh water. I now have a heater in the water tank which stops that problem but it is only used on hook up as it take about 7 amps. The waste water tap is left open and drains into a bucket. Also don’t forget the toilet cassette; if it’s likely to be very cold overnight I put washing up water etc into the cassette rather than through the waste water tank.
Generally the van keeps very toasty and keeping warm is not a problem at all. I have been a very keen skier but I think a PVC would be ”challenging” to use for as a base for skiing!
Enjoy your new van.