6 BEST METRIS ACCESSORIES FOR WINTER CAMPING
Embrace the coldest season of the year in your Metris camper van.
It’s no secret that camping in the Pacific Northwest can be rugged in the winter. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and the roads are icier. Despite these facts, winter is still a great time to travel the PNW–less crowds, cheaper accommodations, and winter recreation opportunities. We encourage you to get outdoors all year round–this can be made more accessible by using some of our 6 best Metris accessories for winter camping.
1. Camping Heater
This is first on our list for a reason. We’ve all been there when camping–wearing three layers of clothing under your mummy sleeping bag and still shivering all night long. Despite being insulated, even camper vans can get cold in the winter, especially when you’re sleeping in the pop-top bed. After having a heater installed, you’ll feel like you’re sleeping in a cozy home without having to pack extra layers of clothing and blankets.
Our team installs the Webasto Air Top 2000 STC camping heater–the best in the business. We use the gasoline model and tie it into the van’s fuel tank, so you’ll never need to worry about running out of heater fuel. Even on high, the heater burns only 0.07 gallons per hour. If you’re considering ordering a Metris camper, just let our team know you want a heater and we’ll have it installed for you. If you already have a van, contact us and we’ll see when we can fit you in!
2. PERFORMANCE Suspension Lift Kit
Our performance suspension lift kit is a great way to add more ground clearance to your Metris while also allowing for an upgrade in tire size, enabling more aggressive tires that drastically improve the performance of the Metris in off-road and snow conditions.
For customers who want to go the "next level," the Performance Suspension Upgrade is a complete overhaul of the van's shocks and springs using a time-tested and proven kit from our partners at the Twin-Monotube-Projekt company in Germany, who engineer and manufacture performance upgrades for many vehicles. Not only does this kit lift the van 1.5” to allow for improved clearance and application of bigger and better tires, but the handling of the van is markedly improved with a tighter steering feel and all-around upgraded performance. Our standard lift kit works great for most customers, but this is a fantastic upgrade for those who care about the "drive feel" of their vehicles.
3. Snow Chains
If you frequently travel over the passes, snow chains are a must. The Metris is not an AWD vehicle, so snow chains are required during certain parts of the year. When installed correctly, they provide you with better vehicle traction in the snow and ice. Be sure to remove them when you leave icy areas, as they can damage your tires if driven on dry pavement.
Our favorite chains for the Metris are the König XG-12 Pro snow chains. We do not sell these at Peace Vans, but they can be purchased directly from König here.
4. All Terrain Tires
If you’re anything like us, you’re going to want to explore beyond where the pavement ends. For improved off-road capability, we offer the all-terrain tire upgrade.
We spec the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 in the 225/65 r17 size, which are about 1.5 inches larger in diameter than the stock tires–giving you some additional ground clearance. More importantly, they offer significantly better grip and puncture resistance off-road without sacrificing on-road performance.
While not a “true” winter tire, the Geolandars are also severe snow service rated (3PMSF) for confident traction in the winter, making them a great option for the occasional drive over the pass. We generally advise pairing these tires with our 1.5 inch lift kit, but they do fit with the stock suspension. Our team is very happy with the Geolandars, but if you want more true winter tires, our team is happy to help you find some that will work on your Metris.
5. Roof Rack Track System
Our roof rack track system comes with tracks, a crossbar system, and stronger struts. If you’re someone who needs a bit of extra storage for skis or other gear, this is a great option. This system is designed to hold both Yakima and Thule crossbars and accessories. The tracks are professionally mounted by our team in Seattle, and are inset in the pop top so they don’t add any height to the van. However, the crossbars and roof box will add height.
We offer stronger struts for your pop top, allowing a bit more weight to be left on the roof of the van. With the stronger struts, 60-70 pounds of gear can be left on the roof when the top is popped.
Note that the lightest cargo boxes weigh about 45 pounds, so you’ll be able to have a box and light gear up there. In either configuration, the max weight when the top is down is 125 pounds. If you carry a heavy load of gear in your roof box, you can always remove it before popping the top.
6. WeatherTech All-Weather Floor mats
After a long day of skiing, there's nothing more frustrating than finding melted snow water all over your van. The solution? WeatherTech All-Weather Floor Mats.
These top-quality, USA-made mats protect the floors of your Metris from water, dirt, debris, and more. Their precise, custom-fit design ensures maximum coverage and defense for your vehicle's flooring. In addition to their functional benefits, WeatherTech mats are aesthetically pleasing, complementing the interior of your camper van with a polished and tailored look. By choosing these mats, you are making a practical and stylish choice to enhance the overall longevity, cleanliness, and visual appeal of your camper van's interior.
Ready to hit the road this winter?
The winter is the best time to plan a road trip if you want to avoid crowds and expensive accommodations. Check out our favorite national parks to visit in the off-season, our winter weekend in Leavenworth, and our beginner’s guide to winter hiking, all on our Peace Vans blog.
Interested in learning more about our Metris camper vans? We have a limited number left in stock, so we recommend placing an order as soon as possible. Learn more about our different conversion styles here.
Ready to hit the slopes this winter in your Metris camper? Click the link below to order one of our six favorite winter accessories for the optimal winter weekend.
