Preparing Your Caravan or Motorhome For Storage This Winter

The clocks have changed and the temperature’s dropping, so for many caravan and motorhome owners winter storage beckons.

Whether you have a top end winterised caravan or an older model requiring more attention, there’s plenty you can do to prepare your home-from-home for winter.

End The Season With A Thorough Interior Clean

Vacuum the inside, including cupboards and storage bins, thoroughly – and clear out and clean the fridge. This discourages mould growth and vermin (see below), which can seriously damage your van. Include underfloor and externally accessed storage areas in your routine

Empty Your Caravan Of All belongings

Emptying your caravan maximises air flow in cupboards, reduces the risk of damaging condensation and removes an incentive for thieves. Removing things like cushions, curtains and bedding will ensure you can use them again next year. This will save you money in the long run as you’ll avoid damp and stains damaging your interior accessories. You should also leave the cupboard doors and bed lockers open, as it will show there’s nothing of value hidden away.

Discourage Vermin

As well as removing all food sources, inspect your caravan for potential entry points for vermin, such as broken seals or gas drop hold grills. They only need the tiniest gap to gain entry and they’ll wreak havoc if they do!  Fridge vent covers block one potential entry point for vermin (as well as rain and moisture) while still allowing a small amount of necessary ventilation and breathability. This is a useful strategy, but never block the main habitation vent. 

If using a storage facility, make sure to ask the operator about their anti-vermin programme on-site

Deal With Moisture

Moisture can seriously  devalue your van and can cause rot or unpleasant mould that can be very hard to shift . It’s therefore important to thoroughly dry your caravan or motorhome after cleaning, including the bathroom and kitchen. Place moisture absorbing granules in cupboards, lockers etc. Leave beds and seating in the ‘up’ position to promote airflow. Check all the seals on windows, doors and skylights, and make sure they’re closed.

Drain Down Your Caravan Water System

Water trapped in pipework can cause serious damage to your system and interiors if it freezes and expands in icy weather. To avoid this, open all taps and drain valves, remove plugs, remove shower head, remove filters and if your pump allows dry running, run for a few seconds.

This also provides a good opportunity to check your pipes and seals for wear. This is a good time to replace any parts ready for spring. We carry many spares online.

Purge, Clean And Dry Toilet System

This is especially important if you want to keep your van fresh and hygienic, and the various working parts of your system in peak condition. Drain and clean your toilet cassette and flushing tank thoroughly, inspect seals and clean / lubricate the valve blade. Make sure to leave the valve partially open to prevent it from seizing. Again run the pump for a few seconds to remove water from pump internals.

Prepare your gas system for winter

Gas safety is important in and around your van. To prevent dangerous leaks, disconnect and cap gas bottles then seal off pipework ends to prevent water ingress.

It’s a good idea to ask your storage provider about their gas policy (rules vary from one to the next). If storing your gas bottles yourself, do so in the open air, well away from heat sources, flame and open drains or cellars (the gas is heavier than air and will sink).

Winter-proof your caravan heating system

This is an expensive component in any van and is prone to frost damage if water is involved. Check your manual for details about winterising your heating system. These will vary, depending on the system installed but it could avoid a nasty bill!

Our online shop carries a good range of Alde boiler spares. 

Leisure battery maintenance

Cold temperatures seriously degrade the performance of leisure batteries and can cause internal damage that’s impossible to repair. Unless needed to power security devices or you If you have an electrical hook up, consider removing the battery and storing it in a safe, frost free location, such as your garage or workshop.

Always follow safety guidelines for transporting, storing and maintaining batteries. An intelligent charger will help keep your battery in good condition. 

Siting your van

There are many storage providers, from casual landowners looking to make some extra cash from a field to highly professional set ups. Cassoa.co.uk provides a comprehensive guide, but check things out for yourself – including where your van will be kept, the security measures and maintenance services.

If self-storing, avoid parking under trees or near unstable structures – and check local laws and property covenants concerning parking vans on your driveway.

Securing your van for the winter

Caravans and motorhomes can make an appealing target for vehicle thieves, so deploy all your security measures, including hitch locks and wheel clamps. Make sure doors are securely locked. Remove all seat cushions if possible – this makes stolen vans far less saleable. After cleaning the interior of your caravan, close and lock all windows for additional security.

Wash Your Caravan’s Exterior

Baked on dirt, tree sap and mud can damage your paintwork so wash your van thoroughly, including roof and underside, before storage. Use proprietary caravan products and beware of pressure washers, which can easily damage bodywork, components and seals.  

Always allow the exterior to dry before you apply a cover.

Thoroughly clean and dry your awnings, pup tents etc. as these are prime candidates for mildew build-up over the winter.   

Caravan wheel covers

If you do decide to leave your caravan wheels in situ, wheel covers will help protect them and somewhat reduce the flow of cold air below. We stock adjustable single and dual axle wheel covers in our online shop to fit most makes.

Keep an eye on your van over winter

Don’t let out of sight be out of mind. Inspect your caravan or motorhome regularly for any signs of leakage, pests, damp or attempted entry. Use the season for servicing and maintenance when workshops are at their quietest. 

If you would like someone to complete winterisation on your behalf, visit your local bailey dealer or a competent independent workshop like Bristol Caravans. 

For tips and accessories for stress-free touring in the colder months read our winter caravanning blog.