The Ultimate Guide to Winterising your Caravan

Published 24/10/2024

The Ultimate Guide to Winterising your Caravan

You may have noticed the sudden drop in temperature and the dark night’s drawing in, which can only mean one thing – winter is on its way! You may be preparing to put your caravan into hibernation, but did you know it needs some TLC beforehand? This is a process known as winterisation, and it ensures that your caravan stays in a good state over the winter months. Don’t worry if this seems daunting, here at Caravan Tech we have created the ultimate guide to winterising your caravan, so you’ll be ready to roll when spring arrives!

Security and Storage

Storage Location

 

Firstly, you need to decide whether you’ll be storing your caravan at home, or with a professional storage firm.

If you decide to go with a professional storage company, there are a few things that need to be considered. To start, ensure that you choose a firm who is reputable, with a range of positive reviews. It is important to check factors such as how secure the premises are, if it is manned by real people, if there are cameras, and what level of insurance they hold in regards to damage and loss to your caravan. Additionally, it is important to check your caravan insurance, to ensure that you are still covered when storing with a third party.

It may be beneficial to consider the size of the site plots as well. If a site has small plots, it can limit the use of a tow car, and can require a large amount of maneuvering to get your caravan into place.

Security Measures

 

There are also a range of security measures that can be put in place to provide additional peace of mind. However, it is important to ensure that you comply with the standards of security that are determined in your insurance policy. Wheel Clamps and Hitch Locks are two great options – at Caravan Tech, we offer a wide range of security products, including insurance-approved options.

Protect Water Systems

 

One of the most common issues that can occur during the winter months is frost damage. To prevent this, water systems, such as pipework, taps, fittings and heater components, need to be drained down.

Start by opening all of your taps inside your vehicle, to prevent pressure building. A top tip is to open them exactly half way between hot and cold, so it drains both tanks! Then, open all drain valves and remove drainage plugs, and remove the shower head and shake it to remove any remaining water. If you have an internal water tank, ensure this is fully drained, and remove your water filter. If you have an onboard pump, run it for a few minutes, remembering that they can run dry for around a minute. Drain and dry any portable water containers and your water heater; it is important to follow the instructions for your water heater as drainage instructions can vary. Finally, plug all water inlets and waste outlet points to prevent any insects from entering the caravan. At Caravan Tech, we offer two Floe drain down systems – one compatible with Truma and one with Whale, to make drainage as easy as possible.

Inspect and Clean Bodywork

 

Cleaning and inspecting the bodywork of your caravan is a key step to ensure that you remove even small dust and dirt particles, especially before you fit a cover. During windy winters, any dust and dirt that is trapped between the caravan body and the cover have potential to scratch the surface.

It is important that you use products that are specially formulated for use on caravans, to ensure that you don’t damage the bodywork and seals. It can be tempting to use a pressure washer to remove tough dirt, but they can unintentionally cause damage to the bodywork.

Fit a Caravan Cover or Use a Protective Coating

 

We highly recommend using a caravan cover, because it is one of the most effective methods to protect the interior and exterior of your caravan from factors that can prematurely age its surfaces. Ensure that your cover is breathable, while also being soft enough to not damage the surface, but tough enough to ensure longevity.

If you choose to not use a caravan cover, we highly recommend you use a protective coating, such as Fenwick’s Overwintering. This product acts as a protective ‘jacket’ for the winter months, and actively repels water, dirt and algae.

Check your Tyres

 

It is important that your tyres are not left standing on the same piece of tread for long time periods, because this can deform, weaken or even crack your tyre. It is vital to turn the tyres every 6 to 8 weeks to ensure this doesn’t occur. Wheel savers can also be a great option: they stop the wheels from making direct contact with the ground, which is the number one cause of tyre degradation!

General Exterior Inspection

 

There are also a few general exterior checks that need to be completed before storage. Store your caravan with all of the corner steadies down and keep the handbrake off to prevent sticking. Apply grease to any moving mechanical parts, and wipe electrical contacts with petroleum jelly or a product like WD-40. It is also important to check for damage to road lights, and to inspect aluminum rails, seals and rubbers for any leaks or cracks. Finally, remove gas cylinders, and store them in a cool, ventilated place.

General Interior Inspection

Now that the outside of the caravan is prepped for the winter, it’s vital to check the interior. Remove all belongings, especially valuables such as TVs, to deter thieves and ensure that you won’t lose any possessions if your caravan was broken into. Remove food to stop any risk of mold, and vacuum to remove any crumbs that could encourage insects or rodents entering. It is also important to either remove cushions, bedding and upholstery, or stand them on end, at least an inch away from the walls, to allow air to circulate and prevent the formulation of mildew.

Close and lock all rooflights and windows, unless they have a spring mechanism. Spring products are best left open to save the springs from gradually stretching over time, reducing their efficiency. Increase air circulation by leaving doors, fixed beds and fridge doors open. Dehumidifiers and moisture traps are a great option to keep moisture under control.

Remove the Leisure Battery

 

Unless your leisure battery is connected to the alarm system, remove it, wipe it, clean the terminals and top it up with distilled water (if needed). Store the battery in a cool, dry place and check its charge every 6-8 weeks, topping up as necessary.

Check the Toilet

 

Finally, we’ve left the best job until last – checking the toilet. A cassette toilet should be thoroughly drained and cleaned, so you can keep your caravan fresh and clean. The seal should be lubricated to ensure that the blade doesn’t stick, as this can occur when closed for long time periods.

Hopefully this guide has given you all the knowledge you need to prep your caravan for the winter! However, if you do find that you have any issues over the winter or want to get a service before you use your caravan again, we offer a range of general repairs, as well as mobile servicing for those in East and West Sussex and Kent! If you have any other queries, feel free to get in contact with us!


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