Winterisation Guide

Winterising your caravan or motorhome is essential to prevent costly frost damage to plumbing, deter pests, and avoid dampness. It involves completely draining the water systems, deeply cleaning the interior, and protecting the tyres and the motorhome engine. 

 

1. Water System Protection

Water expands when frozen, which can easily crack water pumps, taps, and pipework.

• Drain all tanks: Fully open the drain valves on both your fresh and waste water tanks.

• Drain the boiler: Open the drain valve on your water heater (such as the Truma system) to empty it completely.

• Open all taps: Set all taps (kitchen, bathroom, shower, and toilet flush) to the midway (hot/cold) position and leave them open. This vents the system so any remaining moisture can expand safely without splitting the pipes.

• Flush the toilet: Operate the toilet flush to clear the pump and lines.

 

2. Deep Clean, Damp Prevention and Pest Prevention

Leaving any food crumbs behind or failing to manage humidity will attract vermin or allow stubborn mildew to grow.  

• Remove all food: Take out all perishable and packet foods.

• Fridge and freezer: Wipe down the inside and leave the fridge door latched slightly ajar to prevent musty odours and mould.

• Upholstery: Remove all soft furnishings, bedding, and mattresses if possible. If you must leave them in the van, store them upright away from the outer walls to allow air to circulate and prevent damp patches.

• Cupboards and doors: Leave all interior cabinet doors and lockers slightly open to enhance airflow. Lower any drop-down beds to stop the mattress from forming damp pockets against the ceiling.

 

3. Caravan and Motorhome Exterior​

• Brakes and wheels: Do not leave the handbrake applied, as the brake pads can bind to the drums over time. Instead, leave the vehicle in gear and chock the wheels securely.

• Doors and windows: Treat all door and window seals with silicone spray before wintering. Make sure they are all closed and locked securely.

• Tyres: To avoid flat spots and tyre degradation, over-inflate your tyres slightly or move the vehicle a short distance periodically.

• Gas: Isolate and turn off all gas cylinders, removing them entirely if you are parking the vehicle in a secure storage facility.

• Leisure Battery: Disconnect the battery from the vehicle. For caravans, take the battery home and periodically trickle charge to maintain optimum battery performance.

• Motorhome Fuel and antifreeze: Top off the diesel tank to reduce condensation buildup, and check that your engine coolant and screenwash have adequate antifreeze.

 

4. Security

• Make sure all windows and external lockers are securely locked.

• Activate all alarms and tracking devices. For caravans, use hitch locks and wheel clamps.

​

If you have any questions on the above, or anything else regarding the preparation of your caravan or motorhome for winter storage, please complete the form below or call us on 07849 943349.