How to Winterise a Caravan

Your summer of exploration and excitement in the caravan is now over. Your holiday home now sits idle on your driveway or in your garage for the next few months, hibernating until you are ready to get out there again. A caravan in winter is vulnerable, and to ensure you can continue enjoying it, there are a host of things to do that mean, come summer, you’ll be good to go and your caravan won’t be suffering from exposure to the elements.

In this blog, we look at winterising a caravan and run you through all the essentials that keep your caravan in its best condition.

Caravan winter storage options

One of the first things to think about is where your caravan will be stored during the colder months. In many cases, outside your house will be a likely option, but CaSSOA (Caravan Storage Site Owners Association) has a range of sites that allow you to store your caravan should home storage not be possible. Most of these sites are outside, making it much the same as if you are keeping your caravan at home, but some do have undercover storage. Research this in advance if choosing a CaSSOA site, as if you can organise your garage and store your caravan there, it may be a better option.

Regardless of where you store it, be wary of overhanging trees, bird droppings and potential vermin. Many storage sites have vermin control programmes in place, but this isn’t always the case, and if rats or mice find a way into your caravan, it could be disastrous!

Once you’ve decided where to store your caravan, you can start prepping it for the colder months.

Protecting the bodywork

The bodywork of your caravan is delicate, and cold weather can greatly affect it. Caravan covers for winter can be a useful addition, providing a barrier against cold air, snow, rain, sleet and more. You can also use a specialist wax to protect it, but before applying either the cover or the wax, clean the bodywork first. This will help you identify any existing signs of damage and get them fixed in advance of shutting your caravan away for the coming months.

Avoid pressure washers when cleaning the bodywork, as they can cause significant damage. Instead, use caravan-friendly products and apply them as directed. You may also notice mould spots as you clean. Remove these, as over winter, the damp air will help them grow and cause harm to your caravan.

Protecting the wheels

Your caravan will be motionless for a few months, and whilst this may not put the majority of the caravan under any excess stress, it can lead to issues with the wheels. You don’t want the same piece of tread to remain in contact with the road or driveway surface for prolonged periods. It’ll lead to wear and damage, which only means you’ll spend more cash on getting it fixed. Instead, turn the wheels approximately every 8 weeks, checking the tyre pressure at the same time. If you keep your caravan outside, be wary of how much sun exposure it gets. Even though temperatures are lower, the sun can still be powerful, and over time, its presence may lead to degradation of the tyre rubber. Consider caravan winter wheels. These special clamps prevent degradation, but are often viewed unfavourably by insurers, so it may be worth checking first.

Protecting the exterior fittings of a caravan in winter

You’ll have already cleaned the exterior before deciding on using a cover or wax to protect your caravan in winter, but there are still plenty of other things to consider. Check the 13-pin or 12N and 12S car-to-caravan connectors for signs of damage. Clean over the electrical contacts and then apply WD-40 or petroleum jelly. This will help protect these parts during the colder, wetter weather.

Then, assess all moving parts, such as corner steadies or rotating screws and apply grease to them. It will also be beneficial to look at the external light fittings. Clean the seals and lens, and then check the connections.

A top tip from the Camping and Caravan Club is to have all corner steadies down and the handbrake off, so it doesn’t stick. Then use wheel chocks if need be to help keep the caravan in place.

Protecting the interior of your caravan in winter

Winterising your caravan interior is just as important as the exterior, in some cases, even more so. This quick checklist will definitely help you return to a caravan that’s clean, free from damp, smells and vermin.

• Keep fridge door ajar to prevent mildew buildup.
• Remove cushions from the caravan and store them at home in a dry, well-ventilated place. If you leave them in the caravan, store them upright away from any of the caravan walls. This will allow for better air flow and reduce the possibility of mould appearing.
• If you have fixed beds, leave them open to allow sufficient air flow.
• Give each area a thorough cleaning with suitable products, removing debris, rubbish and other items as you go.
• Vacuum all areas.
• Leave any wardrobe doors open.
• Coat any hinges with a light amount of oil or WD-40 to prevent rust. Just watch the surfaces, as such products can cause staining and other damage.
• If you have blinds that are spring-loaded, leave them open. This will reduce the strain on the springs and reduce the potential for them to get overstretched.
• Inspect all areas where mould could be a concern. Under sinks, in bathrooms, kitchen areas, etc. Ensure they are not damp and are clean before storing your caravan.

Draining the water system when winterising a caravan

Draining down the water system is essential when winterising a caravan. We’ve put together a complete guide on how to drain down a touring caravan. You’ll find all the essential information there, but for now, we’ll give you a brief rundown of what you should do. The smallest amount of water can lead to huge problems, so:

• Open all the taps
• Remove the shower head
• Remove any water filters (keep them safe for when you start using the caravan again!)
• Open all drain valves, remove all plugs
• Run your water pump to clear any water (this can vary per caravan, so check your handbook first)
• Drain any portable water containers and dry them out.

With the toilet, cassette toilets should be drained and cleaned out. Flush as much water as possible through the system and into the waste tank. Remove the tank, empty it and clean it out. You’ll notice the valve blade that seals the toilet from the waste tank. Clean this with a seal lubricant and then leave it partially open to prevent it from sticking shut.

Winterising your caravan electrics

Your caravan will be out of action for quite some time, and even the smallest item left on standby will be slowly draining your leisure battery. This could leave you with little to no battery power when you come to use the caravan next. Make sure the battery is fully charged and then isolated from all 12V equipment. You can also unplug all items and make sure that everything is switched to “off” for minimal battery drain. Even disconnected, batteries will drain a little, so it’s advisable to keep the battery at home and occasionally charge it. If you leave it more than 6 weeks before charging, you may see that your battery no longer holds a full charge.

If your battery powers security systems within your caravan, you’ll need to leave your battery connected and find a way to charge it either at the storage facility or at home.

Winterising a caravan gas supply

If you have chosen to store your caravan with a storage company, you’ll need to check their policy on gas cylinders. Some places strictly forbid the storage of gas cylinders with your caravan.

All valves on gas cylinders should be closed, or the regulators disconnected from the cylinders. Caps must be fitted over the ends of any open pipework.

Gas cylinders should be stored in open air, in a secure place, but never in a garage or shed. Keep them upright and at least 2 metres from open drains, cellar openings or buildings. Make sure they are kept clear of heat sources and any ignitable, corrosive, toxic or oxidant materials. Before moving your gas cylinders, ensure all power to the caravan is off.

Following these tips helps you protect your caravan during the coldest time of the year and ensures you get an extended life from your home on wheels. If you haven’t yet got your caravan or are in the hunt for a new model, speak to our team. At Euphoria Finance, we provide affordable caravan finance to all, even those with bad credit. Get your free quote today.