How to Winterise a Caravan or Motorhome

• Preparing your caravan for winter storage
• Winterising your Caravan’s water system: How to drain down
• Winterising your toilet
• Winterising your water pump
• Winterising Alde heating
• Top tips for equipment and appliances
• Cleaning the exterior
• Security
• FAQs

Preparing your touring caravan or motorhome for winter storage involves more than parking it until temperatures rise. It requires a thorough approach to protecting everything to ensure it’s ready for the next adventure.

Cleaning and Decluttering Your Caravan

A thorough clean is the first step towards a worry-free winter. Begin by deep cleaning your caravan or motorhome, focusing on every nook and cranny, including the cupboards. This helps maintain a fresh environment and keeps rodents at bay. Forgotten crumbs or unseen spillages can become mouldy if left for long periods.

When it comes to decluttering, think ahead to spring. Organising your space now will mean less work when you’re ready to hit the road again.

Airflow is your friend, so pull the soft furnishings (seating and bedding cushions) an inch away from the wall. Leaving internal doors ajar will also aid airflow.

Removing Perishable Items and Valuables

Leaving perishable items inside your caravan or motorhome is an open invitation for pests. Removing all food items, even those that appear non-perishable or have a long shelf life, is crucial. The cold months attract pests.

Remember to remove any valuable belongings as well. While your caravan may be secure, it’s always safer to store important items at home until the new season arrives.

Water expands when it freezes, so the hot and cold circuits, including the water heater, must be drained. Frozen pipes are not your friend.

• Ensure the pump is turned off.
• Open the drain valve (usually a yellow toggle switch next to the heater). The drain valve will be open when in the vertical position.
• Open all the taps inside your caravan or motorhome, including the shower. Position the tap in the middle, allowing both hot and cold to remain open simultaneously.
• Water should now flow from a thin hose underneath the caravan or motorhome.

Draining the system before returning home or reaching the storage yard will help the system empty. However, it’s illegal to discharge water onto the carriageway, so don’t open the drain valve before joining the M5.

Fresh water tank

If your caravan or motorhome has an inboard fresh water tank, turn off the water pump, open the taps, and open the tank drain valve.

Motorhome waste water tank

This is often called the grey waste tank. It collects water from the sink, basin and shower.

To empty the tank, drive the motorhome to a dedicated emptying point and open the drain valve. When the tank is empty, close the valve.

Aquaroll

Empty and unscrew the top before storing. Ours live in the shower when not in use.

Emptying the toilet flush (Separate reservoir within toilet unit)

• Open the external toilet door and find the black rubber pipe inside the upper edge of the door frame.
• Unhook the pipe and remove the stopper. Drain until empty.

Emptying the toilet flush (Water from on-board fresh water tank)

Once the main water system and tank have been drained, operate the flush until empty.

Emptying the toilet cassette.

• Empty it in the usual way and clean it thoroughly.
• Some folks leave the toilet ‘blade’ open, while others close it.
• If closing, lubricate the doughnut-shaped rubber seal with Thetford Seal Lubricant or olive oil.

If you have an inboard water filter, moisture can sit next to the threads, cracking the housing if it freezes. Either remove the filter or change it before your first Spring trip.

The Alde central heating system contains antifreeze and should be checked/serviced at specified intervals. It does not need to be drained. DIY checks can be made from the expansion tank with a hydrometer if necessary. Alde antifreeze can be purchased separately.

• Batteries dislike the winter months, so unless a solar panel provides a trickle charge or your security precautions require a permanent 12-volt supply, it may be prudent to remove the leisure battery and store it in a warm(er) part of the garage. Charge it every few weeks to keep it topped up. Milenco makes a handy charger/maintainer.
• Turn gas bottles off.
• Keep the fridge and freezer doors ajar. The fridge may have a storage catch that secures the door and provides sufficient airflow.

• Tyres. nflate to the correct pressure and check overall condition. It’s an excellent opportunity to check the tyre’s date of manufacture, which can be found on the sidewall in a four-digit (week/year) format. It’s good practice to change the tyres every five years.
• Leaving the blinds down for extended periods can weaken the internal springs. If you’d like to screen the inside of your caravan, it may be better to close the curtains.
• Moisture trapsthat use dehumidifying crystals can be highly effective at combating condensation. They remove surprising amounts of water from the air inside your caravan. Some types may need regular checking and maintenance.
• Lubricate external locks, hinges, and catches with WD40 or similar.
• Motorhome owners. Check antifreeze and oil levels in the engine bay.

Clean the exterior of your caravan or motorhome, especially if you plan to fit a cover. Various cleaning products are available, but Prima Leisure offers an exclusive bundled deal.

Breathable covers protect a caravan or motorhome during a cold snap and keep out the elements surprisingly well. However, ensure they have a soft inner layer to prevent scratches. Only fit if your caravan or motorhome is clean, as road grime is an effective abrasive. Don’t forget to cover your caravan hitch as well.

As well as being a likely caravan insurance requirement, Security products will help your caravan or motorhome stay put. Securing your caravan over winter is vital.

How do you winterise a caravan?

The main points when winterising a caravan are:

• Drain all pipes and water tanks and pipes to prevent freezing.
• Drain the toilet flush and empty the cassette.
• Clean the caravan thoroughly inside and out
• Remove all perishables.
• Check the tyre pressures.

How to store a caravan in winter?

When storing a caravan in winter, choose a dry, well-ventilated location to prevent dampness and mould. Follow winterisation steps to prevent damage.

Should a caravan be covered in winter?

Covering a caravan can protect it from harsh weather conditions, although a breathable, weatherproof cover should only be used. Ensure the cover fits properly and is securely fastened to prevent any damage caused by flapping in the wind.

Should I keep my caravan in storage over winter?

Dedicated storage facilities tend to be especially popular during winter. Choose one based on its security rating and inform your insurance company of the location.

Can I use winter wheels on my caravan?

Winter wheels are metal plates that can be fitted instead of wheels during winter. This allows wheels and tyres to be stored in a garage, away from the elements. However, check with your insurance company to see if they meet your policy requirements.