Preparing Your Caravan for Winter Storage: A Complete Guide
As the camping season ends and winter approaches, properly preparing your caravan for storage is key to keeping it in top condition. A little effort now can save you from expensive repairs and unpleasant surprises come spring. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your caravan winter-ready.
1. Clean Inside and Out
Start with a thorough wash of the exterior, including the roof, to remove dirt, grime, and road salt. Inside, give it a deep clean: wipe down surfaces, sweep floors, and remove any leftover food. Open cupboard doors to allow airflow and prevent damp smells, and move soft furnishings slightly away from the walls to reduce the risk of mould forming. Avoid keeping the window blinds down whilst in storage, as over time the springs can stretch and cease to function.
2. Protect Your Plumbing
Drain all water tanks – fresh, grey, and toilet tanks, and run the taps to clear any remaining water from the pipes. Adding a caravan-specific antifreeze will prevent freezing and damage to your plumbing over the winter. Leave all the taps open to allow air to flow through.
3. Take Care of the Battery
Remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Fully charge it before storage and top it up periodically to maintain its life. Optionally, invest in a good quality solar panel kit which can keep your battery maintained on site.
4. Check Your Tyres
Inflate tyres to the recommended pressure and inspect them for damage. If possible, raise the caravan on axle stands to relieve pressure on the tyres and suspension and prevent flat spots. If your caravan is on your driveway or nearby, we would always recommend moving the caravan forward or back a few feet periodically if you’re not keen on storing it on axle stands.
5. Ventilate Your Caravan
Proper ventilation is crucial to stop condensation and mould. Don’t block any vents and allow air to circulate inside the caravan. At the same time, it is worth checking there aren’t any additional holes or gaps that rodents can use to get in. If you are concerned about rodents, the use of mothballs and peppermint oils can be very effective. Just make sure nothing can be knocked or spilt in the process. If you really need to block any vents or holes without effecting ventilation, consider using chicken wire or mesh that can be fixed in place whilst still allowing air flow.
6. Use a High-Quality Caravan Cover
A breathable caravan top cover can be effective for older caravans through the winter. Unlike cheap plastic sheets, a breathable cover keeps moisture from being trapped inside while protecting your caravan from dirt, frost, and snow. Recommended options include Thetford breathable covers and Calorite winter caravan covers. If you are lucky enough to keep your caravan undercover, then this would be the ideal solution.
7. Protect the Hitch
Don’t forget the hitch! Cover it with a waterproof hitch cover to prevent rust and corrosion over the winter months. Always make sure any covers are tightly fixed to prevent them blowing away or allowing birds to nest underneath.
8. Final Checks and Security
Lock all doors and windows, remove valuables, and double-check that everything is sealed and secure. Consider wheel clamps or hitch locks for extra peace of mind.
Another great way to keep things fresh in your caravan is to continue using it throughout the winter. Moving the caravan and generally keeping it in use will help keep everything dry and well ventilated. Always remember to follow the steps above if you are leaving your caravan static for prolonged periods of time.
By taking these steps, your caravan will be safe, dry, and ready to hit the road when the weather warms up again. Small efforts now mean fewer problems later, and more enjoyment next season.
