How to Prepare New Caravans for Winter

Would you believe that there’s actually a name for ‘preparing your caravan ready for the winter, and the long period it’ll be off road or in storage’? Yes, it’s true, there is. It’s a process called ‘winterisation’ and it involves going steadily through a list of simple and sensible steps to make sure that your caravan storage is successful and safe, and the vehicle is protected (mostly from the elements) for its extended period out of action.

As an owner, there are things you can do to give your caravan the best possible chance of being ‘match fit’ come the first time you want to use it, in the spring - which is when you’ll be ready to get back out onto the road to enjoy yourself. We have talked about winterisation in the past, but in this edition of our blog we’ll run through this list as a reminder, so that you’re well prepared for the steps you’ll need to take – and can get your caravan prepared ready for the winter.

Starting with the outside of your caravan, it’s important to look at thew following things in the run up to winter.

Exterior Checks

1.     Mechanicals

The mechanical parts of the mechanism which hitches the caravan to your car should always be looked after, and checked regularly for wear and tear or damage (as should all other elements of this essential features). Other ‘moving parts’ on the caravan exterior (awning hinges, for example) can be treated with an application of grease.

2.     Seals

You should run a finger of grease around all window and door seals, to ensure that the seal remains intact, and the rubber remains supple. Petroleum products or engine oil will actually corrode the rubber seals so should not be used. You can also do this to any seals on the interior of the caravan.

3.     Light Fittings

Clean lenses and seals, and check electrical connections.

4.     Tyres

The tyres of your caravan should not stand on the same portion of tread for the entire time the vehicle is off the road. Every two or three weeks you should make sure that the wheels are rotated to a different part of the tyres every few weeks. You should also keep track of the tyre pressure and keep it where it should be for each one (using, obviously, a pump to do so). This process will stop all of the weight of the caravan being on one part of each tyre and causing any damage.

5.     Clean

It’s a good idea to clean the exterior of your caravan before you ‘forget about it’ for the winter (you shouldn’t actually forget about it, by the way). There is no doubt that the caravan’s exterior will have come into contact with bird excrement during your time on the road, just like your car does from time to time too. It’s actually important to clean this off as it can dry, harden and damage paintwork. Also clean the awnings, wheels, wells, windows and doors, and seals.

6.     Cover

Put a breathable cover over your caravan for the period it is off the road and out of action or ‘in storage’. This cover must be soft enough so that your paintwork doesn’t get scratched. If you don’t have a cover, nor have access to one, then you can apply a waxy coating. This will provide some protection.

Preparing the interior of your caravan for the winter ahead, and a period unoccupied and off road, is essential. The interior is susceptible to damp, and you must do something about this before leaving the caravan for any period of time. Here are all of the steps to take…

Interior Checks

1.     Clean Up

Wipe down and dry the walls and surfaces in each area, but particularly in the kitchen and bathroom areas.

2.     Fridge and Cupboards

If there are any drinks in the fridge or cupboards they should be removed as fluctuations in temperature could cause cans and plastic bottles to split. If is any food left in the fridge, you should remove it so that the fridge is completely empty. Similarly, any food in the cupboards of your caravan should be removed and any crumbs or small pieces that are lying about the interior should be vacuumed up as this will ensure rodents and insects won’t be attracted to making your caravan their home for the winter.

3.     Electricals Items

Some of the electrical items in the caravan will actually be fixed and you won’t be able to remove them, but the TV, DVD player, digital radio or stereo should be removed if possible. Condensation during the winter could cause issues with the circuit boards of these devices and mean malfunctions in the future.

4.     Electrical Systems

Isolate the battery using the isolation switch (or disconnect it, remove it and charge elsewhere). If there is one, you should power up the caravan’s heating system from time to time through the winter as this will not only help prevent moisture, it will also be good for the battery.

5.     Gas

Ensure you shut off gas cylinder valves or disconnect the regulators from the cylinders. Gas cylinders should not be stored on the caravan itself during this period off the road, and they should be in the open air or in a secure building such as a shed or garage. They should not be stored near heat or in proximity to ignitable, corrosive, toxic or oxidant materials.

6.     Sanitary / Water Systems

Drain and clean the toilet. Flush water through the system and into the cassette tank. Remove the tank, dispose of contents (via the approved method) and clean out the tank. Drain down the whole water system. Open all drain valves and remove plugs (including external). Remove filters and run the on-board pump (if the caravan has one) to clear water. Drain any portable water containers.

Our advice is to make a checklist of all of these things, and then you can stay organised and run through it ‘correctly’. You want your caravan to be in tip-top condition so that everything is quick when the moment comes to get back out on the road in the spring, so keeping on top of condition during the winter is important.

Whether you’re thinking about buying, and looking at new caravans or used caravans, Wandahome is your ‘go to’ either way. We stock a variety of vehicles, and you can see some of them by browsing our website. Better still, why not come and visit? In the meantime, if you have any queries then please feel free to get in touch, and one of our friendly team will be more than happy to help.