Top Tips for Caravan Winter Storage

For most people, the idea of using their caravan during the winter months is something of a no-go. The holiday intuition is to seek out sunny days on the road or parked in some fantastic place, so in some ways the thought of venturing off during the coldest season goes against sense. However, the caravan will still need some attention when it’s not in use. It’s not as simple as just parking up and forgetting about your caravan until the spring comes around and you want to get back out on the road. So, we’re using this edition of our blog to list some caravan winter storage tips.

Should I cover my caravan in winter?

This is a great start – or, rather, a great end. Covering the caravan after you have taken all of the other steps we’ll list here, using either a tarpaulin or coversheet, will protect the bodywork from the worst effects of the weather, i.e. rain, snow, and UV rays. Ensure that the cover fits snugly and is securely fastened to prevent wind-induced damage. Before you put the caravan under cover, you should thoroughly clean the exterior, to remove any dirt, grime or salt which has accumulated during normal road use. Once you’ve cleaned it, you can even apply a wax or coating to create another protective barrier.

Do I need to do anything mechanical before winter?

If you are going to be storing your caravan away over the winter then it makes sense to conduct an inspection on the working order of the mechanical aspects – in other words, things like the brakes, the suspension and the hitching mechanism. Check for wear and tear and, if necessary, replace parts. You should also apply lubricants to hinges and joints as this will help to prevent rust and ensure that when you retrieve your caravan in the spring those parts will operate smoothly.

Check the tyres, too. If possible, elevate the caravan on levelling blocks to prevent the tyres from contacting the cold ground, reducing the risk of flat spots (and ensuring that the suspension components remain in good condition). Always use a proper jack stand and follow manufacturer recommendations for lifting your specific model.

Should I drain down my caravan?

This is another absolutely essential part of preparing your caravan for winter. Draining down the water system means getting all of the water out of the cold and hot water system, and leaving the taps open during winter storage. When the taps are open in freezing conditions, they are much less likely to expand and cause problems. Water freezing in the pipework of your caravan can be a serious and costly problem to repair if pipes and parts get cracked.

Is interior care of the caravan important?

Yes, it is. The interior of your caravan is as equally important as the exterior during any periods it is in winter storage. There are a few things that are essential.

1.    Food: 

Firstly, remove all foodstuffs from the cupboards and refrigerator. Leaving food items inside (particularly in cupboards, which are much easier to access than fridges) can attract pests – so it is crucial to empty as you don’t want to have to deal with an infestation of some kind. You should also ensure there are no crumbs or bits of food lying around the rest of the caravan – so a good hoover up is important.

2.    Pests:

When left unattended for periods of time, caravans may become shelters for rodents and insects seeking refuge. To mitigate against this, you should inspect the caravan’s structure to see if there are any gaps or openings that pests could exploit. If you happen to find any potential entry points, seal them with silicone or other appropriate sealants. Place mothballs strategically inside the caravan to deter rodents (they dislike the smell). You should always avoid using traditional rat poison, as it poses risks to other wildlife and may cause secondary poisoning.

3.    Damp:

To prevent musty odours and mildew, using moisture absorbers or desiccants strategically placed throughout the caravan is a must. Ensure all windows and vents are tightly closed to prevent drafts and humidity from entering. Prior to storing the caravan for winter it’s worth checking all window, door and vent seals to make sure that their integrity hasn’t been compromised and that they work effectively.

Should I check my caravan through winter?

You should conduct periodic checks on your caravan to ensure that everything is in working order and good condition. You could schedule a monthly check of the exterior (checking for any signs of damage or leaks), and a check that the cover is still securely in place. You could also check the interior on these occasions, dealing with any small problems which may have developed.

Storing your caravan properly for winter is a great way to make sure that when the warmer months return you have minimal prep to do before hitting the road again. It also means that your caravan will remain in good condition and, therefore, retain more of its value than if you don’t look after it. A bit of effort at the end of each season means you are likely to have a caravan in close to top-notch condition each.