Useful Tips for Caravan Winter Care - Winterising Your Caravan

Because the colder weather is threatening, here are some precautions you need to think about to try make certain your caravan is secure in the winter and is ready to roll next season. Many Britain’s caravan owners will probably have already made their last trips this year: so how are you able to keep the vehicles in good shape while they're hibernating over the winter? Here are some tips to ensure there are no nasty surprises, and also your that your caravan is able to hit the highway once the weather gets warm again next year.

Think about a service

Now is the best time to get your caravan serviced, while the approved workshops are not too busy, most people decide in the Spring, 2 weeks before they are due to leave for their first holiday, that their caravan needs servicing! Have it done in the autumn to ensure that your caravan will be ready to roll whenever you fancy going in 2013. If you live in the South West go to http://www.mullacottcaravans.co.uk/ - years of experience will ensure that your caravan is serviced properly and any advice needed will be given by experts.

Have a clear out

Be sure you don’t leave any valuable items, for example TV or DVD player, inside your caravan while it’s left unused. Either hide them or take them home for the winter months.

Avoid damp and condensation

Moisture can cause real problems for your caravan if it is allowed to build up over the winter: damp may damage your soft furnishings and interior walls. There are a number of precautions you are able to take. Drain the water system by opening taps and taking out the drain plug on the outside the van. Don’t forget to replace the plug, but you can leave the taps open. Drain the toilet’s water tank too. Store any removable cushions / mattresses in your own home if possible. If not, leave them in the middle of the caravan instead of round the edges where they are more prone for the damp. Leave bowls of salt in a few places round the van - they are able to help absorb excess moisture from the air. Alternatively you could purchase a moisture trap such as Mega Moisture Trap which will remove moisture from the air in your caravan or motorhome.

If you can, open doors and windows every once in a while to allow the air to circulate.

Cleaning

Clean your kitchen, bathroom and fridge with bicarbonate of soda or anti-bacterial cleaner such as Fenwicks Over Wintering
This will help stop a build-up of mould while your caravan’s out of use. Also make sure there is no food left in cupboards, or any crumbs which could attract vermin. Clean your van inside and outside using a cleaner such as Fenwicks Interior Cleaner, that can assist prevent mould or fungal growths. remembering to include the awning to assist prolonging its life. Store the awning inside your own property if you can.

Other maintenance

Oil any moving parts, like the handbrake, before putting the van into storage. And ensure the handbrake is left off (if at all possible) to prevent the drums sticking. Taking the weight from the wheels for a few weeks by removing them and using axle stands will help extend the life span of the caravan’s suspension and tyres. If you want to cover your caravan, use a breathable cover that allows air to circulate. A Maypole Cover is a good example of a breathable cover.

Storage and security

You will also have to decide where to store your caravan while it’s not in use: for example the choice might be between your own property and a dedicated storage site, in which you will have to pay a small weekly fee. Keeping the caravan at home may be far more convenient or cheaper, however it could be an eyesore for you personally and for your neighbours. The added risk is that Burglars could get a sense of when you are away when the van is not there. Storage facilities offer different levels of protection for varying charges: you will pay more to have your caravan under covers and protected from the elements, or to have CCTV security checks. But speak to your caravan insurance provider to make sure your policy extends to such a site.

Most providers requires you have a wheel clamp and hitch lock while your caravan was in storage. Go to our Wheel Clamps page for a wide choice of wheelclamps by SAS, Milenco and Bulldog.
Do all the above and you will be able to set off next year in your caravan without any hastle!