As the summer draws to a close and children prepare for the new school term, many of us will be getting ready to put our touring caravans away until next spring. This step by step guide will help you to ensure your caravan will be in the best condition to start the new season.
Caravan winter storage
Many touring caravan owners will store their caravan on their driveway or property throughout winter but for those who don’t have the space, it can be difficult to know how to find somewhere. It is important that your chosen site is secure and that it is manned either by security guards or CCTV. Don’t be afraid to ask about insurance cover for any damage or loss your caravan may suffer and check your own insurance regarding storage away from your home. The Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA) lists sites that have been risk assessed for security.
Prepare the exterior for winter
Whether you choose to store your caravan under a cover or leave it exposed with an application of overwintering wax, the exterior of the caravan should be cleaned thoroughly – this will give you a chance to check for any damage that needs to be addressed. Use a specialist proprietary cleaner such as Fenwick’s Caravan Cleaner followed by a coat of Fenwick’s Overwintering to protect against algae and pollutants.
Once the bodywork is clean, turn your attention to windows and vents. Lubricate window seals to reduce the risk of them sticking after being in storage then lock them and close all vents to minimise access points for spiders and insects. While vents should be closed, they should NOT be blocked as this will lead to poor air circulation and give you a musty smell and possibly damp when you open up your caravan.
Tyres left standing for prolonged periods can weaken, deform and crack so if your caravan will not be moving over the winter, turn the wheels every now and then to avoid this. Your caravan should be stored on level ground (use corner steadies to make sure) but use a jack and not the corner steadies to lift the caravan in order to turn the wheels
Store the caravan with the hand brake off – this prevents sticking – with steadies lowered and using wheel chocks.
Check any car to caravan connectors for wear and/or damage. Clean contacts and apply a sealant, checking beforehand that no damage can be caused to plastic by the sealant.
If you have a motor mover fitted, brush it clean of any dirt and debris, along with the chassis. This will also remove any road salt that will go on to cause corrosion.
Remove any gas cylinders, storing them in a well-ventilated place. Store with the cylinder valves closed off and the gas locker locked shut.
Remove the 12V battery (unless it powers the caravan alarm) storing it in a well-ventilated place.
Preparing the interior for winter storage
Water system – the caravan water system needs to be thoroughly drained down to reduce the risk of frost damage in cold weather. We recommend that drain downs be carried out only by professional contractors as it is a skilled process that needs to be carried out correctly. If you are unable to find a reliable tradesperson to do the work for you, we have a list of reputable people who can do this for you. Simply call in to one of our shops.
Water heaters – water heaters vary so follow manufacturers’ instructions for drain down.
Empty the contents of the caravan – remove any items that have accumulated over the season so that you return to a clutter-free space.
Remove cushions and upholstery items such as throws. These are best kept at home but if space is limited, keep them in the caravan, standing cushions on end to allow maximum air circulation.
Bedding and pillows – remove from the caravan while it is in storage.
Remove any perishable items and clean all cupboards thoroughly, leaving doors slightly open.
Clean the fridge and freezer, leaving doors ajar.
Clothing and towels should not be left in the caravan over winter.
Spring loaded blinds should be left open to avoid the springs becoming overstretched.
Leave fixed beds in an open position for maximum air circulation.
Caravan toilets – empty the toilet waste tank before flushing through. Clean the cassette leaving the cassette blades in the open position.
Covering the caravan
While caravans are designed to be outside, prolonged exposure to the winter elements when the caravan is not being used, can expose it to UV fading, and damage from tree sap, bird droppings and general pollution. There are many types of cover available and our guide to caravan covers has lots of helpful advice. As a general rule of thumb, covers should be weatherproof, but not watertight, so that moisture can escape and condensation and mildew cannot form. Do not use a plastic sheet or tarpaulin in place of a cover as these can trap moisture; in the absence of a cover, a coating of Fenwick’s Overwintering is preferable.
Useful tips for overwintering your touring caravan
Always refer to the manufacturer’s handbook for specific winter preparation advice.
If your caravan is being stored away from home, visit now and then to check up on it and to take the opportunity to open windows to let fresh air in
Winter is the perfect time to book a service, when workshops may be quieter. Always choose an industry recognised service centre; approved workshops can be found here.
