How do I prepare my caravan for Winter?
Unless you’re a dedicated and hardy year-round tourer, it’s likely that the time has come to be thinking about putting your caravan into hibernation in preparation for Winter’s cold snap!
To help you care for your caravan during the winter months and to ensure everything stays in tip-top condition, our Service Manager Barry Tredgold share their expertise and outline the key areas to tick off in order to ensure your van is set for Winter and will be ready for action in the Spring!
1. Water System
Even the tiniest bit of water left in the system can freeze and split the pipework, resulting in damage that can be expensive to repair. It’s therefore imperative that you thoroughly drain down your water system before you store your vehicle for winter. Ensure that taps are left in the open position to let air circulate, lift all drain valves, and remove your shower hose if possible too. It’s also a good idea to remove any in-line water filters, as they’re equally susceptible to freezing.
2. Interior
Give the interior of your caravan a thorough clean, and aim to create the best possible circulation of air to stop damp, mildew and condensation from taking hold. Leave cupboard and wardrobe doors open, and leave fixed beds in the upright position. Seat cushions and upholstery are best pulled away from walls, or better still, removed altogether and stored somewhere warm and dry.
3. Windows
Although they should be kept shut for security purposes, opening windows and rooflights from time to time can be useful, as it allows some fresh air to flow through the interior.
4. Kitchen
Make sure no food is inadvertently left in the kitchen – or anywhere else for that matter! It’s essential to leave the fridge door ajar too, to keep it mould and odour free.
5. Batteries
Cold weather is not good news for batteries, if you are unable to plug in the mains to utilise the charger, remove the leisure battery and put it on a trickle charge once a month to keep it ticking over.
6. Heating
If you have the facility to hook up your mains lead, popping the heating on low for the odd day here and there can help keep damp and condensation in check. Make sure you unplug the mains lead once you’re finished though.
7. Bodywork
The exterior of your caravan will really benefit from a thorough once-over, paying particular attention to removing any mould which, left unchecked, could cause discolouring. This is a good opportunity to inspect your vehicle’s bodywork for damage, and to apply a coating of winter wax to stop algae and dirt from sticking. Once spring arrives, simply wash off the wax and your exterior will look clean and shiny.
Following these few simple but key steps can make all the difference to the condition of your van and will ensure that, come Spring 2020, you’re ready to hit the open road once again!
