When the days become shorter and the chilly temperatures make you want to stay indoors, it’s time to Prepare Caravan For Winter Storage.
The importance of preparing your touring caravan once the off-season commences cannot be overstated if the vehicle is to be in tip-top condition and ready for the roads when spring breaks. We have a list of 10 pro tips for preparing a Caravan for winter storage.
10 Tips For Caravan Storage For Winter Storage
1. Thorough Cleaning
Before you begin any winterization steps, give your caravan a thorough clean, both inside and out. This step is essential to prevent mould, mildew, and pests from taking hold during the colder months.
Exterior Washing
Use a specialized cleaning solution to clean the exterior hull of the caravan. Separately clean roof and window lines, seams, and structural coverage joints. After the washing process, you may have to consider the use of wax or protective sealant on the caravan’s carcase to protect it from water and dirt.
Interior Cleanin
All the cabinets and storage spaces within have been vacated fully, and every single surface has been wiped down. The floors and seats, as well as soft furnishings such as cushions, should be vacuumed.
Sinks, worktops, and other surfaces may be cleaned with an antibacterial solution. Moreover, ensure that the surfaces in the areas used for cooking such as stoves, microwave ovens, and fridges. In that case, however, leave the refrigerator door half open when not in use.
2. Drain Down the Water System
The draining of water from the water system is one of the most crucial tasks that one will have to undertake in winterizing the caravan motorhome. If water is left in the pipes, tanks or even the boiler, they may freeze and lead to catastrophe.
The first step is to clean both fresh water and the wastewater tanks before the Caravan store. Start with the fresh water tank and after that move to the wastewater tank and remove all the water from the tanks.
If there is a chemical toilet in your caravan, make sure to empty the waste container and the chemical toilet. Flush the system with clean water to ensure no waste or chemical residue remains.
After draining those systems, you may want to add non-toxic antifreeze if the system is to be stored for a long time. This is especially useful if you reside in places that are cold and temperatures are constantly below zero.
3. Disconnect and Remove Batteries
Caravan motor home batteries can quite suffer especially in cold weather. To avoid such inconveniences, it would be wise to take them out of the car and get them disconnected. Then you need to remove that box from the cooler.
To keep the batteries in good condition, keep them at room temperature with no chance of freezing. Where possible, the batteries should be tapped on a trickle charger for the case of winter.
4. Protect the Tires
Tires can suffer damage if not used continuously, especially in cold weather. Therefore, measures meant to prevent such occurrences are essential.
Elevate the Caravan
If possible, elevate the caravan slightly to take the weight off the tyres. Use axle stands or tyre savers to prevent flat spots.
Inflate Tires
Ensure the tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Overinflating slightly can also help to prevent flat spots.
Cover the Tires
Utilize tyre covers to shield them from the sun and dampness, which can cause drying out and wreckage.
5. Ventilation
Good ventilation is vital so that no moisture and condensation build up in the caravan. Moist conditions also promote the growth of mildew, which is quite hard to clean up and damages the interior of the caravan.
Leave Vents Open
Remember to akimbo the roof vents to provide ventilation and allow free flow of air. Use vent covers for this purpose and other uses, like not allowing rain or snow to come in through them.
Dehumidifiers
Place a moisture trap or a dehumidifier inside the caravan to extract moisture. Do not forget to examine them and empty them from time to time.
6. Check Seals and Weatherproofing
The seals around your caravan’s windows, doors, and roof lights can deteriorate over time, allowing water to seep in.
- Replace any seals that are cracked, loose, or showing signs of deterioration.
- If needed, apply a fresh bead of caravan sealant to ensure everything is watertight.
7. Secure the Caravan
To protect your caravan from theft or vandalism, it’s important to take some security measures. Try to find a reliable caravan storage. Besides,
- Use high-quality wheel clamps and hitch locks
- Invest in a breathable, waterproof caravan cover
8. Final Checks
Before you lock up for the winter, there are a few final checks to ensure everything is in order.
- Make sure all windows and doors are securely closed and locked. Double-check the roof lights as well.
- Ensure that the gas is turned off at the cylinder
- Store all keys in a safe place
9. Choose the Right Storage Location
Ideally, store your caravan in a covered location, such as a garage or a dedicated storage facility. This will protect it from the elements and reduce the risk of damage. You can also consider affordable Caravan services like We Store Caravans in Middlesbrough. So that, you can ensure a safe storage environment for your travelling companion.
10. Regular Checks During Storage
Don’t forget to pay a visit to your caravan storage place from time to time, even during the winter. Be sure to view the inside of your caravan at regular intervals to look for any indications of unduly dampness and mould in any interior locations.
Conclusion
Properly preparing your touring caravan for winter storage is essential to ensure it stays in great condition during the off-season. Follow these steps to protect your investment while Caravan storage for winter. Once the warmer weather returns, you’ll be ready to hit the road. If you are seeking cheap caravan storage in the UK, don’t forget to contact us.
