Preparing your Campervan/Motorhome for winter storage
It is important to prepare your campervan or motorhome for the winter months. This is especially true if you live in an area where you receive frost or snow, as damage can quickly happen to an unprepared vehicle. This guide covers preparing the living area of your vehicle, and mechanical tips as well.
Living Area
- Drain the water from ALL water storage tanks, AND pipes. This is vital as any water will become stale, and if it freezes it will expand and split the tank and or pipes. Ideally store removable tanks indoors, and be sure to blow all the pipes empty.
- Remove the leisure batteries, as extreme cold will reduce their effective life. Store them in your garage or workshop, assuming they do not freeze.
- Regularly charge the leisure batteries, whether they remain in or out of the vehicle. This is important for maximising their life. Or use a trickle charger.
- If you cannot remove the leisure batteries, at least disconnect them, as small amounts of power are slowly drained from them whilst stored.
- Remove propane and butane tanks, and store in a safe location in a garage or workshop.
- Thoroughly clean the interior of your vehicle, especially the kitchen, food storage, and bathroom areas. Any spills or moulds will grow during the storage period.
- Thoroughly clean the fridge and leave the fridge with the door open.
- Remove any bedding, wash and store in your home.
- Consider setting mouse traps if your vehicle will be stored in a rural area. It might sound cruel, but rodents can quickly destroy a campervan interior.
Outside
- DON’T buy a big tarpaulin and cover your vehicle with it. This will actually stop the air circulating around, and cause mould to develop inside the vehicle. If you want to use a tarpaulin to cover your van, then build a frame that stands away from the vehicle, and cover the frame with the tarpaulin. Be sure to buy a correct breathable cover from a trusted supplier.
- Ideally find a covered building in which to store your vehicle. Many farmers offer barns in which you can park your vehicle for the winter period. Also contact caravan clubs and campsites who often offer similar services.
- If you live in extremely cold areas, consider placing the vehicle on axle stands, or similar, for the winter period. This will prevent the tyres from deteriorating.
- Lubricate moving parts such as door hinges and mechanical parts. This saves a job in the spring, and the grease/oil will repeal any water.
- Clean the outside of your vehicle prior to storage. Any mud or other dirts will retain moisture and aid rusting and rotting.
Mechanical
- Once stored do not regularly start the engine of your vehicle. This can actually deposit moisture in the exhaust system and in the crankcase, which can form acids and sludge. However, if your vehicle struggles to start after long periods of idle, start the engine once per month. Ensure it runs for 30 minutes just on idle. Rev the engine for 1 minutes periods once warm.
- Change the oil just before storage and ideally pour a fuel-storage stabiliser additive into the tank.
- If leaving the vehicle for a long time try and keep the engine battery charged. This can be done with a solar trickle charger. If this is not possible remove the engine battery and store in a garage or workshop. Charge the removed battery regularly to maximize its life.
Peace of mind for you and your campervan
Sterling is a specialist insurance provider offering campervan cover for short breaks in the UK. Their policies are perfect for when you’re exploring the world in comfort and style when you hire a campervan.
If you do decide it’s the life for you and you hire a campervan, give Sterling a call to find out how much you could save: 0344 381 9990.
