Not utilizing your motorhome, campervan or RV throughout winter? Wish to winterise your motorhome and put together it for the chilly months? Right here’s every part it’s worthwhile to do to arrange your automobile for winter storage and easy methods to look after it throughout winter lay-up, in addition to issues to do AFTER winter to get again on the street once more.
Don’t neglect to seize your FREE motorhome winter storage guidelines beneath to recollect every part you want.
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Winterising a motorhome- what’s it?
Earlier than we get began, let’s talk about what winterising a motorhome truly means. There are two forms of ‘winterising’ in relation to motorhomes or campervans (and no, I don’t imply the spelling of winterizing for my abroad readers! 😉 )
The primary sort is to arrange a automobile to be used throughout the chilly winter months, like if you wish to go snowboarding along with your motorhome.
The second is making ready your automobile for winter storage and never getting used very a lot throughout winter (additionally generally referred to as ‘laying up’.)
On this submit, we’re going to be speaking about shutting down and making ready your motorhome for winter storage and easy methods to care in your motorhome whereas it’s not getting used.
RELATED: Wish to expertise winter vanlife or planning a winter motorhome journey? Learn this primary…
FREE Motorhome Winter Storage Guidelines
Don’t neglect to seize your free motorhome winter storage guidelines, so you possibly can be sure to have and do every part it’s worthwhile to to be able to correctly care in your motorhome or camper all through winter.
Shutting down your motorhome/ camper for winter?
Seize your FREE winter shutdown guidelines right here
This additionally applies for anytime you gained’t be utilizing your automobile for some time (, like throughout a lockdown…)
Why winterise your motorhome or camper?
There are two important causes we suggest following these winter motorhome storage ideas
The primary cause to arrange your motorhome correctly for winter is to keep away from issues from the chilly, like damp, mould and burst pipes. Most injury finished to motorhomes happens throughout the winter months- particularly COLD winter months.
Chilly climate can even trigger issues with tyres, seals, engines and different important elements!
The second cause to winterise your motorhome is to adjust to many motorhome insurance coverage insurance policies, which regularly state that they won’t cowl injury brought on by water freezing contained in the motorhome techniques (together with the heating system) between November and March. (Test your insurance coverage coverage to know precisely what guidelines it’s worthwhile to adjust to.)
When do you have to put together your motorhome for winter storage?
I might suggest following these steps as quickly because it begins to get frosty so that you keep away from potential issues, significantly if the climate goes to be approaching 0ºc and issues may begin to freeze!
Clearly, this solely applies in the event you’re not going to be utilizing your motorhome- in case you are planning to make use of your motorhome often all through winter, don’t comply with these steps.
READ MORE: 27 important motorhome ideas for inexperienced persons
The place to retailer a motorhome for winter
There are a number of locations the place you possibly can retailer a motorhome over winter- and I assure you’ll discover at the least one possibility close to you.
- Parking in your driveway (or a buddy/ relative)
- Avenue parking close to your home
- Safe motorhome storage outdoor
- Safe motorhome storage indoors
For those who don’t have a everlasting motorhome storage place, you’ll have to guide your winter motorhome storage as quickly as possible- they get booked up shortly.
Many farmers provide barns for indoor storage, and there are many safe outside motorhome storage locations around- simply Google. Personally, I might hesitate to maintain my motorhome on the road long-term- it’s too simple for thieves to identify and scope out.
If you’re storing your camper at dwelling, ensure that to suit some further motorhome safety gadgets– thefts of motorhomes (and different autos) will increase over winter, particularly within the run-up to Christmas.
The guidelines listed on this submit are helpful no matter the place you retailer your motorhome throughout winter– in a storage yard or in your driveway. Some issues are simpler to do at dwelling and a few could also be forbidden within the motorhome storage unit (like draining down your system), however there are many different locations to get that finished.
Additionally, if you wish to preserve your motorhome battery on cost, you will have to take it dwelling with you in the event you don’t retailer your motorhome/ camper in your drive- many motorhome storage items don’t have or enable energy provides.
How do you retailer a motorhome for the winter?
Okay, deep breath. This part could all sound overwhelming, however I promise it’s not that unhealthy. Slightly effort now will save numerous hassle in just a few months time.
Step 1- empty practically every part!
- Empty out all perishables (meals, drinks and many others). We frequently go away our canned meals within the motorhome, however we do take away any fizzy drinks- simply in case! Keep in mind to take away spices, flour and many others as these can appeal to bugs if left.
- Take away ALL linens and garments. Something which might simply mould. This consists of coats, towels, bedding, mattress & seat cushions. Some individuals take away their curtains too- we by no means have but it surely’s private desire.
- We additionally take away rest room and kitchen rolls, which solely go soggy if left behind.
- All private hygiene soaps, liquids and sanitary safety
- Take out ALL valuables, particularly electronics. Take away sat-navs, audio system, torches, battery lights, fairy lights- we frequently discover the battery terminals can corrode if left too lengthy within the chilly/ damp.
- Take away motorhome books, magazines, photographs and another paper primarily based product. In case you have a motorhome logbook or journal, take away that too. You may go away house owners guide in if you want, however there’s an opportunity it might get broken.
Step 2- what can I go away in my motorhome over the winter?
It’s okay to depart some issues inside your motorhome/ RV/ camper over winter. Admittedly, some issues will depend on whether or not or not you’re leaving it plugged in and leaving heating on within the van, however right here’s a useful information for you of issues we go away within the van over winter:
- Pots/ pans (cleaned!)
- Crockery/ cutlery/ glassware (cleaned!)
- Motorhome Cleansing provides (you possibly can select to take away the liquids if you want. We by no means have, however then we don’t stay wherever it will get REALLY chilly)
- Some individuals select to depart their first assist package/ medicines. We select to take away ours, however that’s solely so we are able to use it over winter if we have to
- Video games
- Motorhome Generator (drained)
- Canine bowls/ toys (since you simply know I’ll neglect them in any other case!) – Right here’s a listing of our important canine street journey equipment
- Smoke alarm/ Carbon monoxide detector (sure, with batteries in. Simply in case)
- In case you have an exterior motorhome storage field on the rear, you possibly can in all probability go away a lot of the gear in there (ensure that it’s locked up and watertight), however do a fast examine first to make certain there’s nothing perishable inside.
Can I go away a TV in my RV motorhome over winter?
Sure. There isn’t any cause to take away your TV EXCEPT for the truth that thieves might goal it.
READ MORE: The finest 12v motorhome TVs available on the market
Motorhome winterisation tips- cleansing
- As soon as every part is out, give all of it a REALLY good clear, in and out! It is a good time to use a coat or two of wax to the skin.
- Test awnings are completely dry earlier than storing them away
- Test fridge/ freezer are empty & clear. Depart the door hooked ajar (there’s typically a locking setting on the fridge door catch which you’ll be able to pull out to depart it ajar)
- Forestall in opposition to condensation & mould. Depart all lockers, cabinets, wardrobes and many others ajar. There’s a complete submit on how we cease condensation in our motorhome right here.
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
Winterising a camper tips- High issues up!
When you’ve emptied and cleaned, take into consideration the issues you’re abandoning, and high up any fluids which might be staying within the automobile, together with:
- LPG Gasoline cylinders. Refill Gaslow cylinders in case you have them. In case you have exchangeable cylinders, it is perhaps finest to take away them fully and retailer them at dwelling (sure, you’re going to lose your spare bed room for the winter!). That is additionally time to TURN OFF all fuel bottles and likewise the principle provide into the motorhome.
- Put Anti-freeze in engine (we’ll get to utilizing antifreeze inside your motorhome plumbing in a bit)
- Engine Oil
- Motorhome Gas
- Test tyre stress (additionally examine tread and ensure there is no such thing as a cracking/ injury earlier than winter starts- chilly climate gained’t assist that in any respect!)
Motorhome Winter Storage Suggestions- drain down your camper
DISCLAIMER: It is a generic information. Most motorhome techniques are very comparable, however please do examine your proprietor’s guide earlier than following these steps. If unsure, ask your dealership or a neighborhood storage for recommendation in your particular mannequin.
- Empty ALL techniques over an acceptable drainage level. (For those who can angle your motorhome to get as a lot as attainable out, even higher!)
- Ensure you have emptied: freshwater, wastewater, water heater tank and bathroom flush (if separate from freshwater) (Be sure that your rest room is empty too…!) It’s possible you’ll favor to purchase a water heater bypass package as a substitute.
- Open all inside faucets (yep, whereas over the drain)- LEAVE these open all winter.
- In case you have a mixer faucet, open it within the center so either side are on.
- In case you have inline water filters, disconnect and empty these.
- Depart the water pump operating till faucets run dry (then flip it off shortly to keep away from pump burnout)
- Take away the showerhead and drain water from the hose. Depart the hose hanging onto the lavatory drain (in case you have a wetroom/ bathe room) or a bowl in case you have carpet.
- Test beneath the motorhome and ensure the u-bends are as empty as attainable (that is usually the place the bathe u-bends are)
- If attainable, go for a fast drive to bump issues round and ensure every part is as away from water as attainable.
- Additionally, don’t neglect diesel and petrol have a shelf life. Now’s the time to examine motorhome mills, motorbikes or anything within the van which makes use of gasoline and both drain it down fully or examine the gasoline to make certain it’s nonetheless okay.
Shutting down your motorhome/ camper for winter?
Seize your FREE winter shutdown guidelines right here
Winterize drain down Equipment for RVs, Motorhomes and Campers
For the most effective outcomes, it’s worthwhile to push air via the system to get all of the water out. That is the most effective package we’ve discovered.
Must you use antifreeze when making ready your motorhome for winter storage?
For those who don’t use a drainage package just like the one above, there could also be some water left in your ‘u’ bends. You may add a bit antifreeze down the plughole to assist cease this freezing (particularly in sinks and to the bathroom cistern.)
Must you use motorhome antifreeze within the freshwater tank?
DON’T add antifreeze to your freshwater pipe except it’s particular RV motorhome antifreeze which is non-toxic!!! It is a protected non-toxic antifreeze to make use of in consuming water techniques.
Winter RV Motorhome Suggestions- Battery winter storage & care
First, ensure that each your motorhome leisure battery and your engine battery are totally charged.
Engine batteries are likely to fare higher in winter, however leisure batteries, particularly these housed in exterior lockers, typically fail in chilly climate.
This may be brought on by the age of the battery, however can typically be precipitated if the temperature drops very low. Attempt to keep away from this by leaving the leisure battery on a trickle cost, akin to from a photo voltaic panel, or you possibly can even take away the battery fully and retailer it at dwelling for the winter.
NOTE: Even when saved at dwelling, batteries will want top-up charging each 4-6 weeks to stop issues.
READ MORE: Full Information to caring in your motorhome leisure battery
Must you cowl your motorhome in winter?
Ideally, you wish to retailer your motorhome or campervan indoors throughout winter. If that’s not attainable then sure, a motorhome cowl is a good suggestion. The extra layers of insulation the motorhome has, the higher.
Nevertheless, make sure that you utilize a breathable cowl, like this, in any other case the air gained’t flow into and also you’ll trigger mould and damp. (Be warned- they’re NOT simple to placed on!!) You additionally wish to be sure to get one which inserts your automobile AND which permits entry to the habitation door.
Some individuals simply select to cowl their windscreen- and also you may select to depart your wiper blades hinged away from the windscreen to allow them to’t freeze in place.
Making ready your motorhome for winter- different ideas
- If you’ll be able to hook up with energy, go away a small heater on low/ evening time setting to protect in opposition to freezing.
- Match exterior vents to fridges and go away fridge door open
- Depart cupboards and inside doorways open to permit air to flow into
- You may spray a bit WD-40 on catches, locks and a few electrics to stop rust or corrosion.
- Guarantee all protecting techniques are working ok- alarms, trackers and many others. It’s possible you’ll want to set up further safety measures like an further habitation door lock– winter is a typical time for thieves to strike.
Don’t neglect to seize your FREE RV motorhome winter storage guidelines
Shutting down your motorhome/ camper for winter?
Seize your FREE winter shutdown guidelines right here
Shield your motorhome from rodents- The biscuit check!
It’s a tragic truth {that a} motorhome or campervan left alone for some time will appeal to varied animals on the lookout for a house. Mice, rats and spiders can all transfer in throughout your absence.
The most effective methods we’ve heard of is the biscuit check.
Put a tiny piece of biscuit on the ground within the motorhome once you go away it for winter. If it’s nonetheless there once you return, you don’t have any mice or rats as residents!
Sadly, we don’t have any good methods to discourage spiders. Conkers, laundry sheets and blocking holes with tissue could help- however don’t neglect it’s worthwhile to go away some air flow into the van… which suggests holes. Vicious circle, sadly.
retailer a motorhome for winter- Issues to do DURING winter
As soon as your motorhome is ready and tucked away for the winter, you possibly can’t simply neglect about it for five months (though I doubt you’ll neglect anything- winter is the BEST time to plan your subsequent epic motorhome journey.) Nonetheless, there are some issues it’s worthwhile to do throughout winter shutdown to take care of your van. Don’t neglect, motorhomes and campers are constructed on the identical chassis as workvans. They don’t seem to be designed to be sat idle for months on finish.
With the intention to stop points after being stood for lengthy durations, it’s worthwhile to do the next at the least as soon as a month if attainable:
- Test in your motorhome if it’s not parked close to you
- Search for indicators of mould or damp and cope with any potential issues asap- leaving it solely makes it worse!
- Begin the engine and ideally go for a brief drive (at the least 20 minutes)
- Depart gearbox in impartial if attainable and/ or don’t use the handbrake- or alternate between the 2 to try to restrict put on. (That is when wheel wedges are helpful.)
- For those who can’t drive, run the engine for half-hour and rev in a single minute intervals as soon as it’s heat (that is inferior to driving it, and will trigger build-up)
- Flip the air-conditioning on (ideally, whilst you’re driving.) I do know, it’s winter, and chilly, however this actually helps preserve the system ticking over for everytime you subsequent want it.
- Transfer the automobile barely so it’s not always on the identical patch of tyre. Alternatively, use tyre savers to take the load off, particularly in case your motorhome is over 3.5 tonnes.
- Tyre covers may be helpful too to guard the brake discs.
Whereas we’re with reference to tyres, examine (and open) your spare wheel casing in case you have one. Many individuals by no means do that and the lock corrodes, that means you possibly can’t entry the spare tyre when it’s worthwhile to!
Motorhome Winter Storage Suggestions- issues to do AFTER winter
Lastly, FINALLY, winter involves an finish and it’s time to start out making ready in your subsequent motorhome vacation. However, earlier than you set off, there are some necessary issues to examine and do.
You will get an entire pre-trip & motorhome departure guidelines right here
- Reconnect something which was disconnected, just like the battery
- Test the battery continues to be serviceable. If unsure, get it checked professionally
- Shut any pipes left open
- Take away any vent covers, skirting or motorhome covers
- Test tyre stress and drive automobile to ensure there are not any ‘flat spots’
- Do a full engine examine, together with oil and water ranges.
- Give your engine run
- Test for any motorhome or campervan recollects in your mannequin. Does something want fixing?
- Fill gasoline and fuel
- Clear. Get your motorhome clear in and out and be prepared for the brand new season.
- Get a motorhome habitation examine finished, or do one your self (however get the fuel system professionally checked in your peace of thoughts.)
RELATED: Important motorhome checks to make earlier than each journey
I hope the above helps you put together your motorhome for winter storage. If unsure, please do contact a storage or motorhome seller for recommendation in your particular mannequin.
Need extra motorhome ideas? You may discover all of them right here
