Not utilizing your motorhome, campervan or RV throughout winter? Want to winterise your motorhome and shut it down for the chilly months? Here’s all the things you must do to arrange your automobile for winter storage and tips on how to look after it throughout winter lay-up, in addition to issues to do AFTER winter to get again on the highway once more.
Don’t neglect to seize your FREE motorhome winter storage guidelines beneath to recollect all the things you want.
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Winterise a motorhome- what’s that?
Let’s focus on what winterising a motorhome really 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 RV readers! ???? )
The first sort is to arrange a automobile to be used through the chilly winter months, akin to if you wish to go snowboarding along with your motorhome.
The second is getting ready your automobile for winter storage and never getting used very a lot throughout winter (additionally generally known as ‘laying up’.)
In this put up, we’re going to be speaking about shutting down and getting ready your motorhome for winter storage and tips on how to care on your motorhome whereas it’s not getting used.
As you’ll see beneath, it’s vital to make sure your motorhome, campervan or caravan is correctly closed down when not getting used for intervals of time, in any other case you can find yourself with damp, condensation and lots of different points in your van.
RELATED: Want to expertise winter vanlife or planning a winter motorhome journey? Read this primary…
FREE Motorhome Winter Storage Checklist
Don’t neglect to seize your free motorhome winter shutdown and storage guidelines, so you may ensure you have and do all the things you must with a purpose to correctly care on your motorhome or camper all through winter.
This additionally applies for anytime you gained’t be utilizing your automobile for some time, like throughout a worldwide shutdown…!
Shutting down your motorhome/ camper for winter?
Grab your FREE winter shutdown guidelines right here
Why winterise your motorhome or camper?
There are two foremost causes we suggest following these winter motorhome storage suggestions
The first motive to arrange your motorhome correctly for winter is to keep away from issues from the chilly, like damp, mould and burst pipes. Most harm carried out to motorhomes happens through the winter months- particularly COLD winter months.
Cold climate may trigger issues with tyres, seals, engines and different important elements!
The second motive to winterise your motorhome is to adjust to many motorhome insurance coverage insurance policies, which regularly state that they won’t cowl harm attributable to water freezing contained in the motorhome methods (together with the heating system) between November and March. (Check your insurance coverage coverage to know precisely what guidelines you must adjust to.)
When must you put together your motorhome for winter storage?
I’d 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 would possibly begin to freeze!
Obviously, this solely applies in the event you’re not going to be utilizing your motorhome- if you’re planning to make use of your motorhome frequently all through winter, don’t comply with these steps.
READ MORE: 27 important motorhome suggestions for novices
Where to retailer a motorhome for winter
There are a number of locations the place you may retailer a motorhome over winter- and I assure you’ll discover at the least one choice close to you.
- Parking in your driveway (or a pal/ relative)
- Street parking close to your home
- Secure motorhome storage outdoor
- Secure motorhome storage indoors
If you don’t have a everlasting motorhome storage place, you’ll must e-book your winter motorhome storage as quickly as possible- they get booked up shortly.
Many farmers supply barns for indoor storage, and there are many safe out of doors motorhome storage locations around- simply Google. Personally, I’d hesitate to maintain my motorhome on the road long-term- it’s too simple for thieves to identify and scope out.
Storing motorhome at dwelling
If you might be storing your camper at dwelling, make sure that to suit some extra motorhome safety units– thefts of motorhomes (and different autos) will increase over winter, particularly within the run-up to Christmas.
The suggestions listed on this put up 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 carried out.
Also, if you wish to preserve your motorhome battery on cost, you’ll have to take it dwelling with you in the event you don’t retailer your motorhome/ camper in your drive- many motorhome storage models don’t have or permit energy provides.
How do you winterise and retailer a motorhome for winter?
Ok, deep breath. This part might all sound overwhelming, however I promise it’s not that unhealthy. Somewhat effort now will save numerous bother in just a few months time.
Step 1- empty practically all the things!
- Empty out all perishables (meals, drinks and so forth). We typically depart our canned meals within the motorhome, however we do take away any fizzy drinks- simply in case! Remember to take away spices, flour and so forth as these can appeal to bugs if left.
- Remove ALL linens and garments. Anything which might simply mould. This contains coats, towels, bedding, mattress & seat cushions. Some folks take away their curtains too- we by no means have but it surely’s private choice.
- We additionally take away bathroom and kitchen rolls, which solely go soggy if left behind.
- All private hygiene soaps, liquids and sanitary safety
- Take out ALL valuables, particularly electronics. Remove 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.
- Remove motorhome books, magazines, photographs and some other paper based mostly product. If you could have a motorhome logbook or journal, take away that too. You can depart house owners handbook in if you want, however there’s an opportunity it might get broken.
Step 2- what can I depart 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 depart within the van over winter:
- Pots/ pans (cleaned!)
- Crockery/ cutlery/ glassware (cleaned!)
- Motorhome Cleaning provides (you may select to take away the liquids if you want. We by no means have, however then we don’t dwell wherever it will get REALLY chilly)
- Some folks select to depart their first help equipment/ medicines. We select to take away ours, however that’s solely so we will use it over winter if we have to
- Games
- Motorhome Generator (drained)
- Dog bowls/ toys (since you simply know I’ll neglect them in any other case!) – Here’s a listing of our important canine highway journey equipment
- Smoke alarm/ Carbon monoxide detector (sure, with batteries in. Just in case)
- If you could have an exterior motorhome storage field on the rear, you may in all probability depart a lot of the gear in there (make sure that it’s locked up and watertight), however do a fast verify first to make certain there’s nothing perishable inside.
Can I depart a TV in my RV motorhome over winter?
Yes. There isn’t any motive to take away your TV EXCEPT for the truth that thieves might goal it.
READ MORE: The finest 12v motorhome TVs in the marketplace
Motorhome winterisation tips- cleansing
- Once all the things is out, give all of it a REALLY good clear, inside and outside! This is an effective time to use a coat or two of wax to the surface.
- Check awnings are completely dry earlier than storing them away
- Check fridge/ freezer are empty & clear. Leave 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)
- Prevent in opposition to condensation & mould. Leave all lockers, cabinets, wardrobes and so forth ajar. There’s a whole put up on how we cease condensation in our motorhome right here.
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
Winterising a camper tips- Top issues up!
Once you’ve emptied and cleaned, take into consideration the issues you might be abandoning, and prime up any fluids which shall be staying within the automobile, together with:
- LPG Gas cylinders. Refill Gaslow cylinders you probably have them. If you could have exchangeable cylinders, it could be finest to take away them fully and retailer them at dwelling (sure, you’re going to lose your spare bed room for the winter!). This can also be time to TURN OFF all gasoline bottles and in addition 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 Fuel
- Check tyre strain (additionally verify tread and ensure there is no such thing as a cracking/ harm earlier than winter starts- chilly climate gained’t assist that in any respect!)
Motorhome Winter Storage Tips- How to empty down your camper
DISCLAIMER: This is a generic information. Most motorhome methods are very related, however please do verify your proprietor’s handbook earlier than following these steps. If doubtful, ask your dealership or a neighborhood storage for recommendation in your particular mannequin.
- Empty ALL methods over an appropriate drainage level. (If you may angle your motorhome to get as a lot as doable out, even higher!)
- Make positive you could have emptied: freshwater, wastewater, water heater tank and bathroom flush (if separate from freshwater) (Make positive your bathroom is empty too…!) You might favor to purchase a water heater bypass equipment as a substitute.
- Open all inner faucets (yep, whereas over the drain)- LEAVE these open all winter.
- If you could have a mixer faucet, open it within the center so either side are on.
- If you could have inline water filters, disconnect and empty these.
- Leave the water pump working till faucets run dry (then flip it off shortly to keep away from pump burnout)
- Remove the showerhead and drain water from the hose. Leave the hose hanging onto the lavatory drain (you probably have a wetroom/ bathe room) or a bowl you probably have carpet.
- Check beneath the motorhome and ensure the u-bends are as empty as doable (that is usually the place the bathe u-bends are)
- If doable, go for a fast drive to bump issues round and ensure all the things is as away from water as doable.
- Also, don’t neglect diesel and petrol have a shelf life. Now is the time to verify motorhome turbines, motorbikes or anything within the van which makes use of gasoline and both drain it down fully or verify the gasoline to make certain it’s nonetheless okay.
Shutting down your motorhome/ camper for winter?
Grab your FREE winter shutdown guidelines right here
Winterize drain down Kit for RVs, Motorhomes and Campers
For the very best outcomes, you must push air by means of the system to get all of the water out. This is the very best equipment we’ve discovered.
Should you utilize antifreeze when getting ready your motorhome for winter storage?
If you don’t use a drainage equipment just like the one above, there could also be some water left in your ‘u’ bends. You can add slightly antifreeze down the plughole to assist cease this freezing (particularly in sinks and to the bathroom cistern.)
Should you utilize motorhome antifreeze within the freshwater tank?
DON’T add antifreeze to your freshwater pipe until it’s particular RV motorhome antifreeze which is non-toxic!!! This is a protected non-toxic antifreeze to make use of in ingesting water methods.
Winter RV Motorhome Tips- Battery winter storage & care
First, make sure that each your motorhome leisure battery and your engine battery are totally charged.
Engine batteries are inclined to fare higher in winter, however leisure batteries, particularly these housed in exterior lockers, typically fail in chilly climate.
This might be attributable to the age of the battery, however can typically be triggered if the temperature drops very low. Try and keep away from this by leaving the leisure battery on a trickle cost, akin to from a photo voltaic panel, or you may even take away the battery fully and retailer it at dwelling for the winter.
NOTE: Even if saved at dwelling, batteries will want top-up charging each 4-6 weeks to forestall issues.
READ MORE: Complete Guide to caring on your motorhome leisure battery
Should you cowl your motorhome in winter?
Ideally, you need to retailer your motorhome or campervan indoors throughout winter. If that’s not doable then sure, a motorhome cowl is a good suggestion. The extra layers of insulation the motorhome has, the higher.
However, make certain 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 need to ensure you get one which inserts your automobile AND which permits entry to the habitation door.
Some folks simply select to cowl their windscreen- and also you would possibly select to depart your wiper blades hinged away from the windscreen to allow them to’t freeze in place.
Preparing your motorhome for winter- different suggestions
- If you’ll be able to hook up with energy, depart a small heater on low/ night time time setting to protect in opposition to freezing.
- Fit exterior vents to fridges and depart fridge door open
- Leave cupboards and inside doorways open to permit air to flow into
- You can spray slightly WD-40 on catches, locks and a few electrics to forestall rust or corrosion.
- Ensure all protecting methods are working ok- alarms, trackers and so forth. You might want to set up additional safety measures like an additional 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?
Grab your FREE winter shutdown guidelines right here
Protect your motorhome from rodents- The biscuit check!
It’s a tragic reality {that a} motorhome or campervan left alone for some time will appeal to numerous animals on the lookout for a house. Mice, rats and spiders can all transfer in throughout your absence.
One of the very best methods we’ve heard of is the biscuit check.
Put a tiny piece of biscuit on the ground within the motorhome while you depart it for winter. If it’s nonetheless there while 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 might help- however don’t neglect you must depart some air flow into the van… which suggests holes. Vicious circle, sadly.
Things to do DURING winter storage and shut down
Once your motorhome is ready and tucked away for the winter, you may’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.)
Still, there are some issues you must 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 will not be designed to be sat idle for months on finish.
In order to forestall points after being stood for lengthy intervals, you must do the next at the least as soon as a month if doable:
- Check in your motorhome if it’s not parked close to you
- Look for indicators of mould or damp and take care of any potential issues asap- leaving it solely makes it worse!
- Start the engine and ideally go for a brief drive (at the least 20 minutes)
- Leave gearbox in impartial if doable and/ or don’t use the handbrake- or alternate between the 2 to attempt to restrict put on. (This is when wheel wedges are helpful.)
- If you may’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)
- Turn the air-conditioning on (ideally, when 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.
- Move the automobile barely so it’s not continuously 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 might be helpful too to guard the brake discs.
While we’re as regards to tyres, verify (and open) your spare wheel casing you probably have one. Many folks by no means do that and the lock corrodes, which means you may’t entry the spare tyre when you must!
Motorhome Winter Storage Tips- issues to do AFTER winter
Finally, FINALLY, winter involves an finish and it’s time to start out getting ready on your subsequent motorhome vacation. But, earlier than you set off, there are some vital issues to verify and do.
You can get a whole pre-trip & motorhome departure guidelines right here
- Reconnect something which was disconnected, just like the battery
- Check the battery continues to be serviceable. If doubtful, get it checked professionally
- Close any pipes left open
- Remove any vent covers, skirting or motorhome covers
- Check tyre strain and drive automobile to ensure there aren’t any ‘flat spots’
- Do a full engine verify, together with oil and water ranges.
- Give your engine run
- Check for any motorhome or campervan remembers on your mannequin. Does something want fixing?
- Fill gasoline and gasoline
- Clean. Get your motorhome clear inside and outside and be prepared for the brand new season.
- Get a motorhome habitation verify carried out, or do one your self (however get the gasoline system professionally checked on your peace of thoughts.)
RELATED: Essential motorhome checks to make earlier than each journey
I hope the above helps you put together your motorhome for winter storage. If doubtful, please do contact a storage or motorhome supplier for recommendation in your particular mannequin.
Want extra motorhome suggestions? You can discover all of them right here