Not utilizing your motorhome, campervan or RV throughout winter? Wish to winterise your motorhome and shut it down for the chilly months? Right here’s all the things it is advisable do to arrange your automobile for winter storage and take care of it throughout winter lay-up, in addition to issues to do AFTER winter to get again on the highway once more.
Get your FREE motorhome winter storage guidelines under to recollect all the things you want.
*We work laborious to make this the very best motorhome journey weblog and highway journey web site attainable, filled with useful content material for you. The web site is supported by our readers, so if you happen to purchase via hyperlinks on this web site we could earn a commission- at no further value to you. All opinions stay our personal.
In the event you discover this put up helpful, you possibly can additionally deal with us to a espresso – we promise to take pleasure in it whereas creating extra helpful content material like this- we’d even take pleasure in a biscuit (or two!)
Winterise a motorhome- what’s that?
There are two kinds of ‘winterising’ with regards to motorhomes or campervans (and no, I don’t imply the spelling of winterizing for my abroad RV readers! ? )
The primary sort is to arrange a automobile to be used through the chilly winter months, corresponding to if you wish to go snowboarding along with your motorhome or dwell in your motorhome throughout winter.
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 put up, we’re going to be speaking about shutting down and making ready your motorhome for winter storage and care to your motorhome whereas it’s not getting used.
As you’ll see under, it’s necessary 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 would find yourself with damp, condensation and lots of different points in your van.
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 shutdown and storage guidelines, so you possibly can be sure to have and do all the things it is advisable with a purpose to correctly care to your motorhome or camper all through winter.
This additionally applies for anytime you received’t be utilizing your automobile for some time, like throughout a world shutdown…!
Shutting down your motorhome/ camper for winter?
Seize your FREE winter shutdown guidelines right here
Why winterise your motorhome or camper?
There are two principal causes we advocate following these winter motorhome storage suggestions
The primary purpose to arrange your motorhome correctly for winter is to keep away from issues from the chilly, like damp, mould and burst pipes. Most harm performed to motorhomes happens through the winter months- particularly COLD winter months.
Chilly climate may trigger issues with tyres, seals, engines and different important components!
The second purpose to winterise your motorhome is to adjust to motorhome insurance coverage insurance policies.
Many insurers state that they won’t cowl harm attributable to water freezing contained in the motorhome or camper programs (together with the heating system) between November and March.
(Examine your insurance coverage coverage to know precisely what guidelines it is advisable adjust to.)
When do you have to put together your motorhome for winter storage?
I’d advocate 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!
Clearly, this solely applies if you happen to’re not going to be utilizing your motorhome- if you’re planning to make use of your motorhome recurrently all through winter, you don’t must observe these steps.
READ MORE: 27 important motorhome suggestions for newcomers
The place to retailer a motorhome for winter
There are a number of locations the place you possibly can retailer a motorhome over winter:
- Parking in your driveway (or that of a buddy/ relative)
- Avenue parking close to your home
- Safe motorhome storage outside
- Safe motorhome storage indoors
In the event 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 rapidly.
Many farmers supply barns for indoor storage, and there are many safe outside 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. In the event you do select to do that, be sure to add at the least one in all these extra motorhome safety measures.
Storing motorhome at house
The ideas 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 house 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 performed.
Additionally, if you wish to hold your motorhome battery charged and sorted, you might have to take it house with you if you happen to don’t retailer your motorhome/ camper in your drive; many motorhome storage models don’t have or enable energy provides.
READ MORE: Methods to care to your motorhome leisure battery throughout winter
Once more, if you’re storing your camper at house, ensure to suit some extra motorhome safety gadgets; thefts of motorhomes (and different autos) will increase over winter, particularly within the run-up to Christmas.
How do you winterise and retailer a motorhome for winter?
Okay, deep breath. This part could all sound overwhelming, however I promise it’s not that dangerous. A bit of effort now will save quite a lot of hassle in a number of months time.
Step 1- empty practically all the things!
- 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! Bear 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 may simply mould. This contains coats, towels, bedding, mattress & seat cushions. Some folks take away their curtains too- we by no means have however it’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. Take away motorhome 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.
- You may also need to transfer any campervan and motorhome devices you carry onboard.
- Take away motorhome books, magazines, pictures and some other paper based mostly product.
- You probably have a motorhome logbook or journal, take away that too. You possibly can go away homeowners handbook in if you want, however there’s an opportunity it might get broken.
Step 2- what can you permit within the motorhome over the winter?
It’s okay to go away 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 dwell anyplace it will get REALLY chilly)
- Some folks select to go away 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
- Video games
- Motorhome Generator (drained)
- Canine bowls/ toys (since you simply know I’ll neglect them in any other case!) – Right here’s an inventory of our important canine highway journey equipment
- Smoke alarm/ Carbon monoxide detector (sure, with batteries in. Simply in case)
- You probably have an exterior motorhome storage field on the rear, you possibly can most likely go away a lot of the gear in there (ensure it’s locked up and watertight), however do a fast test first to make sure there’s nothing perishable inside.
Can I go away a TV in my RV motorhome over winter?
Sure. There isn’t a purpose to take away your TV, EXCEPT for the truth that thieves might goal it.
READ MORE: The greatest 12v motorhome TVs available on the market
Motorhome winterisation tips- cleansing
- As soon as all the things is out, give all of it a REALLY good clear, inside and outside! This can be a good time to use a coat or two of wax to the skin.
- Examine awnings are completely dry earlier than storing them away
- Examine 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 go away it ajar)
- Forestall in opposition to condensation & mould. Depart all lockers, cabinets, wardrobes and many others ajar. Find out how we cease condensation in our motorhome right here.
Shutting down your motorhome/ camper for winter?
Seize your FREE winter shutdown guidelines right here
Winterising a camper tips- Prime issues up!
When you’ve emptied and cleaned, take into consideration the issues you might be abandoning, and prime up any fluids which might be staying within the automobile, together with:
- LPG Gasoline cylinders. Refill Gaslow cylinders when you’ve got them. You probably have exchangeable cylinders, it is perhaps greatest to take away them utterly and retailer them at house (sure, you’re going to lose your spare bed room for the winter!). That is additionally a very good time to TURN OFF all gasoline bottles and likewise the primary 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
- Examine tyre stress (additionally test tread and ensure there isn’t a cracking/ harm earlier than winter starts- chilly climate received’t assist that in any respect!)
Motorhome Winter Storage Suggestions- Methods to drain down your camper
DISCLAIMER: This can be a generic information. Most motorhome programs are very comparable, however please do test your proprietor’s handbook earlier than following these steps. If unsure, ask your dealership or an area storage for recommendation in your particular mannequin.
- Empty ALL programs over an appropriate drainage level. (In the event you can angle your motorhome to get as a lot as attainable out, even higher!) You would possibly need to clear your motorhome water tank first (right here’s how.)
- Be sure to have emptied: freshwater, wastewater, water heater tank and bathroom flush (if separate from freshwater) (Make sure that your bathroom is empty too…!) You might favor to purchase a water heater bypass equipment as a substitute.
- Open all inside faucets (yep, whereas over the drain)- LEAVE these open all winter.
- You probably have a mixer faucet, open it within the center so each side are on.
- You probably have inline water filters, disconnect and empty these.
- Depart the water pump working till faucets run dry (then flip it off rapidly to keep away from pump burnout)
- Take away the showerhead and drain water from the hose. Depart the hose hanging onto the toilet drain (when you’ve got a wetroom/ bathe room) or a bowl when you’ve got carpet.
- Examine 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 all the things is as away from water as attainable.
- Additionally, don’t neglect diesel and petrol have a shelf life. Now’s the time to test motorhome mills, motorbikes or the rest within the van which makes use of gas and both drain it down utterly or test the gas to make sure it’s nonetheless okay.
Winterize drain down Package for RVs, Motorhomes and Campers
For the very best outcomes, it is advisable push air via the system to get all of the water out. That is the very best equipment we’ve discovered.
Do you have to use antifreeze when making ready your motorhome for winter storage?
In the event you don’t use a drainage equipment just like the one above, there could also be some water left in your ‘u’ bends. You possibly can add just a little antifreeze down the plughole to assist cease this freezing (particularly in sinks and to the bathroom cistern.)
Do you have to use 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 can be a protected non-toxic antifreeze to make use of in ingesting water programs.
Winter RV Motorhome Suggestions- Battery winter storage & care
First, ensure each your motorhome leisure battery and your engine battery are absolutely 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 may be attributable to the age of the battery, however can typically be triggered if the temperature drops very low. Try to keep away from this by leaving the leisure battery on a trickle cost, corresponding to from a photo voltaic panel, or you possibly can even take away the battery utterly and retailer it at house for the winter.
NOTE: Even when saved at house, batteries will want top-up charging each 4-6 weeks to forestall issues.
READ MORE: Full Information to caring to your motorhome leisure battery
Do you have to cowl your motorhome in winter?
Ideally, you need 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.
Nonetheless, make sure that you utilize a breathable cowl, like this, in any other case the air received’t flow into and also you’ll trigger mould and damp. (Be warned- they’re NOT simple to placed on!!) You additionally need to be sure to 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 go away your wiper blades hinged away from the windscreen to allow them to’t freeze in place.
Getting ready your motorhome for winter- different suggestions
- If you’ll be able to connect 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 possibly can spray just a little WD-40 on catches, locks and a few electrics to forestall rust or corrosion.
- Guarantee all protecting programs are working ok- alarms, trackers and many others. You might want to set up further safety measures like an extra 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 take a look at!
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.
Among the best methods we’ve heard of is the biscuit take a look at.
Put a tiny piece of biscuit on the ground within the motorhome whenever you go away it for winter. If it’s nonetheless there whenever 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 is advisable go away some air flow into the van… which suggests holes. Vicious circle, sadly.
Issues to do DURING winter storage and shut down
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 is advisable 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.
As a way to stop points after being stood for lengthy intervals, it is advisable do the next at the least as soon as a month if attainable:
- Examine 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.)
- In the event you 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 should trigger build-up)
- Flip the air-conditioning on (ideally, when you’re driving the motorhome.) I do know, it’s winter, and chilly, however this actually helps hold the system ticking over for everytime you subsequent want it.
- Transfer 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 may be helpful too to guard the brake discs.
Whereas we’re as regards to tyres, test (and open) your spare wheel casing when you’ve got one. Many individuals by no means do that and the lock corrodes, that means you possibly can’t entry the spare tyre when it is advisable!
Motorhome Winter Storage Suggestions- issues to do AFTER winter
Lastly, FINALLY, winter involves an finish and it’s time to begin making ready to your subsequent motorhome vacation. However, earlier than you set off, there are some necessary issues to test and do.
You will get a whole pre-trip & motorhome departure guidelines right here
- Reconnect something which was disconnected, just like the battery
- Examine the battery remains to be serviceable. If unsure, get it checked professionally
- Shut any pipes left open
- Take away any vent covers, skirting or motorhome covers
- Examine tyre stress and drive automobile to ensure there are not any ‘flat spots’
- Do a full engine test, together with oil and water ranges.
- Give your engine a very good run
- Examine for any motorhome or campervan remembers to your mannequin. Does something want fixing?
- Fill gas and gasoline
- Clear. Get your motorhome clear inside and outside and be prepared for the brand new season.
- Get a motorhome habitation test performed, or do one your self (however get the gasoline system professionally checked to 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 supplier for recommendation in your particular mannequin.
Need extra motorhome suggestions? You possibly can discover all of them right here
Final replace on 2024-07-28 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photos from Amazon Product Promoting API
