Storing Your Caravan Over Winter

There is no reason to give up camping altogether over the winter months but with ice on the roads and snow looming, caravan trips will often wait until spring. If you want to ensure that you can use your caravan next year and over the years to come then there are certain things you should do to prepare your caravan for over-winter storage and make sure that it will be in tip-top condition for years to come.

Clean Thoroughly Inside and Out

It is a bit of a pain but a thorough clean inside and out will save you a lot of time and money. It can prevent you from getting a very nasty surprise when you return to your caravan in the spring. Cleaning outside with suitable cleaners can slow corrosion and cleaning inside can help prevent musty smells and mildew problems. Cleaning thoroughly will also allow you to give the whole caravan a good once over and check for any potential problems.

Take Care of Your Tyres

Tyres should be left at the correct pressure and it is a good idea to turn your tyres every six to eight weeks over the winter to prevent uneven pressure and wear. If at all possible, you should try to make sure that the time your caravan spends resting on its tyres is kept to a bare minimum.

Drain Down Water Systems

This is an obvious one but one that you could regret if you forget it. Any water containers or water systems in your caravan should be fully drained so that they cannot freeze and burst containers or pipes. Water damage can be costly so you should also, talking about water, make sure there are no leaks in the roof or round windows.

Get Best Possible Ventilation

Ventilation is key to the prevention of mould and mildew problems inside your caravan. If there is a fridge this should be left ajar and soft upholstery and cushions should be moved upright and placed away from the walls or stored elsewhere to prevent damp.

Consider Fabrics During Longer Term Storage

You may wish to consider storing not only the cushions but also other fabrics like the curtains or blinds elsewhere during the winter. While winter storing fabrics you should consider protecting the materials from moths, damp and other dangers, so you can bring them out and they will still be fresh, clean and undamaged in the spring.

There are other things to consider. Consult the manufacturer or any instruction manuals you may have for over-wintering procedure, use common sense and get out there as soon as possible to enjoy caravanning adventures in the spring.