How to Winterise a Caravan During the Colder Months (10 Steps)

With the weather turning chillier, it’s time to winterise your caravan before the frost sets in. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry – the caravan experts at Auto Finance Online will break down exactly how to winterise your caravan below. 

Just a few hours of preparation now can save you a fortune in repairs come spring and ensure your caravan is ready for adventure as soon as the sun returns. 

Plus, if you’re thinking it might be time to upgrade to a newer, more winter-ready model before next season, our caravan finance loans make it super simple to get the perfect caravan for your adventures. 

Why not give our budget calculator a spin to see exactly what your monthly payments could be?

Why winterising your caravan is a smart move

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about just why winterising your caravan is so important:

• It protects it against damp and mould – Winter moisture is a caravan’s worst enemy, potentially leading to damp and thousands in damage.
• It can prevent costly damage – Freezing temperatures can cause water pipes to burst, leading to extensive and expensive repairs.
• It helps hold your caravan’s value – Proper winter care ensures your investment stays looking great and maintains its worth 
• Ensures it’s ready for spring: You’ll be ready to hit the road as soon as the weather improves.
• It reduces the risk of theft – If you leave your caravan parked out on the street over winter, you’re making it vulnerable. Stowing it away for the winter keeps it safe as well as keeping it in good nick.

Pretty compelling reading, right? So let’s get into our step-by-step guide to properly winterising your caravan!

1. Give your caravan a thorough clean

Thinking of skipping the cleaning before storage? Think again. A thorough clean is your first defence against winter damage.

Clean inside the caravan:

• Remove all food from the cupboards (even tinned goods can freeze and burst)
• Empty and clean the fridge, leaving the door slightly ajar (most caravan fridges have a special catch for this)
• Vacuum throughout, including under seats
• Give all surfaces a wipe down with antibacterial cleaning spray
• Stand cushions upright to improve air circulation or, better yet, take them home
• Leave cabinet doors and wardrobes slightly open for better ventilation

Outside the caravan:

• Wash thoroughly using proper caravan cleaning products
• Pay special attention to removing any green or black mould – it can permanently mark surfaces if left unchecked
• Check for any damage that might need repairing
• Clean windows carefully as acrylic scratches easily

This thorough clean gives you the chance to spot any issues before they get worse over winter. Plus, you’ll thank yourself when spring arrives and you’re not facing a deep clean before your first trip!

2. Drain the water system completely

One of the biggest causes of damage is water freezing in the pipes of the caravan’s water system. When it freezes, it can expand and can crack pipes, pumps and tanks. And replacing piping isn’t cheap. 

Here’s how to ensure everything is properly drained:

• Switch off all electrical appliances that use water
• Turn off the water supply at your caravan’s stopcock
• Open all taps (for mixer taps, place in the middle position so both hot and cold water drains)
• Open all drain valves, removing any drainage plugs
• Remove shower heads and shake free of water
• Empty internal water tanks
• Run the water pump for a short time to clear it of water
• Empty and clean your Aquaroll or other portable water container

Tip: For an even more thorough draining, empty the system during your last stay on site and leave drainage points open while towing home. The journey will help shake out those final drops. 

3. Protect your toilet from winter damage

Your caravan toilet needs special attention to prevent damage and unpleasant odours developing over winter. Start by draining the flushing water tank and thoroughly cleaning the waste tank after emptying it. Clean and lubricate the valve blade seal with silicon lubricant (avoid petroleum jelly), and leave the valve slightly open to prevent it from sticking shut. Plus, don’t forget to clean all seals to ensure they remain supple during storage.

Dealing with those annoying black bits in your flush water? Now’s the perfect time to sort it:

1. Mix 100ml of household bleach with 10 litres of water
2. Fill the flush tank with this solution
3. Leave for 24 hours
4. Drain the solution into a suitable container for disposal
5. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water until all trace of bleach is gone
6. Drain completely

Top tip: Want to prevent those black bits from coming back? Remember to drain your flush tank after every trip.

4. Disconnect and protect the battery

Leisure batteries are common casualties of winter caravan storage. A neglected battery can quickly become a costly replacement job. 

To take care of it, either remove the battery and take it home, or ensure it’s fully charged and isolated from all 12V equipment.

If you do want to leave it in the caravan, make sure it’s disconnected using the isolation switch and check all electrical items are switched off.

Remember, even when disconnected, a battery will gradually discharge over time. Once it’s been left in a discharged state, its capacity can never be fully restored – so battery care is well worth the effort!

5. Secure your gas system

Gas safety is extremely important when winterising your caravan. Gas stored poorly can be a big safety hazard. Here’s what to do:

• Close all gas valves on top of cylinders
• Disconnect regulators from cylinders if they’re the clip-on type
• Fit caps over the ends of any open pipework
• Check with your storage facility about their gas cylinder policies – some don’t allow storage
• If storing cylinders at home, keep them upright in a secure, outdoor location
• Never store gas cylinders in a shed or garage

Remember: Cylinders should be at least two metres from open drains or building openings and away from heat, ignitable materials, and corrosive substances.

6. Keep the exterior protected

Shielding your caravan’s exterior from the elements can make a huge difference come spring. You’ve got two main options:

Option 1: Use a breathable caravan cover

A quality breathable cover prevents condensation while protecting your caravan from the elements. Just ensure it’s the right size for your model and that your caravan is clean and completely dry before covering. A good cover is an investment that will last several seasons.

Option 2: Apply a protective coating

Alternatively, products like Fenwicks Overwintering Fluid provide a waxy protective layer at a lower cost than a quality cover. These coatings naturally wash away in spring, making them a simple, effective option.

Whichever option you choose, protecting your exterior now will save you time and effort when the camping season returns.

7. Keep your tyres sound 

Tyres don’t appreciate standing in one position for months. However, you can protect them by turning the wheels every 6 – 8 weeks. Simply go to your storage facility and move it forwards or backwards by approximately half a metre.

You can also raise the pressure by about 10-15 PSI above normal to reduce flat spots. Just remember to return them to the correct pressure before driving. 

And of course, remember to store it with corner steadies down and wheel chocks in but the handbrake off. This might sound surprising but leaving the handbrake down over winter can actually cause it to seize and get stuck on. 

Also, this is a good time to point out that another benefit of investing in proper winter caravan storage rather than leaving it on the road is that the tyres don’t get worn from UV exposure. 

8. Keep damp at bay 

One thing you don’t want to see when you open the door after winter: damp in your caravan. 

Don’t worry though, there’s plenty you can do to keep it out. You have to take action though, because the cold and moisture of winter is the perfect storm for condensation. 

Your to-do list:

• Leave furniture doors and wardrobes slightly open
• Stand cushions upright or, ideally, take them home
• Leave fixed beds in the open position to aid air circulation
• Keep blinds open (this also prevents spring mechanisms stretching)
• Ensure floor vents remain clear for air movement
• Consider using a dehumidifier or moisture-absorbing products
• Make sure all rooflights and windows are properly closed
• If possible, visit periodically to air the caravan

Top tip: If you can visit your caravan occasionally during winter, open windows and doors for 20 minutes to allow fresh air to circulate. A quick blast of your heating system can also work wonders at driving out dampness.

9. Don’t forget about security

Sitting in one place, unattended for many months can make your van highly vulnerable to theft. Make sure you’ve taken every precaution to keep your asset safe. 

Firstly, make sure you remove any valuables and make sure your windows are closed and locked. Next, consider adding security measures like an alarm system, wheel hitchlocks and wheelclamps to make it difficult for thieves to move.

You might also want to take out a caravan insurance policy, however, these often come with certain security requirements like alarm systems or storage in a secure facility. Make sure to read the fine print.

10. Choose a secure winter caravan storage location

Where you store your caravan can make a significant difference to its condition come spring. Here are the most common options:

• At home: While this is convenient, it will likely eat into your driveway or garage space. Plus, some consider a caravan on the grounds of their home an advertisement to thieves.
• Storage facility: Many owners prefer the security of a nearby purpose-built caravan storage facility. They often have 24/7 security, perimeter fences and advanced camera systems to prevent theft. The downside is it can restrict the time you can access your caravan, plus there’s a monthly fee – even over winter when you won’t be using your van.
• Undercover storage: An undercover spot at a dedicated storage facility is essentially the gold standard for winter protection, but is rare and usually comes with a big price tag. 
• Club sites: Many caravan and camping clubs offer winter storage with the benefit of good security and staff who understand caravan care. You’ll often pay a premium, but the peace of mind can be worth it.
• Farm storage: Farms sometimes silo a field or barn to often caravan storage. This tends to be a more budget-friendly option, but security and conditions can vary tremendously. We’d suggest visiting beforehand as a muddy grass pitch will make life difficult.

Remember: Always inform your insurer where you’re storing your caravan to ensure your coverage remains valid.

Your final winter caravan storage checklist

Here’s a handy reminder of those essential tasks to get done to winterise your caravan:

• Clean thoroughly inside and out
• Drain down all water systems
• Prepare and clean the toilet
• Disconnect and protect the battery
• Secure gas systems
• Protect the exterior with a cover or coating
• Look after the tyres
• Maximise ventilation to prevent damp
• Secure with appropriate locks
• Choose suitable storage
• Check periodically during winter if possible

Is your caravan ready for all seasons?

If this winter maintenance checklist has you thinking your current caravan might not be up to scratch, maybe it’s time to consider an upgrade. Newer models come with better insulation, improved damp prevention technology, and heating systems designed to handle the British climate.

At Auto Finance Online, we specialise in making caravan dreams happen without the financial headache. Even with less-than-perfect credit, our range of flexible finance options might surprise you.

Get in touch to talk through your options with a friendly advisor.

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