The Complete Guide To Winterising Your Motorhome

How To Winterise Your Motorhome Or Caravan

Looking after your motorhome during the colder months is crucial to ensure it stays in the best possible condition. Whether you’re planning winter motorhome trips or winter storage, the right care will prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures and damp conditions.

Our simple guide covers the key steps to winterising your motorhome. We’ve also listed professional services to consider, and added a handy checklist for storage preparations.

Winter storage or winter camping?

Decide whether you will be using your motorhome during some or all of the winter months. Your preparations will vary depending on whether your motorhome gets any use.

Some people use their motorhome until Christmas, then put their vehicle in storage until Spring. Others prefer to store their motorhome from October to March, while a few will continue all year with winter motorhoming.

Where to store your motorhome during winter

Where your motorhome spends the winter makes a big difference to how you’ll need to look after it. Wherever you park, ensure it’s secure and your motorhome won’t be vulnerable to unwanted visitors.

Outdoors

The most common option – many people simply store their motorhomes on their drive or other land when not in use. For winter storage, you’ll need to take extra care to protect your motorhome from the elements. Cover your motorhome in a breathable cover or tarpaulin to protect against frost, rain and debris.

You’ll need to safeguard against damp inside. Adding dehumidifier packs and vacuum sealing bedding and cushions can help. If it’s on your own property, consider periodically airing it out and running a heater.

Indoors

A heated garage or unit is ideal as it provides the best protection for your motorhome from frost and damp. Once you’ve prepared your motorhome for storage you can simply park it up indoors.

Unheated garage or barn

Heated units aren’t an option for everyone, but unheated indoor storage still provides good protection. You won’t need a motorhome cover, although you may want extra protection to safeguard against damp.

Secure storage sites

If you can’t store your motorhome on your property, consider a nearby farm, campsite, or secure storage site. Security is the most important consideration, so look for a trusted site and visit it beforehand.

Online reviews are valuable, and a good starting point is the Camping and Caravanning Club’s storage sites. You can also check the Caravan Storage Site Owners Association sites.

Access

Some are ‘closed’ sites, which means you won’t be able to access your motorhome during the storage period. This might be preferable – if you can’t easily access your motorhome then neither can potential thieves.

Motorhome storage costs

Costs vary considerably across the country and you’ll pay more for higher security. Motorhome storage costs will also depend on the size of your vehicle and how long you’ll be storing it. For 6 months storage, you’ll usually be paying at least £250.

Preparing your motorhome for winter storage

Drain the Water Systems

Water and freezing temperatures don’t mix well, making them the biggest threat to your motorhome over winter. You’ll need to drain every component to prevent damage.

• Drain all water tanks (fresh, hot and grey).
• Open all taps (shower, sink and toilet) and valves.
• Empty the boiler and leave all taps open in the middle (hot/cold) position.
• Flush through and clean the drinking water system.
• Actuate the toilet flush so any remaining water clears out.
• Remove showerheads, leave to drain, then store with drain plugs.

Disconnecting all water pump connections is crucial as any water trapped inside could freeze. It will then expand and potentially damage internal components.

Disconnect Gas

Make sure the engine and electrics are switched off before you begin to disconnect any gas bottles.

• Disconnect bottles and seal hoses with the supplied safety caps.
• Check all valves are closed.
• If possible, remove bottles and store them safely elsewhere.
• Ensure you store bottles upright in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside.

Gas bottles need to be stored away from buildings, cellar openings and open drains. You should also ensure they aren’t stored near any corrosive or readily-ignitable materials.

If you plan to leave any gas bottles in your motorhome, keep them in the designated gas locker. You’ll have to check any rules on storage, especially if you’re storing your motorhome on a site.

Fridges and other electrical items

Defrost and clean the fridge, leaving the door slightly open to prevent mildew. Install motorhome fridge vent covers to keep out rain, snow and insects.

Remove smaller appliances like radios, speakers, hairdryers or kitchen gadgets if they’re not designed to withstand cold. TVs built for camping can usually stay in place, but check your model’s manual.

Maintain Battery Power

Batteries can slowly drain during long periods without use. They may drain entirely, which can cause permanent damage where power cannot be restored.

You’ll need to find a way to recharge your vehicle and leisure batteries every 3-6 weeks to prevent discharge. Consult your owner’s manual before deciding what’s best for your vehicle.

Options include:

• Connect your motorhome to mains power for 24 hours once a month (not suitable for all models).
• Take your motorhome for a drive regularly to charge both the vehicle and leisure batteries.
• Install solar roof panels to keep both batteries charged.
• Take the batteries to a garage where they can be monitored and charged as needed.
• Choose a storage site that offers battery monitoring and charging.

Make sure you switch off all appliances before disconnecting the battery. Remove the negative cable first, then the positive.

Interior cleaning and protection

• Empty cupboards and remove all food.
• Clean kitchen and bathroom areas thoroughly.
• Lift mattresses on their sides for air circulation.
• Stand cushions and upholstery upright, and remove carpets to prevent damp and mould.
• Consider placing a moisture absorber inside the vehicle.

Exterior maintenance and care

A wash and polish ensures your motorhome isn’t left with any potentially corrosive grime over winter. It’s also a good time to check whether you need any minor repairs.

• Wash off all dirt and grime, paying particular attention to seals, windows and wheel arches.
• Check windows, doors and the roof for any signs of damage.
• Inspect seals to ensure there are no signs of degrading – crucial for preventing damp.
• Repair any paint chips and add a layer of wax to protect the bodywork.

General checks

FULLY FILL YOUR FUEL TANK

Reduces the chance of corrosion or water getting in.

INFLATE YOUR TYRES TO MAXIMUM

Helps prevent flat spots while not moving for long periods.

ADD WINTER WINDSCREEN WASHER

It's formulated to withstand freezing temperatures.

PUT WHEELCHOCKS IN PLACE

Make sure the vehicle is in gear – don’t use the handbrake as this can seize up over winter.

TURN SECURITY ON

Ensure alarms, trackers and any other security measures are in place properly.

Maintaining your winterised motorhome

Long periods without use aren’t good for vehicle engines, batteries and other systems. If possible, it’s a good idea to go for a drive in your motorhome regularly. A short drive every few weeks to get the engine up to normal operating temperature will keep it working at its best.

If you can’t do this (e.g. because your motorhome is on a closed storage site), then it’s even more important to arrange a season ready service. This will check everything works well when your motorhome comes out of storage.

Professional winterising services

Experienced professionals can provide your motorhome with expert care. Their services often go beyond what you can do yourself. They also ensure your vehicle meets legal safety requirements.

Vehicle Servicing & Manufacturer Warranty Servicing

A full vehicle service gives you peace of mind that everything is working as it should. The end of the season is a great time to book this in. Motorhome mechanics tend to be less busy compared to pre-season before the warmer months.

If there are any issues, a pre-winter vehicle service helps to catch them early. You can maintain the performance and reliability, and prevent your motorhome from going out of action next year.

Staying up to date with your service schedule also protects your vehicle’s warranty. Finding trusted motorhome servicing providers can be tricky, so you should utilise the Approved Workshop Scheme standard. Supported by all major UK manufacturers, all workshops must comply with its high standards and pass annual inspections.

Habitation Checks

While a vehicle service looks at your motorhome’s mechanics, habitation checks safeguard the living area’s essential elements. They’re a vital professional service for keeping your motorhome in top condition. A habitation check can help catch small issues before they become costly repairs. They’re often required to maintain your warranty or insurance.

These comprehensive checks cover important safety areas including:

• Fire, gas and carbon monoxide risks
• Damp and water ingress
• Electrical systems and appliances
• Ventilation, windows and seals

Regular habitation checks are one of the most important ways to ensure safety, maintain your motorhome’s value and meet warranty requirements.

Winterisation Service

A motorhome winterisation service thoroughly prepares your vehicle to ensure it’s protected during the colder months. It prevents freezing temperatures and damp conditions from causing costly damage. Your motorhome receives professional expert care to ensure it is safe, dry and winter ready.

There is no ‘standard’ winterisation service so it’s best to check individual motorhome servicing providers. Some simply take the hassle out of winterising your motorhome. Other professionals offer extra care to control moisture and prevent damp.

Motorhome winterisation servicing can include:

• Complete drain-down of all water systems
• High-pressure flush to remove water from below drain level
• Cleaning of strainers and filters
• Draining of the toilet flush system
• Dehumidifier packs supplied to help control moisture
• Vacuum seal bedding in storage bags to keep it fresh and dry

Antibacterial Water System Flush

Ensuring your fresh water system is safe, clean and free from harmful bacteria is particularly important before or after long storage periods. A full system flush using professional-grade antibacterial solutions will remove any odours, stagnation and microbial buildup.

Preparing for the next motorhome touring season

Think ahead about what you’ll need to do when your winterised motorhome comes out of storage. Is the MOT due? Do you want to upgrade any part of your motorhome? Does anything need replacing?

Put important items together in a safe place. These include any bungs or valves you’ve removed. Make sure your vehicle and habitation keys are stored securely.

Consider booking in a pre-season or season ready service. After months without use, this ensures everything is fully operational before your first motorhome trip of the year.

A season ready service can include:

• Replacement of water filters
• Refitting any bungs and reset valves
• Refilling the water system, bleed through and check for leaks
• Adding the correct amount of water system sanitiser
• Refilling the toilet flush (if applicable) and charge the cassette
• Battery check, including standing volts and drop test
• Run-up and operation check of all appliances
• Tyre inspection including age check, visual faults and setting pressures
• Internal and external light checks
• Gas pipe inspection, date check and leak testing

Motorhome Winterisation Checklist

DECIDE IF YOU'LL BE USING OR STORING IT

PARK SOMEWHERE SECURE

(garage, outdoors with a cover, or a secure storage site)

DRAIN ALL WATER SYSTEMS AND CLEAN THOROUGHLY

EMPTY TOILET CASSETTE AND DRAIN THE WATER TANK

DISCONNECT GAS BOTTLES AND STORE SAFELY

DISCONNECT OR REMOVE THE BATTERY AND RECHARY REGULARLY

CLEAN AND EMPTY THE INTERIOR OF PERISHABLES

CUPBOARDS AND FRIDGE CLEANED WITH DOOR LATCHED OPEN

PROTECT SOFT FURNISHINGS AND CARPETS

WASH, REPAIR AND WAX THE EXTERIOR

SECURITY ALARM, TRACKER, CCTV ETC SET UP AND ACTIVATED

SERVICING AND HABITATION CHECKS COMPLETED

BOOK IN A SEASON READY SERVICE