Preparing your caravan for winter hibernation

As the colder months approach and the holiday season draws to a close, you might be thinking that it’s time to start preparing your caravan for winter hibernation. Storing your caravan properly during winter is essential to maintaining its condition and ensuring it’s ready for action when the warmer weather returns. Whether you store your caravan in a garage, in other storage or on a driveway, following a few key steps will help prevent damage to it and hopefully prolong its lifespan.

Here’s our guide to preparing your caravan for the winter, covering everything from cleaning and covering, to storage and what to remove from the inside.

1. Give it a thorough clean

Before tucking your caravan away for the winter, giving it a deep clean is pretty crucial. Any dirt, leaves, bird droppings or other items left on the exterior can cause damage or staining, and anything that’s left inside the caravan that is perishable can cause unpleasant smells.

The exterior

You can start by giving the exterior a thorough wash using a mild detergent that’s safe for caravan finishes. Pay special attention to areas prone to dirt build-up, such as around the wheel arches, the windows and the roof. Remove any moss as this can be corrosive over time. Use a soft brush or sponge to avoid scratching the surface, and be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all of the soap residue.

The interior

Inside, clean all the surfaces including the worktops, cupboards, floors and windows. Empty the fridge and freezer, wipe them down, and leave the doors slightly open to allow airflow and to prevent mould taking hold. Clean the bathroom, hoover the upholstery and the carpets and make sure all food (including crumbs) are removed as these could attract pests during the winter months. Put plugs in the sink and the shower to stop any living creatures getting in via the pipes.

A clean caravan is much easier to maintain during storage, and it’ll feel much fresher when you reopen it in the spring!

2. Choose whether or not to cover it

We’ve written another blog post on whether or not you should cover your caravan, which you can find here. It’s a personal choice, but if used correctly, a quality caravan cover can be an excellent investment as it shields your caravan from rain, snow, frost and UV damage, keeping the exterior in good condition. 

3. Decide where to store it

Choosing the right location to store your caravan for the winter is vital, in order to protect it from both the weather and potential theft.

Outdoor storage

If you’re storing your caravan outside, such as on a driveway or in a garden, position the caravan away from overhanging trees or bushes to reduce the risk of damage from falling branches or excessive leaf build-up. Try to park it on a hard, even surface like concrete or gravel, which will reduce the chances of the tyres sinking into soft ground.

Indoor storage

Indoor storage probably offers the best protection, whether in a garage, barn, or other secure storage facility. Keeping your caravan out of the elements greatly reduces the risk of water damage, freezing and also sun fading. If possible, find a dry, ventilated area with good airflow to avoid damp conditions. Be aware of any known animals in the area - you don’t want rats or mice renting your caravan out during the winter!

Regardless of where you store your caravan, ensure that it’s secured with a hitch lock, wheel clamp or another anti-theft device. Some facilities might offer additional security measures, such as CCTV or gated access, giving you extra peace of mind over the winter months.

4. What to remove from your caravan

Before you lock your caravan up for winter, there are a few items you might want to think about removing, to both prevent damage and also protect your belongings.

Water

One of the most important steps is to drain the water system. Any leftover water in pipes, taps, or the water heater can freeze and cause some damage, so drain down all water tanks, pipes, taps and appliances, and leave the taps in the open position. Also make sure the toilet system is fully drained and cleaned to avoid any unpleasant surprises come spring!

Tyres

Tyres can start to deteriorate a bit without movement, so some people choose to remove their tyres and store them separately, or put covers on them at least, if the caravan is stored outside.

Batteries

You might want to remove the leisure battery and store it indoors in a cool, dry place. It’s also a good idea to give the battery a top-up charge every now and then to keep it in good working order.

Gas bottles

Disconnect and remove any gas bottles, storing them in a well-ventilated, dry location, away from sources of heat. If you’re storing the caravan in a confined space like a garage, it’s especially important to remove any gas bottles to avoid the risk of leaks.

Perishable items and soft furnishings

Empty all of the cupboards, the fridge and the freezer of all food and drink. Some people remove the soft furnishings such as cushions, bedding and even curtains if they feel worried about potential damp. Alternatively, you could use moisture-absorbing products to reduce the risk of this.

Personal belongings

It’s always a good idea to remove any valuables and electronics from your caravan. Not only will this protect them from theft, but it also reduces the chances of anything getting damaged by the cold or damp conditions.

So there it is - there’s a bit of prep needed to get your caravan ready for winter hibernation, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. A little extra care now will ensure that your caravan stays in good condition throughout the colder months, ready to hit the road again when spring finally arrives.

Happy hibernation - and here’s to many more adventures when the weather turns warm again!