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How to Winterize Your Caravan

How to Winterize Your Caravan

Keep your caravan safe and sound this winter with our essential care and storage checklist.

As colder weather sets in across the UK, your caravan faces risks from frost, damp, and neglect. At Blackmore Vale Leisure, we believe that a few smart steps today can save you costly repairs tomorrow. This guide will walk you through how to winterize your caravan — from water systems to electricals — so that it emerges in spring as fresh and ready as ever.

 

Why Winterizing Your Caravan Matters

  • Water left in pipes or appliances can freeze, crack components, and cause leaks.

  • Poor ventilation and trapped moisture lead to mould, mildew, and structural damage.

  • UV, frost, and debris can deteriorate seals, roofs, and surfaces over winter.

  • A dead battery or corroded electrical system can spoil your first trip of the season.

  • Rodents see stored caravans as cosy hideouts — seals and openings need protection.

Proper winter care is more than maintenance — it’s insurance for your caravan’s longevity.

 

Caravan Winterization Checklist

Here’s a structured, step-by-step process to winterize your caravan effectively:

 

1. Site Selection & Storage Setup

  • Choose well-drained ground. Avoid soggy surfaces or low spots that collect water.

  • Keep distance from trees or overhangs. Falling branches, leaf debris, bird droppings all pose risks.

  • Ensure secure access and locking measures. Use hitch locks, wheel clamps, and alarms if your insurer demands them.

  • Allow airflow around the caravan. Avoid tight fences or obstructions that block ventilation.

 

2. Exterior Care & Protection

  • Deep clean the exterior. Use caravan-safe products to remove dirt, road salt, algae, and more.

  • Inspect seals, windows, edges. Re-seal any cracked or worn sections.

  • Avoid high-pressure washing on trims. Too much force can force water under seals.

  • Apply breathable cover or protective coating. A cover helps but must allow moisture to escape.

  • Check external lights and wiring. Remove lenses, clean, inspect, reseal as necessary.

  • Lubricate moving parts. Door hinges, corner steadies, wheel mechanisms, etc.

 

3. Tyres, Wheels & Underbody

  • Inflate tyres slightly more. Helps reduce the risk of flat spots during long storage.

  • Reposition occasionally. If you can, shift the caravan a few inches every few weeks to relieve pressure on a single spot.

  • Use chocks (but avoid full hub wrapping). Don’t trap moisture around wheel hubs.

  • Verify insurer rules. Some policies don’t allow “jacking” or alternative support methods.

 

4. Water System Drainage & Protection

This is one of the most crucial steps:

  • Open all taps (hot & cold). Leave them open to allow full drainage.

  • Open drain valves and lower points. External drains, water heater plugs, etc.

  • Remove filters, shower heads, etc. Clean, dry and store them.

  • Run the pump briefly. To purge residual water (check your appliance manual).

  • Drain all portable tanks. E.g. fresh water containers or Aquaroll units.

  • Use a flushing or drainage kit (optional). Some systems (e.g. compressed air flushers) help remove stubborn residual water.

  • Toilet & cassette care:
    – Empty and clean the cassette fully.
    – Drain freshwater tanks.
    – Lubricate seals and leave valves partially open if safe.

 

5. Interior Cleaning & Ventilation

  • Deep clean everything. Vacuum, wipe, wash curtains, upholstery, cabinets. Remove all food and clutter.

  • Fridge/freezer maintenance: Clean, dry, and leave doors slightly cracked if safely possible.

  • Open cupboard doors. Help airflow inside storage areas.

  • Avoid pressing mattresses against walls. Leave some spacing so air circulates.

  • Use moisture absorbers. Silica gel packs, dehumidifiers, or moisture traps help reduce condensation.

  • Check and treat mould. Use safe mould-removal products, ensuring they’re suitable for caravan finishes.

  • Blinds, curtains, furniture: Avoid tightly closed or compressed setups.

 

6. Electrical & Battery Care

  • Remove the battery (if possible). Store it on a maintainer or trickle charger.

  • If battery stays installed: Isolate it, switch off all 12 V circuits, appliances, and radios.

  • Clean terminals and connections. Use protective coatings (e.g. a light grease) to limit corrosion.

  • Inspect external cables and connectors. Check for wear or cracks; clean and reseal as needed.

 

7. Gas System Precautions

  • Shut off gas valves/regulators. Make sure the supply is isolated.

  • Remove gas bottles (where insurer allows). Store them outdoors in upright, ventilated, secure enclosures.

  • Cap pipework. Use correct safety caps.

  • Inspect the gas locker. Ensure it’s dry and ventilated, free from blockages.

 

8. Final Lock-Up & Security Steps

  • Lock all windows, vents, rooflights. Ensure they’re properly shut and sealed.

  • Release the handbrake. Use corner steadies instead to avoid brake seize.

  • Fit wheel and hitch locks. A visible deterrent and often insurer requirement.

  • Remove valuables. Take out electronics, cushions, journals, anything portable.

  • Schedule periodic inspections. Pop in regularly (if possible) to air it out, run systems briefly, check for leaks or pests.

  • Book a spring service in advance. That way your caravan is already in line for readying when warmer seasons return.