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
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Water left in pipes or appliances can freeze, crack components, and cause leaks.
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Poor ventilation and trapped moisture lead to mould, mildew, and structural damage.
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UV, frost, and debris can deteriorate seals, roofs, and surfaces over winter.
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A dead battery or corroded electrical system can spoil your first trip of the season.
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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
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Choose well-drained ground. Avoid soggy surfaces or low spots that collect water.
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Keep distance from trees or overhangs. Falling branches, leaf debris, bird droppings all pose risks.
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Ensure secure access and locking measures. Use hitch locks, wheel clamps, and alarms if your insurer demands them.
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Allow airflow around the caravan. Avoid tight fences or obstructions that block ventilation.
2. Exterior Care & Protection
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Deep clean the exterior. Use caravan-safe products to remove dirt, road salt, algae, and more.
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Inspect seals, windows, edges. Re-seal any cracked or worn sections.
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Avoid high-pressure washing on trims. Too much force can force water under seals.
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Apply breathable cover or protective coating. A cover helps but must allow moisture to escape.
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Check external lights and wiring. Remove lenses, clean, inspect, reseal as necessary.
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Lubricate moving parts. Door hinges, corner steadies, wheel mechanisms, etc.
3. Tyres, Wheels & Underbody
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Inflate tyres slightly more. Helps reduce the risk of flat spots during long storage.
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Reposition occasionally. If you can, shift the caravan a few inches every few weeks to relieve pressure on a single spot.
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Use chocks (but avoid full hub wrapping). Don’t trap moisture around wheel hubs.
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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:
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Open all taps (hot & cold). Leave them open to allow full drainage.
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Open drain valves and lower points. External drains, water heater plugs, etc.
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Remove filters, shower heads, etc. Clean, dry and store them.
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Run the pump briefly. To purge residual water (check your appliance manual).
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Drain all portable tanks. E.g. fresh water containers or Aquaroll units.
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Use a flushing or drainage kit (optional). Some systems (e.g. compressed air flushers) help remove stubborn residual water.
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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
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Deep clean everything. Vacuum, wipe, wash curtains, upholstery, cabinets. Remove all food and clutter.
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Fridge/freezer maintenance: Clean, dry, and leave doors slightly cracked if safely possible.
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Open cupboard doors. Help airflow inside storage areas.
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Avoid pressing mattresses against walls. Leave some spacing so air circulates.
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Use moisture absorbers. Silica gel packs, dehumidifiers, or moisture traps help reduce condensation.
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Check and treat mould. Use safe mould-removal products, ensuring they’re suitable for caravan finishes.
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Blinds, curtains, furniture: Avoid tightly closed or compressed setups.
6. Electrical & Battery Care
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Remove the battery (if possible). Store it on a maintainer or trickle charger.
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If battery stays installed: Isolate it, switch off all 12 V circuits, appliances, and radios.
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Clean terminals and connections. Use protective coatings (e.g. a light grease) to limit corrosion.
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Inspect external cables and connectors. Check for wear or cracks; clean and reseal as needed.
7. Gas System Precautions
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Shut off gas valves/regulators. Make sure the supply is isolated.
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Remove gas bottles (where insurer allows). Store them outdoors in upright, ventilated, secure enclosures.
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Cap pipework. Use correct safety caps.
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Inspect the gas locker. Ensure it’s dry and ventilated, free from blockages.
8. Final Lock-Up & Security Steps
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Lock all windows, vents, rooflights. Ensure they’re properly shut and sealed.
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Release the handbrake. Use corner steadies instead to avoid brake seize.
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Fit wheel and hitch locks. A visible deterrent and often insurer requirement.
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Remove valuables. Take out electronics, cushions, journals, anything portable.
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Schedule periodic inspections. Pop in regularly (if possible) to air it out, run systems briefly, check for leaks or pests.
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Book a spring service in advance. That way your caravan is already in line for readying when warmer seasons return.