Winter Storage Guide

As the caravan season draws to a close and the colder months set in, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your caravan for winter storage. Properly winterising your caravan not only protects it fromdamage during the off-season but also ensures it’sready for adventure when spring arrives. At Tenby Caravan Services, we’ve been helping caravan owners across Pembrokeshire with their winterstorage preparation for over 20 years. We know how important it is to protect your caravan from the elements, prevent costly repairs, and keep it in top condition. Here’s our step-by-step guide to help you prepare yourcaravan for winter and avoid any unpleasant surprises when you’re ready to hit the road again.

1. Get a Damp Test Before Storage

Before storing your caravan for the winter, it’s wise to have a damp test done to check for any signs of moisture or water ingress. Even small amounts of damp can worsen over the winter months if left untreated, leading to costly repairs and potential damage to the interior.

• Identify problem areas: A professional damp test will pinpoint any areas of concern so they can be addressed before your caravan goes into storage. Catching these issues early can prevent them from becoming more serious and expensive to repair.

• Let Tenby CaravanServices help: At Tenby Caravan Services, we can conduct a thorough damp inspection and handle any necessary repairs, helping you avoid surprises in spring and ensuring your caravan stays in top condition year-round.

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2. Clean Thoroughly Inside and Out

Before putting your caravan into storage, it’s essential to give it a deep clean, both inside and out. Dirt and grime can damage the exterior over time, while dust and moisture inside can lead to mould and musty odours.

• Exterior cleaning: Wash the caravan using a mild detergent, paying special attention to areas like the roof and around the windows, where dirt often builds up. Check the seals and joints around the windows and doors for any cracks or signs of wear that could let water in. If you notice any issues, we can repair these at Tenby Caravan Services to keep your caravan watertight through the winter.

• Interior cleaning: Vacuum and wipe down all surfaces inside the caravan. Remove all food and perishables from the cupboards to avoid attracting pests. It’s also a good idea to open the windows and air out the interior before sealing everything up for the winter.

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3. Drain Down the Water System

One of the most crucial steps in winterising your caravan is draining down the water system. If water is left in the pipes or tanks, it can freeze and cause serious damage.

• Drain the fresh water tank: Start by emptying the fresh water tank completely, and opening the drain valve at the base to let out all the water.

• Empty the hot water system: Be sure to fully drain the hot water heater and boiler. If your water heater has a separate drain valve, ensure this is moved to the open position.

• Open all the taps: After opening all of the drain valves on board your vehicle, open all the taps to the central position. This will help as much water as possible escape from the hot and cold water pipes to the exterior of the vehicle. It is always a good idea to remove shower hoses from the shower valve as these will hold water. Once removed, open the shower valve to the central position to drain.

• Flush the pipes and taps: Open all taps and showerheads to ensure all water is out of the system. Don’t forget to empty the waste tank and flush out the toilet system as well.

Top tip: If you have a wet heating system onboard your leisure vehicle, consider using a non-toxic antifreeze designed for caravans to protect your heating system from freezing. Unsure how to drain the system? We offer a full winterisation service at Tenby Caravan Services to take care of this for you.

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4. Disconnect and Care for the Battery

Your leisure battery could discharge if left connected over winter, especially if there’s any residual power drawn from onboard devices.

• Disconnect the battery: If your caravan will be in storage for a while, disconnect the battery and store it in a dry, frost-free place. It’s a good idea to check and charge it periodically over the winter months to keep it healthy.

Top tip: Don’t have a charger? Bring your battery to Tenby Caravan Services, and we’ll be happy to charge it for you.

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5. Ventilation and Moisture Control

Moisture build-up is one of the biggest risks during winter storage, as it can lead to dampness, mould, and bad smells inside your caravan.

• Leave vents open: Ensure that your caravan’s fixed ventilation points are clear and unobstructed, and consider leaving windows slightly ajar to allow air to circulate .

• Use moisture absorbers: Place dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers inside the caravan to help reduce condensation and prevent mould. Products like silica gel packs or caravan-specific dehumidifiers are ideal for this.

Top tip: Leaving cupboard doors slightly open allows air to circulate through your storage spaces, further preventing dampness.

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6. Protect the Tyres

Caravans that sit in one position for long periods can develop flat spots on the tyres, especially if parked on cold, damp ground.

• Inflate tyres: Check your tyre pressures and make sure they’re properly inflated before storing your caravan.
• Use axle stands: For longer-term storage, consider placing the caravan on axle stands to relieve the weight from the tyres entirely.

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Top tip: Placing your caravan on wood planks or using tyre covers can help protect the tyres from direct contact with cold or wet ground.

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7. Winterise the Appliances

Winterising your caravan’s appliances ensures they remain in good working order, ready for your next trip.

• Fridge and freezer: Empty and clean the fridge and freezer, and leave the doors slightly open to prevent mould and stale air from building up.
• Gas system: Turn off the gas supply at the cylinder and disconnect it for safety. Store gas cylinders in a secure, upright position, ideally in a ventilated space.

Top tip: If you’re unsure about how to winterise your appliances, our team at Tenby Caravan Services can handle it for you as part of our winterisation package.

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8. Secure Your Caravan

Your caravan will be stationary for months, so ensuring it’s secure is key.

• Use locks and alarms: Fit a good quality wheel clamp, hitch lock, or even an alarm system to deter thieves while your caravan is in storage.
• Cover your caravan: If storing your caravan outdoors, a breathable cover is a great investment. It helps protect the exterior from rain, snow, and UV damage, while still allowing airflow to prevent moisture build-up.

Top tip: We can advise on the best security measures and recommend breathable covers suited to your caravan’s size and needs.

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Let Tenby Caravan Services Handle Your Winter Preparation

Preparing your caravan for winter can be time-consuming and requires attention to detail, but at Tenby Caravan Services, we’re here to help. With over 20 years of experience, we offer comprehensive winter preparation services, from draining water systems and charging batteries to checking seals and applying antifreeze to heating systems In touring caravans, motorhomes and static caravans.

Let us take care of your caravan this winter, so when spring comes, you can simply hit the road and enjoy your next adventure. Contact us today to book your winterisation service or for advice on caravan storage.

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