Winter is fast approaching, whether we like it or not, so we’ve prepared all the essential tips you’ll need to help winterise your motorhome and prepare to shut it down for the upcoming season.
We recommend following the correct procedure when winterising your motorhome for two main reasons. The first is that it helps to avoid problems from the cold, like damp, mould, and burst pipes. Most damage to motorhomes occurs during the winter months. The second reason is to comply with motorhome insurance policies. Some insurers state in their policy wording that they will not cover damage caused by winter freezing inside the motorhome or campervan systems between November and March.
Check with your broker or policy wording to see your policy conditions.
Winterising your motorhome
- Empty nearly everything – like food, drinks, clothes, valuables, motorhome logbooks. Basically, anything you don’t want to get damaged.
- Once everything is out, give everything a good clean, inside and out. Ensure all awnings are dry before storing, and leave all cupboards/wardrobes ajar to help stop condensation from building.
- Top up any liquids that will stay in the motorhome, like engine oil and fuel, and check the tyre pressures.
- It’s recommended that you add an anti-freeze component to the windscreen washer tank.
- Pull upholstery away from walls (where possible) to prevent condensation damage.
- Install a fridge vent winter cover to keep out rain, snow and rodents.
There are several places where you can keep a motorhome over winter:
- Parking on your driveway (or that of a friend/relative).
- Street parking near your house.
- Secure motorhome storage outdoors.
- Secure motorhome storage indoors.
Make sure you let your broker or insurer know if you are changing the place where you usually keep your motorhome over winter as this can impact your insurance.
If you don’t have a permanent motorhome storage place, you’ll need to book one as quickly as possible, as they’ll get booked up quickly. Once parked, leave the motorhome in gear and chock the wheels. DO NOT apply the handbrake. The goal here is to prevent the brakes from binding while in storage.
If you can, take the motorhome for a drive every few weeks. This will protect the engine and transmission caused by seized parks. It will also be good for the tyres. Fill the diesel tank after each trip to prevent condensation and vapour lock.
Checks for your motorhome during the winter
On the other hand, if you plan to use your motorhome during the winter months, you’ll need to check a few things regularly.
- All lights are working correctly.
- Tyres have a good tread for driving in the snow and ice.
- Oil levels and engine and auxiliary fluids are topped up.
- Make sure windscreen wipers can clear the window in heavy weather.
- Any vents and flues are clear – vital if using gas appliances.
- Use lubricating oil or WD40 on any door hinges. Also, spray the engine’s electrical components and leads with a moisture-repellent.
If you follow the above steps on winterisation, you shouldn’t have to worry about your motorhome being harmed by the harsh winter conditions. We hope this helps you prepare, if in doubt, please do contact a garage or motorhome dealer for advice on your specific model.
