Winterising a motorhome is necessary when temperatures drop and the camping season comes to an end. Whether storing your vehicle or planning winter trips, protecting your motorhome in winter requires specific steps to prevent damage from freezing, damp, and disuse. Cold-weather motorhome preparation involves a systematic approach that protects every component. We have seen the consequences of poor winter preparation, resulting in expensive repairs, which is why we’re sharing essential motorhome winter storage tips to protect your vehicle and potentially lower your motorhome insurance premiums.
Water System Winterisation
The water system needs immediate attention when winterising your motorhome. Frozen pipes can result in costly winter damage.
Draining Fresh Water Systems
Turn off the water heater and let it cool before draining. Open all taps, including showers and external taps, leaving them open during draining. Remove the fresh water tank drain plug and empty. Pump motorhome antifreeze through the entire system until it flows from every tap. This pink antifreeze is non-toxic and safe for drinking systems, unlike automotive antifreeze. Run the pump until antifreeze appears at each tap, then close them.
Protecting Grey and Black Water Tanks
Empty waste tanks at approved disposal points. Add motorhome antifreeze through the toilet and sink drains to prevent remaining water from freezing and cracking tanks.
Clean tanks thoroughly to prevent odours and bacteria. Leave valves slightly open for air circulation while preventing pest entry.
Engine and Mechanical Protection
Protecting a motorhome in winter means caring for its mechanical components, which can suffer during periods of inactivity.
Engine Preparation
Essential engine winterisation steps:
- Change engine oil and filter – Used oil contains acids that corrode parts during storage
- Check coolant antifreeze – Test for protection to at least -15°C
- Top up coolant – Use the correct type for your engine
- Fill fuel tank – Prevents condensation and rust
- Add fuel stabiliser – Prevents diesel bug or petrol degradation
- Run engine 10 minutes – Circulates treated fuel through the system
Battery Maintenance
Batteries discharge during storage and freeze when flat, causing damage. Disconnect and store frost-free if possible. Otherwise, connect a smart charger or solar maintainer.
Clean terminals with a baking soda solution. Apply petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion. Check electrolyte levels in non-sealed batteries and add distilled water as needed.
Interior Preparation
Winter maintenance for motorhomes includes thorough interior preparation to prevent damp, mould, and pests.
Preventing Damp and Mould
Clean thoroughly, as dirt and food attract moisture and pests. Leave cupboards, drawers, and wardrobes open for air circulation. Place moisture traps throughout, especially in areas with high moisture content, such as corners.
Remove bedding, cushions, and curtains if possible, storing them dry at home. If leaving furnishings, stand cushions on edge for airflow. Use breathable covers, not plastic, which traps moisture.
Appliance Winterisation
Defrost and clean the fridge and freezer, leaving doors propped open. Clean the oven and hob thoroughly to deter pests.
Remove gas bottles for upright storage in ventilated areas. If leaving connected, turn off regulators and cover to prevent moisture. Have gas systems checked annually.
Exterior Protection
Cold-weather motorhome preparation includes protecting bodywork, seals, and chassis from winter damage.
Bodywork and Seals
Wash thoroughly, especially wheel arches where salt accumulates. Apply wax for winter protection.
Check all window, door, and roof seals. Replace damaged seals immediately, as water ingress can cause extensive damage. Apply silicone spray to keep seals supple and prevent freezing.
Tyres and Chassis
Inflate tyres to maximum pressure to prevent flat spots. Use tyre cradles or move monthly if possible. Chock wheels on slopes.
Spray chassis components with water-displacing spray to prevent rust. Check and tighten wheel bolts. Cover exhaust outlets against moisture and pests.
Security During Storage
Motorhome winter storage requires robust security as criminals can target unattended vehicles.
Physical Security
Essential security measures include:
- Additional door locks – Visible deterrents discourage criminals
- Steering wheel lock – Quick visual deterrent
- Remove valuables, including electronics, tools, and personal items
- UV pen marking – Postcode on windows for identification
- Wheel clamps – Insurance-approved models preferred
- Tracker or alarm – Maintain batteries if disconnected
- Strategic positioning – Place the habitation door against the wall or a vehicle
Choosing Storage Locations
Secure sites can offer good protection but verify insurance cover. Home storage can save money, but be aware of the implications for your house insurance.
Indoor storage offers improved weather protection but can come at a higher cost. Outdoor storage needs breathable covers that won’t scratch. Avoid using non-breathable tarpaulins, as they trap moisture.
Insurance Considerations
When winterising a motorhome, review your policy for continuous protection. Some policies require specific security or storage conditions. Inform insurers of different storage locations – some offer reduced premiums for secure storage, others restrict to fire and theft only during extended storage. In addition, keep policies active during storage – gaps affect future premiums and no-claims bonuses.
At Advance Insurance, we understand varying storage needs. We can arrange protection on a year-round basis. We also offer campervan insurance, as well as car and caravan insurance for other vehicles.
Protecting Your Motorhome Investment with Advance Insurance Solutions
Thoroughly winterising your motorhome helps prevent burst pipes, engine damage, and interior deterioration, which can cost thousands. These are some of the steps to help protect a motorhome in winter, which can save on repairs and maintain its value.
At Advance Insurance, we have been arranging motorhome cover for clients for over 90 years, helping customers avoid costly winter damage through careful preparation. Our specialists understand that cold-weather motorhome preparation varies depending on whether the vehicle is in storage or in use, and we secure policies to reflect these specific needs.
Contact our insurance team to arrange cover that protects your investment, whether winterising a motorhome for storage or planning a cold-weather camping trip.
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