Make sure your caravan is ready to weather the winter

Prior to winter setting in it’s always a good idea to go through a check-list of do’s and don’ts to ensure, like you, your caravan gets through the cold long times without too much wear and tear.

This mostly involves ensuring nothing can go wrong flooding or fermentation-wise and that you actually have a caravan to return to come the lovely spring and summer months. It’ll also save you quite a bit of money on costly repair bills.

So, ALWAYS remember to do the following:

• Empty the fridge and clean with bicarbonate of soda. Allow the air to circulate by leaving the door open
• Turn off water at the mains and drain the entire system. Leave the taps open to prevent any build-up of pressure
• If you’ve central heating in the caravan get it checked every winter
• Always close toilet seats and ensure there’s no access into the caravan for vermin through plug holes
• Remove all valuables and make this obvious ie open curtains and cupboard doors
• Try and let as much air as possible circulate in the caravan and ensure cushions and seats etc aren’t touching walls by placing them in the centre of the van. This avoids potential condensation problems
• Remove gas cylinders if possible and store in a ventilated area. Butane will freeze at four degrees or below
• Double check that your caravan is anchored securely in the event of a tough winter
• Make sure the van is away from long grasses or other growing vegetation

Other tips, which aren’t essential, but make for good common-sense are:

• Giving the outside of the caravan a good wash-down to make it easier to clean come spring
• If your van has a water filter remove it and remind yourself to replace it come spring
• Remove opened packets of food from cupboards and wipe any crumbs to prevent attracting vermin
• Remove the radio and store at home
• Leave bowls of salt throughout to attract moisture and keep the caravan dry
• Make your wheels last longer by removing and storing them out of direct sunlight and cover with hessian. Prop up the van using axle stands
• Clean and coat shock absorbers in Vaseline (wipe off when you go to use the caravan next)
• Wash the awning and make sure it’s completely dry prior to storing
• Use olive oil on window seals to prevent them sticking