Winter Storage

Here are some top tips for you if you're not going to use your van during the colder months.

You will need to protect it from the elements!!!!

• Wash the caravan's exterior and then go over it with a diluted solution of Fenwick's Overwintering to protect the paint work. (This product is easily removed with fenwick's caravan cleaner come spring)

• Open the taps and drain the water system, including the toilet's fresh water tank  and the in-board or under-floor water tank. Close the drain tap but leave the kitchen and bathroom taps open. Turn of the gas at the cylinders.

• Clean and thoroughly dry the interior of the fridge and all lockers, especially those used to store food. Leave all the doors open for air to circulate.

• Items usually stored under the seats may be left if they are not affected by damp, but remove the cushions and open the lids for the air to circulate.

• Ideally, all the upholstery should be removed and stored in a room in the house. Otherwise , stand the seat cushions upright against each other so air can circulate around them. Turn them every week or so.

• If the caravan is connected to the mains, leave a small fan heater running on its frost setting. The electricity will cost much less than repairing the damage caused by damp. otherwise, put a couple of moisture absorbers in the van and check the crystals regularly, changing when necessary.

• If the caravan is'nt connected to the mains electricity or has no battery charger, remove the battery and store it in a warm environment. Trickle charge it and check the electrolyte periodically.

• Fit winter covers to the fridge ventilator grills. They will minimise the risk of the refrigerant freezing if the temperature drops below 0'C

•  Open the windows and put a little talcum powder on the rubber surrounds before closing them again. This prevents the windows from sticking to the rubber. Close the curtains and use cardboard to cover the windows that lack curtains.

  These will keep out the cold and daylight, which can shade furnishings. Do not leave spring-operated blinds in the down position because this may weaken the springs.

• Inflate the tyres to the correct pressure and cover them with polythene. Check the pressures regulary and inflate as necessary. Leave the handbrake off to prevent the brakes from freezing or seizing on the drums.  Chock the wheels. Occasionaly turn the wheels to prevent the tyres getting a flat edge from the weight of the van

• Park the caravan with the nose down slightly. This will slow down the would be thieves, who will have to raise the rear steadies before they are able to hitch up your van. Fit rear steady locks, which will further dissuade them from trying.