Taking Care Of Your Motorhome In Winter

Storing your motorhome in winter

Storing your motorhome in Winter is very important if you want to ensure no costly damage occurs. Here are some straightforward instructions to bear in mind before putting your motorhome into hibernation.

Steps For Taking Care Of Your Motorhome In Winter

  1. Begin by giving your vehicle a thorough clean. Remove all food from cupboards and refrigerators including crumbs that could prove tempting for rodents.
  2. Clean motorhome awnings, wheel wells and window and door seals carefully, making sure that there is no moisture left before you put a cover on it. Leave all taps open in case there is any surplus water or pressure to escape.
  3. Remove all bedding and blankets to prevent mould getting on them and close all curtains and blinds to stop any sun damage
  4. Unplug appliances like kettles and toasters then turn off the main breaker.
  5. Leave cupboard doors open including the fridge door and defrost the freezer if you have one.
  6. Pipes – look after your pipes by draining out any water that has been left in the system. If this water freezes it can cause your pipes to expand and ultimately burst.
  7. Using a covering like tarpaulin is a good idea but the cover needs to be dry. If mould gets in through the cover it can corrode parts of your RV. Make sure your cover is fit for purpose by checking for any holes which need repairing.
  8. To further prevent moisture in your motorhome it is worth getting a dehumidifier to run periodically, but this will obviously have to be closely monitored. Otherwise you can put a large tub of silica gel inside the vehicle as this will remove moisture in the air.
  9. Consider the positioning of your motorhome during storage. Do not store your van near any trees and if you are parked on grass, use blocks to raise the height of the vehicle, this will prevent flat spots in your tyres.
  10. Pests like mice and insects need to be kept at bay when your RV is not in use. Position traps inside and outside your motorhome close to possible entrances. Squirrels and mice can make small holes even bigger and cause a lot of destruction when they have entered. Seal possible openings where possible.
  11. Wasps often like to build nests in motorhomes during the winter months; they are attracted to the LP gas so make sure all vents are covered. You will also need to make sure that bathroom items like deodorants are moved as insects are interested in these too.
  12. Do not try to turn on the engine of your van too often as it is possible that moisture can run into the exhaust and rust can develop.
  13. Take out gas tanks and store them externally.
  14. Lubricate the moving parts of your vehicle; use WD40 on any locks and hinges.
  15. Adding an additive to your fuel tank which will help keep it in good order while it is stored. Also make sure you change the oil.
  16. Make sure all LP gas appliances are turned off. Also remove any batteries from clocks or devices. Consider removing completely some devices which could be perishable like LCD TVs.
  17. Looking after the chassis – lubricate the chassis, remove and clean all batteries taking out the negative terminal first. Ensure they are in a place where they can be stored at a cool temperature but is not freezing. Check these batteries every few weeks.
  18. Finally, it goes without saying that valuable items should be removed to protect from theft, particularly as you will not be frequenting your motorhome as often.

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