A complete guide to winterising a motorhome

Winterising a motorhome includes several steps to ensure that it stays in the best condition, whether you'll be storing it or travelling in it throughout the winter months. In this blog, you’ll find our top tips for preparing your motorhome for winter storage to ensure it stays secure at this time of year. You’ll also find some useful advice for travelling in your motorhome in winter and everything you’ll need to consider if you’re planning to do so. 

 

 

How to prepare your motorhome for winter storage

Putting your motorhome into winter storage without following the necessary steps can leave you with several issues to fix when spring comes back around. Check out these 9 essential steps to winterising a motorhome below, so that you're ready to get back out on the road as soon as possible in the warmer months.

Drain down all water systems

This should be done right through to the last drops in any taps and pipework, including the toilet and shower hose. You can leave the hose to dangle and leave taps in an open position. A short drive before you put your motorhome into storage will also help eliminate excess water.

Take out all food and perishables.

This includes anything in plastic containers and will ensure you don't attract vermin into your motorhome once it's stored.

Remove everything from your fridge and freezer.

Thoroughly clean out the interior and dry it fully before leaving the door ajar. This will prevent mildew and mould from forming. You can also check your owner's handbook and other key equipment manuals for advice on cleaning down for winter.

Leave locker doors open.

This allows air to flow through to prevent damp and mould forming.

Keep electrics on a trickle charge.

This will ensure that functionality is retained for items such as alarms and tracking systems.

Lightly lubricate any locks and hinges.

This helps to prevent any frost damage.

Remove soft furnishings.

If you have loose cushions and mattresses, you should ideally find somewhere dry to store them. Removing these items also makes your motorhome less attractive to opportunist thieves.

Have your motorhome serviced.

This includes your habitation area and base vehicle. Completing this step at this stage is a good idea, especially as the best dealers and workshops can also offer advice on storage.

Disconnect the gas supply.

You should also remove the gas cylinder(s) and store them safely elsewhere.

 

Bonus motorhome storage tips

Matt Sims (or Motorhome Matt) runs the Motorhome Matt Podcast, which provides advice and  guidance to motorhome, campervan, and caravan owners. Matt has been working in the motorhome industry for nearly 20 years and has been travelling in motorhomes his entire life. Below, Matt outlines some extra tips for preparing your motorhome for winter storage.  

• Fit a breathable motorhome cover with a soft inner membrane to protect your motorhome from UV light. It's a common misconception that a cover will encourage dampness, but make sure you don't use tarpaulin, as that can cause water to condense.
• The ‘chocolate test’ works great for checking for vermin in your motorhome. This involves getting a piece of chocolate and leaving it in the motorhome, then coming back to check if it’s got a bite taken out of it, or if it’s disappeared altogether. If you find the chocolate has been eaten, you must check your seatbelts and wiring to ensure nothing else has been chewed at.
• Moisture or damp crystals are great for absorbing moisture whilst your motorhome is in storage over the winter. You can buy them in bulk or in little boxes which are great for popping in the cupboards.

 

 

 

How to stay on top of your motorhome security in winter

Winterising a motorhome involves more than just preparing your vehicle for storage and then leaving it. You should also consider what security measures you'll put in place.

• Choose a storage location with multiple security measures to ensure your motorhome is as secure as possible. Some locations may include CCTV, perimeter fencing, or on-site security personnel, for example.
• Use visible security measures to deter potential thieves right from the start. They will be less likely to target vehicles that pose a higher risk of being caught.
• Use a motion sensor light to discourage potential thieves from targeting your motorhome. As the days grow shorter, there are more hours of darkness for potential thieves to exploit to avoid being seen.
• Check your insurance requirements before purchasing any security measures to ensure you're buying the right products for your insurance to be valid. Your insurer will be able to advise which products are required for your policy.

 

Bonus motorhome security tips

Motorhome Matt says: “I always use a wheel clamp, steering wheel lock, and tracker when my motorhome is in storage. You can also get a motorcycle disc lock, which you can use to rotate your front seats so they're facing backwards and lock them in place.

Related: Motorhome security: 6 top tips

 

 

 

Can you use a motorhome in winter?

Yes, you can travel in your motorhome during winter! The winter months can be a great time to get out and about in your motorhome or even travel abroad for some warmer weather. First things first, though—if you're planning on travelling in your motorhome in winter, you and your vehicle need to be properly prepared. Check out our tips below for winterising a motorhome for travel.

Properly insulate your motorhome.

Any external pipework may need to be lagged, and tanks should also have some heating insulation (more so if they're slung under your vehicle). Leisure batteries are particularly vulnerable to extreme cold, so ensure they're in the best possible working condition and in a location that affords them as much protection as possible.

Ensure your heating system is up to scratch.

Most motorhomes and campervans have in-built heating systems that are more than adequate for keeping the interior cosy. Nevertheless, you may want to supplement this with an additional heater—mains or gas-operated. If the former, make sure it's low wattage. Also, make sure that any products are labelled as suitable for camping or use in a motorhome.

Conserve as much heat as possible.

Keep door opening and closing to a minimum, as this will likely be your biggest source of heat loss. However, ensure you still have sufficient active ventilation (do not be tempted to block off vent holes, for example).

Bring extra layers.

Sleeping bag vs duvet is a debate for another day—but why not try both to see you through the colder nights? Don’t underestimate the insulation extra layers of blankets and rugs can give you. Electric blankets are also low on drawing electricity but brilliant at keeping you cosy.

Use hardstanding pitches.

Hardstanding pitches can be a better option than grass in winter because they’re easier to drive on and off. Consider putting matting down at your habitation door (and on any steps) to ensure you don’t encounter an icy surface as soon as you step out of your motorhome or campervan.

Add thermal screens to windows.

These can lead to a build-up of condensation on the insides of windows, though, so be prepared to wipe down regularly.

Ensure you have the right tyres.

This is especially important if you're going abroad. You should also make sure you're clued up on things like snow tyres and chains, and when they need to be fitted.

Consider having your vehicle serviced and a habitation check before you go.

Regular servicing can help detect potential problems early on, and you can check essential fluid levels and lighting yourself.

Create a checklist.

This should consist of any additional items you need to pack for winter driving, including things like snow shovels, spray lubricant, screen wash, and a de-icer.

Give yourself a bit longer to complete your journeys.

Slowly and carefully is the best way to proceed. You'll also feel more relaxed if you're not chasing a deadline. Keep a constant eye on weather reports, too. Needless to say, if it's deemed unsafe to travel, then don't!

Related: The UK’s prettiest winter beaches

 

Bonus motorhome winter travel tips

Motorhome Matt says: “Always take a blanket, warmer clothes, chocolate, something to drink, and a portable phone charger—just in case you break down.

“When driving your motorhome in winter, you should take the same approach as driving your car. If it's wet or icy, then it's important to have a healthy stopping distance for your safety and the safety of drivers around you.”

 

 

 

Specialist motorhome insurance through Ripe

Whether you decide to store or travel in your motorhome in winter, it’s important to have an insurance policy in place to provide financial protection should you need to make a claim.

Specialist motorhome insurance through Ripe allows you to build your own policy so you can tailor your cover to suit you.

Ripe Motorhome Insurance also offers optional add-ons, including enhanced windscreen cover, personal accident cover, continental Europe cover, legal expenses cover, and key cover.

Find out more about specialist motorhome insurance through Ripe and get a free online quote today.