Winterising your motorhome: Storage and travel

Whether you’re planning on storing your motorhome or travelling in it this winter, this guide has some top tips, so you know where to start, with advice from Motorhome Matt.

Matt Sims (or Motorhome Matt) runs the Motorhome Matt Podcast, providing 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.

With several motorhome businesses, Matt has excellent knowledge of the industry and is an expert on all things motorhomes—including what to do with them during the winter months.

 

 

Winterising your motorhome: Winter storage

If you know you’re not going to be using your motorhome throughout the winter, you need to find a good place to store it. You also need to make sure you’ve taken the necessary steps to ensure that, when spring comes around, you’re ready to head straight out on the road again.

We’ll start by answering a few common questions on winterising your motorhome for storage:

 

How do you prepare your motorhome for winter storage?

The first thing you need to do when preparing your motorhome for winter storage is find a good place to store it. You can store your motorhome on your drive (or, better still, in a cosy garage). This means it’s also available if you need to use it for driving, and you’ve also got an emergency bedroom on hand for guests.

Another key thing to consider is security, as it’s not just about the money. Most owners have sentimental credit tied up in their motorhome and its contents which can by far outweigh any monetary value. If you’re looking for somewhere safe to stow your vehicle away from home, find a site that specialises in motorhome storage with plenty of security measures in place. Wherever you decide to store your motorhome, a protective cover can also be a great idea.

It helps to thoroughly clean your motorhome both inside and out, too, before you put it into storage. A layer of proprietary overwintering fluid can also add extra protection, one of the most popular brands is Fenwicks.

 

Matt says:

“The most important thing when preparing your motorhome for winter storage is to get all the water out. This includes your taps, pipes, and shower. If the water isn’t removed, it will freeze and expand which can cause burst taps and blown pipes. When you take your motorhome out in the spring, the last thing you want is to turn the tap on and find your feet soaking wet.

“I’d also wash and polish your motorhome, and visually inspect it to make sure everything is in working order, keeping an eye on sealants. You could also fit a breathable cover with a soft inner membrane to protect your motorhome from UV light. These covers can have additional security benefits, too, as they often ensure that wandering eyes ignore your vehicle.

“It’s a common misconception that a cover will encourage dampness—although make sure you don’t use tarpaulin, as that can cause water to condense. Always use a breathable cover instead.”

 

 

 

How can I keep my motorhome in good condition whilst it’s in storage through winter?

If possible, it’s great if you can still get to your motorhome occasionally during the winter to turn the engine over and move it a bit (just so the vehicle isn’t always resting on the same patch of tyre tread).

Better still, try taking your motorhome out for a drive at least once during its hibernation period. If you do, use the air conditioning systems, as this will help combat any lingering moisture in the air.

Likewise, fire up some of your systems, including the heating, just to keep things ticking over. Like your leisure batteries, your motorhome vehicle battery can struggle in extreme cold. Consider taking it out altogether and keeping it somewhere dry, where it can also be kept fully charged.

 

Matt says:

“The ‘chocolate test’ works great for checking for vermin in your motorhome. Of course, you should always remove any food out of your motorhome before storing it to ensure you don’t attract vermin (although tinned food should be fine). However, the chocolate test 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 need to check your seatbelts and wiring to make sure nothing has been chewed at. It can cause a lot of damage if this goes unchecked.

“Moisture or damp crystals are great for absorbing moisture whilst your motorhome is in storage over the winter, too. We use the Kontroll brand which is one of the best-known on the market. I had issues with cars getting mould on the seats and seat belts over the winter, but as soon as I started using these, there would be no mould at all. You can buy them in bulk or in little boxes which are great for popping in the cupboards.

“My best advice for looking after your motorhome in winter is to get out and use it! Go out for the day, turn the heating and hot water on, and enjoy it! Just keep it moving.”

 

How can I keep my motorhome secure through winter?

No matter the season, you should have security measures in place whenever your motorhome is parked up. A proper motorhome alarm and/or tracking system may save you money on your annual insurance premium, too.

Most importantly, they’re there for peace of mind and an instant deterrent to potential thieves. Some security devices rely on a small charge from your motorhome’s 12V supply, so make sure you’re able to cover this. Also, any wheel clamps and steering wheel locks are highly effective visual deterrents.

 

Matt says:

“Motorhomes are a big investment, so you’ll want to protect yours in any way you can. After all, you’ll have a big claim on your hands if it gets stolen. The high value of motorhomes also makes them attractive to thieves, and many are easily stolen if the right security steps aren’t taken. Basically, the more security, the better!

“When in storage, I always use a wheel clamp, steering wheel lock, and tracker. The tracker we use has a remote disable function, so wherever we go, even if we’re just stopped at a petrol station, I can just click a button, and the motorhome can’t be started. 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.”

 

 

 

Preparing your motorhome for winter storage: Our top tips

1. Drain down all water systems fully: right through to the last drops in any taps and pipework including the toilet and shower hose (the hose can be left to dangle). Leave taps in their open position. A short drive before you put your motorhome into storage will also help eliminate excess water.

2. Take out all food and perishables: even anything you’ve got in plastic containers.

3. Clean out your fridge and freezer: remove everything and give the interior a thorough clean. Drying it thoroughly and leaving the door ajar will prevent mildew and mould from forming. Check your owner’s handbook and other key equipment manuals for advice on cleaning down for winter.

4. Leave locker doors open: this will allow air to flow through to prevent damp and mould forming.

5. Keep electrics on a trickle charge: this will mean functionality is retained for items such as alarms and tracking systems.

6. Lightly lubricate any locks and hinges: this will help prevent any frost damage.

7. Remove soft furnishings: if you have loose cushions and/or mattresses, ideally find somewhere dry to store them (taking out such items also makes the vehicle less attractive to opportunist thieves).

8. Have your motorhome serviced: any servicing (habitation or base vehicle) is a good idea to complete at this stage – especially as the best dealers/workshops will also offer advice on storage.

9. Disconnect the gas supply: remove the gas cylinder(s) and store them safely elsewhere.

 

 

Winterising your motorhome: Winter travel

Remember, you don’t have to store your motorhome through the winter! The winter months can be a great time to travel as long as you take the necessary precautions and properly prepare to ensure you can fully enjoy your winter holiday.

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about travelling in your motorhome through winter:

 

How do you prepare for winter travel in your motorhome?

There are three important things to focus on when travelling in the winter months: keeping warm, driving safely, and protecting your motorhome from damage in the cold. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to ensure you achieve these.

For example, you can take extra layers and blankets, drive slowly and steadily whilst avoiding roads that are too unsafe for travel, and add some extra insulation to your motorhome if needed.

 

Matt says:

“Always check your screen wash, as you’ll find you use more of it in the winter than in the summer. You should also check your tyres and your water system before you go for frost and leaks.

“Just in case you break down, I’d also make sure you bring a blanket, some warmer clothes, some chocolate, something to drink, and a portable phone charger. Check your headlights and brake lights, check the weather, and plan for it. If the weather looks bad, just go somewhere else. Always know your limits.

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

“I also always take a starter/jump pack as you use more of the motorhome's electrical systems, such as the lights and heating, at that time of year. You can also take a tow rope and tow eye to get off wet grass if you get stuck, just in case you need to be towed from a campsite.”

 

 

What are the best places to visit in your motorhome in winter?

If you're wondering where to travel in your motorhome in winter, there are plenty of places across the UK that make great staycations, or you can take your motorhome abroad for some slightly warmer weather!

Related: All year-round motorhome parks

 

Matt says:

“Norway is a fantastic destination to visit any time of year. We once spent Boxing Day on a beach in North Somerset, too, and we had a small Christmas lunch in the motorhome. It was very cold, but there were blue skies all around. We spent four hours on the beach.

“You can also see amazing displays of starlings flocking into the sky before they sleep. It happens around September or October, and you can watch it from your motorhome. It's called murmuration. They make fantastic shapes in the sky, and it's beautiful to watch. If you take your motorhome out in the winter, you can also get some wonderful sunset photos.”

 

Winter travel in your motorhome: Our top tips

1. Properly insulate your motorhome: any external pipework, in particular, may need to be lagged, and tanks should have some heating insulation (more so if they’re slung under your vehicle). Leisure batteries are particularly vulnerable to extreme cold—ensure they’re in the best possible working condition and in a location that affords them as much protection from extreme cold as possible.

2. Make sure 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. Make sure any products are labelled as suitable for camping or use in a motorhome.

3. Conserve as much heat as possible: keep door opening and closing to a minimum, as this will be your biggest source of heat loss. But do ensure you still have sufficient active ventilation (do not be tempted to block off vent holes, for example).

4. Bring extra layers: a sleeping bag or duvet is a debate for another day. Why not try both to see you through the colder nights? Don’t underestimate the optimal insulation extra layers of blankets and rugs can give you. An electric blanket, especially, is low on drawing electricity but brilliant at keeping you cosy.

5. Use hardstanding pitches: hardstanding pitches can be a better bet than grass in winter (they’ll often be easier to drive on and off). Consider putting down any matting at your habitation door (and on any step) that ensures you don’t encounter an icy surface as soon as you step out of your motorhome or campervan.

6. 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.

7. Ensure you have the right tyres: especially if you’re going abroad, and make sure you’re clued up on things like snow tyres and chains, and when they need to be fitted.

8. Consider having your vehicle serviced and a habitation check before you go: regular servicing always detects potential problems early on and you can check essential fluid levels and lighting yourself.

9. Create a checklist of additional items you need to pack for winter driving. This chould include a snow shovel, a can of spray lubricant, screen wash, and de-icer.

10. Give yourself a bit longer to complete your journeys: slowly and carefully is the best way to proceed. You’ll also feel less stressed 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!

 

 

Specialist motorhome insurance through Ripe

Whether you decide to store or travel in your motorhome throughout the 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.