If you aren’t planning to utilize your motorhome during the colder months , then ensure that you make it ready for winter storage in order to shield your vehicle from weather and elements.
Rodents and damp, damage from frost batteries as well as theft are serious concerns for motorhomes that is left without a guard for extended periods of time during the winter months.
A clean and well-maintained motorhome that is left inside storage during winter will make it more able to prepare for the coming season.
When you are putting your motorhome into winter hibernation, it’s an ideal idea to have it checked for maintenance and an inspection of the habitation especially if you have concerns regarding the mechanical aspect of your motorhome, or one of the electronic systems on board which your motorhome is using.
Winter storage
Pick the location to place your motorhome during winter with care, ensuring that it’s the motorhome that’s in hibernation, not a determined burglar or a thief!
If you’re storing your vehicle at your home, and, if you can you can park your motorhome in a place where it’s not visible from roadside. Place it face-to-face against a wall to ensure that potential thieves aren’t able to pull it away. You could think about creating a barrier that is secured with gates or a drive-post in order for thieves to take it apart to take the motorhome away. Security lighting that is well-lit and a well-placed CCTV camera could be a deterrent for thieves.
If you are storing on the storage site, make sure you examine the security measures that are in place and make sure they are compliant with your motorhome’s insurance specifications. At a minimum, ensure that the facility has 24 hours secured access control gate or security fencing with a high level of perimeter.
Avoid obvious risks for example, storing your motorhome in the shade of trees, in which branches could be thrown over it, or in an location with a high water table that could lead to flooding. You might want to consider a motorhome cover in order to protect your motorhome from being smothered in leaves and sap from trees. The cover could be a protection against thieves who are not being able to identify the model and make of the contents under the cover.
Security of motorhomes
The theft of motorhomes is a major concern for every owner So, make sure to have adequate security in place to prevent theft and stop a burglar from getting.
Other physical security tools that can stop a burglar, like steering lock on the wheel and pedal locks like Clutch Claw, motorhome wheel clamps, and locking gears on sticks. Read our motorhome security guide for some tips on how you can secure your campervan or motorhome from the theft
Review your motorhome insurance policy to find out the specific rules and conditions that apply the time you leave your vehicle in the unsupervised area for security equipment and security systems
If you have electronic security, such as an alarm or motorhome tracking device, it is essential to ensure that the battery that powers the device is charged throughout the day. Some alarms and tracking devices will notify you when there’s a power outage however by the time you notice it, it could become too late. The topic of batteries will be discussed in more detail later down.
Also, ensure that the subscriptions to tracking systems are current, so that your motorhome is tracked and you are protected.
Beware of frost damage
It is essential to drain your motorhome’s water system is vital to prevent frost damage when you put your vehicle in winter storage. It’s also part of your motorhome’s insurance policy to flush out between November 1st until March 15th.
It’s helpful by tilting your RV to ensure that your drain valves sit on the lowest level. Go through the manual of the manufacturer in case you’re not sure which valves are. Switch on the outlets for your waste and fresh water tanks , and then turn on all the internal taps even the shower.
You may want to consider using devices, like Floe which has an air compressor that can blast out every bit of water. After draining out, keep the taps unlocked and, in the case of mixer taps, place them somewhere between cold and hot.
Take the shower head off Give it a shake, then place the head and tube on the tray of the shower.
While you’re in your shower, clean the shower area, wash the walls and basin Install plugs in the drains to keep any scents from entering the room and flush the water out of the toilet. You’ll learn how to accomplish this in the handbook of the manufacturer.
Don’t forget to take a shower outside too! You’ll have to remove from the tank for water, onboard tank as well as the gray water tank. Don’t forget about the external pump. You can keep it in your motorhome. Also, remember to flush any internal pump. If you are using an “wet” heating unit, follow the instructions from the manufacturer on winterizing.
Open the toilet and spray the seal with the spray made of silicon.
Housekeeping for winter storage
A little housework is required when you set the foundations of your motorhome for winter.
Clean the fridge and empty it following the manufacturer’s instructions leaving the fridge, and the freezer compartment doors slightly open. Give the hob as well as the oven and grill the final cleaning.
Clear the food storage areas and food items, removing any crumbs that could lead to insects squeezing inside to search for food. Give the kitchen a some fun using a vacuum cleaner without forgetting to vacuum the curtains and the upholstery.
If carpets can be lifted, mop the floor as well. Unlock all cupboards and lockers to let air circulation.
You can take out the furniture when you have a warm and dry to keep they at home or shift them to the center of your van so that air circulates around them.
Blinds, curtains and cabinet doors open will let possible thieves that there’s nothing worthwhile taking over for.
Be sure to take away all valuable electrical equipment such as portable equipment, personal documents such as the owner’s manual and motorhome insurance certificate.
Remove all bedding, clothing pillows, cushions, and towels. It’s a good idea get rid of any unneeded leaflets you’ve collected while traveling and also remove any personal papers or photographs that you wouldn’t wish to ruin due to damp.
Crystals that absorb moisture can minimize the chance of condensation. However, they’ll need frequent replacement.
After the inside has been cleaned and drained it’s time to concentrate at the exterior.
Click here for motorhome drainage solutions.
Clean the exterior of the motorhome by using special shampoo, then apply a wax or an over-wintering solution that acts as the vehicle with a protection against winter.
Clean the windows and glass to sparkle. Then make sure that all seals are lubricated with an lubricant made of silicon to protect and feed the rubbers. Also, ensure that you have your solar panel free from debris or dirt around the corners.
Make use of winter fridge vents , to ensure that the rear of the fridge clear of moisture. Also, ensure that the gas valve of the regulator is shut. Unplug the gas bottle and, should you be able to, remove the gas bottle to keep at your home.
It is also advisable to ensure that your motorhome’s wheels are chocked so that rainwater flows over onto the motorhome’s roof in the winter months.
Battery Care
Modern motorhomes are equipped with two distinct batteries, one for the purpose of starting the engine and the second one to supply electricity to the area of the home.
The starter battery can also provide power to an alarm, device for tracking, or both. In this scenario, it is essential to keep the battery fully charged even when the motorhome’s not being utilized.
All lead-acid batteries are affected by “self-discharge”. This means that even without any connection to it, the battery can lose its capacity, and eventually cease to function. In addition, it may be damaged and its lifespan significantly reduced. To prevent this from happening make sure to charge the battery regularly with an “intelligent” battery charger.
In the event that your starter battery isn’t being utilized to provide power to a security device and there is no mains power at the location where your motorhome is then you can take it off and take care of it at home while keeping an eye for the power and charging it regularly. If you decide to do this, keep in mind that you might need to reset the clock, radio and other devices that draw their energy via the battery of your starter after returning it.
In the event that your RV is stored at a storage location with the starter battery used to provide power to the alarm system or tracker you’ll be forced to go for an occasional run every couple of weeks.
The same fundamental rules apply to leisure batteries. If you are able, take the battery from your vehicle and charge it at home with an “intelligent” charger.
