Here is our checklist for putting your caravan or motorhome to bed over the winter.

Keeping the battery topped up with power is a big problem as these are not used for a long period.
First of all, check that EVERYTHING is switched off.
If possible, a battery should be charged every 4-6 weeks,
or a small solar panel can be of use to trickle charge a battery.

We recommend AGM batteries; the only type we now sell,
as they are less prone to going flat during the hibernation period, and also have no liquid in them and therefore do not need topping up with de-ionised water. A flat battery can also freeze and split.

That dreaded word DAMP must be mentioned, as it is a problem at this time of year.
Dehumidifiers are not worth the money.
Because of all the ventilation holes in a caravan/motorhome,
it would simply be dehumidifying the atmosphere inside and outside the van.
Damp will be pulled into the van as the interior is dried out.
A much better method is to open the door, skylights and windows on a dry day, and ventilate the van. Even better, try and use it for a few hours, switching on the heating, etc. Maybe put some Christmas visitors up for a night.


REMEMBER TO DRAIN THE WATER.
We recommend that this is done after each trip, but it is especially important when the temperature drops.
Not only should all the tanks and pipework be emptied, but also the toilet flush.
It still surprises us how many customers are unaware of the damage it could cause if water was to freeze inside the van.
Just a small amount of water trapped in a tap head can cause costly damage.

Open all the taps, moving the mixer taps to the centre position and leaving open,
including the shower head. Ensure the pipe to the shower head is also empty.
Open all the drain valaves and remove any drainage plugs.

Use the appropriate latches to keep your fridge and freezer door ajar, so that are kept aerated.

We also recommend the caravan/ motorhome is not kept perfectly level,
allowing water to run off the roof as some designs now naturally collect a pond.

Disconnect the gas and close the valves.

Ensure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure,
otherwise low pressure addes to air loss will lead to tyres being susceptible to splitting.