If you aren’t planning to utilize your motorhome during the winter months, ensure that you make it ready for winter storage, to protect against the weather.
Rodents as well as damp, frost damage batteries and theft are all important concerns when a motorhome 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.
Before you put your motorhome in winter hibernation, it’s recommended to get 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 that the motorhome runs.
Winter storage
Find the best place to place your motorhome during the winter months with care, and remember that it’s just the motorhome in hibernation, not a determined theft or burglar!
If you are storing it at your home, and, if you can you can park your motorhome in a place where it isn’t visible from the roadside. It should be parked nose-first against a wall, so potential thieves won’t be able to steal it away. You could think about creating a barrier that is secured with gates or a drivepost in order for thieves to take it apart to take the motorhome away. Security lighting that is well-lit and a properly placed CCTV camera could be a deterrent for thieves.
If you are storing on the storage site, make sure you be sure to scrutinize the security measures that are in place and make sure they are compliant with your motorhome’s insurance specifications. In the minimum, make sure the facility has 24 hours gate for access control that is locked or a fences with high-quality perimeter fencing.
Avoid obvious risks such as storing your motorhome under trees, where branches may fall onto it, or in an location with a high water table that could lead to flooding. Think about a motorhome covering to protect your motorhome from being smothered in leaves and sap from trees. The cover could serve as a protection against thieves who are less likely to recognize the model and make of the vehicle underneath.
Security of motorhomes
Motorhome theft is a worry for all owners and you should put in enough security measures to deter thieves and stop a burglar from getting.
Other physical security tools that can hinder a burglar like steering lock on the wheel and pedal locks like Clutch Claw, motorhome wheel clamps, and locking gears on sticks. Check out our guide to motorhome security for helpful tips on how to secure your campervan or motorhome from burglary
Review your motorhome insurance policy to find out whether there are any specific rules and conditions that apply the time you leave your vehicle in the unsupervised area including security devices and security systems
If you’re using electronic security devices like an alarm or motorhome tracking device, it’s essential to make sure the battery that powers the device is charged in all times. Certain alarms and tracking devices will notify you if they experience power problems however by the time you notice it, it could become too late. Batteries will be discussed in greater depth later on.
Make sure that the subscriptions to tracking systems are current so that your motorhome is monitored and you are protected.
Preventing damage from frost
The water draining in your motorhome’s 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 be drained between November 1st until March 15th.
It’s helpful by tilting your RV in a way that your motorhome drainage 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 the waste and fresh tanks. Also, turn on all the internal taps even the shower.
It is possible to make use of devices, like Floe which has an air compressor that can blast out every drops of water. After draining, leave all taps on and in the instance of mixer taps, leave them somewhere between cold and hot.
Take the shower head off and give it a shake, then put the tube and head on the tray of the shower.
When you’re in the shower room , wash the shower, clean the basin and walls Install plugs in the drains to prevent smells from getting into the bathroom and flush the water out of the toilet. Find out how to complete this task in the handbook of the manufacturer.
Don’t forget to take a shower outside too! You’ll have to remove your water heater as well as the tank onboard as well as the gray water tank. Don’t forget to drain the external pump. You could keep it in your motorhome. 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 an oil based on silicon.
Housekeeping for winter storage
A bit of homework is necessary when setting up your motorhome during winter.
Clean and empty the fridge following the manufacturer’s instructions leaving the fridge, and the doors to freezer compartments slightly open. Give the hob as well as the oven and grill an all-over clean.
Clean out and empty the food cupboards cleaning out any food debris to prevent insects squeezing inside to search for food. Give the kitchen a an enjoyable time using a vacuum cleaner without forgetting to vacuum the curtains and the upholstery.
If carpets can be lifted, you can mop the floor as well. Unlock all cupboards and lockers to let airflow.
You can take out the furniture when you have a that is dry or warm to store the furniture at home, or you can move them to the center of your van so that air circulates around them.
The blinds, curtains, and cabinet doors open can show prospective thieves that there’s nothing worth trying to steal.
Be sure to take away all valuable electrical equipment such as portable equipment, personal documents such as the owner’s handbook or motorhome insurance certificates.
Take off any clothing, bedding pillows, cushions, and towels. It’s a good idea get rid of any unneeded leaflets that you’ve gathered while traveling and also remove any personal papers or photographs that you wouldn’t want to be damaged due to damp.
Crystals that absorb moisture help minimize the chance of condensation, but they’ll require periodic replacement.
Once the inside is clean and drained, it’s time for focusing upon the external.
Clean the exterior of the motorhome by using an appropriate shampoo and then apply a wax, or over-wintering solution that acts as the vehicle with a protection against winter.
Clean all glass and windows to shine and ensure that the seals are properly lubricated using silicone lubricant to safeguard and provide nourishment to the rubbers. Make sure that you have your solar panel clear of any debris or accumulation of dirt on the corners.
Utilize winter refrigerator vents , to ensure that the rear of the refrigerator free 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 and store it at the home.
You may also want to ensure that your motorhome’s wheels are chocked so that rainwater flows over on the top of your motorhome in the winter.
Battery maintenance
Modern motorhomes have two distinct batteries, one to start the engine, and the second one to supply energy to the living area.
The starter battery could also provide power to an alarm, tracking device , or both. In this scenario, it is essential to keep the battery in good condition even when the motorhome’s not being utilized.
All lead-acid batteries are affected by “self-discharge”. This means that even if there is nothing connected to it, the battery will deplete its capacity andeventually cease to function. It is not just that, but it could be damaged, and its lifespan significantly reduced. To prevent this from happening you should charge your 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 in the area where your motorhome is kept and you want to remove it, you may need to take it out and keep it in the care of home and keep an eye at the battery’s voltage and charging regularly. If you decide to do this, remember that you may have 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 in a storage facility where the battery for your starter is 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.
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