If the winter months are drawing in and you’re deciding to put your motorhome into hibernation, there are many important considerations. Motorhome winter storage requires careful planning to keep it from deteriorating in the damp, cold weather.
From choosing the right storage solutions to using quality covers, taking the right precautions will help maintain your vehicle’s value and functionality. In this guide, we’ll provide you with our best motorhome storage tips to safely store your motorhome during the harsh winter months.
If our advice is followed correctly, it will ensure a smooth first outing with minimal preparation when the sun shines again.
First Things First: Where Should You Store It?
Most people tend to opt for specialist storage areas such as campsites and farms. However, if your home has the facilities to accommodate the storage of a large motorhome, then this is also an option for you.
Whichever place you choose for your motorhome winter storage, it must offer sufficient security measures to prevent both the theft of the unit and its contents.
If you aren’t able to store it at home, check out the Caravan Storage Site Owners Association (caSSOA). CaSSOA allows you to search and locate a range of motorhome storage sites across the country and they will grade them based on their security levels.
Their grading ranges from bronze (entry level sites with basic security facilities) to platinum (highest grade awardable to sites with superior levels of security).
Tips When Choosing Your Motorhome Storage Site
Selecting the right motorhome winter storage site is crucial to keeping your vehicle safe, secure and in top condition during the winter months. Here’s our recommended key steps to take before making a decision:
Always Visit the Site Beforehand: This is important to check how and where your motorhome will be stored.
Look for or Request Hard-standing Ground: During the winter months, the ground can become muddy due to heavy rainfall, making it hard for your motorhome to gain traction. That’s why it’s essential to choose a storage location with hard ground such as concrete or gravel.
Check for Overhanging Trees: Be sure not to store your motorhome under trees where falling branches and bird droppings are a damage risk.
Check Pest Control Measures are Implemented: Infestations of mice and rats can destroy a motorhome and it’s likely that insurance won’t cover for such damage.
Security Checks: Make sure rigorous security checks are carried out if and when you want to access your motorhome. If not, it could be easy for a thief to access.
Drain Down Your Motorhome Before Hibernation
This is a very important step of motorhome winter storage. Draining your motorhome before winter storage is essential to prevent freezing damage and maintain the longevity of your vehicle. Residual water left in the plumbing system, tanks, or pipes can freeze during colder months. This causes them to expand and crack, leading to costly repairs.
Fully draining your motorhome also prevents mold and unpleasant odors caused by stagnant water. This ensures a clean and fresh start when spring comes around.
How to Drain Down a Motorhome
So, you’ve decided to store your motorhome for the winter, chosen a storage site and now you know it needs to be drained. But you’re probably wondering, “How do I drain down a motorhome properly?” Here’s step-by-step instructions of how to do so efficiently:
- Turn off the water pump then open the drain valves for the fresh water tank and the hot water heater. You can usually locate this next to the water heater.
- Simultaneously open all the taps throughout your motorhome, including your shower. This will allow air into the pipes and aid the excess water draining process.
- Empty both the grey and black waste water tanks and ensure they’re fully drained.
- Vent your fresh water and waste water tanks by leaving the drain valves open. However, cover the outlets with mesh to stop insects from entering.
- Briefly run your pump for a short period to clear any remaining water from the system.
- Lastly, leave the taps fully open throughout winter to allow space for expansion if any water remains trapped in the tap body and freezes. However, make sure the power to the pump is switched off.
Allow for Ventilation Throughout Your Motorhome
Proper ventilation is crucial when storing your campervan over winter to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and unpleasant odors. During the colder months, condensation can form inside your motorhome, especially when there’s little airflow.
This trapped moisture can damage interior surfaces, fabrics and electronics, causing deterioration. Ventilation helps regulate humidity levels, ensuring the interior stays dry and protected.
How to Allow Ventilation
Motorhomes will already have a certain amount of permanent ventilation built into the roof openings even when closed. However, enhancing the ventilation can provide extra protection against mould and dampness. Here’s a few options:
Install Window or Door Vents: Install or use adjustable window vents that can allow air to flow through the vehicle without letting in too much cold air.
Place Moisture Absorbers: Use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packs or dehumidifiers inside your campervan to reduce excess moisture in the air.
Open up Lockers in Living Spaces: This is important especially where gas drop out vents are located to encourage airflow.
Consider a Motorhome Cover
The next essential step in motorhome winter storage is investing in a high-quality motorhome cover. Leaving your motorhome uncovered during the winter months can lead to a buildup of algae, grime and dirt.
By spring, this accumulation will not leave you with a hefty cleaning job and cause long-term damage to the paintwork.
Tips When Choosing a Motorhome Cover
To ensure your motorhome remains scratch free and undamaged during the winter months, it’s important to choose an appropriate cover. Here’s our top tips when selecting a motorhome cover:
Choose a cover that’s breathable with a soft underside. Breathable covers will help prevent condensation build-up inside and outside of the motorhome.
Consider a cover tailored to your specific motorhome. Tailored covers are available from Protec Covers. This will prevent any excess fabric flying around in the wind, potentially causing damage.
Choose a cover with openings: In case you require access to your motorhome during winter, we suggest you opt for a cover with openings at the entry door.
Soft underside: A motorhome cover with a soft underside will further protect against bodywork damage.
Thoroughly Clean Your Motorhome Before Winter Storage
Properly cleaning your motorhome before winter storage is essential to prevent dirt buildup, mold growth and unpleasant odors. An interior and exterior clean ensures your motorhome stays in top condition during the colder months, making it ready for use in the spring. Here’s how to do it right:
Exterior Clean
Wash the Body: Use a motorhome-friendly detergent and a soft brush or sponge to clean the exterior. Focus on removing dirt, grime and algae.
Inspect and Clean Seals: Check door and window seals for dirt or debris, as this can trap moisture and lead to mold.
Clean the Roof: Don’t forget the roof as it can accumulate leaves, debris and moss. Use a ladder and soft cleaning tools to gently remove buildup.
Wheels and Undercarriage: Spray down the wheels and undercarriage to remove mud and salt. This prevents rust and corrosion during storage.
Dry Thoroughly: After washing, allow the exterior to dry completely to avoid moisture freezing.
Interior Clean
Remove All Food Items: Check cupboards, the fridge and freezer for any leftover food, as it can attract pests or lead to bad smells. Leave the fridge door slightly open.
Vacuum and Dust: Vacuum all floors and corners to remove dirt and dust. Use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces, especially in the kitchen and bathroom areas.
Deep Clean Upholstery: Remove and clean any removable covers or cushions. If possible, wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps prevent odors and keeps fabrics fresh.
Take Out Cushions and Mattresses: Make sure to remove cushions and other soft furnishings into a dry, indoor space. This will prevent moisture build-up which can cause mold.
Clean the Bathroom: Scrub sinks, showers and toilets to remove any residue. Add antifreeze to the toilet bowl and drain traps if your motorhome will be stored in freezing temperatures.
Empty Waste Bins: Remove all waste to prevent odors and pest infestations.
Motorhome Winter Checklist
- Choose a storage location.
- Drain down your motorhome.
- Ensure ventilation throughout your motorhome.
- Use a motorhome cover.
- Conduct a thorough exterior and interior clean.
- Your motorhome is winter hibernation ready!
Choose Elite Motorhomes to Begin Your Adventure!
As the winter months come to an end, the excitement of your next motorhome adventure is just around the corner. At Elite Motorhomes, we understand the importance of preparing your motorhome for the colder season. This is why we’ve shared our essential motorhome winter checklist.
Our diverse motorhome range includes trusted brands such as Auto-Trail, Bailey, Chausson, Dethleffs and Sunlight, offering a variety of options to suit every traveller’s needs.
Don’t wait for spring to begin your adventure, prepare your motorhome today and explore the world in style with Elite Motorhomes.
Contact us today to find your dream Motorhome.
