Time to explore or time to store with your motorhome or campervan

Now is the ideal time to prepare what you'll do with your motorhome or campervan in the upcoming months, as winter is rapidly approaching.

Image: Teesdale Barnard Castle Club Campsite, County Durham. Member photo by Barbara Stones

If you’ve decided to put your motorhome or campervan away for the season, we’ve got some tips and advice that will help minimise all the tasks you’ll need to do for when you’re ready to get back on the road. Firstly, remove any valuable items from your outfits and keep them safe inside your home. Make sure you clear out all food items that are perishable and then give your motorhome or campervan a good clean inside and out.

Leaving the fridge door open and the cupboards ajar means the air can circulate and will help get rid of any odours. Check that the vents are clear and that the grills or mesh are still in place, as this will help prevent any bugs or vermin getting in.

Drain the water system, including the water heater and toilet flush and then flush the waste water tanks and pipes. To lessen the chance of freeze cracking, leave the taps open and remove any water filters. 

In addition to any security systems that you might already have, turn off the electrical circuits. If you’re leaving the leisure battery inside your motorhome or campervan, make sure it’s fully charged. If your outfit is kept topped up by a solar panel, make sure it is cleaned and if at all possible, facing the low winter sun.

If you’re storing your motorhome or campervan away from your home and the leisure battery is not required, you could decide to remove it and then regularly recharge it using an appropriate charger. Remember to turn off the gas supply at the cylinders, keep in mind that some storage facilities might require the cylinders to be removed completely.

Apply some silicone spray or even a little olive oil to the rubber seals on the windows and doors to lubricate them. We’d recommend making a note of everything that you’ve already done, this will save you time when you’re ready to get back to touring, knowing what is still left to do!

Buy a decent, breathable cover as this will help reduce the need for extra spring cleaning as well as protect your motorhome or campervan from the elements.

Activate your security devices, or if your motorhome or campervan doesn’t have any, consider getting some installed. Do check if there are any restrictions at the storage location. If you can, try and check in on your outfit every few weeks whilst it’s in storage and give it a good airing to reduce condensation. To prevent the brakes from jamming, try and move it slightly so that the tyres aren’t loaded to the same point.

Now would be the best time to sort out any small repairs, so schedule in your spring servicing before the workshops get booked out. In addition, you could also finish off those tasks you’ve been putting off like cleaning the awning. Consider how much you’ll want to take away with you when you’re on the road again and see whether you can reduce it for greater fuel efficiency or improved payload capacity. Any necessities that you are missing could always be put on your Christmas present list!

However, you could always continue touring, if you don’t fancy putting everything away for winter just yet! A majority of the Club campsites are open throughout the Autumn season, with several remaining open all year, as are many CLs. 

A little planning is needed for winter touring, with warmer clothing and cozy bedding a necessity. You also need to ensure that you can heat your outfit adequately, with a mains hook-up or enough gas. Do plan your journeys carefully too and allow extra time if the weather takes a turn. Check out the National Highways for some extra advice on this. 

The Club also offers exciting winter holidays in Europe for both long and short breaks, if you’re feeling slightly adventurous or in need of a milder climate.

Don’t forget that if you’re keeping your motorhome or campervan at home over the winter time, it can be a useful asset for extra accommodation for guests or a quiet workspace for you to escape the hubbub of the Christmas season.