Winter is coming

With winter around the corner, we've got some helpful tips for you to get your outfit ready for storage.

With the cold nip of winter on its way, we answer the age-old question tourers ask, “How should I prepare my leisure vehicle for winter storage?”

Image: Wren's Nest, Dudley near Chapel Lane Club Campsite, member photo by Tom Gaskell

If your touring vehicle is not going to be used for some time, we’d firstly recommend removing all valuables and keeping them safe inside your home. Empty it of all perishable items and then give it a good clean inside and out, which will help minimise the tasks you’ll need to do, come the spring time. Ensure you leave the fridge and cupboard doors ajar, which will circulate air and help dissipate any odours. Do check that the vents are not blocked but that the grills or mesh are still intact to prevent any vermin or insects getting in.

Make sure that you flush the waste water tanks and/or pipes and drain the water system, this includes the water heater and toilet flush. Leaving the taps open and removing the water filters will help avoid the risk of freeze cracking.

Aside from the security systems that you might have in place, switch off the electrical circuits. If you’re leaving the battery inside your vehicle, make sure that it’s fully charged. If your outfit is kept topped up by a solar panel, ensure this is cleaned. If the battery is not required for the security system and you’re storing the vehicle away from your home, you could consider removing the battery and then periodically charging it, with a suitable charger. It’s important to remember to turn off the gas supply at the cylinders, and it’s worth noting that some storage compounds may require the cylinders to be removed altogether.

Give the rubber seals on the windows and door a little lubricant, either with a silicone spray or wipe them down with a little olive oil. You also might want to make a list of all the things that you've done, so that you know what you have to address when the days start to lengthen again, and it's time to bring the rig back to life.

Purchasing a good, breathable cover will help protect the vehicle from the elements and also reduce extra spring cleaning.

Get the security devices activated, or if your vehicle doesn’t have any, consider getting them fitted, subject to any restrictions in your storage location. If you’re able to, it is worth checking on your vehicle every few weeks whilst it’s in storage and give it a good airing to minimise the condensation. Try and move it slightly so that the tyres aren’t loaded at the same point and leave the handbrake off to avoid the brakes jamming.

Winter is the best time to sort out any minor repairs and refurbishments, so make sure you book in your spring servicing before the workshops get booked up. You could also get round to the jobs that you’ve been putting off during the touring season, like cleaning the awning. Have a look at what you like to take away with you when you’re on the road and see if it’s possible to minimise it for better fuel economy or improved payload capacity. With the holiday season around the corner, any missing essentials could be added to your Christmas wishlist.

First published in October 2022.