Cold weather is a silent destroyer of caravans and motorhomes. Without proper preparation, you risk burst pipes, battery failure, damp damage, and even theft. But with the right winterisation strategy, your vehicle will stay in top condition, ready to hit the road when spring arrives.
This expert-backed 2025 guide walks you through the latest winterisation best practices, including:
✔ Water system drain-down – the most urgent step!
✔ Storage security – CaSSOA compliance & theft prevention
✔ Battery care – lithium vs. lead-acid winter storage
✔ Pest prevention – sealing entry points & using deterrents
✔ Mechanical maintenance – keeping your motorhome in peak condition
Water damage and theft are two of the most common winter issues reported by owners. A proper drain‑down and secure storage cut the risk significantly.
With this guide, you’ll protect your investment, prevent costly repairs, and ensure a smooth start to next year’s adventures.
Draining Down Your Water System
Preventing frozen and burst pipes is the most urgent winterisation step. Follow these essential steps to fully drain your system and avoid costly repairs:
💡 Expert Tip: Some owners protect waste traps and low points with non‑toxic, potable‑system antifreeze. Do not use automotive antifreeze. Always follow the vehicle and appliance manuals.
⚠️ Important: Use only non‑toxic antifreeze intended for drinking‑water systems. Look for BS 6920 or WRAS suitability. Never use automotive antifreeze.
💡 Pro Tip: If using antifreeze, flush the system thoroughly before reuse to prevent contamination of drinking water.
Proper cleaning and sterilisation of your caravan or motorhome’s water tanks are essential to prevent bacteria buildup and ensure a safe system when you restart in spring. Follow these steps for an effective deep clean:
✔ Flush with a sterilising solution – Use a proprietary caravan water‑system cleaner to kill bacteria and remove biofilm.
✔ Drain completely – Ensure both fresh and wastewater tanks are fully emptied.
✔ Leave taps open – This prevents residual moisture buildup, which can lead to mould or stale odours.
💡 Expert Tip: After sterilising, rinse the system with fresh water multiple times to remove any lingering solution before storing your caravan.
Selecting the right storage location for your caravan or motorhome is crucial for security and weather protection. Should you store it at home or in a professional facility? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
💡 Insurance Tip: Many insurers offer discounts for CaSSOA‑accredited storage and some set conditions for theft cover. Check your policy.
Protecting your caravan or motorhome from theft and damage is essential during winter storage. Implement these security measures to reduce risks and potentially lower insurance premiums:
✔ Use GPS trackers with geofencing alerts – Get instant notifications if your caravan moves unexpectedly. Some insurers offer discounts for GPS-tracked vehicles.
✔ Install hitch locks, wheel clamps & alarm systems – These visible deterrents make theft significantly harder. Keep CRiS details current and use insurer‑approved devices where specified.
✔ Avoid storing on grass – Moisture buildup can cause underbody corrosion. Instead, park on a concrete pad or use protective ground covers.
💡 Extra Tip: If storing at home, park your caravan with the hitch facing a wall or barrier—this makes it harder for thieves to tow away quickly.
Damp & Ventilation
Preventing damp and mould during winter storage is crucial for maintaining your caravan’s interior. Here’s how to keep moisture under control:
✔ Keep permanent gas vents clear and unobstructed. For airflow, leave internal doors and the fridge ajar. Fit rodent‑proof mesh only to non‑vent openings where safe.
✔ Use moisture absorbers – Products containing calcium chloride are ideal for sub-zero temperatures, as they continue working in extreme cold.
💡 Expert Tip: Place bowls of bicarbonate of soda in cupboards and soft furnishings to absorb excess moisture and odours.
Rodents can cause serious damage to your caravan’s wiring, insulation, and interior. Use these proven strategies to keep pests at bay:
Extra Tip: Optional: scents like peppermint or cloves may help a little, but rely on proofing and traps for real protection.
Different climates require specific winter protection measures to prevent damage and keep your caravan or motorhome in top condition. Follow this guide for coastal and alpine storage:
💡 Expert Tip: If storing near the coast, wax your caravan’s exterior before winter to protect against salt corrosion and sea spray.
Battery & Electrical System Care
Proper battery maintenance is essential for winter storage to prevent damage and ensure a reliable power supply when you’re ready to hit the road again. If an alarm or tracker relies on the leisure battery, keep it connected and maintain charge. Different battery types require specific care routines:
Lithium vs. Lead-Acid Winter Storage
Pro Tip: Store batteries in a dry, insulated area to protect against extreme temperatures. If possible, use a trickle charger to maintain a steady charge.
Proper winter maintenance of your motorhome’s mechanical systems prevents costly repairs and ensures a smooth start in spring. Follow these key steps:
✔ Give the motorhome a proper drive every few weeks if possible. DPF regeneration needs road speed and heat, not idling.
✔ Use fuel stabiliser for petrol if storing for months. For diesel, keep the tank full and ensure winter‑grade fuel in severe cold.
✔ Check coolant levels & antifreeze – Ensure the coolant meets the vehicle manufacturer specification and is rated for the expected winter temperatures.
💡 Pro Tip: If possible, take your motorhome for a short drive every few weeks to keep the brakes, suspension, and transmission in good condition.
Even with careful preparation, cold weather can cause minor problems in stored caravans and motorhomes. Here are some quick solutions:
Before storing your caravan or motorhome for winter, run through this essential final checklist to ensure full protection:
✔ Drain & clean the water system – Use a Floë system or compressed air for extreme cold conditions.
✔ Secure with a GPS tracker & insurer-approved locks – Reduce theft risk and qualify for insurance discounts.
✔ Check battery storage guidelines – Follow best practices for lithium vs. lead-acid winter care.
✔ Keep fixed vents clear. Seal other entry points and use traps; natural deterrents are optional.
✔ Protect tyres and underbody – For touring caravans, store with the handbrake off and wheels chocked, and roll the caravan a little from time to time. For motorhomes, leave in gear and chock if safe. Apply anti‑corrosion treatment if stored near the coast.
By following this expert-backed winterisation guide, you’ll protect your investment, prevent costly repairs, and ensure your caravan or motorhome is road-ready when spring arrives.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—start winterising today
