Winter is here and many people turn to store the caravan away for next season. If your caravan is to be stored idle for months, a little preparation can save considerable expense when the caravan is brought back into service the following springtime.
Following this to-do checklist will help you prepare your caravan and keep it in great condition over the winter months.
Water Supply:
Drain down the water system, opening all the taps and the main drain plug. Leave the inside taps open to prevent pressure build-up. You can also drain down your caravan water system with Floe drain-down kits
Toilet:
Drain the flush tank and clean it with Water Tank Cleaner to prevent deposits of pollutants during storage
Thoroughly clean the cassette. A cassette cleaner such as Thetford Cassette Tank Cleaner removes stubborn calcium deposits.
Interior:
Remove all cushions and upholstery and ideally take them home to the store.
Clean out all the cupboards well and take away any food or perishable items.
The fridge and freezer should be carefully cleaned. Prop the door ajar to allow air to circulate and prevent odour build-up.
Vacuum all floors and carpets.
Exterior - Windows and Vents:
Open all the windows and thinly lubricate all the window seals. This prevents the sticking of windows when they are opened after the winter (and in the worst cases tearing or damage to the window seals).
Close all windows and vents. Double check all windows and vents are closed and locked, leaving no openings for bugs and spiders to gain easy entry.
Exterior - Bodywork:
Wash and Polish the exterior of the caravan with a good quality Caravan Cleaner. It is worth checking with your caravan manufacturer which cleaning products are permissible to use on your caravan, especially if the van is still under warranty.
Once the caravan is dry, a coat of Fenwick's Overwintering Fluid gives a protective winter coat, inhibiting algae growth, protecting against pollutants and making much lighter work of the springtime wash at the start of the new season.
Gas & Electric:
Remove gas cylinders and store them in a ventilated location. If you have nowhere safe to store gas bottles, then ensure that cylinder valves are closed (off) and that the gas locker is locked shut.
Remove the leisure battery or batteries and take them home or store them somewhere warm and dry.
Before Covering:
Remove the wheels and fit a pair of winter wheels. This prevents damage to caravan tyres caused by standing in one place for extended periods and is especially important where the caravan is to be stored on concrete/hard standing. Winter Wheels that lock in place are also a useful security measure - and may indeed be a requirement for your caravan insurance.
So, for all your caravan accessories and to prepare for winter why not get in touch with the team at Bowers Automotive on 01782 590 700 or email enquiries@bowersautoparts.net.