Most caravan and motorhome winter damage comes from two things: water freezing in the plumbing, and damp. Metal fittings rusting on the chassis and hitch come a close third. Here's the routine owners follow.
1. Water system
Drain the fresh water tank, the water heater (most have a drain valve), the pipes and the toilet flush tank. Leave all taps open in the middle position and the drain valves open. This is the most important step; frozen water splits pipes and heaters.
2. Hitch, steadies and chassis
- Clean the hitch head and re-grease the ball socket area and moving parts with multi-purpose grease, following the hitch maker's guidance (some stabiliser hitches must be kept grease-free on the friction pads).
- Wind the corner steadies fully down and up, then spray their threads and pivots with Ballistol.
- Spray the jockey wheel thread and clamp, the handbrake linkage and exposed chassis fixings.
- Clean and lightly oil the road light socket and plug pins.
3. Locks, hinges and catches
Spray door and locker locks, hinges and window stays so they don't freeze or seize. Wipe rubber door and locker seals with silicone oil.
4. Battery and electrics
Disconnect the leisure battery or keep it on a suitable maintainer. Clean the terminals and give them a thin coat of oil. On motorhomes, look after the vehicle battery too.
5. Tyres and wheels
Check pressures, and move the caravan slightly every few weeks, or use wheel jacks or axle stands, to avoid flat spots. Leave the handbrake off with wheel chocks in place.
6. Inside
Empty the fridge and prop the door open. Stand cushions on edge, open roof vents a little and put moisture traps in the main areas. Remove anything that could attract mice.
7. Covers
If you use a cover, make sure it's breathable and fits well. A flapping cover can damage the bodywork.
Brakes: keep oil and grease well away from the brake drums and the over-run damper friction surfaces.
