How to winterise a vacant static caravan
Static caravan winterisation is vital if you’re not planning to stay in your mobile over winter.
Cold, damp, mildew, frost, and animal infestation can wreak havoc on a static caravan’s interior and exterior during the winter. But a well-executed winterisation plan can protect your caravan from damage caused by nature and the elements.
This guide explains everything you need for winterisation or preparing your static caravan for the off-season.
Follow the guide, and be in great shape for the Spring. And, if the worst happens, you won’t have an insurance claim declined because you failed to take the proper precautions.
Winterisation starts with draining down:
Draining down
Draining down means removing all the fluid and water from your pipework, systems and appliances.
Switch off the heater and close the main stopcock. Now, open the drain valves situated under the caravan. Flush the toilet and turn on the shower until the system drains. It’s also a good idea to remove the showerhead and hose first.
If you have access to compressed air, use this to blow through the pipes. Now, pour non-toxic antifreeze such as CaraGuard Caravan Winteriser down the sink, shower drain and toilet.
Lagging pipes
Lagging is a belt-and-braces approach that has a couple of additional advantages over solely relying on draining down to protect pipes from freezing:
The lagging process involves using foam tubes or wraps to encase exposed pipes. The insulation minimises the risk of freezing water if you miss anything in the drain-down process.
Moreover, lagging protects against an unexpected cold snap during early Spring after you put the water supply back on. Lastly, insulating pipework helps to keep warm and cold water at the right temperature when needed.
Interior protection
Vermin loves to hibernate in soft, cosy spaces. So take all bedding, such as throws, quilts, sleeping bags, and pillows, home. If you don’t have the space, consider using vacuum storage bags.
Prop open cupboards, wardrobes, and internal doors to maximise air circulation. Stand cushions on their ends. Place small salt or silica gel pots around the caravan to help absorb moisture. Ensure windows are securely closed.
Turn off the mains electricity and unplug your caravan’s appliances. Thoroughly clean the fridge and cupboards and wipe down worktops to remove all traces of food and crumbs.
Lastly, leave your curtains open. The sunlight can help keep the temperature up inside the caravan. Moreover, thieves are less likely to break in when they see nothing to steal.
Gas
Close the gas cylinder valves or disconnect the regulators. Some sites only allow gas bottle storage on occupied static caravans during winter, so double-check where relevant.
Exterior protection
Clean exterior gutters and drains and remove heavy vegetation growing underneath and around your static. Then thoroughly wash the exterior down, removing all traces of algae, moss and mould, especially from around the window rubbers. Use a dedicated caravan wax or surface sealant for added protection. Also, consider treating locks and latches with WD40.
Cover external vents to prevent vermin and insects from entering the caravan. Dedicated covers are available for most vents.
Finally, secure or pack away any removable items from the decking, such as patio furniture, gas bottles (where allowed), and barbeques.
Insurance
Double-check your static caravan insurance covers everything you need. You may require storm and flood damage and attempted theft cover as standard. You may also want to protect your excess.
There you have it, a simple how to winterise a static caravan guide. Follow the steps, and you’ll find it easier to get up and running when Spring comes around.