If you aren’t planning on using your motorhome over the winter, you need to plan how you’re going to put it into hibernation.
Overwintering your motorhome helps to ensure that is safe and secure, keeping it away from the harsh winter elements.
Overwintering also reduces the risk of mildew and condensation forming, making your motorhome easier to prepare in the new season.
We’ve compiled a handy guide on how is best to overwinter your motorhome, so you don’t make any rooky mistakes, or forget a step:
Storage
Firstly, think about where you’re going to store your motorhome. Will it be at home or in storage? Try to avoid parking under obvious hazards such as trees where branches could fall, or in an area with a high-water level nearby.
Think about security too. Look at how good the security of the area is. Does it match up to your insurer’s requirements?
If you plan to store your motorhome at home, you could add extra security measures like a drive post or locked gates to stop your vehicle from being driven away.
Check electric security
If your motorhome has electronic security such as alarms or tracking devices, it’s vital that the battery is kept charged. This may mean occasionally changing the battery, just in case. Some tracking devices will alert you if power failure has occurred, however, by then it might be too late.
Drain the water
It’s massively important that you drain out your water system. To do this, turn the pump off and open all taps half way, including the shower. Remove the shower handset, give it a good shake and leave the head and tube on the shower tray. If you’re unsure where the valves are, check the manufacturer’s handbook.
While draining the water, give the shower and basin a good clean as well.
Put plugs in the drains to keep nasty smells at bay and drain the toilet too.
Tips on how to do this should be in the manufacturer’s handbook.
You’ll also need to drain the water heater, the on-board tank and the grey water tank. Don’t forget the external pump and remember to drain any internal pumps. If you have a ‘wet’ heating system, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for overwintering.
Give it a good clean
It’s always a good idea to do a little bit of housework. Clean and empty the fridge, leaving the fridge door slightly ajar. Then, give the hob, oven and grill a final clean. Empty and wipe all the cupboards and whip around with the vacuum cleaner.
Don’t forget the upholstery and curtains.
You can either take off soft furnishings if you have somewhere warm or dry to store them at home, or move them so that air can circulate round them.
Remove gas cylinders
Gas cylinders are best removed and stored in a cool, well-ventilated place. Obviously, you want to keep everything, and everyone, safe, so this one’s a no-brainer.
Remove valuables
In case the worst should happen, don’t forget to remove any valuables such as televisions (if they can be removed), plus documents like ownership handbooks or insurance certificates.
Lock up
Finally, lock up.
Check when your insurance is due, book a service and plan next year’s trips.
If you can, try to visit your motorhome from time to time to check on things. Oh, and don’t forget where you’ve put the keys.
Here at Motorhome Depot we have specialist knowledge, meaning we can help you out whatever your needs. Just give us a call today, 01623 600829.
