Winterising
Drain, Clean, Ventilate, and Secure
There are lots of pages on the internet telling you how to go about winterising your van and I'm not going to add to them. There are links to some on our Useful Links page, but I recommend checking your own insurance companys site first in case there is anything specific to your cover. Either way, it's worth a glance at your policy to double check you're compliant should the worst happen.
Draining Down
Draining down is the first thing everyone thinks about when winter arrives. However it's not an onerous task and well within most peoples capability. However, if you're less able or require a bit more peace of mind, I recommend you keep your eye on the noticeboard and Facebook group as the site will offer to drain down your van for you at the end of the season and bring your van back online next spring.
If you want to drain down betweeen visits during the colder months I recommend the Floe 868 system which makes draining the pipes a quick and easy task without having to mess around with drain points. It uses compressed air to flush the pipes and we can drain down our van in about 15mins. If you've got a Floe fitted but don't know how to use it; click here to watch the video.
Whilst turning off the gas is a no-brainer, you might want to consider removing the pigtails altogether, especially if they are not armoured. We came back one spring to find ours chewed through by the squirrels
Many sites recommend turning off the electric, however we have a small tube heater in our boiler cupboard to protect the boiler and cameras to montor the van from home that require an internet connection. We also have an electric oil filled radiator which comes on if the temprature drops low enough, to prevent the inside of the van from freezing.
Clean and Ventilate
Whilst draining down is probably the part that people think about the most. There's more to do.
A thorough clean now means fewer surprises in spring. Empty cupboards and the fridge, wipe down all surfaces, vacuum floors and remove any food to discourage pests. Don't forget to clean curtains and upholstery, mildew loves fabric left in damp conditions. Condensation can cause mould, so balance security with airflow. Leave internal doors and cupboards open for air circulation. Fit moisture traps or dehumidifier crystals and keep vents clear, don’t block them for "warmth", as this can make damp worse.
Lift seating cushions away from walls to allow airflow. Store bedding and cushions in airtight containers. We store all our bedding, towels, etc in vaccumm bags. Before sealing then we add one of those dryer sheets used with tumble driers. The bedding comes out smelling fresh and ready to use in the spring
Secure
Finally, don't forget to lock all doors and windows, draw curtains to deter prying eyes and make sure your security system (if you have one) is active. Motion lights or timers can also help deter unwanted visitors.
In Summary
Winterising your static caravan might take a day, but it'll save you time, money, and stress in spring. Drain, Clean, Ventilate, and Secure, and you'll return to a caravan that's fresh, dry, and ready for another season of memories.