Winterise Your Touring Caravan, Campervan or Motorhome

Prepare your leisure vehicle for cold weather with a clear, practical winterisation plan. Follow these steps to prevent frozen pipes, burst fittings, mould and theft while your touring caravan, campervan or motorhome is unused over winter.

Why winterise now

Freezing temperatures can expand standing water in pipes, tanks and appliances, causing costly damage. A thorough draindown, a few maintenance checks and simple security measures will protect the vehicle and reduce repair bills when you return in spring.

10-step drain down for water systems

1. Empty fresh water tanks — drain main tanks, auxiliary tanks and aqua rolls. Open tank valves fully and leave vents open.
2. Clear grey water and waste tanks — empty all drain points and waste containers; leave drain taps open.
3. Drain toilet header tanks and cassettes — lift out and rinse the cassette, and drain the header tank (if fitted).
4. Remove portable liquids — take out bottled water, cleaning fluids and anything that could freeze or expand.
5. Open taps and isolate pump — leave all interior and exterior taps open and mixer taps in the central position; run the pump briefly to expel trapped water, then switch it off.
6. Drain showers — remove showerheads, shake out water and allow hoses to hang vertically so gravity drains remaining water.
7. Use environmentally-safe or non-toxic antifreeze where appropriate — follow manufacturer guidance and add non‑toxic antifreeze to any bottle traps and u-bends.
8. Vent and dry the fridge and freezer — remove food, dry surfaces thoroughly, and leave doors ajar to prevent mould; fit external vents if supplied and remember to remove them before next use. Removing food removes temptation for cold and hungry critters.
9. Inspect seals, vents and drains — check window and roof seals, extractor vents, and locker drains for blockages or damage.
10. Final sweep — walk through the vehicle, confirm all drain valves are open, taps left open, and no containers or items that retain water remain on board.

Vehicle checks and maintenance

• Fluids and battery: top up antifreeze (Alde) and check any motor oil levels. Consider using a battery maintainer for long layups.
• Tyres and brakes: inspect tyre condition and set cold inflation pressures; check brakes for wear.
• Exterior care: clean and wax polish paintwork to protect finishes; clear rainwater drain points and roof channels.
• Appliances: Consider servicing the water heater and any pumps according to manufacturer schedules. Either before it is stored or before the next use.

Security and storage advice

• Consider soft furnishings: Think about storing cushions, bedding and curtains indoors to reduce the risk of mould, deter theft or the temptation for pests to make a cosy winter home.
• Take valuables and documents: remove keys, paperwork and anything of personal value.
• Activate security devices: ensure alarms, immobilisers and trackers are active; fit hitch locks and visible deterrents if storing on-site. If you’ve ever considered an AL-KO wheel lock, check out which ones it right for your touring caravan at al-ko-secure.co.uk.
• Cover and airflow: Use a breathable cover when storing outdoors and ensure under‑vehicle airflow to reduce condensation.

Quick pre‑leave checklist

• Fresh and grey tanks emptied and vents open.
• The Toilet cassette has been cleaned and recharged.
• All taps open; pump isolated after purge.
• Fridge and freezer emptied, dried and ventilated.
• Antifreeze levels checked and battery maintained.
• Tyre pressures set and exterior cleaned.
• Soft furnishings are stored, and security devices are active.

Think about making a drain‑down checklist. For Security Devices, Anti-freeze or advice, contact our service department at 01539 823659 or fill out our contact form.

Consider pre-booking your habitation service in time for the next season. Request a service today!