Preparing Your Static Caravan for Winter

Owning a static caravan is a great way to enjoy holidays throughout the year, but as the colder months are approaching, it’s important to think about preparing your caravan for winter. Whether your park closes or remains open all year round, there are a number of steps you can take to help your caravan stay in good condition while you’re away. Preparing properly can help avoid any unpleasant surprises when you return in the spring, such as damp, mould, or even frozen pipes.

Here’s a guide that could help you protect your static caravan during the winter months.

Please note that special closedown requirements apply to enable your static caravan insurance to remain valid  if you are leaving it unoccupied for more than 48 hours during 1st November to 31st March. You can find more details by clicking here. 

  1. Draining down your caravan’s water system

One of the most important tasks in preparing your caravan for winter is draining down the water system if you’re going to leave it unoccupied. Water left in the pipes could freeze in cold weather, potentially causing burst pipes and costly damage. While some people opt to have their caravan professionally drained down, it’s something you could do yourself with a few simple steps.

Remember that your park management may well have experience and expertise in these matters and it could help to ask them for advice or assistance. You can also contact your static caravan insurance company for information.

  • Start by turning off the water supply and opening your caravan’s drain-down taps: These allow the water to flow out of the system.
  • Flushing the toilet cistern and running the taps will also help to clear any water left in the pipes.
  • Once the system is empty, you may benefit from adding antifreeze to prevent any remaining water from freezing. A mixture of one part antifreeze to two parts water is often recommended. Be sure to use anti-freeze that is recommended for static caravans. Car anti-freeze is usually not suitable.
  • Removing the shower head and hose is a good idea, as water can collect here, potentially leading to freezing or mould growth.
  • Finally, you could also turn off the water supply at the meter if you have one, to ensure no water enters the system while you’re away.

This preparation could help prevent damage caused by frozen pipes, giving you peace of mind over the winter.

  1. Disconnecting gas and electricity

Unless you are keeping the heating on, It might be wise to disconnect your caravan from both gas and electricity before leaving it for the winter. This can help reduce the risk of hazards such as gas leaks or electrical faults while you’re away.

  • If you have a piped-in gas supply, consider turning it off at the mains.
  • For those using bottled gas, it may be a good idea to disconnect the bottles and store them inside, in a secure location. This can help prevent leaks and keeps the bottles safe from the elements.
  • Turning off all electrical switches and unplugging appliances could also help to protect your caravan’s electrics from any potential faults or power surges over winter.

Taking these steps may offer an extra layer of protection for your caravan and appliances during the colder months.

  1. Cleaning and emptying the caravan

Giving your caravan a thorough clean before the winter can be beneficial in preventing unpleasant smells or even pest infestations. Clean all surfaces, vacuum the carpets, and make sure the fridge is empty and wiped down.

  • Removing all traces of food and drink might be important, as even a small crumb could attract insects or rodents. It is also worth checking behind appliances and under cushions to make sure no food is left behind.
  • You might want to clean upholstery, curtains, and carpets to prevent mould and mildew from forming. Taking extra care with soft furnishings can help ensure they stay in good condition over the winter.
  • Emptying and defrosting your fridge and freezer is helpful in preventing bad odours. Also, by leaving the fridge door slightly open, you allow air to circulate and avoid a musty smell when you return.

A clean, tidy caravan will be more welcoming when you reopen it in the spring, and these steps could help prevent a range of potential issues.

  1. Preventing damp and condensation

Damp and condensation can be major problems in caravans over the winter months. Consider taking steps to reduce moisture and keep your caravan dry.

  • Leave a few bowls of salt dotted around to absorb moisture from the air. Salt is a natural dehumidifier and could help reduce the risk of damp and mould.
  • Leave cupboards and drawers slightly open to allow air to circulate and prevent condensation from building up in enclosed spaces.
  • Removing soft furnishings such as cushions, bedding, and curtains and storing them elsewhere might help prevent dampness from setting in. Alternatively, you could seal them in vacuum bags for protection.

Taking these precautions could help you maintain a dry, healthy environment inside your caravan during the winter months.

  1. Protecting against pests

In winter, insects and rodents may look for warm places to nest, and your caravan could be an appealing option if not properly secured. To reduce the risk of infestations, you can take a few preventive measures.

  • Check for any gaps or holes around doors, windows, and the base of your caravan to help to identify potential entry points for pests. Seal any gaps with mesh or silicone.
  • Cover plugholes and keeping toilet lids down to help block potential access points for vermin.
  • Take home any bedding or soft furnishings– this might also be a good idea, as they can attract pests looking for nesting materials.

By taking steps to prevent pests from entering, you could avoid returning to an unwelcome infestation in the spring.

  1. Securing valuables and furniture

To reduce the risk of theft or damage, remove valuables from your caravan before winter.

  • Taking home any electronics that are easy to remove, such as TVs, game consoles or computers is a wise precaution.
  • Smaller valuables, such as jewellery or personal items, should also be taken home for safekeeping.

For larger items, such as furniture – move them away from the walls if you can to allow airflow. This could help prevent damp and mould from forming in hard-to-reach areas.

  1. Maintaining the exterior

Winter weather can be tough on your caravan’s exterior, so it may help to take a few steps to protect it from the elements.

  • Cleaning out the gutters could prevent water build up and reduce the risk of leaks or damage. Any blockages left over the winter might lead to water damage inside your caravan.
  • Checking the seals around doors and windows for cracks or gaps could be important, as even a small crack might let in water during heavy rain or snow.
  • Storing any outdoor furniture or decking items may help keep them in good condition over winter.

By maintaining the exterior of your caravan, you could protect it from the worst of the winter weather.

  1. Informing the park management and checking insurance

Finally, you might want to let the holiday park management know that your caravan is closed for the winter. They may have additional security measures in place or offer advice on preparing your caravan for the off-season.

Additionally, it’s important to check that your static caravan insurance policy provides suitable cover for your caravan while it’s empty. Some policies may require additional cover for long-term vacancy or specific closedown procedures, so it’s worth reviewing your policy details. It may also be worth while keeping a photographic or video record of the measures you have taken to protect your static caravan over the winter months.

By taking these steps, you could help protect your static caravan from the challenges of winter. Preparing in advance may save you from potential damage, allowing you to return to your holiday home in good condition when the weather warms up again.

This is a marketing article from multi-award-winning Park Home Assist.

Please note that all insurance cover is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions.

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Published – 01/11/24