If you aren’t planning to utilize your motorhome during the colder months , then ensure that you make it ready for winter storage, to protect your vehicle from weather and elements.
Rodents and damp, damage from frost battery maintenance and theft are all serious concerns for motorhomes that is left without a guard for extended durations during winter months.
A well-maintained motorhome inside storage during winter will make it more able to prepare for the coming season.
When you are putting your motorhome into winter hibernation, it’s recommended to get it checked and serviced, as well as an habitation inspection carried out particularly if you’re having concerns regarding the mechanical aspects of your motorhome, or one of the electronic systems on board that the motorhome runs.
Winter storage
Find the best place to keep your motorhome in the winter months with care, and remember that it’s the motorhome that’s winterizing, not a fervent burglar or a thief!
If you are storing it at your home, and if it’s possible you can park your motorhome in a place where it isn’t visible from the roadside. Place it face-to-face against a wall to ensure that potential thieves won’t be able to steal it away. Consider constructing a wall that is secured with gates or a drive-post in order for thieves to take it apart to take the motorhome away. A well-lit security system and a well-placed CCTV camera could make a difference for criminals.
If you intend to store at an outdoor storage facility, examine the security measures that are in place and ensure that they are compliant with your motorhome’s insurance specifications. At a minimum, ensure that the facility has 24 hours gate for access control that is locked or a security fencing with a high level of perimeter.
Avoid obvious risks such as storing your motorhome under trees, where branches may fall onto it, or in an area with a high table, which could cause flooding. Think about a motorhome covering to keep your motorhome safe from being covered by leaves and sap from trees. The cover could be a protection against thieves who are less likely to recognize the manufacturer and model of the contents underneath.
Security for motorhomes
Motorhome theft is a worry for every owner and you should put in enough security measures to deter thieves and stop a burglar from getting.
Other physical security tools that can hinder a burglar like steering lock for the wheel and pedal locks like Clutch Claw, motorhome wheel clamps, and lock locks for gear sticks. Read our motorhome security guide for helpful tips on how to safeguard your motorhome or campervan from the theft
Review your motorhome insurance policy to find out whether there are any specific rules and conditions that apply leaving your vehicle in the unsupervised area including security devices and security systems
If you have electronic security devices like an alarm or motorhome tracking device, it is essential to ensure that the battery powering the device is charged throughout the day. Some alarms and tracking devices will notify you when they experience power problems however by the time you notice it, it could become too late. The topic of batteries will be discussed in more depth later on.
Also, ensure that the subscriptions to tracking systems are current, so that your motorhome is tracked and that you’re covered.
Preventing damage from frost
The water draining in your motorhome’s system is vital to prevent frost damage when you put your vehicle in winter storage. It’s also part of your insurance policy for motorhomes to be drained between November 1st between March 1st and 15th.
It is helpful that you tilt the motorhome in a way that you can see the valves for drain located at the lowest place. Consult the handbook of the manufacturer for any questions about which valves are. The outlets should be opened to the waste and fresh tanks. Also, turn on all the internal taps which includes the shower.
It is possible to make use of devices, like Floe which has an air compressor that can blast out every bit of water. After draining out, keep the taps unlocked and, in the case of mixer taps, place them somewhere between cold and hot.
Take the shower head off Give it a good shake , and put the tube and head on the tray for the shower.
When you’re in the shower room , wash the shower, clean the basin and walls Put plugs into the motorhome drainage system to keep any scents from entering the room and flush the water out of the toilet. You’ll learn how to accomplish this in the manual of the manufacturer.
Be aware of any shower that is outside! It is necessary to remove your water heater as well as the tank onboard as well as the gray water tank. Don’t forget to drain the external pump. You could keep it in your motorhome. Remember to drain the internal pump. If you are using an “wet” heater, follow the instructions from the manufacturer on winterizing.
Open the toilet and then lubricate the seal using the spray made of silicon.
Housekeeping for winter storage
A bit of homework is required when you set the foundations of your motorhome for winter.
Clean the fridge and empty it following the manufacturer’s instructions making sure that you leave the fridge as well as the doors to freezer compartments slightly open. Also , give the stove as well as the oven and grill an all-over clean.
Clean out and empty the food cupboards and food items, removing any crumbs that could lead to insects squeezing inside to search for food. Give the kitchen a an enjoyable time using a vacuum cleaner and don’t forget to clean the curtains and upholstery.
If carpets can be lifted, you can mop the floor, too. Make sure to open all the cabinets and lockers to let airflow.
You could either remove the furniture in the event that you have somewhere that is dry or warm to store they at home or shift them into your van so that air circulates around them.
The blinds, curtains, and cabinet doors open will let prospective thieves that there’s nothing worth trying to steal.
Do not forget to get rid of any electrical appliances that are valuable such as portable equipment, personal documents such as the owner’s handbook or motorhome insurance certificates.
Remove all bedding, clothing pillows, cushions, and towels. It’s recommended to get rid of any unneeded leaflets you’ve collected during your travels. Also, remove any personal papers or photographs that you wouldn’t want to be damaged due to damp.
Crystals that absorb moisture can minimize the chance of condensation, but they’ll require frequent replacement.
After the inside has been cleaned and drained, it’s time to concentrate at the exterior.
Clean the exterior of the motorhome by using an appropriate shampoo and then apply a wax, or over-wintering solution that acts as the vehicle with a protection against winter.
Clean all glass and windows to sparkle. Then ensure that the seals are properly lubricated using silicone lubricant to safeguard and provide nourishment to the rubbers. Also, ensure that the solar panels are clear from debris or dirt around the corners.
Make use of winter fridge ventilations in order to keep the rear of the refrigerator free of moisture. Also, make sure the gas valve of the regulator is shut. Remove the gas bottle, and should you be able to, remove the gas bottle to keep at your home.
It is also advisable to make sure that your motorhome’s wheels are chocked so that rainwater flows through onto the motorhome’s roof in the winter months.
Battery maintenance
Modern motorhomes are equipped with two distinct batteries, one to start the engine, and the other to provide electricity to the area of the home.
The starter battery can also supply power to an alarm or tracking device , or both. In this scenario, it is essential to keep the battery in good condition even when the motorhome isn’t being employed.
All lead-acid batteries are affected by “self-discharge”. This means that even without any connection to it, the battery can lose its capacity andeventually cease to function. It is not just that, but it may be damaged and its life span diminished. To prevent this from happening you should charge your battery regularly by using an “intelligent” battery charger.
In the event that your starter battery isn’t being utilized to provide power to a security device and there’s no electricity at the mains in the area where your motorhome is kept and you want to remove it, you may need to take it out and take care of it at home while keeping an eye for the battery’s voltage and charging regularly. If you decide to do this, remember that you might need to reset the clock, radio and other devices that draw their energy via the battery of your starter once the battery is returned.
In the event that your RV is stored in a storage facility with the starter battery used to provide power to the alarm system or tracker you’ll be forced to give it at least a few weeks.
The same fundamental rules apply to leisure batteries. If you are able, take the battery from your vehicle and charge it up at home using an “intelligent” charger.
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