Ultimate Guide to Winter Care and Storage for Your Motorhome

Winter can be a challenging season for motorhomes, with colder temperatures, moisture, and road conditions all taking a toll on your vehicle. Whether you’re planning to continue adventuring through the winter months or putting your motorhome into storage until spring, proper care is essential to maintain its condition and performance.

Preparing your motorhome for winter use ensures a comfortable and safe journey, while thorough cleaning and careful storage help prevent costly repairs and preserve the longevity of your vehicle. This guide will cover the key steps to keep your motorhome winter-ready and protected during storage, so it’s ready for the road when you are.

Cleaning Your Motorhome

• Start with a thorough exterior clean. Wash and wax the bodywork, carefully removing any green mould or mildew that might have accumulated. When using a pressure washer, avoid high-pressure settings on sensitive areas to prevent damage. Pay special attention to the motorhome’s awnings, wheel wells, and seals around windows and doors, ensuring these are moisture-free before adding a cover. Leave all taps open to allow any residual water or pressure to escape.
• A tarpaulin cover can protect your motorhome from the elements, but ensure it’s dry and free of holes to prevent moisture or mould from getting in and damaging the bodywork.
• Inside, remove all food items, including crumbs, which could attract pests. Take out bedding and blankets to prevent mould, and close curtains or blinds to avoid sun damage. Keep cupboard doors, the fridge, and freezer open to prevent odours, and defrost the freezer if needed.

Winter Storage Safety

• For electrical safety, unplug small appliances like kettles and toasters, and switch off the main breaker. Drain any remaining water from the pipes to avoid freezing and bursting, and consider using a dehumidifier or a tub of silica gel inside to reduce moisture.
• Be mindful of your motorhome’s positioning. Avoid storing it under trees, and if parked on grass, use blocks to raise it slightly to prevent flat spots on the tyres.
• Pest control is also crucial. Place traps around possible entry points to keep out mice, insects, and even squirrels, which can cause significant damage if they get in. Cover vents to deter wasps, and remove bathroom products like deodorants, as they can attract insects.
• Avoid starting the engine too often, as moisture can accumulate in the exhaust, leading to rust. Remove and store gas tanks safely outside the motorhome, and apply lubricant to all locks and hinges to keep them moving freely.

Maintaining Key Components During Storage

• For added protection, consider a fuel additive to keep the tank in good condition, and change the oil before storage. Turn off all LP gas appliances, remove batteries from devices like clocks, and unplug any potentially perishable electronics, such as LCD TVs.
• Lubricate the chassis and remove all batteries, disconnecting the negative terminal first. Store them in a cool but not freezing location and check them every few weeks.
• Lastly, remove any valuables to prevent theft while your motorhome is not in use.

Storing Your Motorhome Over Winter

When it comes to storing your motorhome there are a few things you can do as harsh winter weather can do a lot of damage. Many opt for storage in their own garages; outside their homes or in storage compounds and campsites.

If you are storing your motorhome outside your house then make sure you don’t leave it somewhere where it is vulnerable to leaves and bird droppings landing on it, as this can cause corrosion to the outer bodywork.

If you are storing it in an outside compound then ensure you ask questions to the owner beforehand; like what are the policies concerning gas cylinders inside your motorhome and what measures are taken to control pests.

Motorhome storage covers can be purchased in varying degrees of quality. The main things to ensure are that yours is breathable, soft and there is nothing to damage the exterior paint or bodywork. It’s an idea to clean your vehicle externally, ridding it of any grit or dirt that could scratch it and a wax can also help towards protecting the outer layer.

Keeping Your Motorhome Winter-Ready for Years to Come

Caring for your motorhome over the winter months is crucial to keep it in optimal condition, ready for your next adventure. Whether you’re planning winter journeys or placing it in storage until spring, following the right steps for cleaning, maintenance, and protection will safeguard your vehicle from cold-weather challenges.

A thorough exterior wash, proper storage techniques, and careful pest prevention measures are just some of the actions that can prevent costly damage and extend the life of your motorhome. By investing a little time and effort into these winter preparations, you’ll ensure that your motorhome remains in excellent shape, primed for the road when the seasons change.

Need more winter advice from Travelworld Motorhomes?

For more detailed guidance on winter care for your motorhome, please contact our aftersales and servicing team.