Prepare the camper for the upcoming winter season properly so that you can continue to use it for many years. The International Camping and Caravanning Federation (F.I.C.C.) gives specific recommendations on how to take care of your favourite vehicle when the cold months come.
Thoroughly clean the inside:
1) Thoroughly clean the caravan and make sure there is no food left in it – in addition to freezing, they attract mice and insects.
2) Empty, defrost and clean the refrigerator. Dry it well with a dry towel. The refrigerator and all cabinets must remain open.
3) Be sure to clean the kitchen and hob, stove, and all furniture.
4) Leave the pillows upright and put something under them to ensure air circulation and avoid the presence of mold. It is also useful to use dehumidifiers – dry granules, which you change regularly.
5) Remove from the caravan all materials that absorb moisture – carpets, clothes, blankets, towels, sheets, toilet paper, etc.
6) Lift the base of the beds and lift the mattress up.
7) Remove additional appliances, such as TV, hairdryer, etc.
8) Disconnect the battery in the bathroom/toilet and store it in a dry place protected from frost. Winterize the water system – clean all tanks with special detergents and dry them. Do not forget the boiler, shower and pumps that have water left. Leave the water taps open. Clean the toilet drawer and leave the toilet open.
9) Lubricate the locks and hinges
10) Treat the seals with silicone spray
11) Close the internal gas/propane valves
Preparation from the outside:
1) Clean the outside and bottom of the caravan. Don’t forget the windows and doors.
2) Check the condition of all appliances.
3) Close the gas valve, allow the gas to drain from the pipes, remove the hoses.
4) If possible, remove gas/propane cylinders and store in a dry place.
5) Clean and dry the awning.
6) Clean the dirt from the satellite system
7) Make sure that the camper is positioned correctly, compensate for unevenness.
8) Increase the tire pressure (recommended to 0.5 bar above normal pressure).
9) Raise the vehicle slightly with a jack (this reduces the load on the wheels and axles).
10) Protect against theft.
Once you have taken care of your camper, you can safely start planning a future adventure on four wheels. After all – the best is yet to come!
Source: Fédération Internationale de Camping, Caravanning et de Autocaravaning (F.I.C.C.)
