Motorhomes are key to many people’s staycations in the UK and beyond. In fact, in 2022, the number of new motorhome registrations reached around 11.6 thousand. While most people associate motorhomes with setting off on summer road trips, the reality is that once winter rolls around, it’s important to keep everything in check – even if it ends up sitting on your drive!
You need to take care of your motorhome a little differently during the colder months as many insurers won’t cover the type of damage that may be caused by improper care in these conditions. Here’s what you need to know.
Preparing your motorhome for winter storage
Often, motorhomes spend the majority of the winter sitting on the drive. This is fine to do, so long as you continue to maintain and protect it from the harsh winter elements. You should also consider how to secure your motorhome and deter thieves. If you don’t have a drive, it’s worth booking it into storage ahead of the winter months.
Make sure you empty your motorhome. This includes removing bedding, emptying the fridge and taking out any other personal items that could be at risk of damage if they become mouldy. All electricals and other valuable items should be removed too.
Then, go in with a deep clean. You should dry out awnings and leave cupboards ajar to prevent condensation and mould. Give the exterior a good clean too, and empty all systems, such as the freshwater, wastewater and water heater tanks. Make sure you leave all internal taps open during the winter. Ensure you complete these steps over a drain!
Planning to use your motorhome?
While many motorhome owners retire their vehicles during the wintertime, others use it as an opportunity to escape the dreary days and nights. If you plan to camp, make sure you winterize it by ensuring it’s warm enough to live in comfortably. You might need to install an electric heater if the existing system isn’t powerful enough to help with this – although, you should bear in mind the possibility of draining the battery.
The type of motorhome you have, as well as how old it is, will influence the work needed. Make sure the water is flowing regularly and that the external tanks and pipes are insulated. And if it snows, ensure that external air intakes or waste gas vents don’t become filled with snow.
Driving your motorhome in winter
Planning to drive your motorhome during the winter? First of all, check that you have comprehensive motorhome insurance in place in case anything happens. Make sure your motorhome is taxed too. It’s sensible to get a winter service too, to ensure everything is ticking along as it should be.
This involves topping up all the fluids and ensuring the tyres are at the right pressure. Be diligent when it comes to your speed – stick to the speed limit and slow down if the weather is poor. Where possible, drive on roads that are safer to navigate at this time of year.
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