1. Gas freezes in cold temperatures, therefore you can either cover your gas barrel(s) with a lagging jacket, (not very effective in freezing conditions) or switch to propane which freezes at a lower temperature than butane. Older butane regulators need to be changed in order to use propane, so before making a direct switch seek professional advice first.  

2. Check the radiator system for antifreeze and the windscreen washer bottle for a fresh charge of winter grade windscreen wash.

3. Try to park on a slight slope. In freezing conditions it may be advisable to leave the grey waste open and put a basin under. Frozen valves are to be avoided!

4. When staying in your motorhome, leave internal locker doors open overnight – this will circulate the heat and prevent condensation.

5. To keep out the cold, fit exterior silverscreens in addition to normal screen covers.

6. Try to keep some hot water in the boiler. This will prevent the frost dump valve from opening.

7. A well charged leisure battery is essential if your heating system is to stay working when there’s no mains connection 

8. We recomment that a light olive oil be given to the shutter on the toilet base, which should then be left in the open position.

WINTER LAY UP PROCEDURES

Even if you are going to continue using it, empty your van down to its basics, removing all personal belongings, gas tanks, upholstery, etc., and thoroughly clean it. Don’t forget to empty all water and waste tanks, and with taps and boiler drains open, ensure all water is completely removed. Don’t forget the water filter if fitted and blow through the shower mixer tap. No water must remain. By contrast, fill the fuel tank as high as possible to prevent condensation forming in the tank. (With the promise of fuel duty increases this may prove a good investment anyway!) Then ensure that all roller blinds are fully retracted to prevent stretching the springs, and remove all the metal shelving from the fridge and leave the fridge door open.

If you are really unable to actually use it every week or two, if only for a supermarket run or the occasional day out, you will need to take the following steps:

1. An open garage or car port high enough to take your motorhome is advantageous. Alternatively a breathable cover can be used. Be aware that condensation can be a problem with a sealed camper and this is most likely to occur with an external cover. Alternatively you can leave it in the open, but not under trees, then follow these guidelines.

2. When parking your motorhome, park on a slope or if you are jacking it up outside, create your own slope and some essential drainage. This will prevent green mould from growing in the puddles that may form on the roof, but remember you will need to check both outside and inside and keep it all clean and well aired while it is laid up..

3. You will need to jack all the wheels off the ground. If you have a possible security situation by all means remove either one or all the wheels, but use proper axle stands NOT bricks, blocks or other unsuitable materials. If removing the wheels, protect the axle stubs etc with a plastic cover ensuring they remain clean and dry. Once securely chocked up release the handbrake: you don’t want it locked on after the winter.

4. Even if your van is laid-up you should regularly run your engine to full operating temperature to keep sufficient oil distribution and to prevent stress on the starter battery. By contrast the leisure battery should either be removed and kept on trickle charge, or if this is not possible it should be connected to the mains for an 8 -12 hour charge every 2-4 weeks. Do not let your batteries go flat, you may not be able to recharge them. Also remember to give your cab aircon system a run while the engine is running: this distributes fresh oil into the working parts and equally exercise the clutch springs and engage a low gear to rotate the clutch plates, BUT remember if your drive wheels are either locked in place or in a plastic cover.

6. Check the radiator system for antifreeze and the windscreen washer bottle for a fresh charge of winter grade windscreen wash.

7. If you are able to plug into the mains, a dehumidifier and a small electric radiator would be very helpful, but watch out for mice etc., who are always keen to find a warm dry home for the winter. Dehumidifiers cease to work in cold temperatures, which is why a small heater is recommended, but you will need to remember to empty the dehumidifier. If you are using a fan heater these are not recommended for unsupervised use, but are effective at not only quickly heating but circulating air.

8. Upholstery, bedding etc should always be removed from a fully laid up van, and stored in a dry safe place.

Lastly if you discover jobs or maintenance items that have been missed during the season get them done or pinpointed before you lay your van up for the winter. It’s no harm to have a list of odd jobs: you can do one each time you go out to check your winter lay-up is producing the desired results!