As the days become ever shorter and the leaves fall from the trees, all of us are reminded that winter is on its way and bringing with it festivities and happiness, but also freezing temperatures and wet weather. For static caravan owners, preventative measures are required to winterise a static caravan, and to prevent any nasty surprises when you return after a few months away.
Taking a few simple steps can help avoid the unpleasant experience of being greeted by burst pipes and the costly associated repairs and other problems. Read on to learn how to winterise a static caravan, and use our checklist at the bottom of the article.
All personal belongings, especially valuable items, should be removed for the winter period. Keeping your static caravan as empty as possible will help promote a good flow of air and prevent the formation of mould or mildew, which can damage soft furnishings beyond repair if left to thrive.
Clothes, bedding, net curtains, towels, shower mats, rugs and cushions should all be taken away for the winter. Seat cushions and mattresses should ideally be lifted and placed on their side to encourage air circulation.
Electrical items should be unplugged and anything sensitive to temperature changes or anything of significant value should also be removed.
Any food items should be removed, both perishable and non-perishable to ensure that mould does not grow and that insects, rodents and any other unwelcome visitors are not attracted to your static caravan by the food.
It is important to clean your static caravan from top to bottom, including the fridge and freezer, food cupboards and wardrobes. Leave your fridge door open to prevent any mould from forming.
Whilst packing up and cleaning for the winter, all windows and seals should be checked for signs of damage on both the interior and exterior of your caravan. Cracks can potentially allow moisture and dampness to enter.
If possible, run a dehumidifier for around 48 hours before the caravan is vacated to help remove excess moisture. Dehumidifier crystals or disposable dehumidifiers can be left around the caravan to help absorb moisture throughout the winter months and prevent dampness – although these will usually need replacing after a couple of months.
Leave all internal doors propped open and wardrobe doors open so that air can circulate. The air vents should also be wiped clean and left open and unobstructed. If the air vents are blocked, condensation and mould could potentially form.
The sides, roof and underneath your static caravan should all be thoroughly inspected for cracks or signs of damage, making sure that everything is watertight. Debris such as leaves should be removed from the roof and from underneath the caravan.
For additional protection, Isoflex can be used on the joints and hinges and a good quality wintering fluid can be applied to protect the static caravan from residue, algae and grime – all of which can easily build up on the exterior surface during the winter.
Draining down describes the process of ensuring that all the water is completely flushed out of the water system and its pipes before closing your static caravan for the winter months – ultimately to avoid frozen pipes and possible associated damage.
To remove all the water, disconnect the water supply at the stopcock (typically located underneath the caravan), then open each drain valve, turn on all the taps and shower until they run dry and flush the toilet until the cistern is empty. This should remove all the water from the pipes.
We also recommend pouring anti-freeze into the sink, toilet bowl and toilet cistern, as well as the shower plug holes to prevent any cracks from occurring as a result of freezing damp. The shower should also be disconnected to ensure there is no damage.
Your central heating system must be turned off, as well as gas bottles turned off and electricity switched off at your outside meter. Gas canisters should always be stored in a dry, secure, and well-ventilated location.
Paying for a professional to drain down your static caravan gives you peace of mind it’s been drained down properly, especially if you have a central heating system. For a reasonable fee, a qualified gas fitter can drain down for the winter and their price usually includes setting you back up for next season.
Please get in touch with the Fir View Tan Y Ffridd team today if you have a holiday caravan located in our park and are looking for a professional winterisation service.
Preparing the Interior
Exterior Static Caravan Checks & Preparation
Draining Down for Static Caravans
Alternatively, reach out for a professional drain down service.
Antifreeze is generally put into your caravan water system, but mainly into the toilet flush tanks and waste traps. It is used to prevent freezing and damage to the water system in the winter months. Always use a non-toxic antifreeze specifically sold for caravans and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Good ventilation is essential. All internal doors should be open, moisture traps or a dehumidifier should be used, and it should always be ensured that there is a free flow of air. A good clean before closing down, and not leaving wet items in the caravan, helps to eliminate damp and mould during the winter months.
It is best to remove all bedding and soft furnishings. However, if you must leave these items in the caravan, they should be washed and dried thoroughly before storing them away in sealed vacuum bags or plastic containers. This prevents the formation of dampness, mould, and odours during the winter months.
Yes, the draining of the caravan’s central heating system is essential to prevent the pipes from freezing and leaking. Most caravan owners either drain down the water system manually by a drain-down kit or employ the services of a professional for a complete winterisation service, thus protecting the water system and heating system over the colder months.
No, the windows should be left closed and properly secured in the winter months. However, it is prudent to ensure that the trickle vents are left open on the windows to allow for a little airflow within the caravan. This will prevent condensation and damp developing, but at the same time will not expose the interior to the more severe weather and may also protect against the invasion of any unwanted pests.
It is advisable to drain the water system completely and thoroughly before winter starts. Alternatively, lagging or insulation can be placed around the exposed pipes. Some owners also fit a small tubular heater in the utility area to aid in maintaining a slight degree of warmth. The external water supplies should always be turned off to prevent damage caused by freezing.
A dehumidifier is very good at reducing the moisture levels in the caravan and preventing damp build-up. When used in conjunction with good air ventilation and moisture traps, it will help towards the preservation of soft furnishings and surfaces and keep the caravan fresh and dry during the winter months.
Located in one of the most scenic valleys in Wales, our 22-acre Welshpool Static Caravan Park offers a wide range of park facilities with something to suit all members of the family.
Our park management team have years of collective experience in the management and maintenance of static caravans and can offer comprehensive advice and tips on all related areas. Get in touch today to find out more about getting your static caravan winter-ready.
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