Getting your caravan ready for winter is essential if you want to protect it from cold weather, damp, and long‑term damage. Whether you store your caravan on your driveway or at a dedicated site, a proper winterisation routine will help keep it clean, dry, and ready for your next adventure when spring arrives.

Below is a clear, easy‑to‑follow guide to winter caravan preparation.

Clean the interior

Start by giving the entire caravan a deep clean:

  • Vacuum carpets and upholstery
  • Wipe down surfaces
  • Wash floors and soft furnishings

Cleaning helps prevent mould and pests, and it gives you a chance to check cupboards, drawers, and storage areas for any belongings you may have missed.

Leave cupboard and wardrobe doors open to improve airflow and reduce the risk of mildew.

Check the window seals

Inspect all window seals for cracks or damage. Faulty rubber seals can let moisture into the caravan, leading to damp, mould, and costly repairs. Replace any seals that look worn or brittle.

Store your gas cylinders safely

Storage rules vary between caravan sites, so check their policy on gas cylinders:

  • Some allow cylinders inside the caravan
  • Some require them to be stored in a designated cage
  • Some do not allow them on-site at all

If storing cylinders yourself:

  • Remove them from the caravan
  • Keep them upright on a flat, ventilated surface
  • Store them somewhere cool
  • Avoid sheds, garages, or cellars

Ensure valves are closed or regulators disconnected and capped, depending on the cylinder type.

Leave the fridge door open

Prop open the fridge and freezer doors (many caravan fridges have a built‑in latch for this). This prevents mould, mildew, and stale odours by allowing air to circulate.

Clean and drain the cassette toilet

To keep your toilet fresh over winter:

As a general guide:

  • Pink chemicals are used in the flush tank to mask odours
  • Blue or green chemicals are used in the cassette to break down waste

Drain down the water system

Draining down your caravan involves getting rid of any water left in the system to prevent it from freezing inside the pipes and causing costly damage. We’d also recommend cleaning the water system first to make sure it’s sterilised.

Clean the system first

  • Add the correct amount of water‑system cleaner (e.g., Puriclean) to the tank
  • Remove the filter if fitted
  • Run each tap briefly to pull the mixture through
  • Leave it for around an hour
  • Drain the system, refill with clean water, and drain again

Then drain the system fully

  • Turn off the water supply
  • Switch off the boiler
  • Open all taps, including the shower
  • Open the drain valve
  • Leave taps open to prevent moisture build‑up
  • Set mixer taps halfway between hot and cold

For plumbed toilets

  • Flush to empty the cistern
  • Leave the small amount of water in the bowl
  • Add a little antifreeze to prevent freezing
  • Add antifreeze to sink and shower traps too

Some modern caravans also use electric pumps to push out the last drops of water.

Remove your batteries

Unless it powers any security systems, you should remove your 12v leisure battery and store it somewhere cool and dry. Be sure to check it regularly and charge it now and again to keep it healthy – this NOCO GENIUS charger is perfect for caravan leisure batteries.

You can also remove standard batteries from things like clocks and other electronics to save wasting charge.

Use a dehumidifier

Adding a dehumidifier will help to prevent any dampness, by capturing moisture in the air. You’ll just need to check it periodically to empty any water that’s been collected.

Improve your security

Before leaving your caravan for winter:

  • Remove valuables such as TVs or smart devices
  • Consider visible security cameras (even dummy units deter thieves)
  • Fit wheel clamps and hitch locks
  • Use a driveway security post if storing at home

If you’re keeping your caravan on your driveway, a security post will help make sure it stays put.

Invest in a caravan cover

A breathable caravan cover protects against:

  • Rain
  • Tree sap
  • Dirt and grime
  • UV fading
  • Minor bodywork damage

Breathable fabric is essential to prevent trapped moisture and mould.

Protect your tyres

To keep your tyres in good condition:

  • Park on level ground
  • Lower corner steadies onto blocks
  • Chock the wheels
  • Leave the handbrake off to prevent seizing
  • Check tyres for damage and ensure they’re properly inflated
  • Use tyre covers for added protection
  • Visit your caravan occasionally to rotate the wheels and top up tyre pressure if needed.

With these winter caravan preparation steps, your caravan will stay clean, dry, and protected throughout the colder months. When spring and summer return, you’ll be able to hit the road with confidence and enjoy a fresh, well‑maintained caravan.

Related posts