6 Tips to Keep Your Caravan Safe Over Winter

With the cold weather beginning to hit the UK, it’s safe to say it is no longer caravan season. Most campers are getting ready to pack up their mobile homes for the winter and enjoy a warm Christmas indoors.

It may be a few months before you next take your caravan for a spin, so you need to take steps to ensure it will be safe over the winter months. Caravans don’t come cheap, whether you opt for finance or not, and there are many disasters that could befall it if you’re not careful. Without care and attention, your caravan could be stolen, vandalised, or even ruined by the effects of cold and damp weather.

Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to protect your caravan from the elements and keep it secure over winter. By following these steps you can enjoy peace of mind that your mobile home will be safe and sound until you are ready to take it out of storage.

Choose a safe location

The location in which you store your caravan is perhaps the most important factor. If you have the space for it, you may be able to store it in your driveway or garage. Otherwise, you will need to hire a professional storage firm to look after it over winter.

For security purposes, it should not be kept on a public street or any other place where it can be easily targeted by criminals. If storing at home, you may wish to remove the wheels so that it cannot be towed away, and remove any valuables from inside.

If using a professional storage firm, make sure they are reputable and don’t be afraid to ask them about their security measures. Check your insurance policy to make sure you are covered when storing your caravan with a third party.

Install security features

You may wish to add additional security features to enhance your peace of mind, such as alarms, hitch locks, or wheel clamps. Again, check with your insurance company to ensure these additions do not constitute a breach of policy.

Drain the water system

One of the most likely catastrophes that could befall your caravan over winter is frost damage. As temperatures fall, water begins to freeze, potentially leading to damaged pipes. If left unchecked this could also lead to a serious damp and mould problem.

Avoid this by completely draining your water system. Open all the taps and leave them open to prevent pressure buildup. Take off your shower head, clear your heaters and pumps, and remove the water filter. You can even buy specialised drainage kits that will squeeze out every last drop of water. This may seem like a lot of work, but it will be worth it to avoid costly and time-consuming repairs.

Consider a caravan cover

A caravan cover is an inexpensive and easy way to protect the exterior from the elements over winter. This could include anything from falling branches and bird droppings to scratches and water infiltration. The cover simply sits over your caravan and keeps it safe and sound while in storage.

Protect the bodywork

There are so many things that could happen to the bodywork of your caravan over winter, so it’s wise to take precautions. Before putting your caravan in storage, clean the paintwork thoroughly to clear any dirt or debris that could get caught beneath the cover and cause scratches.

Make sure to use cleaning products that are specifically designed for caravans and be careful if using a pressure washer, as too much power can destroy your bodywork.

Clean the interior

Winter is a great opportunity for a spring clean. Use this time to clear out all the junk you’ve accumulated on your travels so you can start afresh next year. Remove all valuables in the event of theft, as well as any food products that could lead to a rodent problem. Hoover the floors and wipe down the surfaces, and don’t forget to make sure all doors and windows are shut before you leave it.

Caravans require a lot of care and attention, but they are worth it for the freedom and independence they give you. If you are considering buying a caravan but are unsure about the cost, finance is available. Get in touch to learn more about your payment options