Caravan Setup & Equipment

Caravan Storage Tips for Winter

Following the right caravan storage tips for winter helps protect your caravan from frost, damp, mould and unnecessary wear while it’s not being used. Whether you store your caravan at home, on a driveway, or in a secure storage facility, taking a little time to prepare it properly can save you expensive problems when touring season returns.

Winter can be tough on a touring caravan. Cold temperatures, heavy rain, strong winds and long periods without use can all cause issues if your caravan is left without preparation. However, a careful winter storage routine can keep everything cleaner, drier and easier to use when spring arrives.

This guide explains what to do before putting your caravan into winter storage, including the water system, toilet, tyres, battery, interior, exterior and damp prevention.

Why Winter Storage Preparation Matters

Cold weather can be surprisingly harsh on caravans. Freezing temperatures can damage pipework, while moisture can lead to condensation, mildew and damp smells inside the caravan.

You should also follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your own caravan wherever possible. The National Caravan Council is a useful UK industry source for caravan ownership and safety information.

Proper winter storage helps:

Prevent frozen pipework
Reduce condensation and damp
Protect tyres from flat spots
Extend leisure battery life
Keep appliances in better condition
Maintain your caravan’s value

It also makes your first trip of the new season much easier. Instead of dealing with stale smells, flat batteries or water system problems, you can simply check everything over and get ready to tour again.

Drain the Water System

One of the most important winter storage jobs is removing water from the caravan. Any water left inside the system can freeze, expand and damage pipes, taps, pumps or the water heater.

Drain the following areas before storage:

Fresh water tank
Waste water system
Water heater
Toilet flush tank
Internal pipework
External water containers

Open all taps into the middle position so both the hot and cold sides can drain fully. This small step is easy to forget, but it helps remove water from both parts of the system.

After draining, leave taps open during storage. You should also check your caravan handbook for any model-specific draining instructions, especially if your caravan has an onboard water tank or particular valve arrangement.

Empty and Clean the Toilet

The cassette toilet should be fully emptied before the caravan goes into storage. Leaving waste or flush water inside can cause smells and may damage seals over time.

Before storing your caravan:

Empty the cassette completely
Rinse it thoroughly
Clean inside and outside
Drain the flush tank if fitted
Lubricate seals where recommended

Some owners leave the toilet blade slightly open to avoid sticking. However, always follow the advice for your own toilet model. A clean, dry toilet is far easier to bring back into use when the new season starts.

Remove Food and Clean the Interior

Food left inside a caravan can attract insects, mice and other unwanted visitors. Even sealed packets can become a problem during long storage periods.

Before winter storage:

Empty all cupboards
Remove dry food
Defrost and clean the fridge
Wipe worktops and tables
Vacuum carpets and upholstery
Clean the cooker and sink area
Empty bins and storage baskets

Leave the fridge door secured in its ventilation position. This prevents stale smells and helps stop mould forming inside the fridge.

It is also worth checking under seats, inside lockers and around the kitchen area. Crumbs and forgotten snacks are easy to miss, but they can create problems during winter.

Protect Against Damp

Moisture is one of the biggest causes of caravan problems during winter storage. A caravan that is shut up tightly for months can quickly become stale, especially if damp air is trapped inside.

To reduce condensation and improve airflow:

Leave roof vents open where appropriate
Open wardrobe doors slightly
Open internal cupboard doors
Lift seat cushions if possible
Stand cushions upright for better airflow
Use moisture absorbers if needed

Good ventilation is usually better than sealing everything tightly. Air needs to move around the caravan, especially in colder months when condensation is more likely.

Moisture absorbers can help in some situations, but they should not replace ventilation. If you use them, check and replace them regularly during winter.

Care for the Leisure Battery

A leisure battery can lose charge during storage, especially if the caravan is left unused for a long period. If the battery becomes deeply discharged, it may not recover properly.

If possible, remove the leisure battery and store it somewhere cool and dry. Make sure it is fully charged before storage, then recharge it periodically throughout winter.

Battery care tips:

Charge the battery before storage
Remove it if your storage setup allows
Keep it in a safe, dry place
Recharge it during winter
Check for signs of damage or leakage

If your caravan has an alarm or tracker, check whether it needs a power supply while the caravan is stored. Security devices can drain a battery over time, so plan for this before leaving the caravan for weeks or months.

Check Tyres Before Storage

Tyres naturally lose pressure over time. When a caravan sits in one position for months, flat spots can also develop.

Before storing the caravan:

Inflate tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure
Check for cracks or visible damage
Remove unnecessary weight from the caravan
Move the caravan occasionally if possible
Use wheel covers if tyres are exposed to sunlight

Some owners use tyre savers during long-term storage. These can help spread the load and reduce the risk of flat spotting. They are not essential for everyone, but they can be useful if the caravan will stay in one place for several months.

Disconnect Gas Bottles

Gas should always be turned off before winter storage. Check that all appliances are off, then turn off the supply at the bottle.

If practical, you can also:

Disconnect the gas bottle
Fit protective caps
Check hoses for age and condition
Store bottles safely and upright

Never store gas bottles inside the caravan living area. Always follow safety guidance and the instructions for your gas locker and regulator setup.

Clean the Exterior

A thorough exterior clean before winter storage helps protect the bodywork and makes it easier to spot any issues. Dirt, algae and road grime can build up quickly, especially after wet autumn trips.

Pay attention to:

Roof panels
Windows
Awning rails
Wheel arches
Front panel
Locker doors
External trims

Use cleaning products that are suitable for caravans. Avoid harsh chemicals or anything that could damage seals, windows or decals.

Once clean, check that the caravan is dry before storage. A clean exterior also makes it easier to inspect seals, joints and rooflights.

Inspect Roof Seals and Windows

Small leaks can become big problems during winter. Before storing the caravan, take time to inspect areas where water could enter.

Check:

Rooflights
Window seals
Locker doors
Awning rail areas
External service hatches
Bodywork joints

Look for cracked sealant, gaps, soft areas, staining or signs of previous water ingress. If you find anything concerning, it is better to deal with it before winter weather makes it worse.

Remove Valuable Items

It is sensible to remove valuables before winter storage, especially if the caravan is stored away from home.

Take home:

Televisions
Portable electronics
Important documents
Cash
Expensive accessories
Personal items

You may also want to leave cupboards and lockers open so it is clear that valuable items have been removed. This depends on your storage location and personal preference.

Use a Breathable Caravan Cover

A caravan cover is optional, but it can help protect the caravan from dirt, bird mess and winter grime. However, the type of cover matters.

Choose a breathable caravan cover designed for touring caravans. A breathable cover allows moisture to escape while still offering protection.

Avoid non-breathable tarpaulins. They can trap moisture against the caravan and may cause more harm than good. A poor-fitting cover can also rub against windows, panels and corners during windy weather.

Visit Your Caravan Occasionally

Winter storage should not mean forgetting about the caravan completely. If you can, visit every few weeks to check everything is still in good condition.

During each visit:

Check for signs of damp
Inspect the exterior
Check security devices
Recharge the battery if needed
Make sure vents remain clear
Look for storm damage
Check tyre condition

A quick winter check can catch small problems before they become expensive repairs. It also gives peace of mind, especially after storms or very cold weather.

Common Winter Storage Mistakes

Many winter storage problems come from simple things being missed. The good news is that most are easy to avoid.

Common mistakes include:

Leaving water in the system
Storing the caravan with food inside
Closing every vent tightly
Ignoring the leisure battery
Forgetting tyre pressures
Leaving valuables inside
Using a non-breathable cover
Skipping exterior checks

A simple checklist can make winter storage much easier. Work through each job before you leave the caravan, then keep a note of anything that needs attention before your next trip.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your caravan properly for winter storage does not need to be complicated. The main aim is to keep the caravan clean, dry, ventilated and protected from frost.

Drain the water system, remove food, care for the battery, check the tyres and keep air moving through the interior. These basic steps can make a huge difference.

When spring arrives, a well-stored caravan should be easier to clean, easier to prepare and far more enjoyable to use. A little effort before winter can save a lot of hassle later.

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