Storing Your Motorhome for Winter? How to Keep It Protected
When the last trip of the season is over, it's time to start thinking about where your motorhome will spend the winter.
Whether you're leaving it on your driveway or moving it to a storage facility, parking up for several months requires a little more preparation than simply locking the doors and walking away.
Cold weather, heavy rain and long periods without use can all create problems. A small leak could lead to extensive interior damage, water left in pipes could freeze, and a minor windscreen chip could turn into a much larger crack.
There are also security arrangements and insurance requirements worth considering before your motorhome goes into storage.
To help you get ready, we've put together a practical guide covering the checks that could save you time, money and frustration when the touring season returns.
1. Start with a full vehicle inspection
Before putting your motorhome into storage, take a little time to check its general condition.
Walk around the vehicle and inspect the bodywork, windows, doors, rooflights and external fittings. Look for anything damaged, loose or showing signs of deterioration.
Check inside, too. Pay attention to unusual smells, damp patches and areas that feel soft or discoloured.
Identifying these problems now gives you the opportunity to arrange repairs before the vehicle is left unused for several months.
It's also worth taking photographs of your motorhome before storage. These can provide a useful record of its condition and help you identify any changes when you next inspect it.
2. Don't ignore windscreen chips
A small stone chip might be the last thing on your mind when you're preparing to put your motorhome away.
However, leaving damaged glass exposed to changing winter temperatures can allow a chip to develop into a more substantial crack.
As temperatures rise and fall, existing damage can become more pronounced, potentially turning a relatively minor repair into a more expensive problem.
Check the windscreen carefully before storage and arrange for any chips or cracks to be assessed.
If you have windscreen protection included in your motorhome insurance, review your policy documents to understand the cover available and any applicable excess.
Dealing with the damage before winter could help prevent an unwelcome discovery when you're ready to travel again.
3. Find and fix potential water leaks
Water ingress is a particular concern for motorhomes because there are so many potential entry points.
Windows, rooflights, vents, doors and external fittings all rely on seals to help prevent rainwater from entering the vehicle.
Over time, these seals can deteriorate or develop small gaps.
Before storing your motorhome, examine external seals for cracking, damage or signs that they are beginning to fail.
Inside, look for:
Damp patches or water staining.
Musty smells and signs of mould.
Soft or discoloured wall and ceiling panels.
Moisture around windows, doors and rooflights.
Evidence of water around internal fittings.
Even a relatively small leak can cause considerable damage if it remains unnoticed throughout months of winter rain.
Water can affect insulation, furnishings, internal panels and electrical components, potentially leading to expensive repairs.
If you notice anything suspicious, investigate and address the problem before putting the vehicle away.
4. Protect your water system against freezing
Freezing temperatures can damage motorhome plumbing when water remains inside pipes, tanks, taps or pumps.
As water freezes, it expands. This can place pressure on components and potentially cause them to crack or fail.
When temperatures rise again, the resulting leaks might not become apparent until you attempt to use the system.
Follow your motorhome manufacturer's winterisation instructions and drain the appropriate water systems thoroughly.
Different vehicles have different plumbing arrangements, so make sure you're following the guidance for your particular model.
You should also check your motorhome insurance documents.
Some policies contain specific requirements concerning winterisation when a motorhome is left unused. Failing to comply with relevant conditions could affect a subsequent claim.
5. Check your tyres before parking up
Your motorhome's tyres will continue to support a substantial amount of weight throughout winter, even though the vehicle isn't moving.
Before storage, examine each tyre for cracking, cuts, bulges and unusual wear.
Check the pressures and refer to the recommendations provided by your vehicle and tyre manufacturers.
Prolonged storage can create additional considerations for tyres, so it's important to follow the appropriate guidance rather than assuming your normal driving routine is sufficient.
Once spring arrives, inspect the tyres and check their pressures again before your first journey.
Remember that tyres can deteriorate over time even if the vehicle has covered very few miles.
6. Make sure your batteries are maintained
Returning to your motorhome after several months only to discover a flat battery isn't an ideal start to the touring season.
Batteries can gradually lose charge when a vehicle is left unused, with colder temperatures potentially making matters worse.
Check the manufacturer's recommendations for maintaining both your vehicle and leisure batteries during storage.
Depending on your motorhome and storage arrangements, suitable charging or maintenance measures may be required.
Before disconnecting any battery, consider whether it supplies power to an alarm, immobiliser or tracking device.
Some security systems require a continuous power supply, and disconnecting the battery could prevent them from functioning correctly.
Follow the manufacturer's guidance to keep your electrical systems properly maintained while the vehicle is off the road.
7. Think carefully about motorhome security
A motorhome parked in one place for several months can still be a target for theft.
The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NAVCIS) has warned that motorhomes and caravans can be targeted in storage, including at facilities advertised as secure.
Whether you're storing your vehicle at home or using a dedicated compound, consider using several layers of security.
An alarm and immobiliser can be supported by physical devices such as steering wheel locks and wheel clamps.
A tracking device may provide additional protection, while secure storage facilities with CCTV, controlled access and good lighting can further reduce opportunities for theft.
Don't assume that one security device or a facility's description as secure provides sufficient protection.
It's also important to check your insurance documents.
Your policy may specify particular security devices that must be used when the motorhome is unattended or contain conditions relating to the storage location.
Make sure the security measures you're using comply with your insurer's requirements.
8. Check that your storage address is correct
If you're moving your motorhome to a different location for winter, remember to check whether your insurer needs to be informed.
For example, you might normally keep your vehicle on your driveway but decide to use a specialist storage facility during the colder months.
Alternatively, you could be moving from one storage compound to another.
Your usual storage address can form part of the information your insurer uses to assess the risk.
If your arrangements have changed, contact your insurer or broker before moving the vehicle.
They can confirm whether your policy needs updating and whether any additional conditions apply.
Even if you believe the new location offers better security, don't assume that your existing insurance arrangements will automatically remain unchanged.
9. Check on your motorhome throughout winter
Once everything is prepared, it's tempting to forget about your motorhome until spring.
However, leaving a vehicle completely unattended for several months can allow relatively minor problems to become much more serious.
If possible, inspect your motorhome periodically during the storage period.
Look for signs of water ingress, storm damage, tyre problems and attempted theft.
Pay particular attention after periods of heavy rain, strong winds or freezing temperatures.
Check inside the vehicle as well as outside, as some problems may not be visible from a quick external inspection.
Finding a leak or damaged fitting shortly after it develops could help prevent further deterioration.
It's also worth checking that your security devices remain operational.
10. Review your insurance before winter storage
Before locking your motorhome away for the season, take a few minutes to review your insurance arrangements.
Check your policy documents for any conditions concerning:
Winterisation and draining water systems.
Approved storage locations.
Security devices and their use.
Windscreen protection.
Requirements that apply while the vehicle is unused.
Insurance cover and policy conditions vary between providers, so don't assume that every type of damage occurring during winter storage will automatically be covered.
If your circumstances have changed or you're unsure about any requirements, contact your insurer or broker for clarification.
Making sure your insurance details are accurate before storage could help avoid complications later.
Getting your motorhome ready for spring starts now
Putting your motorhome away for winter doesn't have to be complicated, but it's worth giving the preparation the attention it deserves.
A few checks now could help you avoid returning to frozen pipes, water damage, a cracked windscreen or a vehicle that won't start.
Remember to follow the manufacturer's recommendations, check your insurance conditions and inspect your motorhome occasionally throughout the colder months.
That way, when the touring season returns, you'll have fewer unexpected problems to deal with before heading off on your next trip.
And one final reminder: put your keys somewhere safe, but make sure you'll actually remember where they are when spring arrives!
Motorhome Ready for Winter? Don't Forget Your Insurance
Before you park up for the season, make sure your motorhome insurance meets your needs. Get a motorhome insurance quote with Motor-Vision and explore your cover options.
