WINTER CARE
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Care should always be taken to ensure your campervan is receiving the best attention, particularly prior to going
into winter storage. The following tips will be helpful for the periods when it is not regularly used. This applies if
you store it in a compound away from home, or on your own driveway.
Electrical
If you plan to store your campervan connected to a 230v mains hook up:
• Ensure the leisure battery is connected and the that the leisure battery fuses are in place.
• The isolator switch on the power supply unit should be in the ‘ON’ position, but the control panel should be
switched o.
• A vehicle can be left in this condition for a number of weeks, with the charger keeping the battery charged.
However, periodic maintenance and inspection is advised, which should include checking the battery
condition.
If you plan to store your vehicle not connected to a 230v mains hook up:
• Charge the leisure battery for 24 hours before putting the vehicle into storage.
• Ensure the power supply unit isolation switch is in the ‘OFF’ position.
• The battery should not be adversely aected by winter temperatures, but the level of charge should be maintained
to maximise the lifespan of the battery. This can be achieved by using an automotive battery charger.
• Disconnect the vehicle negative battery terminal as per the base vehicle handbook instructions.
Windows
Ensure all windows, roof lights, habitation doors and exterior locker doors are firmly closed and locked. To
maximise airflow through the vehicle, ensure all high and low ventilation points are clear from obstructions.
Window blinds should not be left in the closed position for long periods, as this may aect their folding back into
the open position.
Appliances
• Check the battery expiry date on the smoke alarm and the CO detector, and replace if required.
• Ensure the refrigerator is turned o and clean the inside of the unit.
• Ensure that the refrigerator/freezer compartment doors are left open. Fit fridge vent winter covers (if available).
• Clean all cooker, hob and microwave surfaces.
• Ensure the toilet is empty and clean all surfaces. If necessary, lubricate the seals with a suitable acid free
lubricant (see Thetford user manual).
Tyres
Care should be taken to ensure that your vehicle is not stored with slightly deflated tyres, as this could cause
damage to the side walls that could lead to an accident when driving at speed. Ideally, you should rotate your
wheels every couple of weeks try to eliminate flat spots developing.
Water system
It is important that the water system
is fully drained o during the winter
months, or after the last trip of the
season, to avoid freezing when the
vehicle is not in use. Failure to do
this could result in serious damage to
components.
To drain down:
• Open the drain valve on the fresh
water tank to ensure it is fully empty.
• Open the drain valve on the waste
tank to ensure it is fully empty (only
drain into a suitable container).
• Open all taps inside the vehicle and
leave open. Mixer taps should be left
open in the central position.
• Open the drain valve inside the
vehicle to empty the water heater
and the pipe work inside the vehicle.
• Allow the vehicle to drain in this way
for five minutes, then run the pump
to ensure it is free of water.
• Empty cassette toilet.
Furniture
• Leave all cupboard doors open to
allow the maximum amount of air to
circulate around the vehicle.
• Remove cushions and store them in
a dry place, or ensure they are placed
in a well ventilated area.
• Placing water absorbent crystals in the
vehicle will help reduce moisture levels.
Coming out of storage
Before starting to use your campervan
after a long storage period, we
recommend that you have all gas and
230v electrical services checked by a
qualified person. The water system should
be flushed through using sterilising
solution prior to the first use.
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