Caravan Winterisation Guide from Tilshead Caravans

Modern UK caravans are designed for year-round touring, but if your caravan is going to be laid up over the winter months, taking the right precautions is essential. Proper caravan winterisation helps protect your investment from frost damage, damp, mould and unnecessary wear, ensuring it is ready to use when the touring season returns.

At Tilshead Caravans, we recommend carrying out a thorough winterisation process, especially if your caravan will be stored unused for an extended period.

 

Why Caravan Winterisation Matters

Cold weather, particularly frost, can cause serious damage to water systems if even small amounts of water remain in pipes, pumps or tanks. Simply opening drain valves is often not enough, as water can still sit in low points of the plumbing system. When this water freezes, it expands and can crack fittings, pumps and pipework.

The following guidance is based on industry best practice and manufacturer recommendations and is suitable for most touring caravans.

 

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Servicing Before Winter Storage

If your annual caravan service or habitation check is due while the caravan will be in storage, it is advisable to book this in advance.

• Arrange your yearly caravan service and habitation check before storage where possible

• This ensures your caravan remains compliant with warranty requirements and is fully inspected for safety and damp issues

If you are unsure whether your caravan service is due, the team at Tilshead Caravans will be happy to advise.

 

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Plumbing and Water System Winterisation

Correctly draining the water system is one of the most important steps in caravan winter storage.

• Open all onboard and external water tank drain valves and leave them open

• Open the safety drain valve next to the water heater and leave it open

• Fully open all taps and shower mixers, leaving mixers in the central position

• Unscrew the shower head and hose, shake out any remaining water and leave disconnected

• Run the water pump briefly to expel residual water

• Disconnect the inlet and outlet pipes to the onboard water pump and re-run the pump briefly

• Leave the water system disconnected during storage

• Fit the Truma Ultrastore cowl cover if fitted

• Clean waste pipes and tanks using a suitable sterilising fluid

These steps significantly reduce the risk of frost damage to your caravan’s plumbing system.

 

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Electrical System and Leisure Battery Care

If Connected to 230V Mains Hook-Up

• Ensure the leisure battery is connected and the 20A local fuse is in place

• Set the PSU isolator switch to ON, but switch the control panel OFF

• If an Alde heating system is installed, use the frost protection setting

• The onboard charger can safely maintain the battery during storage

• Carry out periodic checks on battery condition and connections

If Not Connected to 230V Mains Hook-Up

• Fully charge the leisure battery for at least 24 hours before storage

• Switch the PSU isolator to OFF

• Only leave the battery connected if an alarm, tracker or solar panel is fitted

• Alarm and tracking systems will drain the battery over time, so monthly checks and recharging are recommended

• Remove and store the leisure battery in a dry location if no charging system is present

• Maintain the battery charge level to extend battery lifespan

 

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Gas System Safety Checks

Before storing your caravan for winter:

• Isolate the gas supply at the gas bottle

• Ensure all gas manifold taps are switched off

• Check the condition and age of the high-pressure gas hose and regulator

• Replace any hoses or regulators that show signs of wear or are out of date

 

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Caravan Appliances Preparation

• Check the smoke alarm battery expiry date and replace or remove if necessary

• Switch the fridge off and clean thoroughly inside

• Prop the fridge door and freezer compartment open to allow airflow

• Fit fridge vent winter covers if available

• Clean all hob, oven and microwave surfaces

• If connected to mains power, unplug the microwave

These steps help prevent odours, mould and unnecessary electrical wear.

 

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Toilet System Winterisation

• Drain the toilet flush reservoir

• Empty the toilet cassette completely

• Remove toilet caps and lightly grease seals with acid-free Vaseline

• Drain the fresh water tank using the drain tube or level indicator

• Empty the water fill funnel and remove the small filler cap to allow drainage

• Leave caps loosely fitted to allow air circulation

• Grease seals as required

The Thetford cassette toilet system is designed to be easily winterised following these steps.

 

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Exterior Caravan Care During Winter

• Ensure all windows, skylights and access doors are securely closed

• Check that all fixed ventilation points are clear of debris

• Avoid storing the caravan beneath trees where sap or falling debris could cause damage

• Do not leave the caravan on soft ground or areas prone to standing water

• Lubricate key chassis points

• Rotate road wheels every two weeks if left on tyres, maintaining correct pressures

• Alternatively, remove wheels using correct jacking points and axle stands

• Use a breathable, well-fitted caravan cover if required

Poorly fitted or non-breathable covers can cause bodywork damage and mould growth.

 

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Interior Caravan Storage Tips

• Open all internal lockers and cupboard doors to aid airflow

• Remove cushions and store them in a dry place or ensure good ventilation

• Close blinds and curtains and check tension after long storage periods

• Ventilate the caravan periodically by opening doors or windows

• Use moisture absorber crystals to reduce condensation and mould

• Do not leave portable heaters unattended inside the caravan

 

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Winter Caravan Accessories at Tilshead Caravans

To help you protect your caravan throughout the winter months, Tilshead Caravans stocks a range of winter care essentials, including moisture traps and breathable caravan covers.

If you would like advice on winter storage products or to book a caravan service before winter, please contact the friendly team at Tilshead Caravans. We are always happy to help you keep your caravan in excellent condition all year round.