Don’t Let Winter Wreck Your Van: What to Do Before the First Frost

A little preparation before the first frost can save a lot of trouble when your next adventure comes around. Whether you are parking up until spring or heading out between cold spells, winterising your motorhome or campervan helps protect it from freezing water, damp and the effects of standing unused.

Drain the Water System

Emptying the fresh water tank is only part of the job. Water can remain in pipes, taps, the shower, filters and the water heater, where freezing can damage components.

Follow your handbook’s drain-down procedure:

• Switch off the water heater and allow hot water to cool.

• Empty the fresh water tank and drain the water heater through its designated valve.

• Open hot and cold taps, including the shower. Set mixer taps as instructed in your handbook.

• Drain the shower head, hose, filters and pump using the equipment manufacturer’s procedure.

• Empty portable water containers and filling equipment.

• Leave taps and drain valves in the positions specified for storage, with the pump switched off.

Only run a pump dry if its manufacturer permits it. If using a compressed-air drain-down kit, follow its pressure limits.

Do not assume an automatic frost drain protects the entire water system. Check that the heater has emptied and that its drain outlet is clear. Never put automotive antifreeze into your drinking-water system.

A wet central-heating circuit, such as an Alde system, is separate from the fresh water supply. Its specified antifreeze mixture normally remains in place; check its condition and replacement interval rather than draining it as drinking water.

Empty the Waste Tank and Toilet

Dispose of grey water and toilet waste at appropriate facilities, then clean and drain the waste tank and toilet cassette. Empty any separate toilet flush-water reservoir too.

Follow the toilet manufacturer’s storage instructions and use an approved product for its seals. Check outdoor showers and other water fittings that are easy to overlook.

Clean and Dry the Interior

Remove food, crumbs and drinks, including items tucked away in cupboards. Clean the kitchen, fridge and storage areas, then allow everything to dry.

Switch the fridge off and leave its door on the ventilation catch. Take bedding, towels and removable soft furnishings indoors where practical. Otherwise, lift cushions and mattresses away from cold surfaces to allow airflow.

Check around rooflights, windows and inside lockers for signs of leaks. Winterising will not cure water ingress, so investigate damp patches before leaving the van.

Keep Ventilation Clear

Keep permanent ventilation openings clear, including gas drop vents. Leave internal cupboard doors ajar where practical to help air circulate.

Close and secure exterior windows and rooflights for storage, then air the van during visits when conditions allow. Moisture absorbers may help with small amounts of moisture, but they cannot repair a leak or replace ventilation.

Look After Both Batteries

Remember the starter battery as well as the leisure battery. Alarms, trackers and standby electronics can continue drawing power while the vehicle is parked.

For lead-acid batteries, charge before storage and arrange suitable maintenance charging or regular checks. Use a charger matched to the battery type, and confirm whether your van’s hook-up actually charges both batteries.

Lithium batteries need their own manufacturer’s storage and charging instructions. Check the permitted charging temperature and low-temperature protection; do not assume they can safely charge in freezing conditions.

Before disconnecting anything, establish what powers the alarm and tracker. Winter solar output can be limited, so monitor charge rather than assuming the panel will keep up.

Turn Off Gas and Unnecessary Equipment

For storage, turn off the gas supply at the cylinders or fitted tank and shut down appliances according to their manuals. Check whether your storage site requires removable cylinders to be taken away.

Switch off unnecessary electrical equipment while maintaining essential security systems. Do not leave a portable heater running unattended as a substitute for draining down.

Check the Exterior, Tyres and Engine Fluids

Wash the exterior with suitable products and inspect seals, roof joints and drainage channels. Dry awnings before putting them away.

If using a cover, choose a breathable one designed for the vehicle and secure it properly. A loose cover can rub against the bodywork.

Check tyres for damage and maintain the manufacturer’s recommended pressures for storage. Do not inflate them to an arbitrary higher pressure. Follow the base vehicle handbook’s guidance on long-term parking, including brakes and wheel chocks.

Check engine coolant frost protection and use screenwash suitable for expected temperatures. Choose firm, well-drained parking and avoid places where standing water collects.

Visit During Storage

Check the van every few weeks and after severe weather. Look for leaks, mould, pest activity, falling battery charge and cover damage. Confirm that security equipment remains operational.

Still Using Your Van This Winter?

Winter trips still need frost precautions. Drain down between outings whenever freezing weather could reach an unheated water system.

Before travelling, test your heating and check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Keep ventilation clear and never use a cooker or barbecue as a space heater. Check whether exposed pipes and tanks are suitable for the temperatures you expect.

When planning your next winter escape, use The Campervan Bible app to find stopovers and explore facilities such as electric hook-up. Confirm winter opening dates and available services with the venue before setting off.

Before Your First Trip After Storage

Reconnect equipment using the correct procedures, clean and flush the fresh water system with a product approved for your installation, and check for leaks as you refill it. Test appliances and check tyres, batteries and vehicle fluids before travelling.

The best time to winterise is before freezing weather arrives. A clean, dry van with drained water systems and a plan for battery care will be much easier to bring back into use.