Advice
How to store your motorhome safely over Winter
If you’re looking for a motorhome right now, it’s natural to have some concerns surrounding winter storage. Wouldn’t it be better to wait until warmer weather rolls back around? Not necessarily!
Words by: Auto Trader
Published on 7 December 2020 | 0 min read
Now is a pretty decent time to buy a new motorhome. Costs are typically lower as the summer market sits on its heels, and browsing listings could see you bagging a real bargain. At least, it would be a bargain if you kept that motorhome safe ready for your spring excursions.
The good news is that storing a motorhome for winter isn’t as difficult as you might imagine. In fact, you could keep your new investment safe and sound by merely following these critical storage pointers.
The good news is that storing a motorhome for winter isn’t as difficult as you might imagine. In fact, you could keep your new investment safe and sound by merely following these critical storage pointers.
1. Sweat the small stuff
Prepping your new motorhome for winter is mostly about sweating the small stuff that you might be tempted to leave until spring.
- For one, you’re going to want to clear bedding, cushions, etc. to avoid moisture buildup.
- You’ll also want to disconnect both your battery and gas tanks to avoid drainage or safety risks.
- Place these somewhere out of the way, where you can be sure no harm will come to them.
- Last, and perhaps most importantly, drain your water system. If temperatures drop too low, a water system left intact could lead to expanding or split pipes, the biggest motorhome problem. Make sure it doesn’t happen by taking care of drainage ahead of time, and leaving taps open so that excess water can escape.
2. Invest in a stand
Even if you spend all your savings on a motorhome, you’re still going to want to invest in a stand for winter storage. As well as adding an element of safety that’s vital for long-term solutions, an axle stand or similar can help a great deal with tyre health. By keeping your tyres off the ground, this can both preserve quality and prevent flats that would stop you from making the most of your motorhome later in the year.
3. Resist the temptation of tarpaulin
Too often, we imagine tarpaulin is key to motorhome storage, but we’re going to let you in on a secret; it really isn’t!
While many owners swear that covers can help to keep moisture at bay, they tend to do the opposite. By reducing airflow through your motorhome all winter long, many covers like these are a leading cause for condensation and moisture issues in the aftermath of winter storage. Instead, enjoy the same protection benefits by parking your motorhome in a garage or under a shelter, where air can still flow freely all season.
While many owners swear that covers can help to keep moisture at bay, they tend to do the opposite. By reducing airflow through your motorhome all winter long, many covers like these are a leading cause for condensation and moisture issues in the aftermath of winter storage. Instead, enjoy the same protection benefits by parking your motorhome in a garage or under a shelter, where air can still flow freely all season.
Wrapping up winter storage
Storing a motorhome will be a walk in the winter park with these pointers to hand. One last thing to note is that you’ll want to avoid continually starting your engine, as this, too, can lead to dreaded moisture. Simply buckle your motorhome in and wait until spring to get the most from your investment.