Winter touring: Keep your

Winter

maintenance

Although we all know that the weather here in the UK is famously unpredictable, January and February tend to be our coldest months, with the chances of encountering frost, ice and snow most likely. During this period, you may decide you want to store your motorhome until the sun shines once again, or you might want to ‘carry on camping’. In either scenario, there are several things you will need to consider to ensure that your ‘van stays in tip top condition during the harsher conditions or while it is not being used.

Staying in - winter storage

Storage location

Will this be at home on your driveway, in your friend’s garage or in a specialised storage facility? In all circumstances, you’ll want to think about the security measures in place to deter thieves and whether you need to invest in an extra security camera or a tracker device for peace of mind. If you’re using a specialised storage facility, it’s worth checking if they have power if you want to keep your battery on charge.

Down the drain

Any water left in your ‘van could cause frost damage, damp or mould issues – not what you want to be faced with come spring! Ensure you drain down the whole system, including the water heater, shower head and taps, and then try to encourage as much air flow and ventilation as possible by leaving interior cabinet doors open. Continued overleaf

Interior maintenance

Firstly, you need to empty out any valuables, perishables, linens, clothes, the fridge and anything else that could be damaged if being stored for a long period of time. Use this as an opportunity to then give your ‘van a good deep clean so it’s spick and span for your next outing. Check all electrics and fixtures are in good working order. You could also spray a little WD-40 on hinges and locks to prevent any rust or corrosion.

Exterior maintenance

Top up any fluids that will be left in the motorhome, such as engine oil and fuel. Give the tyres a good check over for signs of damage and ensure they are inflated to the maximum level. Apply a coating of wax to your ‘van’s exterior to protect it from the elements if storing outside – alternatively, using a breathable cover can help reduce the effects of mould and algae (but they can be quite laborious to put on!).

Get the engine running

Ideally, once a month you should either take your ‘van for a short drive or run the engine for a short while to prevent any issues from it being stationary for too long. You could also move it slightly forwards or backwards so that it isn’t resting on the same patch of tyre for too long.

Going out - winter checklist

If you plan on continuing to tour even when the weather outside is frightful, follow this checklist to ensure your travels stay smooth regardless of the temperature:

Always check your exterior lights and wipers are in good working order for driving in darker/stormier conditions Consider fitting winter tyres for better handling and safety in ice or snow

Stay warm – pack a heater, extra blankets and wear layers to keep things toasty Stop external fresh water tanks from freezing by fitting water tank covers

Make use of external screen covers to stop heat escaping through windows Keep anti-freeze and de-icer handy for frosty mornings Fit fridge vent covers if necessary to prevent draughts To avoid getting stuck in mud or snow, pack some grip mats for an easier getaway Don’t forget a torch so you can easily find your way back to your ‘van in unlit areas