A motorhome can look perfectly safe on the drive while winter weather quietly creates expensive problems. A hard frost can split a water fitting, a flat leisure battery can shorten its working life, and damp left unchecked can turn into mould before the next touring season. This motorhome winter preparation guide sets out the practical jobs worth doing before you put your vehicle away.
For owners around Consett and County Durham, the main challenge is not simply cold weather. It is repeated freezing and thawing, wind-driven rain, dark days and long periods when a motorhome is not moved. A careful afternoon of preparation gives you a far better chance of opening the door in spring to a clean, dry and ready-to-go vehicle.
Start with a proper clean and inspection
Clean the outside before storage, including the roof if you can do so safely. Road salt, tree debris and bird mess are easier to remove now than after months on the bodywork. Check roof seals, window surrounds, vents and awning rails as you go. If you spot cracked sealant, loose trim or staining around a joint, arrange a repair rather than hoping it will hold through winter.
Inside, remove food, rubbish, toiletries and anything that can leak or freeze. Wipe down worktops, empty cupboards and leave the fridge clean and dry. Prop the fridge door open where the manufacturer allows it. This prevents stale smells and gives air a chance to circulate.
Soft furnishings need a little thought too. Lift cushions slightly or stand them on edge if the layout permits, so air can move around them. Do not seal a wet motorhome up after a final autumn trip. If carpets, upholstery or the shower room are damp, dry them fully first. Condensation is much easier to prevent than to put right.
Drain the water system before frost arrives
Freezing water expands. In a motorhome, that can damage taps, pipes, pumps, filters, the boiler and waste fittings. Draining down is one of the most valuable jobs on any motorhome winter preparation guide.
Follow the instructions for your particular make and model, as drain valves and water-heater procedures vary. In general, empty the fresh-water tank and waste-water tank, open the drain-down valve, and open taps so water can leave the pipework. Run the pump briefly only as advised by the manufacturer, then switch it off. Drain the shower hose and remember any external shower point.
Some owners use a non-toxic water-system antifreeze designed for leisure vehicles. This can be worthwhile where a vehicle will be stored for a long time or where complete drainage is difficult, but it must be suitable for potable-water systems and used exactly as directed. Never use vehicle engine antifreeze in the fresh-water system.
Leave taps in the position recommended by the handbook. It is also sensible to place a note on the steering wheel or control panel saying the water system has been drained. It avoids someone filling the tank or switching on the pump without realising what has been done.
Look after both batteries
Most motorhomes have a starter battery and a leisure battery. Both can lose charge while the vehicle is standing, particularly in cold weather. A battery that is allowed to remain deeply discharged may not recover properly.
First, check the battery condition and terminals. Clean off corrosion carefully and make sure clamps are secure. If your motorhome has a suitable mains charging system and the storage location provides a safe supply, a quality intelligent charger can maintain the batteries. Check the handbook before relying on the onboard charger, as not every system charges both batteries in storage.
If there is no electrical hook-up, consider removing the leisure battery and storing it somewhere dry and frost-free, provided you can do so safely. Alternatively, check and recharge it at intervals. Starting the engine for a few minutes every so often is not a substitute for charging. A short run may use more power than it replaces and can add moisture to the exhaust system.
Tyres, brakes and the engine need sensible care
Check tyre pressures against the motorhome manufacturer’s recommended storage or normal running pressures. Look closely for cracking, cuts and uneven wear, including on the sidewalls. Tyres can develop flat spots when a vehicle sits in one position for months, especially if they are under-inflated or carrying a heavy load.
Moving the motorhome occasionally can help, but only if it can be done safely and legally. A short, proper drive that brings the engine up to operating temperature is more useful than shuffling it a few feet. If it is being stored off-road, do not leave the handbrake firmly applied for a long period if there is a risk of brakes binding. Use wheel chocks on level, firm ground instead, following the vehicle handbook and site rules.
Check engine oil, coolant and screenwash before storage. Use screenwash with adequate frost protection. It is a small detail, but frozen washer fluid can split a reservoir or pipes. If the motorhome is due a service, MOT or timing-belt replacement before spring, booking ahead often makes returning to the road less stressful.
Keep damp, pests and small faults under control
A motorhome needs ventilation, but it also needs protection from driving rain. Close windows securely, check rooflights and make sure fixed vents are not blocked. Avoid covering the motorhome with an ordinary tarpaulin. It can trap moisture, rub paintwork and flap in strong winds. A purpose-made breathable cover may suit some vehicles, but it needs to fit correctly and must be kept clean underneath.
Moisture absorbers can help in cupboards and washrooms, although they are not a cure for leaks or poor ventilation. Check them regularly and replace or empty them as needed. If you use a small dehumidifier on mains power, make sure it is appropriate for unattended use and that the electrical arrangement is safe.
Pests are another reason to remove food and inspect regularly. Mice can get into surprisingly small gaps and may chew wiring, fabric and insulation. Check around lockers, the engine bay and underneath the vehicle for signs of nesting. Do not block essential vents in an attempt to keep pests out.
Choose storage that protects the vehicle
Where you keep a motorhome matters as much as the preparation itself. A narrow residential street can leave it exposed to passing traffic, opportunistic theft and complaints about space. A soft or sloping surface can also make tyre and brake care harder.
Look for a site with a firm parking area, straightforward access when you need it, and visible security arrangements. Eight-foot perimeter fencing, comprehensive CCTV, controlled access and an actively managed site all make a practical difference. Security is not just a gate at the entrance. It is regular attention to who is coming and going, clear procedures and a site that does not feel forgotten over winter.
At Consett Caravan & Container Storage Ltd, motorhome owners have dedicated vehicle bays with 24/7 access, monitored surroundings and an owner living on site. That can be particularly reassuring when your vehicle is stored between trips rather than outside your home. Before booking any storage, check what access is available, whether the site is suitable for your motorhome’s size, and what insurance conditions you need to meet.
Check in through the winter
Even a well-prepared motorhome benefits from occasional visits. Choose a dry day, open the door, check for unusual smells or signs of damp, and look at the roofline, seals and tyres. Confirm that security devices are intact and that the battery plan is working.
A useful winter check should cover these five areas:
- Moisture around windows, rooflights, cupboards and under mattresses.
- Tyre condition and pressure, plus the ground beneath the vehicle.
- Battery charge level and any warning lights.
- Evidence of pests, leaks or damage to seals.
- The condition of covers, locks, alarms and external fittings.
Do not be tempted to ignore a small issue until spring. A wet patch, a slow leak or a weak battery is usually quicker and cheaper to deal with when found early.
When the days begin to lengthen, reverse the process carefully. Refill and flush the water system, test every tap and appliance, inspect lights and tyres, and allow enough time for a pre-trip check before your first holiday. Winter storage should feel like a pause, not a gamble – a few sensible checks now keep your motorhome ready for the miles ahead.