If you’re new to caravanning, the idea of preparing your caravan for winter can feel a little overwhelming. Hopefully this pre-winter checklist will help. Whether you plan to store it for the colder months or continue using it for frosty weekend getaways, a proper pre‑winter routine helps protect your caravan, prevents damage, and saves you money in the long run.
Here’s a simple, step‑by‑step pre-winter checklist to guide you through your caravan pre‑winter preparations. Near the bottom of this page you will find our personalised Excel checklist. You can download and edit this for your own use.
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn commission from qualifying purchases. We are in no way affiliated with any of the manufacturers of these items. The price you pay does not change.
1. Give Your Caravan a Thorough Clean
Before winter sets in, treat your caravan to a deep clean—inside and out.
Exterior
• Wash the bodywork, roof, windows, and wheels.
• Use a caravan‑safe shampoo to protect the paintwork. We recommend Fenwicks Caravan Cleaner.
• Apply Fenwicks Overwintering for extra defence against moisture and frost.
• Clean and lubricate locks, hinges, and moving parts.
Interior
• Wipe surfaces, cupboards, and drawers.
• Vacuum upholstery and carpets.
• Empty the fridge and leave the door slightly open to prevent mould.
A clean caravan is much less likely to suffer from mould, pests, or lingering odours.
2. Drain Down the Water System
This is one of the most important steps—frozen water pipes can crack, leading to costly repairs.
• Empty the fresh and waste water tanks.
• Open all taps, including the shower, and leave them open.
• Remove the water pump (if removable) and drain it.
• Flush out the toilet system and ensure the cassette is completely empty. We recommend Fenwicks Waste Pipe Cleaner
Taking time to fully drain down your caravan is the best way to avoid winter water damage.
3. Check Your Seals and Vents
Winter brings damp, so inspect all seals around windows, doors, roof lights, and external hatches.
• Look for cracking, peeling, or gaps.
• Replace or reseal any weak spots to reduce the risk of water ingress.
• Ensure vents aren’t blocked—your caravan needs ventilation even when stored.
We recommend applying a thin coating of this Silicone Grease on all seals. This helps keep condensation and mould at bay.
4. Protect the Battery and Electrical System
Caravan batteries dislike cold temperatures, so:
• Fully charge your leisure battery.
• If storing your caravan, consider removing the battery and storing it indoors.
• If left in place, give it a top‑up charge every few weeks.
• Check all external lights and internal electrics for faults.
This prevents battery drain and wiring issues during the winter period.
5. Care for the Gas System
• Turn off gas supply valves.
• Disconnect gas bottles if storing your caravan.
• Store bottles in a safe, well‑ventilated area.
• Check for any signs of wear on hoses or regulators.
If you plan to caravan through the winter, ensure your gas system is winter‑ready and safe.
6. Inspect Tyres and Jockey Wheel
Cold weather can be tough on tyres.
• Check tyre condition and look for cracks.
• Inflate to the recommended storage pressure.
• Rotate the wheels occasionally if your caravan will sit for months.
• Check the jockey wheel for smooth operation.
Using Fiamma wheel savers or adjusting corner steadies can relieve pressure on the tyres.
7. Consider a Caravan Cover
A breathable, winter‑rated caravan cover can protect your van from:
• Snow
• Ice
• Bird droppings
• Tree sap
• UV damage
Just make sure the cover fits well and is secured properly.
8. Tidy and Secure the Interior
Before locking up for the season:
• Remove all bedding, towels, and soft furnishings if possible.
• If you want to leave fabric items in the caravan during winter, we recommend these Vacuum Bags.
• Leave cupboard doors open to improve airflow.
• Remove all food to avoid attracting pests.
• Ensure the handbrake is off (if in secure storage), using wheel chocks instead.
9. Check Your Insurance and Storage Location
Review your caravan insurance policy to ensure it covers winter storage or winter touring. Also:
• Verify security requirements for the storage site.
• Ensure your caravan’s hitch lock and wheel clamps are in good condition.
Wrapping Up this Pre-Winter Checklist
Winter preparation doesn’t need to be a chore—think of it as giving your caravan a seasonal reset. A few simple steps now can help you avoid expensive repairs, mould, leaks, and other winter nasties. Plus, when spring rolls around, your caravan will be clean, dry, and ready for your next adventure.
If you’re new to caravanning, this pre-winter checklist gives you a solid foundation. And as you gain more experience, you can fine-tune your routine to suit your caravan and your style of travel.
We have other Caravan Checklists which you may find helpful.
Pingback: Caravan Checklists - Baker Days On Tour