Preparing your Motorhome for Winter

Winter is the perfect time to use your motorhome and explore some snowy (or warmer) locations.

You can get into the festive cheer by exploring snowy lands or escaping the cold weather in a sunny destination. However, when it comes to travelling in winter, your motorhome needs a bit of extra TLC.

This blog will cover some essential steps and tips for keeping your motorhome in great condition during frosty weather, whether you’re off on your travels or storing your motorhome for the winter.

You will be ready to hit the road and explore cosy pubs and stretching landscapes in no time with Melling Motorhomes!

Step 1 – Inspect and Clean the Exterior

The condition of the exterior of your motorhome plays an important part in how it functions when you travel in it.

A buildup of grime on the windows can affect vision, and cracks in the walls can affect indoor temperature levels.

Wash and Wax

Over time, motorhomes can accumulate dirt, grime, and debris. Using an automotive cleaner will help remove bird droppings and other residues from windows and wing mirrors.

Read below for a guide to cleaning each area of your motorhome:

• Roof: Clear away any twigs and fallen debris, and reseal any damaged roof seams, vent covers, and skylights.
• Windows: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub dirt off the windows. Then, apply a water-repellent treatment to help rain and snow run off the surface. Window covers can also protect the vehicle from harsh weather when it is stored.
• Doors and moving parts: Moving parts can seize during cold weather. A graphite-based lubricant or WD-40 can help lubricate hinges and locks. Rubber seals around doors and hatches can prevent them from cracking.
• Lights: Clean headlights and tail lights with a non-abrasive cleaner, and cover any plastic casings with a UV-resistant cover to prevent cracking.

Once everything is clean, apply a layer of wax to the painted exterior of your vehicle to prevent corrosion.

Check for Rust and Visible Damage

Ice, excessive moisture, and road salt can cause your motorhome to slowly deteriorate over time.

Applying a rust remover or rust-inhibiting primer to the affected areas can prevent the further spread of corrosion.

Step 2 – Protect the Plumbing System

If your plumbing system becomes subject to freezing, you can expect to experience burst pipes and costly repairs.

To keep your water system in working condition during the winter, follow these crucial steps:

Drain and flush water tanks

Drain the fresh water tank, which is responsible for your drinking, washing, and cooking water.

Then, empty the greywater tank (from sinks and showers) and blackwater tank (from the toilet) at designated disposal spots. You can now flush the entire system with clean water to remove any residue.

Add RV-Safe Anti-Freeze to the System

Use compressed air to blow out any remaining water in the sink, showers, and outdoor tap pipes.

Then, pour antifreeze into the system via each faucet, shower, and toilet until pink water runs out of each faucet. If your motorhome has a water heater bypass valve, activate it before adding antifreeze to the system.

Insulate Exterior Pipes and Hoses

Once you’ve done that, wrap foam pipe insulation around exterior pipes to keep heat inside.

Disconnect any exterior hoses, such as freshwater hoses, drain them, and store them indoors to prevent freezing.

Step 3 – Battery Maintenance

If you’re storing your motorhome for the winter, then the batteries can become sensitive to the cold, especially in freezing temperatures. It’s important to maintain them during the winter (that is, if you want to avoid costly replacements).

To keep them safe, disconnect and remove any batteries by disconnecting the negative terminal (-) first, followed by the positive terminal (+). This will minimise the risk of short circuits.

Before storing, make sure your batteries are fully charged; this makes them less prone to sulfation. Use a multimeter to confirm that the voltage is at the recommended level (around 12.6-12.8V for a standard motorhome battery). In the meantime, store the batteries in a warm, dry place.

If the battery can’t be removed, use a battery maintainer to supply a continuous low-level charge. Disconnect any devices that could drain the battery over time.

Step 4 – Interior Preparations

By cleaning your motorhome before storing it or taking it on the road, you can prevent unpleasant odours, pests, and mould.

To prevent grime, vacuum and dust all surfaces, including rugs, shelves, and small crevices. Clean all surfaces with antibacterial spray and empty out the fridge and cupboards of old food and items.

To prevent condensation and mould growth, moisture-absorbing products, such as silica gel or dehumidifier pots, can be placed in bathrooms and kitchens. Safeguard against pests by resealing any gaps or cracks in the walls and floors. Place pest repellents, such as peppermint oil and cedar blocks, near entrance points.

If you want to prevent dust from settling on furniture, place breathable covers or sheets over them whilst the vehicle isn’t in use.

Step 5 – Protecting Your Tyres

Tyres can wear down with age, especially when pushed to their limit by treacherous roads and constant use.

During the winter, tyres are under more pressure from icy temperatures and are prone to cracking, flat spots, and rubber deterioration. If you’re planning on hitting the road this winter, give your tyres some TLC by washing them with tyre cleaner to remove old dirt and grime.

Inspect your tyres for cuts, cracking, embedded debris, and uneven tread wear. Repair any damage before traveling. Inflate all tyres and check the tyre pressure periodically, as cold air can lower tyre pressure.

If you’re storing your motorhome away, drive it a short distance every few weeks to redistribute the weight on the tyres. You can also use wheel cradles to reduce the risk of flat spots when storing.

For the winter adventurists, protect the wheels from UV rays, snow, and ice with high-quality tyre covers and avoid parking on bare soil or gravel.

Step 6 – Store Safely

If you’re retiring from travels for the winter, store your motorhome in a covered facility or garage if possible. This offers the best protection from harsh weather.

If not, park your RV on a flat, well-drained area away from overhanging trees or sap to prevent damage to the vehicle. Place a waterproof cover over your motorhome to shield it from wind, rain, and snow.

Leaving the parking brake engaged for long periods can cause it to seize; to secure your motorhome, use chocks or blocks.

Travel Safe this Winter with Melling Motorhomes

If your motorhome is too worn down to hit the road this winter, don’t sacrifice your yearly getaway; travel with Melling Motorhomes instead!

Our luxury vehicles are available to hire whenever you need them. With fully furnished interiors and beautiful exteriors, they’re the perfect setting for your next road trip.

Browse our motorhomes for hire today to make the most of winter. What’s better, we also have a winter hire deal on offer, just for you! You can enjoy 7 nights in one of our motorhomes for just £500! Contact us today for more information.