Prepping your Vehicle for Winter Storage; The Protec Guide

Prepping your vehicle for storage can seem like a never-ending list of tasks that make you say, “that’s future-me’s problem”. However tempting it is to lock the doors and leave it alone until the spring – don’t!

Instead, imagine removing your Protec cover to find a pristine and shiny vehicle. You open your door to find the inside clean and fresh, ready for your next trip.

So, let’s get motivated and do this together!

The easiest way to tackle this enormous task is to go step by step.

First, let’s tackle the inside of your caravan or motorhome.

Ensure all personal items are removed, so they are safe in the event of a burglary.

Remove all food and perishables, and give the kitchen and bathroom a good clean. (disinfectant wipes are your best friend here)

Now it’s time to tackle the living areas. Start by removing your linens (bed sheets, pillows, etc) and store them somewhere dry. Prop all of your couch cushions vertically, away from the walls of the caravan, to allow air to circulate around them and prevent dampness and mildew.

To help with air circulation, leave all interior doors open, including those of your wardrobe and cupboards. If you have a fixed bed, these are best left in an open position.

Make sure the roof lights and windows are closed and locked. Leave any window or roof light blinds open to avoid their springs gradually being stretched over time.

To keep condensation at bay, place some dehumidifiers or moisture traps around your vehicle. You should replace these periodically, if necessary, when you come to check on your caravan or motorhome.

If you’re new to owning a caravan or motorhome, there are some things you may not be aware of when it comes to storing your vehicle. It is essential you don’t forget these to make sure you’re not hit with costly repairs.

As temperatures drop, it is essential that your water system is completely drained to prevent frost damage. There are lots of video tutorials online showing step-by-step guides on how best to do this for your caravan or motorhome.

If you decide to leave water in the systems, we would recommend applying anti-freeze to your effluent, grey water and freshwater tanks. Be sure to use one that is designed for caravans or motorhomes.

It’s equally important to drain down your water heater. We recommend reading the drain-down instructions of your particular heater, as each model can vary. Again, YouTube and Google are helpful in finding video instructions and tutorials.

Your cassette toilet should also be drained and cleaned using a cassette tank cleaner to keep your caravan or motorhome hygienic and smelling fresh.

You may need to trickle charge your battery depending on your alarm or security needs. If you have a solar panel, it may not be necessary. Some people keep their vehicle hooked up to mains or remove the battery if they keep their vehicle at home.

It is best to check with your insurance company and think ahead to decide what decision is best for you.

If you have a caravan, store it with all the corner steadies down and handbrake off to prevent it from sticking. Give your caravan or motorhome a once over to check all lights, electrical points, seals, etc. are in good working order.

Now clean the outside of your caravan or motorhome thoroughly using an appropriate cleaner. You can order our specialised cleaner here.

We also recommend Fenwick’s products.

Tires shouldn’t be left in one position for extended periods, as this can cause them to deform. It is a good idea to turn your wheels every two months. If this is not possible, you can also use tyre cradles that prevent your wheels from deforming. You can always protect your wheels further with some Protec wheel covers.

Remove any gas cylinders and store these in a cool, ventilated place. Fit a wheel clamp if necessary. However, always check with your insurance company or storage site first.

The final step to ensure your caravan or motorhome maintains its pristine condition is to protect it from the elements with a breathable cover.

A high-quality, breathable cover is essential for maintaining your vehicle and protecting your investment. Your caravan or motorhome will be protected from dirt, weather and UV damage. A cover can also be a theft deterrent and protect your vehicle from third-party accidents or vandalism.

Fitting a cover is quicker and easier than ever with our Easy-Fit system. All Protec covers also have door access, giving you peace of mind if you need to check on your vehicle.

It’s never too late to give your caravan or motorhome the protection it deserves. Buy your bespoke cover here today!