How to prepare a motorhome for winter storage

Before leaving a leisure vehicle unused for several months, a few essential steps will protect its water system, battery, tyres and interior.

Winter storage is not simply a matter of shutting the door and returning in spring. Cold weather, damp and prolonged inactivity can damage a motorhome within weeks. Frozen pipework, a flat battery or mould in the living area can swiftly turn the start of the travelling season into an unexpected bill. Getting the vehicle ready in autumn helps prevent these problems.

Cold weather is the main threat to the water system

In a motorhome, water is particularly vulnerable during winter. It passes through tanks, pipes, the pump, water heater, shower tap and toilet. Once temperatures fall below freezing, standing water can freeze, expand and crack components that may be difficult to replace.

“A fully drained water system offers better protection for the vehicle than leaving the heating on throughout the cold season.”

Preparation should begin before the first sub-zero nights. Drain the fresh-water tank, waste-water tank and toilet cassette. Opening every tap helps expel remaining water. The water heater must also be drained in accordance with its manufacturer's instructions.

The pump needs particular care. Once the system has been emptied, run it very briefly with the taps open to clear the last drops. Some owners choose to remove it and store it somewhere dry. This remains a worthwhile precaution when the vehicle is kept outside in an area subject to prolonged frost.

Tasks to complete before closing the living area

• Empty the fresh-water and waste-water tanks.
• Open all taps, including the external shower tap.
• Drain the water heater and check its safety valve.
• Clean the toilet and lubricate the appropriate seals.
• Empty and wash the fridge, then leave its door slightly ajar.
• Remove food, rubbish and any products that could freeze.

After completing these steps, visually inspect the connections, accessible pipes and seals; this can sometimes reveal an existing leak. Winter is not the ideal time to leave a possible problem unresolved.

A discharged battery may never recover

A motorhome commonly has two batteries: the engine battery and the leisure battery, which powers the living-area lights, sockets, pump and heating. Both gradually lose charge even when the vehicle is not being used. An alarm, detector or appliance left connected can speed up that loss.

If the vehicle is stored under cover with access to a reliable electricity supply, a battery-compatible maintenance charger can keep the batteries charged. Otherwise, check them regularly and recharge them when needed. Disconnecting the leisure battery can reduce unseen power consumption, provided you know which settings will be reset.

“A battery left flat for several months may lose some of its capacity, even after being fully recharged.”

Switch off the 12-volt electrical panel after the final checks. Also ensure that power-hungry equipment is not left on standby. Before leaving, a quick walk through the living area can prevent a lamp, television or inverter from being overlooked.

Tyres and the handbrake require the right approach

A heavy vehicle left stationary for several months can develop flat spots on its tyres. This distortion may be noticeable when driving again, causing vibration or poorer road holding. Start by examining the sidewalls and tread before storage.

Then inflate the tyres to the storage pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Chocks can spread the load and lessen the risk of deformation. The surface should be firm, clean and ideally dry. A damp earth surface encourages moisture beneath the chassis and makes inspections more difficult.

Avoid leaving the handbrake applied all winter. In certain conditions, the mechanism may seize. It is better to secure the motorhome with sturdy wheel chocks, while taking suitable precautions for the ground and any slope.

Cleaning reduces odours and unwanted visitors

A clean interior copes better with winter. Crumbs, forgotten food, packaging and damp fabrics attract rodents and insects. Mice seek a warm shelter and can damage insulation, ducting or cables. Even a small gap around a cable entry point can be enough.

Cleaning should cover cupboards, the kitchen, fridge, storage lockers, vents and seals. Remove or lift cushions and bedding to allow air to circulate. Moisture absorbers can help in a closed living area, but they are no substitute for proper ventilation.

A cover is not always the right solution

Outdoors, suitable protection can reduce the effects of rain, dirt and winter sunshine. However, it must be breathable. A waterproof, non-breathable cover may instead trap condensation against the bodywork. Over time, this can lead to marks, mould or corrosion.

In a dry, enclosed garage, fully covering the motorhome is not always especially useful. Light protection for the windscreen or wheels may be sufficient. The best choice largely depends on how damp the location is, how often checks are made and the vehicle's exposure to the weather.

Choosing a location for several months

Storage type	Indicative monthly budget	Key point to consider
Personal garage	No additional cost	Check the available height and ventilation
Rented hangar	€50 to €200	Check access, security and the contract
Secure storage site	€30 to €150	Compare supervision, access and included services
Private outdoor land	€20 to €70	Plan protection against damp and theft

Covered storage provides better protection from the weather, but it does not remove the need to clean the vehicle or drain the water system. An outdoor location may be suitable in a mild region if the ground remains stable and the vehicle is checked regularly.

Before placing the motorhome in a storage facility, review your insurance policy too. Some insurers require an enclosed location, anti-theft devices or a declaration when the vehicle will not be driven for an extended period. Taking photographs of the vehicle before storage is a simple precaution in the event of a claim.

Preparing to get back on the road during winter

A monthly visit prevents problems from taking hold. Check for damp, inspect the tyres, look for signs of rodents and monitor battery charge levels. Air the vehicle for a few minutes when the weather allows. This visit also makes it easier to spot a leak around a rooflight or seal quickly.

When warmer weather returns, do not fill every tank straight away. Begin by checking the connections, restart the pump, then run water through the system gradually. Cleaning and disinfecting the system before the first trips makes the installation more hygienic. The time spent on these checks is still far less than the time needed to repair a hidden leak beneath a seat bench.