over wintering - what do you need to do?

[Gra1]

Being new to caravanning (only bought our first van a few weeks ago)we are on a big learning curve and some help on what needs doing for winter storage.

I know the taps need opening and the toilet needs draing down but is there normally any drain points to look for on the water system (there is a Cascade water heater fitted?

Also is it best to jack up the van so the weight is off the wheels or keep moving its position to prevent flat spots on the tyres? It is being stored on grassland so is it better to stand it on a couple of slabs?

The van is a 1999 Compass, is there anything else I should be thinking of?

Thanks for any help & comments.

 

[Danny_5134221]

Graham

Do absolutely nothing at all with with your caravan with regards to laying it up for winter.

Use it throughout the year !!!!

There are loads of sites open all year and the amount of other people doing the same will surprise you. We caravan all year and enjoy it, if you are not going to use it for a few weeks and the weather might be cold, drain the water down incase of freezing.

 

[Damian]

Graham, to drain the water, open the taps and remove the drain plug on the outside of the Cascade (lower left as you look at the cowl)and leave the drain plug loose after the water has drained.

Under the van may be a couple of drain plugs on the water pipes, normally coloured Red, they are held in place by a collar, slide this backwards and pull the plugs, let the water drain an replace them by pushing in.

Remove the shower head and leave the hose laying on the floor of the shower, if you have one fitted.

As for the wheels, if it is possible, raise the van on axle stands(on slabs or suitable sized wood pads), also use slabs or wood pads under the corner steadies.

Disconnect the gas hose from the cylinder and put a cloth bag over the hose end to stop over wintering visitors, and a couple of mothballs in the gas locker will deter mice from nest building, and some inside the floor lockers will stop them entering the van to over winter.