Winterising our caravan

[frances_374347013]

It's our first season with our Bailey Ranger 510/4.

We understand it is recommended when winterising a caravan that we should disconnect the battery. Is this still relevant if we have our caravan on our drive and on permanent hook up?

We would appreciate any thoughts from you knowledgeable caravanners!

 

[Damian]

Frances, whilst it is not necessary to disconnect the battery if you have the van at home on hook up, it is worth using a 3 stage charger to take it up to about 14v every couple of months to keep it in good condition.

A van charger will only charge to about 13.5 which is not good for the battery.

Other than that, just the usual precautions, drain all water from all pipework, tanks etc, including the toilet flush tank and waste tank.

Make sure you leave all taps open and drain the shower hose and shower head.

Clean and dry the interior of the fridge and leave the door open slightly to allow air circulation.

Move the upholstery away from the walls of the van and either store indoors or inside the van in such a way as to allow air circulation around it all.

 

[David.O]

frances

I agree with all that Damian has said, I also keep my van on a hook up all winter and use a small heater blower set just above freezing. this not only keeps the van from freezing but also stops any damp, yes it costs some money but I find it is well worth while having a sweet smelling van in the spring. also I use winter wheels putting the road wheels into a dark place well away from the van.

David

 

[Gafferbill]

Yes I agree with everyone so far.......

Check your insurance David, some are invalidatated by winter wheels, as some policies insist on a wheelclamp being fitted to a standard road wheel and tyre!!

 

[lordmonty]

putting the 'van on axle stands is worth mentioning,you can still use a wheel clamp[which addresses any insurance issues]also i am sure i read somewhere that alko recommend axle stands because it takes the weight of the suspension,i would certainly not leave it without taking the weight off the tyres[normaly it's the sidewalls that go 1st]

 

[MikeB_374236518]

You could always leave the tyre clamp on even though you remove the wheels.

 

[SuperMike1]

Don't Winterise it, use it !!!!!!

 

[trucker]

my thoughts exactly supermike, were away next w/e then november 1 week then xmas for 10 days then febuary 5 days, winter vanning is the best but dont tell everyone it will get too busy

Kevin

 

[Gilitygirl]

Hi Damian,

Being slightly new to this (only in my second season) could you post me a link to the kind of three-stage charger you mean?

Thanks,

 

[Damian]

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_210939_langId_-1_categoryId_31335
Try this, and for an on line order, get an extra 10% off!

 

[frances_374347013]

Don't Winterise it, use it !!!!!!

Sadly, we have to winterise our van, we both work full time with kids at school and have used our precious holiday entitlements and weekends off during the spring and summer months - our final trip for the year is in October! We cant wait for ur retirement years when we can use our van all year round!