Winter Motorhome Storage Checklist: How to Prepare Your Motorhome for Winter

If your motorhome spends less time on the road during the colder months, preparing it properly for storage can help protect its water system, batteries, tyres and interior until you’re ready to travel again.

Winterising isn’t simply a case of parking up and locking the doors. A few practical checks before storage can help prevent problems caused by frost, moisture and prolonged periods of inactivity. Here’s what to include in your winter motorhome storage checklist.

Your Winter Motorhome Storage Checklist

Before putting your motorhome into storage:

• Drain the fresh and waste water systems thoroughly.
• Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for draining the water heater and plumbing.
• Check the starter and leisure batteries.
• Check your tyres and make sure pressures are correct.
• Give the interior a thorough clean.
• Remove food and other items that could attract pests.
• Encourage airflow through cupboards and storage areas.
• Check the exterior, including seals and rooflights.
• Make sure servicing and habitation checks are up to date.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for your particular motorhome throughout.

Drain and Protect the Water System

One of the most important jobs when preparing a motorhome for winter storage is draining its water system.

Water remaining inside tanks, pipes, pumps or the water heater may freeze during particularly cold weather. Because water expands as it freezes, this can damage components within the system. Empty the fresh and waste water tanks, open the taps and drain the water heater in accordance with the vehicle handbook.

Start by draining the fresh water and waste water tanks, remembering that simply emptying the main tank may not remove water from every part of the system.

Check your motorhome handbook for the correct winter drainage procedure, paying particular attention to the water heater, pipework, toilet and any other water-carrying equipment.

Once everything is drained, it’s worth checking for signs of leaks or deterioration so they can be dealt with before your next trip.

Look After Your Motorhome Batteries

Your motorhome will usually have both a starter battery for the base vehicle and a leisure battery that powers equipment in the habitation area. Both need consideration if the vehicle is going to be stationary for an extended period.

Even while the motorhome isn’t being used, alarms, trackers and other electrical systems can continue drawing power from the starter battery. Check the manufacturer’s advice on maintaining the battery charge, particularly as disconnecting a battery could affect an alarm or tracker. The leisure battery should also be maintained appropriately rather than simply being forgotten about until spring.

Check Your Tyres Before Winter Storage

Your tyres still require attention even when your motorhome isn’t going anywhere.

Before storage, inspect them for any visible damage or deterioration and check that the pressures are set according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Leaving a vehicle stationary for a prolonged period can also put continuous pressure on the same areas of the tyres. Your vehicle or tyre manufacturer’s guidance should therefore be your first point of reference for longer-term storage.

And don’t forget your spare tyre, if your motorhome carries one. Finding a problem before your next journey is much better than discovering it when you need the spare.

Prepare the Interior for Storage

Before closing your motorhome up for winter, give the habitation area a good clean and remove anything you won’t need.

Remove food from cupboards and clean the fridge thoroughly. Leaving cupboards, lockers and the fridge door open can help air circulate around the interior during storage. Winter maintenance guidance also recommends allowing airflow around furnishings and storage areas to help reduce moisture build-up.

Pay particular attention to your kitchen and washroom and make sure surfaces are clean and dry.

It’s also a good opportunity to remove bedding, towels and other belongings that you don’t need to leave inside. Before locking up, check that the motorhome’s permanent ventilation hasn’t been accidentally obstructed.

If you’ve previously experienced damp or condensation, don’t simply assume that winter storage is the cause. Signs of water ingress are worth investigating.

Don't Forget the Exterior

A winter motorhome storage checklist shouldn’t stop at the habitation door.

Clean the exterior and look over the bodywork, windows, rooflights, vents and seals for visible signs of damage or deterioration. It’s much easier to address a potential problem before several months of wet winter weather.

This is also a sensible time to clear debris from areas where leaves and dirt tend to accumulate.

If you use a motorhome cover, make sure it is suitable for your vehicle and follow its manufacturer’s fitting instructions.

Should You Have a Habitation Check Before Winter?

Winter storage preparations are useful for dealing with the everyday jobs owners can complete themselves, but they shouldn’t replace professional motorhome servicing or scheduled habitation checks.

A habitation check focuses on the living area and its systems, helping you understand the condition of the motorhome beyond what you may be able to establish through your own visual checks.

Having your motorhome checked professionally can also identify issues worth addressing before they develop further.

Book a Motorhome Habitation Check

Winter can be a useful opportunity to catch up on maintenance while your motorhome is being used less frequently.

If your next habitation check or servicing is due, visit our Aftersales page to find out more about the support available and book your motorhome in.

Taking care of those jobs now means you’ll have fewer things to think about when it’s time to start planning your next trip.