Sorry if I missed it...........

[pdapat]

...................but has anyone written a checklist of things to be done when us newbies are putting a caravan into storage for the winter?

We're totally new to this and would welcome a 'printable' checklist of things we have to do.
Also we would have found a list of how to set up a caravan and awning for the first time very useful too.

Pat

[john (smiffy)]

pat

best thing is to use it all year round

[pdapat]

Yes, but that will have to wait until work doesn't get in the way smiffy

Pat

[john (smiffy)]

pat here is the full version of what to do

Completely drain the water system, opening all the taps and the main drain plug. This can take some time to drain so beginning here is a good idea - you can do other wintering chores whilst the water is draining. (TIP: If you know you are on the last trip of the season you can allow the system to drain on your journey home). Leave the inside taps open to prevent pressure buildup.
Remove your water filter to prevent damp and frost damage
Drain thoroughly any water carriers. Leaving the caps off gives ventilation (but store away from the risk of bugs and insect entry). Keep caps safe - over a period of a few months small caps can easily go astray - or put them in a carrier bag and tie the handles of the bag to the carrier)
Plug all water inlet and waste outlet points to prevent bugs and insects entering

TOILET:

Drain the flush tank and clean with Water Tank Cleaner to prevent deposits of pollutants during storage
Thoroughly clean the cassette. A cassette cleaner such as Thetford Cassette Tank Cleaner removes stubborn calcium deposits.
Coat the seals and blade with Thetford Maintenance Spray to prevent corrosion and seal damage. Thetford spray is specially formulated for use on toilet seats and should not be replaced by “general maintenance sprays” of the kind found in DIY stores.
Replace the cassette leaving the blade open to prevent it sticking in place.

INTERIOR:

Now is a good time to remove everything from your caravan. If all the bits and bobs that accumulate over the season are removed, you will be returning in the spring to a clean, empty caravan - just as you did when you first took delivery of it!
Remove all cushions and upholstery and ideally take home to store. If you really don’t have the space at home, then stand all the cushions on-end where air can circulate all around them and prevent them being attacked by damp. Bedding and pillows should really be removed for the winter.
Clean out all the cupboards well and take away any food or perishable items. Although the contents of tinned foods should keep over winter, should you be unlucky enough to develop a little damp in your kitchen cupboard, rust rings from the bottom of tin cans are unsightly and damaging.
The fridge and freezer should be carefully cleaned - Duzzit Fridge & Microwave Cleaner is an ideal anti-bacterial cleaner. Prop the door ajar to allow air to circulate and prevent odour build-up.
Vacuum all floors and carpets
A spider-friendly repellant such as “No More Spiders” helps to discourage “livestock” making your caravan their winter home, without killing or harming spiders.
Don’t forget to empty all waste bins
Remove all clothing, towels etc from the caravan and take home
Leaving a few dehumidifiers or moisture traps in the caravan, in closets etc. will help combat any damp that may develop and prevent damp damage. These can be checked and renewed/recharged if necessary when you check on the caravan periodically.
EXTERIOR - WINDOWS & VENTS:

Open all the windows and thinly lubricate all the window seals. This prevents sticking of windows when they are opened after the winter (and in the worst cases tearing or damage to the window seals).
Close all windows and vents. Double check all windows and vents are closed and locked, leaving no openings for bugs and spiders to gain easy entry. However DO NOT block up vents, air circulation is vital otherwise the air will become stale, and any damp problems will set in far worse without air circulation.

EXTERIOR - BODYWORK:

Wash and Polish the exterior of the caravan with a quality Caravan Cleaner. It is worth checking with your caravan manufacturer which cleaning products are permissable to use on your caravan, especially if the van is still under warranty.
Once the caravan is dry, a coat of overwintering fluid gives a protective winter coat, inhibiting algae growth, protects against pollutants and makes much lighter work of the springtime wash at the start of the new season.
GAS & ELECTRIC:

Remove gas cylinders and store in a ventilated location. If you have nowhere safe to store gas bottles, then ensure that cylinder valves are closed (off) and that the gas locker is locked shut.
Remove the leisure battery or batteries and take them home or store somewhere warm and dry. Use a quality battery charger to keep the charge topped up periodically (about once a month)
Spray your 12N & 12S plugs with a proprietory water dispersal / sealing spray.


i have mine stored in the garden soi just drain down and plug into the mains and leave heating on leccy with the stat set at just above freezing

and i go out to it and open doors and windows once a week to air it

[pdapat]

Thanks a lot Smiffy, so much we didn't know there as well.

I shall print it off and make a shopping list ready for the end of the year

Pat

[keith]

John got in first so I can throw my list away (instead of Smiffy, have to call him Speedy)

only got a few things to add

- remove all valuable items inc. mover controller
- tie gas regulator in plastic bag to keep out creepie crawlies
- remove 1.5 and 9 v batteries from clocks, truma heater, smoke alarm, mover controller.
- water connection seals, lightly smear with olive oil
- check bodywork for scratches , damage (in case of disagreements later)
- roll up sunblinds, even if stored outside

- do not apply handbrake when in storage

[pdapat]

Thanks very much keith and John.
You'll be pleased to know that having just returned from the last trip for this year, we've been shopping and acquired all the things you recommend

I've just copied and pasted the advice into a word doc and printed it out so we can follow it all today

Is it OK to over winter on the original wheels or does this ruin the tyres?

Thanks again!

Pat

[john (smiffy)]

Thanks very much keith and John.
You'll be pleased to know that having just returned from the last trip for this year, we've been shopping and acquired all the things you recommend

I've just copied and pasted the advice into a word doc and printed it out so we can follow it all today

Is it OK to over winter on the original wheels or does this ruin the tyres?

Thanks again!

Pat

pat

i keep the same wheels on but seeing as the van is in my garden i move it every 2/3 weeks so the tyres dont sit on the same spot all the time

now im working i might be able to afford to have a few weekends away