Winter Storage

[Seamoor]

Hi some advice please this will be the first time laying up our motor home for the winter. Besides draining water removing batteries, what else do you recommend we do. Do we leave vents partly open or close down, release hand brake and put chucks underneath. It will be stored in a barn. Any help would be appreciated

 

[daemon]

Hi some advice please this will be the first time laying up our motor home for the winter. Besides draining water removing batteries, what else do you recommend we do. Do we leave vents partly open or close down, release hand brake and put chucks underneath. It will be stored in a barn. Any help would be appreciated

.

protect the metal parts under-flooring against rust with a wax based protective agent,also protect outside paintwork with suitable agents,open all cupboard doors to ensure good air quality circulation.

 

[n brown]

if you can, check regularly for rat or mouse activity.they'll eat anything

 

[Channa]

Hi some advice please this will be the first time laying up our motor home for the winter. Besides draining water removing batteries, what else do you recommend we do. Do we leave vents partly open or close down, release hand brake and put chucks underneath. It will be stored in a barn. Any help would be appreciated

Close vents they ventilate when closed, plus the fact you will have habitation venting too. Dr

Drain water but leave the taps open, if it does freeze the expansion of any residual water has somewhere to go and wont crack the plastic tap bodies.

If you have sink traps and a shower trap an egg cup or so of neat antifreeze.

Channa

 

[Deleted member 8180]

Layin up? isn't that what Tuggers do? We just carry on using it, but drain down the water (and pull the pump fuse - if the last little bit of water in the pump freezes and you accidently turn on a tap, you won't hear the pump burning out) and keep an eye on battery charge between trips.

 

[vindiboy]

All of the previous advice is good, also be sure to tell your Insurance Company you are storing the van, lot sof vans go missing from storage and if your Insurance Company don't know it's stored you will be the looser :wave::wave:

 

[Seamoor]

Thank you all for great information will now start making list. Won't be storing it for a few months yet. Still time to go places before the snow comes!!!!!

 

[georgert1]

de-humidifiers

Hi, You can purchase say 4-6 de-humidifiers and place them around the inside of your motorhome, I usually get them off ebay for around £1+ each but I noticed some in my local pound shop in matlock, for £1 each, they contain some sort of granuals which draw in any moisture ,and they DO WORK !!well worth the few pounds they cost.

 

[Techno100]

What's this laying up business :lol-053:

 

[Deleted member 3011]

Agreed, there is a lot to be said for winter camping

But most of the important things have been covered.

Engine might appreciate an oil change before the layup.
Check antifreeze concentrations
Fill windscreen washer reservoir with winter solution
Chock the wheels and leave handbrake off.
Pump tyres up to maximum sidewall pressure
Batteries - keep charged up or remove
Antifreeze in drains
All pipes, HWS and tanks drained, all taps left on (special attention to cassette toilet and shower rose if fitted.)
(I haven't figured out whether it is best to leave ceramic disc taps open or closed because I have had them stick in either position)

Moisture removing crystals - work better if all vents are blocked up. either arrange for moisture collected to go down thge drains, or check and replace as the containers may overflow.

Allow the pump to run until all the spluttering stops. If pump is easy to get at then disconnect it and run some more. Make sure inlet strainer has no water it it. Water filters - empty and cartridges removed

Fridge doors propped open

All electrics turned off and unplugged
Consider laying lots of rat bait all around the barn to keep the local population down. I put baits inside as well on the basis that I would rather have a dead mouse or two stinking the place out temporarily than a cupboard full of clothes or sofa turned into a cosy nest for the winter.

 

[Teffy]

You've just made me really depressed with all those pictures of snow and talking about winter. UGHHHH!

 

[Deleted member 3011]

You've just made me really depressed with all those pictures of snow and talking about winter. UGHHHH!

Depends whether you are stuck at home enduring it because you have no choice, or out and about enjoying it of your own free will. Best thing about having the house on wheels is that it is easy to keep moving when the weather gets a bit much.

 

[Squibby]

I won't be able to enjoy the winter weather as I'm back out in the Arabian gulf in the sun and no snow. So will be laying up my van over the winter, good advice as always.

Squibby.

 

[Teffy]

I won't be able to enjoy the winter weather as I'm back out in the Arabian gulf in the sun and no snow. So will be laying up my van over the winter, good advice as always.

Squibby.

Dear Squibby
It's really quite possible that I shall hate you!!! Arabian Gulf indeed.
Best wishes
Teffy