Static Caravan Winter Prep Checklist

As the seasons turn and late autumn sets in, many of our Lovat Parks quieten down for the winter. This means it’s time for your holiday home to have a well-deserved rest. Putting your static caravan to bed properly is one of the most important parts of the ownership journey. Because they are more exposed to the elements than a traditional bricks and mortar house, they need a little extra care to prepare them for the colder months ahead. If you’re a new owner, the idea of ‘winterising’ your caravan might feel a bit full-on, but we promise the process is simple and incredibly important. It ensures that when you return in the spring, your holiday home is as fresh and welcoming as when you left it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps, from the all important ‘drain down’ to preventing condensation, so you can leave for the winter with complete peace of mind.

Carry Out a Proper Drain Down

First things first, let’s talk about the drain down. This is simply the process of emptying all the water from your caravan’s pipes, boiler, and taps. It’s the single most effective way to prevent burst pipes if the temperature drops below freezing.

Failing to drain down your static caravan can lead to serious and costly damage. When water freezes, it expands, and this pressure can easily crack or burst pipes. Returning in the spring to a flooded caravan is a heartache we want every owner to avoid.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to a full drain down:

1. Turn off the water supply. Locate the stopcock (usually underneath your caravan) and turn it off completely.
2. Open all drain-down taps. You’ll find these on the pipes under the caravan. Then, go inside and open every single tap, including the kitchen sink, bathroom basin, and shower.
3. Empty the toilet and shower. Flush the toilet until the cistern is empty. Turn the shower on until the water stops flowing, then unscrew the shower head and hose and store them in a dry place.
4. Blow out the pipes. To be extra sure, you can blow through the taps and pipes to force out any remaining water droplets. Using an air compressor makes this job much easier and more thorough.
5. Add antifreeze. Once the system is empty, put the plugs in all sinks and the shower tray. Pour a cup of non-toxic antifreeze into each plughole and down the toilet bowl. This will mix with any residual water in the U-bends and prevent it from freezing.
   

While it’s possible to do this yourself, an incomplete drain down carries significant risk. For total peace of mind, many of our owners opt for our professional drain-down service. Our on-park team knows your holiday home inside and out and can guarantee the job is done perfectly.

A Deep Clean and Clear Out is Essential

Giving your caravan a thorough clean before you leave is more than just a tidy-up; it’s a crucial step in preventing pests, mould, and bad smells. There’s nothing better than opening the door in spring to a fresh, clean space, which is all part of the low-maintenance ownership experience we love.

Start by clearing all food from the cupboards and fridge. A forgotten packet of biscuits can attract unwanted winter visitors! Once the fridge is empty, wipe it down with a solution of bicarbonate of soda and water, and be sure to leave the door propped open to allow air to circulate and stop musty smells from developing. Hoover carpets and upholstery thoroughly, paying attention to any small spills that could cause odours over the winter.

Mind the Windows and Ventilation

Good airflow is your best defence against damp and condensation during the winter months. Before you leave, double-check that all windows and doors are securely locked. This is not only for security but also to create a tight seal against the winter weather.

It’s also a great time to check your window seals for any signs of perishing or cracking, as these small gaps can let in moisture. We recommend pulling curtains and blinds away from the glass to stop any condensation from making them damp and mouldy.

Best Practices Checklist

There are a few other little jobs we always recommend to our owners to keep their holiday homes in top condition. These small steps help protect your caravan’s value, which is important should you ever decide on selling your static caravan.

General Preparation:

• Take any valuable items, like TVs and personal belongings, home with you.
• Remove all bedding, towels, and soft furnishings to store at home. If this isn’t possible, use vacuum-sealed bags.
• Stand mattresses on their side and move sofas and chairs to the centre of the room to maximise airflow.

To Improve Ventilation:

• Check that all air vents are clear and not blocked.
• Leave all internal doors, cupboards, and wardrobe doors wide open.
• Stack sofa cushions in a pile in the middle of the living room floor.
• Place bowls of salt or moisture absorber crystals in each room to help draw moisture from the air.

By following these steps, you can relax over the winter, confident that your caravan will be safe, sound, and ready for your return. The friendly ownership community at our luxury UK holiday parks is also a wonderful source of tips and tricks!

If you have any questions about looking after your holiday home, our teams are always on hand to help. And if you’re thinking of starting your own ownership journey, we’d love to show you the beautiful holiday homes for sale at our parks in Cornwall, the New Forest, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Come and join us.