If you're going to leave the motorhome standing over winter (or any long spell), spending a few hours preparing it before you put it away will save you expensive faults and disappointment when you use it again. Cold, damp and inactivity take their toll if you don't take precautions. Here's the guide to doing winter layup properly, step by step.
The water system: the most urgent thing
The biggest risk from the cold is that water left in pipes, tanks, the pump or the water heater freezes and bursts the fittings. So before you put it away:
- Empty completely all the tanks (fresh, grey) and the water heater (boiler).
- Open every tap and purge the pump so no water is left trapped.
- Empty the chemical toilet and clean it.
The battery: don't let it sit at zero
A battery left fully discharged for months gets damaged. Lithium batteries (LiFePO4) cope with storage far better than the old lead-acid ones, but they still need care: ideally store them with a partial charge (not at 100% or at zero) and, if your system allows it, use the disconnect switch to avoid phantom loads. If you have the Upcyon app, you can check the status remotely without opening up the camper (see batteries and cold and the app).
Damp and ventilation
- Clean the interior thoroughly (dirt and food scraps attract damp and pests).
- Leave some ventilation: vents open, fridge slightly ajar, tanks open; use a damp absorber if you close it up.
- Take out food and textiles that could grow mould (see removing mould).
The vehicle
- Tyres: correct pressure (a little higher) and, if you can, move it now and then so they don't develop flat spots.
- A full fuel tank reduces condensation.
- A breathable cover if you leave it outdoors; never plastic sheeting that traps moisture.
In short
Winter layup protects the camper from cold, damp and inactivity: the most urgent thing is emptying the entire water system so it doesn't burst when it freezes, looking after the battery and leaving some ventilation. The step you can take today: before storing it, empty the tanks and water heater, purge the pump, leave the battery with a partial charge and ventilate the interior; you'll thank yourself in spring. Combine it with the maintenance checklist.