Taking On The Great British Winter With Your Caravan Cover

As the autumn nights draw in and you say goodbye to your caravan, don't be tempted to abandon it with little more than a quick tidy round. Emptying the bin, closing the curtains and locking it up for several months are not enough to see it safely through the harshness of a British winter. Your caravan has served you well, so treat it to some care and respect and put it lovingly into hibernation. By putting in effort now, you'll be rewarded in Spring by a caravan all ready to use in the warm months to come. How much nicer than facing last season's newspapers, fusty cushions and an alarming smell from the fridge!

Your first job is to take out all the contents of your caravan, including all its cushions. If you have room to store the mattress inside your house, this is even better. Then give the inside a thorough clean and polish, not forgetting the appliances, and leave the fridge door open to stop mould developing. Leave all taps in their open position and plug the drain holes. That's the inside done.

Now turn your attention to the outside and see to the tanks. If water is left in them it will freeze during sub-zero weather and expand, so ensure all tanks (including both the hot and cold water) are empty, otherwise they could split. As an added measure, many people like to leave the drain taps open. Remember also to empty the toilet flush tank.

Take out the toilet cassette and clean it well, using warm water and a tiny drop of washing up liquid. (Check your manufacturer's guidance first regarding suitable cleaning materials.) Now dry the rubber seal and lubricate it. Specialised maintenance spray is available, although a little olive oil will also do the trick. Then replace the cassette, making sure to leave the blade open.

Next, give the outside of your caravan a thorough wash and polish. When dry, spray it with an approved overwintering fluid to give it a protective coat and prevent any excessive build-up of grime. Alternatively, for the very best solution, invest in a good quality, breathable caravan cover.

If you are removing the battery, ensure it is stored in a warm, dry place and then charge it up every four weeks.

To take pressure off the tyres and prevent flat spots from forming, jack the caravan up and put it onto axle stands. If you are not raising the caravan off the ground for the winter, rotate the tyres every four weeks and ensure their pressure is maintained. Wheel covers can be used to protect the tyres from weather damage if you have not invested in a specialised caravan cover.

Some owners like to use winter wheels, which are stands that replace the caravan wheels and allow them to be kept inside the garage. Store them upright, out of sunlight, remembering to rotate them every few weeks.