We havent owned Daisy over the winter yet, so this will be the first year she will be 'laied up.'
Having grown up around boats, am used to laying up. Pulling them out of the sea and on to the hard for winter. So I thought I better get some advice on what to do with Daisy so there is still a van left next spring!!
Heating is on, days are getting darker.....its time to pack away the beach toys and get ready for winter! Winter is coming!
Down here, when it rains, it rains. Deep driving rain and strong winds. So the first and most important point, make sure all leaks, holes possible unsealed bits are fixed! (This is my job next week.....)
You can cover your van. So its protected from what the UK has to throw at it. You must be careful that you get one designed for caravans, that's breathable! A non breathable cover, will create so many problems....and.....damp! Make sure on nice days, you open it up and let her breath. (Even with a breathable cover)
Having grown up around boats, am used to laying up. Pulling them out of the sea and on to the hard for winter. So I thought I better get some advice on what to do with Daisy so there is still a van left next spring!!
Heating is on, days are getting darker.....its time to pack away the beach toys and get ready for winter! Winter is coming!
Down here, when it rains, it rains. Deep driving rain and strong winds. So the first and most important point, make sure all leaks, holes possible unsealed bits are fixed! (This is my job next week.....)
You can cover your van. So its protected from what the UK has to throw at it. You must be careful that you get one designed for caravans, that's breathable! A non breathable cover, will create so many problems....and.....damp! Make sure on nice days, you open it up and let her breath. (Even with a breathable cover)
If you can, keep using your van over winter, this is the best way to insure all keeps running as it should. We have booked a winter rally for New Year's! Am so excited, as having young children, New Year and become quite, well, underwhelming. There are other families going with young children, so I know we are going to have so much fun - even if its going to mega cold. I will blog about winter caravanning (if we survive!)
Our first trip out last May, was the coldest I have ever been in my life! I think it was about -2, we opened the door to thick frost on everything in the morning. Even with hot water bottles and blankets, my husband and I where freezing. Oddly the children where prefect all night. I couldn't sleep, due to checking on them! This was in the middle of a field with no electric or heating.....I have booked an electric pitch for New Years!
So if you cant get out in the winter, what should you do?
Winter Lay up - Caravan style!
If you do some prep before laying it up for winter, there is less to do in spring when you want to get away with it as soon as possible - for example parking it with the handbrake off (unless on a very steep slope) ensures that the brakes won't be seized on over winter.
Clear out any food items/perishables (to stop mice being tempted to use your caravan as their winter holiday home!)
Remove and wash any throw pillows, teatowels, quilts etc and store in the house if possible.
Clean fridge, leave the door open.
Give exterior a thorough wash and polish with a quality car shampoo and polish.
Check all seams and trim and repair / reseal any lose trim or anywhere where water can get in (not with silicone sealer!)
Put winter wheels/tyres on if possible - if not, make sure tyres are fully inflated. Make sure you can still get all your locks on. Insurance companies will not cover you if you took your wheels off, as its not locked! So double check with them or put an old pare on. As they need to be replaced every 5 years, you can often pick up a used pare.
Grease brake rods, inkages and hitch.
Park up with hand brake off (and chock wheels if necessary)
Wind legs down.
If possible store cushions in house to stop them getting damp or faded. If you cant, make sure they are away from walls, to let the air move around.
Clean porta-potty.
Put dehumidifier crystals in bowls at front and rear of caravan to draw out any moisture.
Disconnect battery and store in garage and periodically charge over winter - never leave discharged for long periods over winter. Store off the ground, on a bench if possible. Not on concrete as will draw out the power.
Put strong wheel-clamps and hitch-lock on caravan and point 'a' frame towards house to reduce risk of theft. Block it in, with cars, or a post. If storing away from the house, insure its still within popping in distance so you can keep checking on them over the winter.
Check caravan regularly over winter and on dry days open windows to air interior. Let it breath. (Great excuse for a coffee brake!)
Our first trip out last May, was the coldest I have ever been in my life! I think it was about -2, we opened the door to thick frost on everything in the morning. Even with hot water bottles and blankets, my husband and I where freezing. Oddly the children where prefect all night. I couldn't sleep, due to checking on them! This was in the middle of a field with no electric or heating.....I have booked an electric pitch for New Years!
So if you cant get out in the winter, what should you do?
Winter Lay up - Caravan style!
If you do some prep before laying it up for winter, there is less to do in spring when you want to get away with it as soon as possible - for example parking it with the handbrake off (unless on a very steep slope) ensures that the brakes won't be seized on over winter.
Clear out any food items/perishables (to stop mice being tempted to use your caravan as their winter holiday home!)
Remove and wash any throw pillows, teatowels, quilts etc and store in the house if possible.
Clean fridge, leave the door open.
Remove any valuable items, leave all cupboard doors open, to allow air to circulate.
Check all seams and trim and repair / reseal any lose trim or anywhere where water can get in (not with silicone sealer!)
Put winter wheels/tyres on if possible - if not, make sure tyres are fully inflated. Make sure you can still get all your locks on. Insurance companies will not cover you if you took your wheels off, as its not locked! So double check with them or put an old pare on. As they need to be replaced every 5 years, you can often pick up a used pare.
Grease brake rods, inkages and hitch.
Park up with hand brake off (and chock wheels if necessary)
Wind legs down.
If possible store cushions in house to stop them getting damp or faded. If you cant, make sure they are away from walls, to let the air move around.
Clean porta-potty.
Put dehumidifier crystals in bowls at front and rear of caravan to draw out any moisture.
Disconnect battery and store in garage and periodically charge over winter - never leave discharged for long periods over winter. Store off the ground, on a bench if possible. Not on concrete as will draw out the power.
Put strong wheel-clamps and hitch-lock on caravan and point 'a' frame towards house to reduce risk of theft. Block it in, with cars, or a post. If storing away from the house, insure its still within popping in distance so you can keep checking on them over the winter.
Check caravan regularly over winter and on dry days open windows to air interior. Let it breath. (Great excuse for a coffee brake!)
Drain entire water system, your hot water system/tank and leave all you taps open in the central position in case of a severe frost otherwise any frozen water trapped in the internal pipes with the taps closed can split hidden pipework wide open and you won't be aware until you get a flood at your first outing next season!
Use caravan as soon as possible in spring or over winter if possible!
Services can wait till spring, when you are getting ready for their first use. (Book this up and they get mega busy and book up fast around May!)
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