Seasonal Caravan Maintenance: What to Do Before Winter

Seasonal Caravan Maintenance: What to Do Before Winter

Winter will be here before you know it. And if you’re planning to keep hitting the road, your caravan needs to be ready for the cold, wet months coming up. Avoiding caravan maintenance now can mean leaks, dampness, flat batteries, and breakdowns later (and probably when you least expect them).

At Coastal Motorhomes, we're here to help. As experts in caravan servicing, repairs, and installations, our RV workshop is the best place to get your caravan winter-ready! In this article, we share a few important things you need to do before your next winter adventure.

Exterior Checks and Protection

Winter can do a number on caravans if they're not properly maintained going into the season. Firstly, check for leaks. Run your hands along the window and door seals. If they feel brittle or cracked, we recommend booking your caravan for a water tightness check. Water ingress can be a serious issue and potentially leads to corrosion, rot and mould, so don’t put this off.

Next, check your tyres. Cold weather makes pressure drop, and bald tyres on wet roads? Not a good combo. Lubricate hinges, locks, and stabilisers to stop them seizing in the cold. And don’t forget your exterior lights. Winter means shorter days, so you’ll be needing them.

Heating and Insulation

Nothing kills the joy of winter caravanning like a freezing, damp interior. Turn your heater on now (gas, diesel, or electric) to make sure it’s working properly. If it’s weak or producing strange smells, get it checked. Running out of gas mid-trip is a nightmare. So, check your levels before heading off.

Insulation matters, even during the North Island's milder winters. Thermal blinds or insulated window covers can help keep your caravan nice and warm inside. Pipe insulation isn’t usually necessary. But if you’re heading somewhere colder than Auckland, it might help. And always, always ventilate because the combination of warm air and poor airflow can lead to dampness and mould.

Water and Plumbing Systems

A dodgy water supply when you’re parked up in the middle of nowhere isn't fun to deal with. Fill your tanks with fresh water before each trip. Old water can go stagnant or grow bacteria. If you’ve got external tanks, keep them covered to stop stuff getting in.

Winter water filters exist for a reason. Consider switching to a winter-friendly one so you’re not stuck with slow flow rates in chilly weather. It's also important to drain and flush your system regularly to stop build-ups. And if your hoses are sitting outside overnight, keep them off the ground so they don’t crack or split in cold temps.

Battery and Power Supply

Batteries aren't a fan of cold weather. Check your leisure battery now. If it’s weak, replace it before it leaves you stranded. Cold drains power fast, so don’t assume it’ll last as long as it did in summer.

Got solar systems? Make sure your solar panels are clean and positioned well for low winter sun. They won’t charge as fast in winter, so don’t rely on them completely. If you’re camping off-grid, take a backup power source. A small generator or spare battery can save you when your electrical systems struggle in the cold.

Damp and Ventilation Control

The number one winter caravanning enemy is condensation. Cooking, breathing, and heating are all enough to create moisture. And if this moisture doesn’t escape, your caravan will feel damp and smell musty in no time. Open a window just a little bit when cooking or sleeping, even if it’s cold outside.

You can also use moisture traps or dehumidifiers to pull dampness out of the air. They’re reasonably priced and can make a huge difference. Also check under mattresses and seating regularly. Sneaky damp spots can form underneath. This is especially true if you leave cushions or bedding in the same place for too long. Be sure to dry them out before mould sets in.

Road Safety and Driving Considerations

Winter roads aren’t the same as summer roads. Check your brakes, wipers, and tyre tread before every trip. Wet roads mean longer stopping distances, so don’t risk worn-down brake pads. Be sure to ask your mechanic about this when you book your warrant of fitness.

Keep emergency gear handy. For example, a torch, extra blankets, and a shovel (if you’re heading somewhere muddy or icy). Plan for wet weather driving. This involves increasing your stopping distance, avoiding super sharp turns, and slowing down on corners. If you’re heading somewhere really, really cold, it could also be worth considering kitting yourself out with snow chains.

Reliable Caravan Service Centre Near Me

Winter caravanning is incredible. But only if your caravan is ready for it. If it’s not, you’re looking at a trip full of damp bedding, cold nights, and unexpected breakdowns. That’s why getting everything checked before winter properly kicks in is an absolute must!

At Coastal Motorhomes, we take pride in keeping your caravan road-ready, no matter the season. Our RV service centre offers a comprehensive range of checks, repairs, and upgrades to make sure you can count on your caravan, even when the weather turns. 

Plus, if you want to upgrade your heating or pick up some accessories to make winter travel easier, we can help with that too. We have a fully stocked caravan shop, and offer installation too!

A quick visit to our RV workshop now means peace of mind when you hit the road later. No leaks, no dead batteries, no nasty surprises. Just smooth, warm, stress-free winter adventures. 

It doesn't make sense to wait until something goes wrong. Book your pre-winter caravan service at Coastal Motorhomes today and stay warm, dry, and comfortable on the road.