Keep Your Camper Happy This Winter: Essential Winter Care Tips for Your Campervan
As the weather turns colder and the roads get grittier, it’s easy to forget about maintaining your camper while it’s tucked away waiting for next season. But winter is actually the perfect time to give your vehicle a little extra attention.
At Out and About Campers, we know how much you love your van, and we want to help you keep it in great shape all year round. With just a few simple steps, you can prevent costly repairs and ensure your camper is ready for new adventures when the warmer weather returns.
Here’s our essential winter camper care checklist to help you through the colder months.
1. Drain & Protect
One of the most important things you can do before temperatures drop is to drain and protect your water system.
- Empty your fresh and waste water tanks completely.
- Turn your water pump off and open all taps to release pressure.
- Run a little water through the system and check for leaks or pump issues before refilling.
This quick check will help you avoid frost damage and keep your plumbing system healthy.
2. Keep It Clean
Regular cleaning during the winter months helps protect your camper’s paintwork, seals and solar panels.
- Wash the exterior regularly, especially if you’ve been driving on muddy or gritted roads.
- Clean solar panels to make sure they’re working efficiently even on shorter days.
- Wipe down door seals and hinges to prevent corrosion or grime build-up.
Keeping everything free from dirt and debris will help prevent long-term wear and tear.
3. Stay Charged
Cold weather can drain your camper’s batteries faster than usual. Whether you’re using your van every weekend or it’s parked up for the season, keeping the power topped up is vital.
- Keep both your vehicle and leisure batteries fully charged.
- If you’re not driving regularly, plug in for a few hours every couple of weeks.
- Check terminals and connections for corrosion.
Maintaining your batteries ensures they’re ready to go when you are.
4. Let It Breathe
When your camper’s closed up for winter, condensation can quickly build up. Moisture leads to mould, mildew and that telltale damp smell – all things every camper owner wants to avoid.
- Keep cupboards and storage areas open to allow airflow.
- Give the inside of your fridge a clean, then switch the vent toggle to let moisture escape and fresh air circulate. For an extra touch, place a small bowl of coffee grounds inside – they’re great at absorbing any lingering odours!
- Use moisture traps or dehumidifiers inside your van.
- On dry days, lift your pop-top canvas or open the doors and windows to ventilate.
Letting your camper breathe keeps fabrics and interior finishes in good condition.
