Parking up over winter?

[M-J]

Unfortunately we can’t get out during November and can’t see us using the MH Dec or Jan so looks like it will sit on the drive for a while.

Going to leave the EHU connected and the Alde heating on, but have no idea what temperature to set it on. (or not bother at all)

I was going to switch the panel from hab to cab battery every two or three weeks to keep them topped up but not over charged.

Open all internal cupboards and doors, remove all of the bedding and towels. Do I leave the mattress as is or stand it up, same with sofa bases?

Going to put a few of them moisture catchers in, was thinking one or two on the dash, one at the back of the MH and one in the bathroom, would you put one in each locker?

Fully drain my water down including taking the waste plug off (and back on) to get the last bit out, do I need to soak the bit up that sits in the grooves at the bottom? Will the fresh tank need similar?

Any other tips appreciated.

 

[Figaro]

Full drain down and ventilation is all you should need and periodic EHU to keep the batteries in good order.
Some people open all cupboards and remove soft furnishings.

 

[wiljoy]

Full drain down and ventilation is all you should need and periodic EHU to keep the batteries in good order.
Some people open all cupboards and remove soft furnishings.

Totally agree. The heating will cause condensation so let air in as much as possible.

 

[hymerman]

Good idea to leave all the taps open in the central position just in case there is any residual water in the pipes.
I agree with wiljoy and just leave the skylights open a bit.
I wouldn't think that the dealers heat the vans stood on the forecourts over winter.
I also run the aircon on occasion to lubricate the seals, they can otherwise go hard and split.

 

[Nirvanauk]

We finally wipe all surfaces down with a weak solution of Dettol. In the past we have had mice in and this does seem to deter them.

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[Dazz]

I see a lot of Motorhomes with the blinds down also so I’m wondering do people pull the blinds down and close all curtains even the front cab curtains to let them Air

 

[PhilandMena]

I see a lot of Motorhomes with the blinds down also so I’m wondering do people pull the blinds down and close all curtains even the front cab curtains to let them Air

All my blinds and curtains are open and I have done this for several years without ant adverse affect.

 

[GAVLAD]

I pull the blinds down and curtains on during storage and storage over winter.
I’ve never had any issues regarding this but mostly do it to avoid anyone peeping in and thinking they’ll help themselves to my knives & forks

 

[tonyidle]

I leave heating on set at 8 degrees. Even in freezing weather it doesn't come on often. I don't like leaving the van interior & contents to go below zero and I'm waiting for an explanation of how heating causes condensation.

 

[PhilandMena]

I'm waiting for an explanation of how heating causes condensation.

Here you go. Condensation occurs when warm air collides with cold surfaces, or when there's too much humidity in your home. ... When this moisture-packed warm air comes into contact with a chilly surface, it cools down quickly and releases the water, which turns into liquid droplets on the cold surface.

Most seasoned Motorhomers just ensure there is adequate ventilation in the motorhome, two cracked vents as far apart as possible to ensure there is an airflow through the motorhome and it's job done. If you want to waste money on pointless energy, be my guest, A complete waste of energy and cost.

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[HandyAndy]

I've got mice in mine already... Little F***** B******
Caught three in a trap with peanut butter so far..
Bought some fine wire (200 gauge) stainless steel wire mesh and an electric staple gun to go under the van and over the fresh air vents as this is I assume how they are getting in..
In fact I think I might put this stuff on the roof vents as well as this should keep the mozzies out as the standard "grill" you could almost get an elephant through .

LET THE WAR BEGIN...

My fault for leaving stuff in the van I guess.

 

[HandyAndy]

Here you go. Condensation occurs when warm air collides with cold surfaces, or when there's too much humidity in your home. ... When this moisture-packed warm air comes into contact with a chilly surface, it cools down quickly and releases the water, which turns into liquid droplets on the cold surface.

Most seasoned Motorhomers just ensure there is adequate ventilation in the motorhome, two cracked vents as far apart as possible to ensure there is an airflow through the motorhome and it's job done. If you want to waste money on pointless energy, be my guest, A complete waste of energy and cost.

which, if the motorhome is built properly will be on the outside wall, not the interior. otherwise they'd be a mouldy door stop in a few years. That's the whole point of a "vapour barrier"

The same reason you heat your house in the winter and that doesn't have condensation dripping down the walls.

 

[tonyidle]

Here you go. Condensation occurs when warm air collides with cold surfaces, or when there's too much humidity in your home. ... When this moisture-packed warm air comes into contact with a chilly surface, it cools down quickly and releases the water, which turns into liquid droplets on the cold surface.

Most seasoned Motorhomers just ensure there is adequate ventilation in the motorhome, two cracked vents as far apart as possible to ensure there is an airflow through the motorhome and it's job done. If you want to waste money on pointless energy, be my guest, A complete waste of energy and cost.

I only asked because in around 40 years of tugging & motorhoming I've never experienced it in any of my leisure vehicles when parked up for any length of time. We never remove soft furnishings or bedding and keep the van in ready-to-use condition. Continually kept at a steady temperature there are no cold surfaces inside the van other than the windscreen and even that remains clear. The only ventilation is that provided by the OEM with everything closed. I chose 8 degrees because that seems to minimise electricity consumption - there's substantial daytime heat gain from the sun no matter how cold the outside temperature. I think I'm seasoned .

 

[596]

If you are on the level release your hand brake and chock it, saves the pads rusting to the discs

 

[dabhand]

I Leave mine plugged it full of gas and water and heating on 14°. Why not just go to a nice pub within 15 miles or so every other weekend, have a meal and a beer, stay the night, and enjoy your Motorhome in the winter without really going anywhere. I’ve been doing that for years

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[SteveB123]

I leave a small oil filled radiator on all winter seems to work OK

 

[Stumpie]

Good morning, where did you get the wire mesh from .
Just getting prepared .

 

[Jev88]

Good morning, where did you get the wire mesh from .
Just getting prepared .

In case the poster doesn't answer you can find rolls of plastic and fine metal mesh in B&Q near the garden gates and posts section usually.

 

[Stumpie]

Thank you

 

[Reallyretired]

Have never had heating on in the winter, but it is stored outside so batteries are kept charged by solar. I have had mouse trouble so have 6 traps baited with nutella ( which I think tastes revolting but mice like it) and occasionally catch one, we have farmland adjacent. I check weekly and sometimes go for a drive.

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[Dorwyn]

I leave a small oil filled radiator on all winter seems to work OK

I use a small electric convection fire set at the frost setting, or alternatively the van on electric at 6 or 7 degs, according to when I'll be using it. Never had condensation, van is usually not too cold inside, even warm if there's some sun about. It's always plug in to leccy, but we do use it during the winter at least once a week for shopping and such. Nor have I had a mouse infestation, at least on this van. Previous van one attacked the electrics under the bonnet. That was costly. I'd forgotten about that.

 

[HandyAndy]

Good morning, where did you get the wire mesh from .
Just getting prepared .

If that was directed at me..

Amazon product ASIN B01NBEGKF5

 

[HandyAndy]

All you really have to look at is the dew point.
Keep the van above this temperature and it will stay dry.
This talk of "oh but warm air holds more moisture" is total nonsense in this context..
While yes it can hold more moisture but it STAYS there in the air and doesn't condense onto things..
THAT'S why you should heat the van..

 

[Chris51]

Never had any heating on over winter in 5 years .I just leave the bedding in and raise so air can circulate around everything and front windows and roof vents open a tiny bit to help circulation c/b doors etc open as well + 2 bated mouse traps as I live on the countryside.

 

[Jasz]

I've got mice in mine already... Little F***** B******
Caught three in a trap with peanut butter so far..
Bought some fine wire (200 gauge) stainless steel wire mesh and an electric staple gun to go under the van and over the fresh air vents as this is I assume how they are getting in..
In fact I think I might put this stuff on the roof vents as well as this should keep the mozzies out as the standard "grill" you could almost get an elephant through .

LET THE WAR BEGIN...

My fault for leaving stuff in the van I guess.

Wouldn't the peanut butter tempt them in? Not sure if there's a better option though.

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[HandyAndy]

other than lying under the motorhome all night with the air rifle I haven't got any other ideas

 

[h1ghway1]

Always take my van for a 20 mile run once a week... and will either wild camp or stay on site for 1 night a couple of times a month ..

 

[Euro330]

EHU for batteries, what do you mean?
Also, it never ceases to amaze me on this web site, someone asks for a bit of advise, then there is always just a barage of people insulting and slateing other peoples opinions.
Seems to be just full of knowalls who happen to be experts in every area.
Just an observation

 

[dabhand]

EHU for batteries, what do you mean?
Also, it never ceases to amaze me on this web site, someone asks for a bit of advise, then there is always just a barage of people insulting and slateing other peoples opinions.
Seems to be just full of knowalls who happen to be experts in every area.
Just an observation

And a pretty poor one at that if you ask me!

 

[Euro330]

I didnt

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