Winter is Coming - advice please!

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Rachelc

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Hi as the title says, my original intention for winter was to keep using the van to avoid problems but obviously the second lockdown means that that's not possible

I have to keep it in storage as we can restrictive covenants so obviously I have a few days to do any necessary 'winterisation' before we are prevented from unnecessary travel and I think the storage company is an non essential business so will shut.

What advice can you seasoned motor- homers give me as to essential preparation to avoid problems?

Many thanks in advance.
 
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May be a good idea to state the make and model of your van (y)
You could also add it to your profile if you want..

I find this handy when giving answers, you may have a model people are familiar with and will get better answers than standard ones that may not even apply to your van.

Draining water has to be the most essential plus leave taps open.
 
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It's a Swift Escape 696. Thanks, I've drained water but haven't left taps open.
 
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The lockdown is hopefully only until beginning of December. We don’t usually get cold weather until after then so you should be ok. With a bit of luck you could be back using it before the proper winter weather arrives.
 
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Remove bedding and leave internal locker and cupboard doors open.

Wedge fridge door ajar if there is not catch to do the same thing.

I leave the vehicle in gear and handbrake off.

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glenn2926 said:
The lockdown is hopefully only until beginning of December. We don’t usually get cold weather until after then so you should be ok. With a bit of luck you could be back using it before the proper winter weather arrives.
Click to expand...

I've got a sneaky suspicion that lockdown might extend beyond 2 December so want to prepare on a worst case scenario basis.

Fingers crossed that it will be lifted by then.

I am tempted to cheese the neighbours off and park on the drive for lockdown to give us more space!
 
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Loads if you search this website Search facility with 'Winterising'.
E.g. here's one in the Resources section:
www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Winterising Your Motorhome - Updates

www.motorhomefun.co.uk www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Winterise.JPG
 
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Rachelc said:
Bedding done but not doors and lockers so thanks, do you use something to hold them open as I think they may be on a spring hinge?
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If necessary, but ours stay open on their own. Anything that allows air to circulate.

You might also consider pulling soft furnishings out of place, to help air circulate.

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drain water, blow down shower hose to expel water from taps. Remove bedding clothes and food. open all lockers and lift seat cushions to allow air flow and no cold spots

check periodically and ensure battery remains charged
 
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Rachelc said:
It's a Swift Escape 696. Thanks, I've drained water but haven't left taps open.
Click to expand...

The reason to open taps is that any water still inside the tap could freeze and damage it.
By leaving it open at least any freezing water can expand along the pipe, hopefully saving damage or splitting.
Take shower head off too and leave the hose in the tray, keep a watch for the rubber seal so you dont loose it. (y)
 
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In addition to above - remove any food and drink (rodents plus if it gets really cold cans of pop can burst / leak) and clean and sterilize the fridge, cooker and oven and microwave (where fitted), and the water tanks. Give the soft furnishings and carpets a going over to remove crumbs (mould). Remove clothes, towels, etc. Check the cab area for pershibles and remove. Check bathroom area and empty and clean the cassette. Add a chemical damp trap to the unit (opinions vary on this). Make sure the batteries are in good order and check regularly. Check the pressure of your tyres as the unit will be sitting on one spot for a while so you may want to add a few extra PSI. Not exhaustive but it's the start of a LIST.....must have a list. :cheers:. Good luck and let's hope that it is only a month. 😊
 
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Restrictive covenants are usually only enforcable by the developer, so assuming the development is complete you should be ok parking on the drive.
Having said that, some folk with nothing better to do will possibly tell you otherwise and may try to make an issue of it.
 
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Figaro said:
Restrictive covenants are usually only enforcable by the developer, so assuming the development is complete you should be ok parking on the drive.
Having said that, some folk with nothing better to do will possibly tell you otherwise and may try to make an issue of it.
Click to expand...

Yes my neighbours opposite will unfortunately.

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Re keeping the lockers open, I got a piece of plastic conduit and cut it into 3 inch sections, wedge it between the locker door and housing.
 
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Does anybody remove the mattress? I have a double from a fixed bed. Bit of a beast to store?
 
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Disconnect leisure battery. I would recommend disconnecting vehicle battery as well but that is probably required by your Alarm and would affect insurance.

I like to put a small solar panel on dash to keep vehicle battery topped up, but perhaps too late to organise this now.
 
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While in lockdown if I connect EHU cable to m/h to keep all batteries charged on a weekly basis do I need to switch control panel on in m/h or leave them off. Also I have on/off switch on passenger seat I assume for the 2 Leisure batteries should I switch it to off.
 
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Rachelc said:
Bedding done but not doors and lockers so thanks, do you use something to hold them open as I think they may be on a spring hinge?
Click to expand...

Old wine bottle corks - very useful to prop lockers slightly open.

During a lay-up put one cork under each windscreen wiper arm to lift the blades off the windcreen.

Most important - check that the drain holes in the scuttle at the bottom of the windscreen are not blocked by leaf litter or moss. I use a short thin bamboo stick to poke them clear. Then flush them using a watering can.
 
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JFF I’d get some of them shard things that kill the dead 😳 (GoT)
 
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Shouldn't worry about restrictive covenant or dastardly neighbours.
The worst that would happen is that you might get asked to move it and you would be no worse off than before. It isn't a hung drawn and quartered offence!
 
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Thanks Speedydux never thought to lift the wipers off the screen. also good excuse to open another bottle. lol
 
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Should have added ..Red or white. or dosen't it matter. lol
 
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When ever I park up at home I just remove the wiper blades. Press one button to release and put them on the floor inside the van.
 
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PG’s trips said:
Does anybody remove the mattress? I have a double from a fixed bed. Bit of a beast to store?
Click to expand...
hi we remove all soft furnishings, have left over cab mattress as it's a kingsize, couple years back, chap next to us in storage, had a caravan ..Was advised to revive furnishings, he said we are all I
Ok, :X3: sadly returned in the new year!!! Big hole in his seating. Sadly expensive mistake.
 
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