Collaborative post.
I’ve been hearing more and more about people buying caravans over the last few years. In fact, my sister works for a company that has a range of businesses one of which is selling caravans. Apparently they sell about 2,500 a year! These great homes on wheels enable us to venture out and explore the outdoors which can be a lovely way to help the whole family connect with nature and cut down screen time.
Caravans have changed immensely since I last saw one. These days they can be pretty stylish and not as cramped as one might think. It’s amazing how little they can cost too considering the fixtures and fittings in some. Today’s post is written by me and brought to you in collaboration with Swindon Caravans who sell a range of caravans.
A Little about Swindon Caravans
It’s an award-winning caravan supplier of new and used caravans in the U.K., winning Dealership of The Year Award from the Caravan Times. These guys can cater to all your caravan and motorhome needs. If you’re not quite ready to buy a caravan they also offer the option to hire one.
Swindon Caravans also boasts a well-stocked shop of caravan accessories for you to choose from. If you don’t currently own a caravan, don’t worry! With over 30 years of experience in the business, they can advise you on the perfect vehicle for your needs, whether you are looking for the latest touring caravans and motorhomes or simply a good deal on caravans for sale.
Preparing Your Caravan for the Winter Months
For those that do own a caravan, it is important to make sure you make preparations for the colder weather. But, what would that involve? Here I will share basic tips on how to prepare your 4 Berth Caravan (sleeps 4) for the Winter Months.
Storage
Will you be placing your caravan in a secure storage facility or on your driveway. A secure facility will of course help to minimise the risk of theft with various precautionary measures in place. If you are keeping your caravan on your drive which I see many do, it is advisable to remove any valuable items such as tv’s etc. A number of caravan owners have a security post to help deter would be thieves.
Bodywork
It is important to clean the outside of your caravan thoroughly and check for any damage to the bodywork. Take a look at seals for signs of water damage and replace any that are damaged. Once clean, you can overwintering wax coating, use a cover or store indoors if you have room.
Water Systems & Toilets
To prevent frost damage you will need to remove all the water from the system. Water will otherwise freeze and crack pipes and fittings. You can do this by opening all the taps (remove the shower head too) and drain valves and allow the onboard pumps to run. Once excess water is expelled turn this off and empty waste tanks and the toilet tank.
Tyres
Carry out a thorough check of tyres looking out for any bulges and cracks. Don’t forget to check the thread depth like you would for a car to make sure it is within the legal requirements. Tyres should be turned throughout the winter to avoid flat spots.
Gas & Electrics
Batteries and gas cylinders should be removed and stored in a cool, dry, ventilated place over winter. Whilst the battery is not connected it will begin to lose its charge. It is advised that regular checks are made and the charge kept topped up to keep it in good condition.
Would you consider hiring or buying a caravan for fun adventures with family and friends?
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This is very useful information. Unfortunately we haven’t got a caravan or tent! However your post has stirred up a desire in me and I think we shall be shopping around for one soon!
Hiring one is always a cheaper option x
So much to think of when buying a caravan. My parents have had a few, and I know there least favourite time of year was winter when it came to having to sort everything out to make sure come Spring it wasnt ruined.
There sure is. It’s best to do everything in advance in case you miss anything. That way you’ll remember hopefully before any serious damage is done.
It is surprising how important a little thought and planning can be in helping keep caravans in good condition over the winter. Thanks for the post.
Glad you liked it Susan. It really makes a difference if you are prepared and do the essentials.
We dont have a caravan but i often think it would be great
It’s a great way to explore the country on a budget.
I have to do the same with my motorhome
It’s important to look after them properly.
It must provide so much freedom and enjoyment knowing you can go at any time
It is a great option for many to enjoy a holiday where an when they want.
Really useful post as I’m thinking about getting one. I stayed in a vintage Airstream caravan this summer in California and it was wonderful, it really inspired me to stay more in caravans.
It must have been really good fun. I hope you have some more great adventures this year.
Brilliant advice. I don’t own a caravan but some of those would not have crossed my mind, like the water freezing, that would really do a lot of damage.
Thank you for sharing x
Thanks for your comment Claire. It’s important to make sure all the essentials are covered just in case.
Thank you for sharing.
I don’t own a caravan so wouldn’t know where to start but these are so helpful to anyone who does have one x
It is good to know that they need to have certain areas addressed in preparation for the winter months.
As much as it sounds fun, I’m a hotel with room service kind of gal! 😉 I agree it sounds a brilliant way to see the world but not for me. Great advice for those who are more adventurous!
I do understand it’s not for all. A great way to bond with family though.
I’d love to have a caravan! Some useful points here about preparing it for winter…a bit like our little boat.
Ahhhh yes, there you go. I bet that’s lovely to own too.
oh yes – looking after them makes the whole world of difference and it ensures that they will last longer too
And helps keep costs down as you avoid things going wrong 🙂
Must be kind of sad preparing the caravan for winter, but lots of fun to open it back up in the spring. Some good tips here.
Only if you don’t have any trips planned. The good thing is you make sure it doesn’t get damaged over winter and can go travelling time permitting as and when you please. There are plenty of wonderful places in the UK to visit and doing it for a relatively low cost is great.
My MIL has a caravan and they have to maintain and look after it too when not in use. A lot of this sounds quite familiar 🙂
Glad to hear it. It must be great to use in the warmer months.
I’ve never used a caravan before, so it hadn’t even crossed my mind that winter would require any kind of extra maintenance. So much to think about!
The good thing is it’s not actually too much to do once you’re in the swing of it.
I don’t own a caravan, but I had a great aunt who lived in one. She would travel all over the UK and Ireland during the spring, summer and autumn, then park her caravan in my grandparents drive during winter and stay in their spare bedroom. She said she hated staying in one place all the time.
It sounds like she had a fun time.
We had a caravan for many years it was great!
Thanks for this – some really good tips – I dream of getting on the road
I hope you get to sometime soon 🙂
We always stayed in Caravans as kids with my parents and it was just the best time! Hope to do it again one day
Trips away can be really good fun and create lasting memories.
I have to do the same with my motorhome for the winter months
I’m not a camping fan but my stepdad is renovating some classic motorhomes at the moment. I’ve forwarded him this post; I’m sure he’ll find it interesting and helpfull.
Thanks so much Yolanda. Hope he finds the post useful 🙂
Caravans are great, so much freedom when traveling.
We have always wanted to buy a caravan but I never thought about what needs to be done in winter, thank you for an fab article
Caravans look so much better than they did when I was young! Great to have the freedom to go whenever you like.
It sure is a great way to travel and see new places in the UK.
I don’t have a caravan but it sounds like great fun!
I’m sure you’d enjoy traveling somewhere different for a mini-break as and when you had the opportunity.