Prepare your static caravan for winter

Whether you’re planning on vacating your static caravan or holiday lodge until spring or wish to come and go when you please during the colder months, we can’t deny that winter is headed our way.

As the weather gets colder, wetter, and windier, there are several precautions you should be taking to prevent winter-related damage and loss to your beloved holiday home.

At Compass, we see a high number of claims relating to storm and flood damage, escape of water, often due to frozen pipes, as well as damage caused by vermin. In this post, we will explain how to help keep your static caravan, furniture, and equipment safe throughout the colder months, ready for your return in the new season.

Maintenance, draining down, and safety checks

It is important that you perform regular maintenance checks on your caravan, but this is crucial ahead of winter.

Owners often face issues such as frozen pipes, mildew, and water damage when they return to their caravan after the winter. By following our advice for draining down and performing maintenance on your caravan, you can avoid costly repairs.

Ensure your unit is completely drained down per the manufacturer’s instructions and insurer approval. Turn off the water supply at the stopcock and drain appliances.
Some units may not need to be drained down, but instead, the central heating should be switched on to a specific setting. Check your caravan handbook for instructions.
Sinks should be unplugged, and toilet seats put down and secured.
Leave bedroom doors ajar to improve airflow and prevent damp.
DO NOT block any vents, as this can cause condensation.
Turn off all electrical appliances and plugs.
Turn off the gas supply and disconnect bottles/cylinders.
Check for damage to doors, window frames, vents, guttering, pipes, roofs, skylights, flooring, and outdoor storage bins. It is also worth checking these for gaps as they can appear in the seals for example.
Check for overhanging tree branches that may come down in stormy weather, and report any concerns to your park manager.

Security measures

Taking appropriate security measures will help keep your unit secure from thieves.

Secure or store garden furnishings and other outdoor equipment.
Remove all of your valuables.
Take home more portable items when possible.
Keep your curtains or blinds wide open so your unit is easy to see through. This can deter thieves from breaking in if they can easily see that there is nothing worth taking.
Set your alarm. If you don’t have one, we highly recommend you invest in one for added security.
Check that outdoor motion-activated lights, cameras, and smart doorbells are working.
Lock all windows, doors, and outdoor storage sheds/bins.
Do not leave a spare key for your unit outside.

Keep out unwanted guests

Pests can cause a huge amount of damage, particularly when left unchecked for a long period of time. When closing down for the winter, we suggest the following precautions are taken to avoid vermin problems.

Clean the unit thoroughly, particularly in areas where food is or has been stored.
Bedding and soft furnishings should be removed or stored in sealed bags. Mattresses, cushions, furniture cushions, and rugs should be propped up, so you don’t miss any crumbs.
Remove all food or store anything that needs to be left in airtight containers to discourage critters like mice and rats.
Don’t leave any waste outside of the unit, as this can attract flies and other vermin.
Tidy up outside areas, including underneath your unit if it’s safe to do so. Pay particular attention to areas that would make for a warm nest.
Look out for signs of gnawing or holes. Do not delay in taking steps to rectify such damage, as rodents can fit through surprisingly small gaps.
Clear up fallen bird food from feeders and ensure that bird food is stored in a sealed container above floor height or taken home.