Winter camping is a great way to get out in nature, spend time with friends and family and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re looking for something quiet or active, winter camping has something for everyone.
Whether you’re planning to go bushwalking, mountain biking or snowshoeing, there are some things you can do to prepare your caravan for winter.
Here are some tips on how to prepare your caravan for winter:
Cleaning your caravan before and after each use helps reduce the risk of mould growth. Use a disinfectant sprays or wipes on all surfaces, such as the walls and floor, then clean with a hose or vacuum cleaner.
Dust any items that are not being used to help prevent dust build-up. For example, if you have an under floor heating system that isn’t being used over the winter months, it should be unplugged or switched off before storage so it doesn’t cause problems when they’re turned back on again in spring.
Tires are one of the most important aspects of a caravan, so it’s worth checking that they’re in good condition before winter arrives. If you have spare tyres and rims, then it’s worth putting them on your vehicle before winter so that when the first snowfall comes, there will be nothing wrong with your tyres or alignment.
Your chassis is an incredibly important part of your caravan. If it’s in good condition, then this means that all of your suspension components are working properly and everything is aligned correctly. It’s also important to make sure that any leaks around the chassis have been fixed as they can cause rusting and damage over time – especially if they’re located between two components such as a seatbelt or airbag module (these should be replaced every 5 years).
Check that all hoses are in good condition, particularly those which run through the caravan, as they may become brittle in cold weather and cause leaks. Also check that all water hoses are not kinked or cracked and that all electrical cables have been routed properly.
Check your solar panels – make sure they are clear of snow or ice by removing them from the roof or window frame. A solar panel should not be exposed directly to windy weather as this can cause damage to its components and open circuit voltage (OCV) may be reduced due to frost heave (freezing of electrolyte).
