Winterproofing Your Campervan: Essential Maintenance for Colder Months

Photo by Drew Dau on Unsplash

Travelling during the winter offers a fantastic opportunity to witness locations in a whole new light, from snow-covered hills and mountains to a change in flora and fauna. But it also comes with more risks than summer driving, since you’re dealing with ice, snow and rainfall, along with shorter days.

Winterising a campervan is essential to protect your vehicle and yourself from the hazards that winter on the roads can bring. From water ingress from broken seals to freezing pipes and worn-out tyres, there’s so much to think about to keep your camper in the best condition that it’s worth starting early to give yourself time to check everything off the list. Here’s a complete guide to the essential maintenance you need to schedule to prevent accidents and keep yourself safe when you’re travelling.

Book a professional check-up

While DIY maintenance is valuable, having a professional inspect your campervan before winter can provide peace of mind and catch issues you might miss. Consider booking a comprehensive winter check, similar to an MOT, but tailored for campervans and focused on cold-weather preparedness. They will provide a thorough inspection of the heating and insulation systems, and assess tyres, brakes and the suspension which are critical during the winter.

They will also assess whether the battery is in good condition which is crucial for winter travel. Cold temperatures can significantly reduce a battery's efficiency, which will make it harder to start your engine. If necessary, have the battery terminals and connections cleaned to ensure good contact, and consider using a battery blanket for extra protection in extremely cold conditions.

Check the exterior for damage

The first line of defence against winter's harsh elements is your campervan's exterior, so start by thoroughly inspecting the outer shell for any cracks, gaps, or areas of damage. Pay close attention to seams, window edges, and door frames where water might seep in as these can often be overlooked. If you spot any damage, use an appropriate sealant to address the issue so your van remains watertight.

Make sure the tyre pressure and treads are safe

Winter driving conditions demand good traction, so check your tyre pressure and tread depth and consider switching to winter tyres or high-quality all-season tyres if you think you’ll be encountering snow and ice frequently where you’re travelling. Don't forget to carry snow chains if you're heading to mountainous areas too.

Engine and mechanical considerations

The heart of your campervan—its engine and mechanical systems—requires special attention when preparing for winter travel. Begin by checking the antifreeze levels in your engine's cooling system. The antifreeze concentration should be sufficient to protect against the lowest temperatures you expect to encounter. You can use an antifreeze tester to check the freezing point of your coolant, and top up or replace it as necessary.

Cold weather can make oil thicker and less effective, so switching to a winter-grade oil can help protect your engine. Check your campervan's manual for the recommended winter viscosity. While you're at it, replace the fuel filter to prevent any water in the fuel from freezing and blocking the system. A clean air filter will also help your engine run more efficiently in cold conditions.

Check the insulation

Proper insulation is the key to maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your campervan during winter trips. Start with your windows and doors, as these are often the biggest culprits for heat loss. Thermal curtains or blinds on all windows will help to provide an extra layer of insulation, and screen covers can be used to prevent heat loss from the front of the vehicle. For doors, use draught excluders or weather stripping to seal any gaps where cold air might get in, and pay special attention to the main entry door and any sliding doors, as these can be particularly prone to air leaks.

Protect the water system

One of the most critical aspects of winterising your campervan is protecting the water system because frozen pipes can cause extensive and expensive damage. Begin by completely draining your freshwater tank, water heater, and all pipes, and use compressed air to blow out any remaining water from the system.

Once drained, add a non-toxic antifreeze to the plumbing system, following the manufacturer's instructions. For your freshwater and waste tanks, consider using specialised tank heaters or wrapping them in insulating material—this extra protection can be crucial in preventing costly damage from frozen pipes or tanks.

Service the heating system

If your campervan is equipped with a built-in heating system, whether it's gas or diesel-powered, have it professionally serviced before the winter season begins so any problems can be resolved. Test the system thoroughly, checking for any unusual noises, smells, or performance issues.

If you rely on a gas heater, it’s also crucial to check your carbon monoxide detector is working correctly, since proper ventilation is crucial when using gas appliances in a confined space. Some campervan enthusiasts even install small wood-burning stoves, which can create a cosy atmosphere and provide efficient heating, but requires careful installation and consideration of safety factors, including proper ventilation and heat shielding.

Focus on ventilation and moisture control

While it might seem counterintuitive to focus on ventilation when trying to stay warm, proper air circulation is crucial in a campervan during winter. Good ventilation helps prevent condensation, which can lead to mould and mildew growth, so it’s worth installing a small dehumidifier to help control moisture levels inside your van. There are both electric and non-electric options available, depending on your power setup. Additionally, use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packets or charcoal bags in drawers and storage areas to help keep things dry.

Winter travel in a campervan requires extra attention to emergency preparedness and maintaining the vehicle itself is a priority. Remember, thorough preparation is key to enjoying the unique beauty and tranquillity of winter travel. With your campervan fully winterised, you can look forward to breath taking snow-covered landscapes, peaceful winter nights, and the satisfaction of extending your camping season year-round.