Winter motorhome storage - our 10 top tips

Winter storage of a motorhome - what is the best way to do it? We've just put our FREEDOM motorhome away for the winter. We tell you how we did it, and share our top tips.

Winter storage of a motorhome - or driving all year round?

The first question you might ask yourself is whether to store your motorhome for the winter, or whether you want to drive it all year round. Many people who drive a motorhome all year round love it, and we can understand that in many ways. To drive in the winter, you need winter tyres, and for a good experience it can also be useful to have a winter-equipped motorhome that keeps the heat well.

Whilst we understand the appeal, we have chosen to only use our motorhome for three seasons, which we think is good enough. Our motorhome is quite expensive to heat in the winter, and we can imagine varying our life with other types of travelling and experiences during the winter.

Winter storage of a motorhome - inside or outside?

If you have decided to store your motorhome for the winter, should you do it outside or not? A motorhome is a car, so keeping it outside is perfectly possible. However, you should be aware that cold and winter conditions can take their toll in the long run. We've had our motorhome outdoors for a few winters, and we've found that windows and plastic parts wear out and locks freeze.

So in recent years we have chosen to store our motorhome indoors for the winter. This can be in a heated room, but it is not necessary. Even more important can be that the premises are dry and well ventilated. Sometimes you can also connect electricity, which can be an advantage if you want to be able to charge the batteries for maintenance and not have to unplug them.

We have now cancelled our FREEDOM motorhome for the winter.

Yesterday we cancelled our FREEDOM motorhome for the winter. We found a place via Storage365.se and, after the agreement was finalised, we drove to the storage place.

We found our booked spot, and parked.

Many storage barns are in the countryside, and if you have two cars and two drivers, you can drive there in two cars, so you have a vehicle to get home. We don't have a car other than FREEDOM, and I (Helena) don't have a driving licence, so for us it was walking ... and then taking the bus, train and metro to get home.

Our top ten tips for winter storage of your motorhome

So, what are our top tips for winterising a motorhome? Storing your car for the winter isn't very complicated, but there are a few things that are important to keep in mind.

1. Switch off the motorhome

If your motorhome is fully or partially insured, you can often park it when you are not using it for a lower premium. However, some insurance companies have cancelled this option, so you should check with your company.

2. Check insurance policies

Before setting up your motorhome, it is important to check your motorhome insurance policy so you know what it covers. You may also want to find out how the storage facility is insured.

3. take out the gas tubes

Storage garages usually do not accept LPG tanks in the motorhome, due to the risk of fire. You should therefore take them out and store them in a suitable place. LPG bottles should be stored upright, with ventilation directly to the outside.

4. Drain water and open taps

To avoid frostbite, it is important to drain all water from the motorhome and open all taps. Set taps and mixers in the open position, midway between hot and cold. 

5. Do not apply the handbrake

Do not apply the handbrake as there is a risk that it could lock up. Insert a gear instead. 

6. Avoid getting mice in your motorhome

Many people are worried about getting mice in when it's time to store their motorhome for the winter, and it can be a valid concern. In the worst case scenario, mice can gnaw on cables, and if electronics stop working because of mice, insurance companies may not want to compensate.

The most important thing to reduce the risk of mice is to empty the motorhome of all edible items. There are also a number of other tricks, such as using mouse traps (which must be checked regularly), placing high barriers or putting juniper or other thorny bushes around the wheels.

7. Reduce the risk of moisture

Naturally, you want to minimise the risk of moisture during winter storage, which you can do by choosing a ventilated room, possibly removing textiles and possibly also setting up one or two dry balls.

8. Open the fridge and freezer

To avoid mould and bad odours, open the fridge and freezer ajar. You can, for example, place a cloth or similar in the opening.

9. Protect the batteries

It is important that batteries are never discharged. You can choose to trickle charge them with an electric cable, or you should disconnect the batteries. This applies to both habitation batteries and starter batteries.

10. Take a photo of the motorhome

Last but not least, it's a good idea to take a photo of the motorhome in the garage. In case something happens, it's good to have proof.

Winter motorhome storage - what are your top tips?

What are your best tips for winter storage of your motorhome? Please tell us!