News & Insights

As the days get shorter and the temperature begins to drop, many motorhome owners will be thinking about putting their vehicles away until the next touring season. 

Whether you store your motorhome at home or use a dedicated storage facility, preparing it properly before winter can help protect it from damage and make getting back on the road in spring much easier. 

Cold temperatures, prolonged rainfall and months of inactivity can all take their toll. A minor water leak, unnoticed windscreen chip or undrained pipe might not seem particularly concerning now, but could become a much bigger problem after several months in storage. 

At Peter Best Insurance Services, we have extensive experience arranging specialist motorhome insurance and understand the importance of protecting your vehicle, even when it isn't being used. 

We've put together this practical guide to help you prepare your motorhome for the colder months and avoid some of the problems that can arise during winter storage. 

Start with a thorough inspection of your motorhome 

Before carrying out any winterisation work, take some time to inspect the exterior and interior of your motorhome. 

Look for anything that needs attention, however minor it might initially appear. Problems that are relatively straightforward to address now could become more complicated if they remain unnoticed throughout winter. 

Pay particular attention to the windscreen, external seals, bodywork, tyres and any signs of moisture inside the vehicle. 

Identifying potential issues before storage gives you the opportunity to arrange repairs rather than discovering them when you're ready for your first trip of the new season. 

Repair windscreen chips before the temperature drops 

It's worth giving your motorhome's windscreen a careful inspection before its final journey into storage. 

A small chip caused by a stone might not appear particularly serious, especially if it hasn't affected your visibility. However, damaged glass can become more vulnerable to cracking when temperatures fluctuate. 

During winter, repeated changes between freezing conditions and milder temperatures can place additional stress on an existing chip. 

What might have been a relatively minor repair in autumn could develop into a much larger crack by spring. 

Check the glass carefully and arrange for any chips or other damage to be assessed before putting your motorhome away. 

It's also worth reviewing your motorhome insurance documents to understand the windscreen protection included with your policy. 

Check seals and fittings to prevent water ingress 

Water ingress is one of the problems motorhome owners should be particularly mindful of during winter. 

With windows, rooflights, doors, vents and numerous external fittings, a motorhome has several areas where water could potentially enter. 

Over time, seals can deteriorate, crack or develop gaps, allowing rainwater to find its way inside. 

Before storage, inspect the seals around windows and doors, together with rooflights, ventilation openings and external fittings. 

Inside your motorhome, look for warning signs such as damp patches, staining, mould, musty smells or soft areas around panels and furnishings. 

Even a small leak can cause considerable damage when left undetected for months. Water can affect insulation, interior panels, furniture and electrical components, potentially resulting in extensive repairs. 

Addressing any suspected leaks before the winter weather arrives can help prevent a relatively minor issue from becoming a much more expensive problem. 

Winterise your motorhome's water system 

Freezing temperatures can cause serious problems for motorhome plumbing if water is left inside the system. 

When water freezes, it expands. If it remains trapped in pipes, tanks, taps or pumps, this expansion can damage components and lead to leaks when the system is used again. 

Follow your motorhome manufacturer's winterisation instructions and ensure the appropriate water systems are thoroughly drained. 

Different motorhomes may have different procedures, so it's important to follow the guidance for your particular vehicle rather than assuming that every system works in the same way. 

Remember to check your insurance documentation, too. 

Some motorhome insurance policies contain specific requirements relating to winterisation when a vehicle is left unused. These may affect the circumstances in which certain  types of damage are covered. 

Understanding and following the conditions of your policy is an important part of preparing your motorhome for storage. 

Give your tyres some attention 

Although your motorhome won't be covering any miles while it's parked up, its tyres will still be supporting the full weight of the vehicle. 

Before storage, inspect them carefully for cracking, cuts, bulges and unusual wear. 

Check tyre pressures and follow the vehicle and tyre manufacturers' recommendations for prolonged periods of inactivity. 

Avoid making assumptions about suitable storage pressures, as requirements can vary depending on the motorhome and tyres fitted. 

When you're ready to use the vehicle again, carry out another thorough inspection and check the pressures before setting off. 

Tyres can deteriorate even when a motorhome hasn't been driven, so low mileage alone shouldn't be taken as an indication that they're in good condition. 

Look after your motorhome's battery 

Batteries can gradually discharge while a motorhome is left unused, and colder temperatures can make battery performance more challenging. 

Before storing your vehicle, consult the manufacturer's instructions for maintaining both the vehicle and leisure batteries. 

Depending on the motorhome and its electrical system, the guidance may recommend appropriate charging arrangements or other maintenance measures. 

If you're considering disconnecting a battery, check whether doing so could affect equipment that needs a continuous power supply. 

This is particularly important if your motorhome has an alarm, immobiliser or tracking device that must remain operational. 

Taking the correct precautions can help you avoid returning to a motorhome with a flat battery when the touring season begins. 

Make security a priority during storage 

A motorhome doesn't become less attractive to thieves simply because it isn't being used. 

Vehicles left in the same place for extended periods can be vulnerable, particularly when storage locations are unattended or have limited security. 

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NAVCIS) has warned that motorhomes and caravans can be targeted while in storage, including at facilities advertised as secure. 

It's therefore sensible to consider several layers of protection. 

An alarm and immobiliser can be complemented by physical security devices such as steering wheel locks and wheel clamps. A tracking device may provide another layer of protection. 

If you use a specialist storage facility, look at the security arrangements in place, including controlled access, CCTV and lighting. 

Don't rely solely on a facility's description of itself as secure. Consider the actual measures provided and whether they meet your requirements. 

Your motorhome insurance may also specify certain security arrangements that must be maintained while the vehicle is unattended. 

Check your policy documents to ensure that the devices you're required to use are fitted and operating correctly. 

Check whether your storage arrangements affect your insurance 

Where your motorhome is normally kept can be an important part of the information supplied to your insurer. 

If you've decided to move it from your driveway to a storage compound for winter, or you're changing to a different facility, make sure your insurance details remain accurate. 

Contact your insurer or broker and explain the new arrangements. 

They can confirm whether the change needs to be recorded, whether any additional security requirements apply and whether your existing policy remains appropriate. 

It's worth doing this before moving the motorhome rather than assuming the new location will automatically be acceptable. 

Even a move to somewhere you believe is more secure can represent a change to the risk information originally provided to your insurer. 

Don't leave your motorhome completely unattended 

Once your motorhome is prepared for winter and securely parked, it can be tempting to forget about it until spring. 

However, occasional inspections can make a real difference. 

If possible, visit your motorhome periodically throughout the storage period, particularly following heavy rainfall, strong winds or freezing temperatures. 

Look for signs of water ingress, storm damage, tyre deterioration and attempted theft. 

Checking inside the vehicle is especially important, as moisture can develop without being immediately visible from the outside. 

Discovering a small problem shortly after it appears gives you a better opportunity to address it before further damage occurs. 

A leak that might be relatively straightforward to repair after a week could cause considerably more damage if left unnoticed for several months. 

Review your insurance before putting your motorhome away 

Before completing your winter preparations, take a few minutes to review your motorhome insurance documents. 

Check the conditions relating to storage, security and winterisation, together with the cover provided for windscreen damage. 

If your motorhome's storage location has changed, make sure your insurer or broker has been informed. 

It's also important not to assume that every type of damage occurring during storage will automatically be covered. Protection, exclusions and policy conditions can vary between insurers. 

If you're uncertain about any aspect of your cover or the requirements that apply while your vehicle is unused, contact your broker for clarification. 

Ready for spring? Preparation starts now 

Winter storage is an important part of motorhome ownership, and a little time spent preparing your vehicle can help reduce the likelihood of unpleasant surprises when the next touring season arrives. 

Checking for windscreen damage, dealing with potential leaks, draining water systems, inspecting tyres and maintaining appropriate security measures are all worthwhile precautions. 

Remember to visit your motorhome occasionally throughout winter and carry out further checks before taking it back on the road. 

And finally, don't forget where you've put the keys. After several months without using your motorhome, that carefully chosen hiding place might not seem quite so obvious! 

Protect Your Motorhome, Whatever the Season

From winter storage to your next touring adventure, suitable insurance can help protect your motorhome all year round. Discover our specialist motorhome insurance and get a quote today.