Your Essential Guide to Winterising Your Static Caravan

Winter is coming. And for static caravan owners, that means it's time to prepare your holiday home for the colder months ahead.

Most people wait until the first frost before thinking about winterisation. By then, it's often too late.

Why Winterising Matters Now

Frozen pipes don't just leak—they flood. Damp doesn't just smell—it destroys. And wildlife doesn't just visit—it moves in.

With over 35 years of industry experience, we've seen the costly damage winter can cause to unprepared static caravans. The good news? A few hours of preparation now can save you thousands of pounds and countless headaches come spring.

Let's go ahead and walk through everything you need to know to properly winterise your static caravan this October. You may also want to consider doing a smaller version of a drain down every time you leave the caravan to go home, for added peace of mind.

Your Essential Winterisation Kit

You don't need much to properly prepare your caravan:

• Antifreeze (specifically for water systems)
• Old newspapers
• Several small bowls
• Salt or silica gel packets
• WD40 for locks and hinges
• Basic cleaning supplies

The Critical Drain Down Process

Water left in pipes can freeze, expand, and cause catastrophic damage. Here's how to properly drain your system:

1. Before turning off the water supply, lift the toilet cistern lid
2. Flush the toilet and as it refills, add antifreeze (mix 3 parts water to 1 part antifreeze)
3. Remove the shower hose and shower head to prevent freeze damage
4. Turn off your water supply at the stopcock
5. Open all taps and run until no water remains in the pipes
6. Locate and open any drain-down taps under the caravan (usually beneath kitchen and bathroom areas)
7. Once water stops flowing, place plugs in all sinks and shower trays
8. Drain the water heater using the drain valve on the water pipe
9. Pour a small amount of antifreeze down each waste pipe to treat any remaining water in the S-bends

NOTE: Many holiday parks offer professional drain-down services using compressed air. This option is worth considering for complete peace of mind.

Room-by-Room Winterisation Guide

Bedrooms

1. Remove all valuables and personal items
2. Take home bedding or store in vacuum-sealed bags
3. Stand mattresses on their edges if space allows
4. Leave cupboard and wardrobe doors open for air circulation
5. Keep bedroom doors ajar

Kitchen

1. Empty and clean the fridge with a mild bicarbonate of soda solution
2. Leave the fridge door slightly open (use a folded tea towel to prevent it closing fully)
3. Remove ALL food—even unopened packets (they won't deter rodents!)
4. If leaving tinned goods, place them on paper to prevent rust rings
5. Clean all surfaces thoroughly
6. Leave cupboard doors open

Living Areas

1. Take home valuable electronics like TVs and music systems
2. Clean all surfaces to remove food crumbs
3. Move sofa cushions away from exterior walls
4. Roll up loose rugs and stand them on end

Interior General Tips

1. Consider removing curtains to prevent mildew
2. If leaving curtains, keep them open (this also deters break-ins by showing nothing valuable is inside)
3. Don't leave blinds down as this can damage mechanisms
4. Vacuum all carpets thoroughly
5. Place bowls of salt or silica gel around the caravan to absorb moisture

Exterior Checks

1. Clean guttering and downpipes
2. Block any gaps that could allow insects or rodents entry
3. Inspect the roof, chassis and skylights for leaks or loose joints
4. Check steps and consider storing them inside if removable
5. Inspect tyre condition (even static caravans on blocks often have tyres)
6. Clear vegetation from underneath and around the caravan
7. Store outdoor furniture and loose items safely

Final Shutdown Procedures

1. Turn off and disconnect bottled gas supply
2. Some owners light a gas ring then disconnect the supply, letting it burn until the flame dies to ensure no gas remains in pipes
3. Disconnect electricity at the mains switch (usually in a bedroom cupboard)
4. Check all windows and doors are properly locked
5. Leave your current contact details with the site office

Insurance Considerations

This is crucial: many static caravan insurance policies have specific requirements for winter shutdown. Failure to follow these could invalidate your cover.

Check your policy documents for any terms referring to periods when the site is closed or the caravan is unoccupied. Common requirements include:

Turning off water supplies

Draining down pipes

Disconnecting gas and electricity

Make these requirements your top priority to ensure you remain protected throughout winter.

Professional Help

If you're unsure about any aspect of winterising your static caravan, many holiday parks offer professional services. While there's usually a fee, the peace of mind can be worth every penny—especially when considering the potential cost of winter damage.

Final Thoughts



The end of October is the perfect time to winterise your static caravan—before the first hard frost but with enough time to be thorough.

By following these steps, you'll protect your investment and ensure your holiday home is in perfect condition when you return in spring.