Winterizing Your Camper: What To Leave Behind?

Winter is a challenging time for campervan owners. The cold weather brings a host of new problems, from frozen pipes to dead batteries. So, what can be left in a camper over the winter?

First, it's important to note that some items should definitely be removed. Food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and batteries should all be taken out. Food will rot or attract pests, while batteries will be damaged by cold temperatures. It's also a good idea to remove any liquids that could freeze, such as cleaning products and soaps.

Now, what can stay? Well, furniture can stay—it's designed to withstand various conditions. Propane tanks can also remain, as propane has an indefinite shelf life and isn't affected by temperature changes. Blankets and bedding can be left, but it's best to store them in vacuum-sealed bags to prevent dampness and mustiness. Kitchen utensils are fine to stay, as are emergency kits, which can be a lifesaver if your camper is ever used as temporary shelter.

Insulation and heating

Windows and Doors:

• Seal your windows and doors to prevent cold air and moisture from entering. Check the seals and cords around your windows and replace any missing or weak areas.
• Install weatherstripping around exterior doors.
• Use window film or reflective foil for added insulation on windows. Cut the foil-lined reflective insulation to fit your windows; it will reflect heat back into the camper.
• Hang thick fabric drapes or insulated curtains to block cold drafts and keep warm air inside.
• Cover your windows with curtains, drapes, or any thick material to prevent heat from escaping.
• Install plastic film over single-pane windows.

Floors:

• Give your floor extra insulation with foam board flooring or heavy rugs/carpets to block out cold air.
• Install an RV skirt around the bottom of the camper to prevent cold winds from entering and cool the interior.
• Alternatively, use foam boards with or instead of the skirt to insulate the base.

Pipes and Plumbing:

• Wrap pipes in heat tape and invest in a heated RV water hose to prevent freezing.
• Use heat strips for freshwater and sewer hoses to keep the lines warm.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks and in the kitchen to allow heat to reach the interior plumbing.
• Allow a small drip from faucets to keep water moving and prevent freezing.
• Use the internal freshwater tank as your main water source instead of connecting to external sources.
• Place a small heater near the tanks in the underbelly of the camper to prevent freezing.

Heating System:

• Choose the right type of heating system for your camper. Options include propane furnaces, electric heaters, and propane space heaters.
• Ensure a steady supply of propane if using a propane furnace.
• Consider investing in space heaters to supplement your camper's furnace.
• Keep cabinet doors open to expose pipes to interior heat.
• Use flannel sheets, electric blankets, or a thermal sleeping bag to reduce the amount of heat needed.

Other Tips:

• Install skirting or use snow as insulation around the exterior of your camper to manage extreme temperatures.
• Minimize moisture inside your camper to prevent condensation and the growth of mould and mildew. Use a dehumidifier.
• Keep vents open to reduce condensation and allow airflow.
• Check and maintain your RV batteries, as they tend to lose their charge more quickly in cold weather.
• Place wooden blocks under stabiliser jacks to prevent them from freezing to the ground.

By following these tips, you can effectively insulate and heat your camper during the winter, ensuring a warm and comfortable environment.

Clothing and bedding

When it comes to clothing and bedding, there are several things you can do to prepare your camper for winter.

Firstly, it is safe to store textiles like bedding, towels, and clothing over the winter, provided you are in a dry climate where humidity and mould are not an issue. If you have experienced mould problems in the past, consider sealing these items in oversized ziplock bags or running a dehumidifier. You could also store them in plastic bins, either in the camper or elsewhere.

If you are concerned about pests, you can use natural deterrents like peppermint oil or lavender dryer sheets. To prevent fading and sun damage to your bedding, cover the windows in the camper or use protective covers over the bedding itself.

It is beneficial to periodically check and air out your stored bedding, even during winter. Taking advantage of occasional sunny days to air out bedding can significantly enhance its longevity and freshness.

Finally, if you are storing clothing and bedding in your camper, it is important to ensure adequate ventilation within the camper to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mould and odours. Utilising moisture absorbers can help protect your belongings from dampness.

Food and water

Food

Leaving food in your camper during winter can attract rodents and pests, so it is generally not recommended. However, if you are using your camper for emergency food storage, only store heavy-duty food containers and canned goods. Sealed food items are not safe from rodents, as they can chew through plastic and cardboard. It is also important to remove hygiene products as their scent can attract bugs and rodents.

Water

Water left in your camper's plumbing system can freeze and cause pipes to burst. Therefore, it is crucial to drain all water from the system, including the fresh water holding tank and the black and grey water holding tanks. Additionally, you should add non-toxic RV antifreeze to your plumbing system to prevent freezing and potential damage. If you have a water filter, remember to remove and bypass it before adding antifreeze.

If you plan to use your camper during the winter, it is essential to use the internal freshwater tank as your main water source. This will allow you to safely disconnect and store your freshwater hose. You can also use heat tape on pipes and hoses to keep the lines warm and prevent freezing.

In summary, to keep your camper's plumbing system in good condition during winter, remove all water, add antifreeze, and take advantage of the internal freshwater tank if you need to use the camper.

Battery and plumbing

Battery

If you're planning to store your camper for the winter, it's important to take care of the battery to avoid any damage. Here are some detailed instructions on what to do:

• Turn off the direct power to your trailer via a disconnect switch. Alternatively, go through your camper and switch off all electronic items individually, including televisions, refrigerators, appliances, lights, and so on. Also, ensure that the engine of your camper trailer is turned off.
• After a few minutes, access the batteries through their hatch. Most battery hatches have two cable terminals: a red one and a black one.
• Start by disconnecting the black cable terminal (negative) first. If the wing nuts are tight, you can use pliers or a socket wrench to loosen them.
• Next, loosen the red cable terminal (positive), keeping it away from the black terminal to avoid electrocution and potential damage.
• Once the wires are separated, carefully remove the batteries, as they may be heavy.
• Store the batteries in a safe, dry place for the winter.

If you want to leave the battery in your camper during the winter, here are some tips to prevent damage:

• Keep the battery charged. A fully charged battery can withstand extreme sub-freezing temperatures.
• Use a battery kill switch to prevent parasitic loads from draining your battery.
• If possible, store your camper in a climate-controlled space.
• If you have access to AC power, keep the RV plugged in. Alternatively, use a small solar panel or a modern maintenance charger to keep the battery charged.
• Ensure the battery is fully charged before the snow comes and check the voltage in January.

Plumbing

Winterizing your camper's plumbing system is crucial to prevent any damage from freezing temperatures. Here are the steps you need to take:

• Drain your freshwater tank and pipes. Disconnect your RV from external water sources and open all faucets, showerheads, and sprayers to drain the water. Don't forget to drain the hot water heater and toilet tank as well.
• Drain and clean your gray and black water tanks at a designated dump station. Flush the tanks to remove any remaining debris and ensure no water is left behind, as it can freeze and damage the system.
• Bypass the water heater to prevent wasting antifreeze. Remove any water filters or purifiers from the system.
• Circulate RV antifreeze through your plumbing system. Pour 2-3 gallons of non-toxic, pink RV antifreeze into the freshwater tank. Open the cold and hot water faucets until pink liquid comes out, ensuring it reaches all pipes and the black water tank.
• Add a small amount of antifreeze to the toilet bowl each time you flush to maintain the antifreeze concentration in the system.

By following these steps, you can confidently use your RV's plumbing system during the winter without worrying about freezing pipes.

Pest control

While most pests are dormant during the winter, rodents can still be a problem. Mice and rats can fit through very small openings, so it's important to seal up your camper van before the cold weather sets in.

Pest Prevention

To prevent pests from entering your camper van, seal up any gaps or holes. Even small gaps are often large enough for mice to fit through. Check the following areas:

• Poorly sealed pull-out sections
• Gaps around plumbing or wiring
• Corners or cracks where walls meet
• Access panels for plumbing, electrical, etc.
• Seals on any slide-out areas

You can use expanding spray foam or silicone caulk to seal up small cracks or gaps. Thin pieces of wood or sheets of metal can also be used to cover some gaps and holes.

It's also important to keep your camper van clean and clutter-free, as pests are attracted to food and clutter. Be sure to vacuum regularly and store food in airtight containers. Keep your trash cans sealed with tight-fitting lids, and fix any leaks as soon as possible.

Pest Repellents

If you're looking for a more proactive approach, there are several pest repellents that can be used.

• Rope lights on the ground around your camper van can create an effective barrier against rodents and other nocturnal critters.
• Mothballs can also be effective, although they may not be suitable if you have pets.
• A mixture of borax and sugar water can be sprayed on the ground around the outside of your camper van to attract and kill ants.
• Ultrasonic pest repellents, such as the Exom Essentials or TBI Pro Ultrasonic Pest Repeller, can be plugged into a wall outlet in your camper van. These devices emit an ultrasonic sound that drives pests away.
• Peppermint oil is a simple and natural product that can be used to repel rodents, as they find the scent unpleasant.

Pest Traps

If pests do make their way into your camper van, it's important to act quickly to prevent an infestation. Traps are the most effective way to get rid of mice and other rodents. Poisoned baits may allow the rodent to escape and die inside your camper van, which can be dangerous and unpleasant.

Frequently asked questions