Winterising a caravan before storing it in Spain:
a practical checklist

At the end of each season we see caravans arrive at the yard in every possible state, from spotless and fully drained to still holding a week’s shopping. The ones that come out in good shape the following spring are almost always the ones that were prepared properly, and winterising a caravan properly takes less time than most people think. This is the checklist we suggest, adapted for a caravan that will spend the winter on the Costa Brava rather than on a drive in the UK or the Netherlands.

Why winterise in Spain at all

It is tempting to skip it. Winters in the Alt Empordà are mild compared with northern Europe, and most days are dry and bright. But there are still good reasons to winterise:

• clear nights inland can drop below freezing, and it only takes one frost to split a pipe or a water pump
• a closed-up caravan in the sun can build up heat by day and condensation by night
• the Tramuntana wind blows dust and grit into any gap
• a caravan that sits for months is an invitation to insects and rodents if there is food inside

So the aim is the same as at home: no water, no food, no damp and no flat battery.

1. Drain the water system completely

This is the most important step.

• Turn off the water pump and open every tap, hot and cold, and leave them open in the middle position.
• Open the drain valves on the water heater and the fresh-water tank. Many heaters have a separate frost or drain valve; check your handbook.
• Empty and rinse the waste-water tank, and leave its drain open if possible.
• Remove any in-line water filter.
• Empty, clean and leave open the toilet cassette. A dab of the seal lubricant recommended by the manufacturer stops the blade seal drying out.
• Lower the shower head into the tray so it can drain.

If you are not confident about your model’s heater or pump, ask Lars in our repair workshop to check them before you leave.

2. Clear out anything that can rot, leak or attract pests

• Take out all food, including tins and anything in the cupboards. Tins can corrode and burst, and dry food draws mice and ants.
• Remove drinks, toiletries and cleaning products that could leak or freeze.
• Empty the fridge, clean it and wedge the door slightly open so it does not go mouldy.
• Take bedding and cushions home if you can, or stand cushions on edge so air circulates around them.

3. Control damp

• Clean the interior thoroughly and let it dry before you close up.
• Leave interior doors, lockers and cupboards open.
• Set blinds half open. Fully closed blinds left for months can lose their spring tension.
• Put a couple of moisture traps inside, on a tray in case they overflow.
• Check that all fixed ventilation is clear. Never block it.

4. Look after the battery

A leisure battery left connected for months will go flat, and a deeply flat battery may not recover.

• Charge it fully before storage.
• Disconnect it, or remove it and take it home if that is practical.
• If you have a solar panel and controller, check it is working and that the battery stays connected only to the controller.

5. Tyres, wheels and brakes

• Inflate the tyres to the pressure in your handbook. Some owners add a little extra for storage; follow the manufacturer’s advice.
• If you have them, use tyre savers to spread the load on the tyres.
• Leave the handbrake off and use wheel chocks instead. Brake shoes left clamped for months can stick to the drums, especially after a damp spell.
• Fit your wheel clamp or hitch lock as you would at home, and let us know if it needs a key for moving.

6. Gas

• Turn off the gas at the cylinder and at every appliance valve.
• Disconnect the regulator.
• Ask us before leaving cylinders in the gas locker.

7. Outside the caravan

• Wash the caravan before it goes into storage. Dirt and bird droppings left for months are much harder to remove, and they can mark the paint. We offer an exterior wash from €33 if you would rather not do it on the campsite.
• Check roof seals, window rubbers and around the roof lights. Small cracks are cheap to fix now.
• Close all windows and roof lights firmly, but keep the fixed vents clear.
• Retract the corner steadies to just touching the ground, or lower them as your handbook recommends. Do not use them to take the weight off the axle.
• If you use a cover, make sure it is breathable and designed for caravans, and that it is well tied down.

8. Paperwork and keys

• Photograph the interior and exterior, including any existing marks. It helps you and your insurer.
• Check your insurance covers the caravan while it is stored in Spain.
• Agree with us which keys we hold, if any, for moving the caravan on site or for transport.

Caravan winterisation checklist for the last morning

If you are packing up at the campsite and we are collecting the caravan, run through this before you hand it over:

1. Water drained and taps open
2. Fridge empty, clean, door ajar
3. Food and liquids out
4. Gas off at the cylinder
5. Battery charged and disconnected
6. Windows and roof lights shut
7. Handbrake off, chocks ready
8. Photos taken

Choosing where it stands

Preparation matters, and so does the pitch. A caravan with older roof seals will be better off under a roof or indoors. We compare the options in indoor vs outdoor caravan storage, and our storage pricing page lists the prices for each.

If you would rather hand the caravan over at the campsite, our transport service collects it and brings it to the yard. For a full service while it is with us, see caravan repairs.

When you are ready to book your winter space, contact us through the contact page or call +34 695 65 07 59.