Maintenance Guide
How to Winterize Your Caravan Before Storing It in Spain
June 2026
8 min read
If you're leaving your caravan on the Costa Brava over the winter months, a few hours of preparation now can save you from expensive surprises when you return in spring. Whether you're storing with us here in Vilasacra or elsewhere on the coast, here's a complete checklist for getting your caravan ready for long-term storage.
The Costa Brava climate is milder than northern Europe, but it's not maintenance-free. Coastal humidity, salt air, occasional hailstorms, and temperature swings between summer heat and winter damp all take a toll on a caravan left unattended for months. Owners who skip winterizing often come back to damp interiors, seized brakes, flat batteries, or pest problems that could have been avoided.
Wash the exterior to remove salt residue, which accelerates corrosion on seals, hinges, and metal trim. Inside, give every surface a proper clean, empty all cupboards and the fridge, and wipe down surfaces that could harbour mould over winter.
Important
Leftover food is the single biggest cause of pest infestations in stored caravans.
Damp is the top cause of costly repairs in stored caravans. Before storage, make sure you:
A caravan battery left connected over winter will slowly discharge and can be damaged by deep discharge or freezing. Either disconnect the battery and store it somewhere dry and frost-free, or connect a trickle/smart charger if mains power is available at your storage site. Check the electrolyte level on non-sealed batteries before you leave.
Standing in one position for months can cause flat spots on tyres and puts uneven pressure on axles and suspension. Where possible:
Turn off the gas at the cylinder and disconnect it if you won't be visiting during winter. Give the fridge a final clean with the door propped open, and run the water heater and boiler through their winterizing/frost-protection cycle if fitted.
Mice and insects look for warm, dry places to nest over winter, and a caravan is an inviting target. Block any external vents temporarily with mesh (remembering to remove it before use), and check that door and locker seals are intact with no gaps.
Uncovered storage is more budget-friendly, but covered or indoor storage significantly reduces exposure to hail, intense sun (which degrades seals, decals, and plastic fittings faster than most owners expect), and driving rain. If your caravan will be sitting for four or more months, the extra cost of covered storage is usually worth it in reduced wear alone.
Take dated photos of the exterior, tyres, and any existing damage before handing your caravan over for storage. This protects you and gives the storage provider a clear reference point, and it's a habit any reputable storage facility should be happy to support.
Getting all of this right takes an afternoon, and it's the difference between opening your caravan door in spring to a fresh, ready-to-go interior versus a list of avoidable repairs. If you'd rather have it handled for you, our team offers full pre-storage preparation and cleaning as part of our storage packages here in Vilasacra, Costa Brava.
Our team offers full pre-storage preparation and cleaning as part of our storage packages in Vilasacra, Costa Brava. Drop your caravan off and let us do the rest.
Located in Vilasacra, just 10 minutes from Figueres
Get in touch about our winter storage packages →