How to Protect Your Caravan from Frost Damage

As temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to think about how to protect your caravan from frost damage. Freezing weather can cause pipes to burst, batteries to fail, and damp to form, all of which can lead to expensive repairs come spring. With a little preparation, you can keep your caravan in excellent condition throughout the colder months. 

At Lowdhams, we’ve been helping caravan and motorhome owners care for their leisure vehicles for decades. Follow our expert winter protection guide to keep your caravan safe, dry, and ready for your next trip. 

Frozen water is one of the biggest causes of winter damage in caravans. Any remaining water in pipes or tanks can expand as it freezes, leading to cracked fittings and costly leaks. 

Here’s how to drain your system properly: 

• Switch off the water pump and open all taps (including the shower and external outlets). 

• Flush the toilet and drain the cistern completely. 

• Empty the onboard and external water tanks. 

• Leave taps in the open position over winter. 

• Use a drain-down kit or a small air compressor to blow out any remaining water. 

Tip: Lowdhams offers a winterisation service, where our trained technicians can drain your caravan safely and check for hidden leaks. 

If your caravan is stored outdoors, wrap any exposed pipes with lagging or foam insulation to stop them freezing. Remove and store water carriers and waste containers indoors, ideally somewhere warm and dry. 

You can also pour a small amount of non-toxic antifreeze into plugholes and waste traps to prevent frost damage and unpleasant smells. 

Cold weather drains batteries quickly. To protect your leisure battery: 

• Disconnect it and store it in a dry, frost-free place. 

• Charge it every four to six weeks to keep it in good condition. 

• If you prefer to keep it connected, use a smart trickle charger or solar panel to maintain the charge. 

While you’re at it, unplug all electrical appliances, switch off the mains, and check that your wiring and fuses are in good shape. 

Winter damp can cause soft furnishings, mattresses, and woodwork to deteriorate. 

• Place moisture traps or dehumidifier crystals around the caravan. 

• Lift seat cushions and mattresses off the floor. 

• Leave cupboard and wardrobe doors open for airflow. 

• Use breathable covers instead of plastic ones. 

If you’re storing your caravan under a cover, make sure it’s ventilated, trapped moisture can do more harm than good. 

Before winter storage, check that all window and door seals are intact. Look for cracks or gaps where water could enter and apply a silicone sealant if necessary. Clean skylights, vents, and roof seams, removing debris that could block drainage channels. 

A quick once-over now helps prevent costly water ingress repairs later. 

Give your caravan a thorough wash and wax before storing it. This removes grime, salt, and bird droppings that can damage the paintwork over winter. 

• Apply a protective wax polish to help repel dirt and moisture. 

• Clean and lubricate hinges, locks, and corner steadies. 

• Inflate tyres to the correct pressure and move the caravan slightly every few weeks to prevent flat spots. 

If you’re using a caravan cover, choose a breathable, fitted model that allows ventilation while keeping frost, snow, and debris at bay. 

Choose a safe, level storage location, ideally on hardstanding and away from trees. If you’re using an outdoor storage facility, face the caravan slightly nose-down to help water drain from the roof. 

Don’t forget to: 

• Chock the wheels and apply the handbrake lightly. 

• Remove valuables and perishable items. 

• Leave the fridge and cupboards open to prevent mould. 

Use this printable list before storing your caravan: 

• Drain all water systems and tanks 

• Empty and flush toilet cassette 

• Disconnect and charge the leisure battery 

• Open taps and remove water carriers 

• Clean and wax the exterior 

• Check seals, vents, and rooflights 

• Add moisture traps and open cupboards 

• Cover or store caravan under breathable cover 

• Remove valuables and perishables 

• Inflate tyres and move periodically 

Tip: Keep this checklist in your caravan ready for next year’s winter prep. 

8. Book a Professional Winterisation Service

If you’d rather not tackle it yourself, our Lowdhams servicing team can handle everything for you, from drain-downs and heating checks to full winter protection packages. It’s the easiest way to make sure your caravan stays safe and sound through the cold months. 

Contact our Aftersales Department or visit us in Nottingham to book your winter service today. 

A little preparation now can save you hundreds of pounds and a lot of hassle in spring. Whether you store your caravan at home or on-site, these simple steps will keep it in top condition all winter long. 

Visit Lowdhams for expert advice, accessories, and professional servicing to help you make the most of your caravan, whatever the season.