nterior cleaning of campervan, caravan or motorhome

When everything is cleared out, you can start the thorough cleaning inside the campervan, caravan or motorhome. Defrost the refrigerator and freezer unit and clean them with a suitable cleaning agent. Clean the hob and sink. Damp wipe out and dry all drawers, cabinets and shelves. Leave all cabinet doors and drawers as well as the refrigerator and freezer door open. 

Clean the inside of the windows, if they are not very dirty, a sponge, warm water and microfiber cloths are enough clean them, if they acrylic windows and more dirty, a special acrylic cleaning agent applied with microfiber cloths is recommended. Then check the seals of the windows and treat them with care product. Do not forget the roof hatch!

Thoroughly clean the bathroom and shower. The toilet cassette, slider and flush tank are flushed hygienically with special disinfectants, made clean and, above all, left to dry. Leave the lid, covers and closure plate open over the winter so that the toilet system is well ventilated, unpleasant odors do not form and seals do not dry out. For this purpose, the seals should also be treated with a suitable lubricant. 

Interior cleaning of campervan, caravan or motorhome

When everything is cleared out, you can start the thorough cleaning inside the campervan, caravan or motorhome. Defrost the refrigerator and freezer unit and clean them with a suitable cleaning agent. Clean the hob and sink. Damp wipe out and dry all drawers, cabinets and shelves. Leave all cabinet doors and drawers as well as the refrigerator and freezer door open. 

Clean the inside of the windows, if they are not very dirty, a sponge, warm water and microfiber cloths are enough clean them, if they acrylic windows and more dirty, a special acrylic cleaning agent applied with microfiber cloths is recommended. Then check the seals of the windows and treat them with care product. Do not forget the roof hatch!

Thoroughly clean the bathroom and shower. The toilet cassette, slider and flush tank are flushed hygienically with special disinfectants, made clean and, above all, left to dry. Leave the lid, covers and closure plate open over the winter so that the toilet system is well ventilated, unpleasant odors do not form and seals do not dry out. For this purpose, the seals should also be treated with a suitable lubricant. 

Winterizing the water system of a caravan, motor home or campervan

Next, the water system must be completely drained and the entire system as well as the fresh and waste water tank must be treated with food-safe, suitable cleaners, sterilized, rinsed again and again completely drained. Also think of the therme for hot water and if available set the frost protection guard manually to Open! Place the shower hose in the shower tray to drain it completely. 

To create a vacuum to suck the water out of the services, before draining the water from the tanks, turn off the pump and open the water faucets, only then open the tanks. A balloon inflated with air, which is put over the water tap, has also proven to be a trick to get the last remnants of water out of the pipes, whereby the remaining water is then 'blown' out of the pipe by means of the escaping air. Leave the water taps open in the middle position and the water tanks open, so that fresh air can get into the system when not in use.

Gas bottles and gas system

Gas bottles should be removed from campervans, motorhomes and caravans. Under certain circumstances, this may also be part of the rental agreement for the site for fire protection reasons. To do this, first close the gas supply and then allow the residual gas to escape from all lines. Close the gas valves again and disconnect the gas cylinders from the system, remove them and fit them with the red protective cap. Store at home in a cool and well ventilated area. Gas regulators and rubber hoses also prefer to winter at home in a frost-free place.

Winterize starter and / or body battery

Provided that the campervan, caravan or motorhome is already at the winter site, the next thing on the list is the battery or batteries. The easiest way to bring the starter battery, body battery, board battery or mover battery over the winter without damage is to charge it regularly. Of course, it is ideal if there is a power connection in the winter quarters and the batteries are connected to the shore power during the standstill period. 

Alternatively, the batteries are disconnected. To do this, charge them again for at least 24 hours so that they are fully charged. Then disconnect all consumers from the battery by means of a main switch, if present, and / or disconnect the cable from the negative terminal. 

If the battery is located in an easily accessible place, it can also be removed in order to store it in a frost-protected and dry place. To do this, after disconnecting the cable from the negative terminal, disconnect the cable from the positive terminal and remove the battery from its holder. At home, connect the battery(ies) to a trickle charger to prevent deep discharge.

Exterior cleaning of campervan, motorhome and caravan.

To prepare for the winter, a thorough cleaning of the exterior of the vehicle or caravan is required. At home, clean out the garage, storage compartments or drawbar box, remove sand residues and the like and store the camping accessories in a dry place at home. If this has not already been done at the end of the last camping vacation: clean the awning or sun sail and allow to dry thoroughly. Only then fold up again and store in a dry place at home.

Wash the exterior of the motorhome, campervan, or caravan thoroughly. A washing brush with a telescopic pole is best suited for exterior cleaning. A high-pressure cleaner is not recommended to avoid damage to windows, tires and similar parts. Parts to avoid.

Thoroughly remove dirt from the top to the bottom of the campervan, caravan or motor home using a suitable cleaning agent. Pay attention to permanently installed elements such as the satellite dish or air conditioning system. Check the rims, wheel housings and underbody for dirt and clean them. Also take a close look at all recesses, grooves, etc., as leaves, sand and soil can collect here and bind moisture. 

Caravans, motorhomes and campervans are happy about a polish and wax treatment. The extra work more than pays off in the long run.

Cleaning windows and acrylic windows

For optimal visibility in the coming camping season, pay special attention to windows and skyroofs. If the windows are made of acrylic glass, use special cleaners and microfiber cloths to prevent damage or 'going blind'. Suitable polishes can be used to remove small, superficial scratches.

Maintaining seals and rubber elements of campervans, motorhomes and caravans

Check seals on doors, clean and treat with a care product. Grease other rubber elements as well as hinges such as those on crank supports or, if necessary, on the support wheel. If necessary, apply a winter cover to the ventilation grille of the refrigerator, heater and / or hot water heater.

Especially for campervans and motorhomes, there are other points that need attention. Vehicles with steel tanks winter best when the fuel tank is full, as this prevents condensation in the tank, so fill it up once. In addition, check the fluid level of the windshield washer system and coolant and fill with antifreeze.

Tire pressure for campervans, motorhomes and caravans during the winter storage period

After parking in the winter quarters, relieve the tires. Increase the tire pressure by about 0.5 bar. Distribute the weight as evenly as possible using the crank supports or pressure-relieving wheel chocks or align the vehicle. Then release the handbrake. In the case of motorhomes and campervans, the windshield wipers should not rest on the windshield, so stand them upright or protect them with an appropriate pad. 

Finally, lock windows, doors and exterior openings and, if necessary, install an anti-theft device. Then it is actually time for the 'hibernation' of campervan, motorhome and caravan. During the winter break, ideally check the condition of the vehicle at regular intervals and take the opportunity to let it air out well.