El friver is one of the most sensitive elements for motorhomes. Variations in temperature, condensation or the formation of humidity can cause problems in these vehicles. For this reason, whether we plan to use it sporadically during the winter months in places with adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, low temperatures ...), or if we are going to leave it “hibernating” in a garage or in a parking lot during bad weather. , we leave you a few advice on the care the motorhome needs to avoid breakdowns.
1. Clean and with ventilation space
If we are going to leave it stored in a garage or parking lot, we will try clean the exterior well before doing so, in order to prevent dirt (mud, bird droppings, etc.) from damaging the bodywork while immobilized. Pay special attention to the roof of the vehicle and the underside.
In case you are using the motorhome during the winter and you have been caught in a snowy area, remember also the importance of clear snow from the roof to prevent excessive weight from accumulating or, if you have solar panels, allow them to charge correctly.
In addition, once stored in the garage, we must try to leave theventilation space on its perimeter, so that the air circulates well, avoiding keeping it very close to walls or other vehicles. If you do not have a covered place and you have to leave it outdoors, we must take special care when choosing the most appropriate element to protect it. Forget about plastics or fabrics that are not specific for the world of caravanning and opt for products specially designed for these vehicles, that are made of materials that breathe. Otherwise, moisture build-up can be fatal.
2. Empty and clean tanks.
If the motorhome is going to be idle for a while, it is best to let's empty the water tanks to prevent freezing and deterioration of the circuits. Of course, the gray water must be emptied and, if possible, the tank must be cleaned with a specific product. With this we will avoid bad odors accumulated during the inactivity period. We will do the same with him sewage tank, that we will try clean and disinfect before saving it again.
It is also convenient purge the water circuits to prevent the circuits from freezing, opening all the taps until the water stops coming out.
3. The gas, disconnected.
El gas system we must also leave it disconnected if we are not going to use the motorhome for a while. Although it is not necessary to remove the cylinders, especially if you have propane -more difficult to suffer from freezing- it is we will close the stopcock inside the vehicle and We will also disconnect the regulator and the lyre from the cylinders. In this way, we will prevent the seal from sticking to the bottle and may deteriorate when trying to remove it.
4. Interiors.
We have talked about exterior cleaning and we must do the same with the interior of the vehicle. We must leave the empty refrigerator, with special attention to perishable foods that deteriorate easily, cleaning up any remains that may have remained. Once clean, we will leave the fridge communication, using the stops that these appliances usually carry.
It is also important clean the area of the kitchen fires, the sinkor, as well as bathroom elements, all this in order to avoid bad odors. And we advise you to leave the drain plugs in place to prevent insects and other small animals from entering.
Check the cupboards, especially those where you usually store food, and take out everything that you have not consumed, even if they are products with a long shelf life, such as pasta or rice. There are small animals, such as rodents, that may be attracted to them and decide to pay you a "visit" to take advantage of that food.
Our advice is that you also leave the beds without bedding, so that the mattresses "breathe" and do not accumulate moisture.
5. Switchboard off and batteries disconnected.
When we are going to be a more or less long period without using the motorhome, we will leave the switchboard off, in order to prevent the battery from being consumed and the battery from discharging. If possible, it is even convenient disconnect battery and store it in a dry and ventilated place.
Another option is to install a so-called "Breaker" or battery disconnect, both in the passenger compartment (if carried) and in the engine itself. This prevents residual consumption from discharging them.
Ah! And a couple of notes that are useful both for the winter season and for the rest of the year ... Remember bring the vehicle documentation with you and to leave connected anti-theft systems that you have, both alarm and security locks.
With these simple tips, our vehicles will withstand winter much better and will be kept in perfect condition for when we use them regularly again.