How to Winterise a Camper: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Winterisation prepares your camper to endure harsh winter conditions by protecting essential systems and components from freezing temperatures. Properly winterising prevents costly damage like frozen pipes, battery failure, and condensation buildup, which can lead to mould or mildew growth. Skipping this crucial step exposes your camper to significant risks, ultimately shortening its lifespan and affecting its performance when you’re ready to use it again.

In this article, we outline a clear, step-by-step approach to winterising your camper. We also emphasise the importance of the process, the risks of neglecting it, and provide practical tips on how to protect your camper’s critical systems from cold weather.

Proper winterisation is key to protecting your camper from the harsh winter elements. Without it, you risk damage to several important components that could be costly and time-consuming to repair. Here’s why winterising your camper is essential. Check our full range of Van Products and Accessories.

Protecting Water Systems

One of the most crucial areas to winterise is your water system. Freezing temperatures can cause water pipes to burst, leading to significant damage and expensive repairs. Properly draining and treating the water system ensures that pipes remain intact and functional, preventing costly leaks or blockages.

Safeguarding Insulation and Heating

Winterising your camper helps protect the insulation and heating systems. Insulation prevents the cold from seeping into your camper, while heating systems are essential for staying warm during colder months. Failing to prepare these systems can cause them to degrade or malfunction, making your camper uncomfortable or even unusable in the winter.

Protecting Electrical Systems

Cold weather can negatively affect your camper’s electrical systems, especially the battery. Without proper winterisation, you risk battery failure, corroded wires, and damaged electrical components. Disconnecting or removing the battery and ensuring all connections are dry and secure helps preserve the electrical system’s lifespan.

Preserving Interior Components

Moisture is a major concern during winter months. If your camper isn’t properly winterised, moisture can accumulate inside, leading to mould or mildew growth. This can damage upholstery, flooring, and cabinetry, and can make the interior uncomfortable or even unsafe. Protecting your camper’s interior involves controlling humidity levels and ensuring proper ventilation.

Before you start the winterisation process, it’s important to prepare your camper by cleaning it, inspecting for leaks, and gathering all the necessary supplies. This checklist will guide you through the initial steps to ensure your camper is ready for the winterisation process.

1. Clean the Camper Thoroughly

Start by giving your camper a thorough cleaning. This will help prevent mould, mildew, or unpleasant odours from developing over the winter months. Clean the interior, wipe down surfaces, vacuum, and remove any food or trash to discourage pests. Don’t forget to clean the exterior, especially around windows, doors, and vents, to remove any debris or dirt that could trap moisture.

2. Inspect for Leaks

Check your camper for any existing leaks, particularly in the roof, windows, doors, and plumbing. A leak could lead to water damage or allow cold air to seep inside, which can cause further issues like frozen pipes. Seal any small leaks and repair any cracks or damage before proceeding with winterisation.

3. Drain Water Systems

Before adding antifreeze, drain the entire water system, including the fresh water tank, pipes, water heater, and any holding tanks. Remove any remaining water that could freeze and damage the plumbing. Be sure to open all faucets, including the shower and outside taps, to fully drain the system.

4. Gather Necessary Winterisation Supplies

Make sure you have the essential supplies for winterisation. Here’s a list of items to gather:

• Antifreeze: Use non-toxic RV antifreeze to protect your pipes and water systems.
• Skirting: Consider adding skirting around your camper’s base to reduce cold air flow underneath, which helps prevent freezing.
• Thermal Curtains: These help insulate the interior, keeping it warmer and reducing heating costs.
• Insulated Covers: Cover exterior components such as water pipes, hose connections, and any exposed tanks to protect them from the cold.

5. Check Battery and Electrical Systems

Inspect your camper’s battery and electrical systems. Disconnect or remove the battery to prevent it from draining or freezing. Clean the battery terminals and check for any signs of corrosion. It’s also a good time to inspect any other electrical components, ensuring they’re working properly before storing the camper for the winter.

6. Protect the Exterior

In addition to cleaning, consider adding a protective cover for your camper’s exterior. A cover can shield your camper from snow, ice, and harsh winds, reducing the risk of damage during winter. Ensure that vents and windows are properly sealed to prevent drafts.

7. Ventilation and Humidity Control

Proper ventilation is key to preventing condensation, which can lead to mould and mildew. Make sure that your camper’s vents are clear and consider using moisture absorbers inside to maintain a dry environment.

Before you start the winterisation process, it’s important to prepare your camper by cleaning it, inspecting for leaks, and gathering all the necessary supplies. This checklist will guide you through the initial steps to ensure your camper is ready for the winterisation process.

Step 1: Drain & Protect the Water System

To protect your water system from freezing, you need to drain all water tanks and pipes completely. This prevents any water left in the system from expanding and damaging your camper.

1. Open all faucets, including the outside taps, to ensure all water is drained. Don’t forget to drain the water heater as well.
2. Pour non-toxic RV antifreeze into your water system to protect the pipes. You can typically pour antifreeze into the water pump and run it through the system until it exits all faucets, including the shower. Be sure to bypass the water heater to avoid unnecessary antifreeze use.

Step 2: Insulate Your Camper Properly

Good insulation is essential for keeping your camper warm and reducing the risk of condensation.

1. This bubble foil insulation is ideal for windows and doors. It reflects heat back into your camper, making it one of the most efficient options.
2. A great choice for walls and floors, Thinsulate provides excellent thermal insulation without taking up much space.
3. Natural wool insulation can help with temperature regulation and moisture control, making it suitable for floors and interior spaces.
4. For windows, use thermal curtains or even a simple plastic film insulation kit to reduce heat loss. For doors and floors, consider applying adhesive foam or adding rugs to keep warmth inside.

Step 3: Heating & Ventilation for Winter Camping

While insulating your camper is crucial, proper heating and ventilation are equally important for comfortable winter camping.

1. Diesel Heaters: Diesel heaters are highly efficient and ideal for extended stays in cold temperatures. They are generally easy to install and provide consistent heat.
2. Propane Heaters: Propane is widely available and can heat your camper efficiently, but always ensure there is proper ventilation when using a propane heater.
3. Electric Heaters: If you’re in an area with reliable electric hookups, an electric space heater is a good option for maintaining a comfortable temperature inside.
4. Ventilation Strategies: To prevent condensation, keep vents slightly open when possible to allow airflow, and use moisture absorbers inside the camper. It’s essential to balance heating with adequate ventilation to avoid the growth of mould or mildew.

Step 4: Battery, Electrical & Propane System Winterisation

Keeping your camper’s electrical and propane systems intact during the winter months requires careful attention.

1. Disconnect the battery to prevent it from draining over the winter. If possible, remove it from the camper and store it in a cool, dry place. You can also use a battery maintainer to keep it in optimal condition.
2. Close the valves and remove the tanks for storage. Store them in a safe, well-ventilated area away from extreme temperatures.
3. If your camper uses solar panels, clean them and ensure they’re positioned to get the most sunlight during the day. Disconnect the panels to prevent draining the battery.

Step 5: Exterior Protection & Storage Tips

Protecting the exterior of your camper is essential to preventing winter damage, and how you store your camper plays a significant role in its longevity.

1. Invest in a high-quality, breathable cover to shield your camper from snow, ice, and debris. Make sure the cover fits well and doesn’t trap moisture inside.
2. Use wheel chocks to prevent the camper from moving while in storage. This is particularly important if you’re storing the camper in an outdoor location.
3. Indoor storage is the best option for long-term winter storage, as it shields your camper from extreme weather. If outdoor storage is your only option, ensure your camper is properly covered and elevated to avoid water damage from snow or rain.

Winterising your camper properly is crucial to avoid costly damage and ensure your camper stays in great condition during the colder months. However, many DIYers make common mistakes that can compromise the effectiveness of their winterisation efforts. Here are some of the most frequent errors and how to avoid them:

1. Using the Wrong Antifreeze

One of the most common mistakes is using regular automotive antifreeze, which is toxic and can cause serious health hazards if ingested.

How to Avoid: Always use non-toxic RV antifreeze. This type is specifically designed for use in water systems and is safe for the environment. Check the label to ensure it is marked as RV-friendly and safe for plumbing systems.

2. Not Draining Water Systems Fully

Failing to completely drain your water tanks, pipes, and water heater can leave water behind that will freeze, expand, and crack pipes or tanks. Even a small amount of water in the system can cause major damage.

How to Avoid: Be thorough when draining your water system. Open all faucets, including the shower, outside taps, and drain valves, to ensure that no water is left behind. Use compressed air to blow out any remaining water, and don’t forget to drain the water heater and holding tanks as well.

3. Not Using Enough Antifreeze

Many people underestimate how much antifreeze they need for their camper’s water system, leading to inadequate protection against freezing temperatures.

How to Avoid: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct amount of antifreeze based on your camper’s water system size. Typically, you’ll need 2-3 gallons for a standard RV, but larger systems may require more. Run the antifreeze through all the pipes, faucets, and the water heater bypass system to ensure full coverage.

4. Failing to Ventilate Properly

Proper ventilation is essential to avoid condensation, which can lead to mould, mildew, and unpleasant odours. Many campers mistakenly seal their camper too tightly during winter, blocking airflow.

How to Avoid: Leave vents slightly open or use a moisture absorber inside the camper to maintain a dry environment. You can also use a small fan on low power to circulate air and prevent moisture buildup.

5. Overlooking the Battery

Many campers neglect their battery during winterisation, which can lead to a dead or damaged battery by spring. Cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly, and moisture can cause corrosion.

How to Avoid: Disconnect the battery and, if possible, remove it from the camper to store in a cool, dry place. Use a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep it in good condition over the winter months.

6. Not Insulating the Camper Properly

Even with winterisation, if your camper isn’t properly insulated, you’ll still risk heat loss and cold damage. Many people overlook gaps in insulation, especially around windows, doors, and the floor.

How to Avoid: Insulate your camper with materials such as Reflectix for windows and doors, or Thinsulate for walls and floors. Seal any drafts around doors and windows, and consider adding extra insulation to the undercarriage and wheel wells if you’re storing the camper outside.

7. Improper Storage Conditions

Storing your camper in an unsuitable environment can lead to damage caused by extreme cold, snow, or moisture. Some people make the mistake of leaving their camper exposed to the elements without proper protection.

How to Avoid: If you’re storing your camper outdoors, use a breathable cover to protect it from snow, rain, and UV damage. If possible, store your camper in a dry, sheltered area like a garage or storage unit to keep it safe from the weather.

8. Ignoring Propane System Winterisation

Propane tanks and lines can freeze or become damaged if not properly winterised. Many people forget to turn off the gas supply and remove tanks from the camper for storage.

How to Avoid: Close the propane valves and disconnect the tanks from the camper. Store the tanks in a safe, well-ventilated area away from extreme temperatures. It’s also a good idea to check propane lines for leaks and ensure everything is secure before storing.

When the weather starts to warm up, it’s time to de-winterise your camper and get it ready for the upcoming season. Follow these steps to ensure your camper is fully functional and safe for your spring and summer adventures.

Step 1: Reconnect the Water System

Begin by flushing out any remaining antifreeze from the water system. Run clean water through the system, opening all faucets (including outside taps and the shower) until you no longer see any pink antifreeze coming out.

If you disconnected any water lines or bypassed the water heater during winterisation, reconnect them now. Ensure all connections are secure to prevent leaks.

Fill your fresh water tank with clean water, and check that there are no visible leaks.

Turn on the water pump and test all faucets to ensure they’re working properly. Run the system for a few minutes to ensure everything is fully operational.

Step 2: Recharge the Battery

Check the battery for any signs of corrosion on the terminals. Clean the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water if necessary.

If you removed the battery for winter storage, reconnect it to the camper. If it was disconnected but still stored in the camper, ensure it’s properly secured and connected.

If your battery was disconnected for the winter, it may need a recharge. Use a battery charger or maintainer to ensure the battery is fully charged and ready to power your camper.

Turn on the lights, fans, and any other electrical components to check that the battery is functioning properly.

Step 3: Test the Heating and Cooling Systems

Test the heater or furnace by turning it on and setting it to your desired temperature. Make sure it runs smoothly without any unusual sounds or malfunctions.

If you used propane for heating, check the propane tanks and connections for leaks. Turn on the stove and check that everything is working properly. If you had disconnected the propane tanks for winter storage, reconnect them.

If your camper has air conditioning, turn it on to ensure it’s cooling efficiently. Check the filters for any dust or debris that may have built up over the winter.

Ensure that all heating and cooling vents are free from obstructions and debris to allow for proper airflow.

Step 4: Inspect Tires, Wheels, and Brakes

Tires can lose air over the winter months, so check and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. This ensures safe travel when you’re on the road.

Look for any signs of wear or damage on the wheels, axles, and brakes. Ensure everything is functioning properly before hitting the road.

Step 5: Clean and Inspect the Camper Interior

Start by giving your camper a thorough spring cleaning. Vacuum the floors, wipe down surfaces, and check for any signs of mould or mildew. Open windows to let fresh air circulate and remove any musty smells.

Inspect for any signs of pests that may have made your camper their winter home. Seal any gaps or holes where pests could have entered.

Step 6: Test Exterior Components

Check the roof for any damage, cracks, or worn seals. Repair any issues to prevent leaks during the upcoming season.

Inspect all windows and doors for proper sealing. Ensure that locks and handles are functioning smoothly.

Turn on the exterior lights and check that all are working properly. Replace any bulbs or fuses as needed.

Can I use regular antifreeze to winterise my camper?

No, regular antifreeze is toxic and harmful to your plumbing. Always use non-toxic RV antifreeze, which is safe for your water system and environment. It prevents freezing and ensures your pipes stay intact.

Should I cover my camper in winter?

Yes, covering your camper protects it from snow, ice, and UV damage. A breathable cover prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to mould or mildew. Ensure the cover fits well and allows airflow to avoid trapped humidity.