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Winterising a static caravan
Owning a static caravan means you've always got a home away from home ready to escape to. But most UK holiday parks close for part of the winter, and the cold months are when caravans are most at risk of frozen pipes, damp, and mould.
Winterising — draining down your water system and properly preparing the interior and exterior — protects your investment and means you can reopen in spring without nasty surprises. Here's everything you need to do, in order.
To help prepare for the season of holiday park hibernation, you’ll want to shut down and carefully ‘winterise’ your caravan to keep it safe and in good condition when you’re ready to open it back up.Â
When to winterise your static caravan?
Most owners winterise in late October to November, before the first hard frost — but the safest rule is to act as soon as your park confirms its closure dates, or before overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing in your area. Leaving it too late risks frozen, burst pipes, which is one of the most common (and expensive) winter caravan claims.
Winterising properly typically takes 2–3 hours for a full static caravan, so set aside an afternoon rather than rushing it.
What you'll need
- Newspaper
- Bowls
- Salt or silica gel sachets
- Antifreeze (caravan-safe, non-toxic plumbing antifreeze)
- WD40
How to drain down a static caravan
Draining your caravan's water system is the single most important step — skipping it is the leading cause of winter pipe damage.
- Flush the toilet and add antifreeze. Lift the cistern lid and flush. As it refills, add caravan-safe antifreeze in a roughly three-to-one ratio of water to antifreeze.
- Remove the shower hose and head. Trapped water left inside can freeze, expand, and crack the fitting.
- Turn off the water supply at the stopcock (the drain-down valve).
- Run every tap until no more water comes through the pipes.
- Turn off the central heating and water systems, and disconnect/store any gas bottles safely.
If you're not confident doing this yourself, most parks can recommend a professional drain-down service.
How to stop damp in a static caravan over winter
Damp is the second biggest risk after frozen pipes, and it's largely preventable:
- Ventilate, don't seal. Leave cupboard doors, wardrobe doors, and drawers open so air can circulate.
- Stand mattresses upright rather than leaving them flat, to stop moisture pooling underneath.
- Use moisture absorbers. Place bowls of salt or silica gel sachets around the caravan — both draw moisture out of the air cheaply and effectively.
- Remove soft furnishings (curtains, nets, cushions, rugs) that can trap damp and encourage mould, or vacuum-pack and take them home.
- Push furniture toward the centre of the room, away from exterior walls where condensation is most likely to form.
Preparing the interior room by room
Bedrooms
Pack up valuables to take home, and vacuum-pack duvets, blankets, and soft furnishings. Stand mattresses upright if you have the space, and leave wardrobe doors open to keep air moving.
Kitchen
Empty the fridge and freezer completely, and wipe them down with a weak bicarbonate of soda solution. Clear every cupboard — including unopened food, which can attract pests over winter — and clean worktops, the oven, microwave, and toaster. Leave cupboard doors open.
Lounge
Roll up rugs, pull cushions away from the walls, and pack away soft furnishings. Take all valuables home, including the TV.
Final interior check
Do one last walk-through: remove anything irreplaceable, push furniture to the centre of each room, check air vents are clear, and turn off the electricity at the mains.
Winterising the exterior
- Check pipes and guttering are clear and draining properly.
- Block any gaps where insects or rodents could get in.
- Inspect the roof, chassis, and windows for leaks or loose joints.
- Remove caravan steps if possible, to deter unwanted access.
- Disconnect and safely store any gas bottles.
We recommend checking the roof, chassis, and windows for leaks or loose joints and removing your steps if possible.Â
Finally, if your caravan has a gas bottle, disconnect it and store the canister safely.
Insurance and notifying the park
Once you've finished, let your holiday park know your caravan is winterised and ready for the season — and tell them when you're planning to return. It's also worth contacting your static caravan insurance provider to confirm you're covered correctly over the closed season; some policies require proof of winterisation to remain valid.
Find out moreStatic caravan winterising checklist
Interior
- Remove personal belongings and valuables
- Remove or vacuum-pack soft furnishings
- Stand mattresses and seat cushions on their side
- Unplug all electrical items
- Remove all food, including unopened items
- Clean every room from top to bottom
- Leave cupboards and drawers open
- Check door seals and windows for cracks
- Clear air vents
- Leave out bowls of salt or silica gel
Draining down
- Turn off central heating and water systems
- Disconnect and store gas bottles
- Turn off the electricity at the mains
- Turn off and disconnect the water supply at the stopcock
- Open drain valves
- Run taps and add antifreeze to the toilet, sink, and plug holes
- Flush the toilet and run taps until dry
Exterior
- Check walls, roof, and underneath the caravan for damage
- Clear debris and leaves from guttering, roof, and underneath the caravan
- Remove steps if possible
Before you leave
- Notify the park that you've winterised the caravan
- Notify your insurance provider
FAQs
When should I winterise my static caravan? Before the first hard frost — usually late October to November in the UK, or as soon as your park's closed season begins.
Can I winterise my static caravan myself? Yes, with basic tools and an afternoon to spare. If you're not confident draining the water system, a professional drain-down service is a safer option.
What happens if I don't winterise my caravan? Untreated pipes can freeze and burst, causing leaks and water damage that's costly to repair, and an unventilated caravan is far more likely to develop damp and mould over winter.
How long does winterising take? Around 2–3 hours for a full static caravan, depending on its size.
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Kate Watts
Kate has been part of Away Resorts for many years, beginning her journey as a Holiday Home Advisor at Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park. She’s passionate about sharing authentic experiences that show what makes Away Resorts so special, whether that’s alpaca walks, surfing on the FlowRider, or simply enjoying time together in beautiful locations. Outside of work, Kate loves spending time by the coast and countryside. Her favourite spots include the beaches at St Ives Bay, wandering around Padstow, and exploring the stunning New Forest countryside around Sandy Balls Holiday Village.
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