winter lay up advice

[ROBRIOS]

Hi guys

I will be laying up my camper for a few months over the winter and would like to know what the best practice is for this.

The van will be outside but I have the use of a just campers cover l have borrowed off my sister.

The van is kept loaded up with camping gear ready to go except or food and clothes.

Is it best to remove bedding, covers, curtains etc ?

Any point putting bowls of salt in the van for absorbing damp ?

Any advice/tips gratefully received

Rob

[leebo]

deffinatley go with the salt

[thebobster]

Don't lay it up for winter - USE IT !!
Even if you don't go camping over the winter you may get nice days when you could go for a picnic or other day out. I use my van as a daily drive and I still get a buzz from doing my shopping and then sitting down to a nice cuppa and slice of toast in Tesco's car park.

[R0B]

I think moisture traps would be better than salt.But as stated.Using it is the better option.

[Ian Hulley]

winter lay up advice

Don't

[supergalaxy]

Bowls of rice, or better still big bags of rice from an Asian supermarket. The salt could get spilt and cause a rust problem.

I do go with the 'Drive It' idea but theres salt on the roads too so we can't win whatever we do.

[Cruz]

DRIVE IT

If you are bothered about salt then wash it regularly.

These vans like being driven and not sat idle for months. It saves money in the long run as they run better

[ROBRIOS]

Ok

Monday to Friday I am at work, I am a self employed bathroom and wetroom fitter so obviously I am in my work van.

My wife commutes by car to work on a 90 mile round trip leaving the house at 6.30 and parks in a carpark the camper won't fit into so she ain't going to be using it.

That leaves Saturday and Sunday to USE IT

We got the camper to enjoy some good family time together with our 3 year old son and have a few adventures in along the way, something we have done through the summer and into autumn

Given that it is winter and it has been known to rain and snow now and again in Yorkshire I don't think I will have that many days when a family day out will be on the cards.

Now as I said it's taxed and mot'd so I Can take it out for a good run if time and weather allows, the point is it will be parked up for a few weeks at a time and that is a fact.

I will be able to start and run it on a weekend on the drive

What do other members do in this situation?

[Daffy]

Like you, this is my first winter so I asked about this as we too are using the van less. Consensus seems to be don't cover it, use a good quality wax instead (there's a whole thread on which wax if you search for it) clear out as much if the interior as possible (bedding, clothing etc) and dry store, add these 'moisture sachets' /salt or rice (sachets are cheap on fleabay) plus a bit of airflow and you should avoid that damp musty smell. I try to use at least fortnightly for a jolly, even if we drive for a bit, walk the dogs then make a cuppa and return. Failing that I'll do the weekly shop but use the van instead of our normal vehicle just to give him a run. We've got our last scheduled 'camp out' this coming weekend then I will be doing all of the above (although I've done the waxing bit already). Good luck.

[ROBRIOS]

Cheers dafy great advice

I will empty the van and source some sachets this weekend.

[California Dreamin]

Ideally:
Remove batteries and store off the gound on wood or similar....do not allow them to freeze, overnight charge them every 6 - 8 weeks. Or if left on the vehicle, charge them regularly with a home charger (might be more often if powering an alarm 3 - 4 weeks).
Drain off on board water/waste & portaloo
Add screen wash additive to 50:50 mix run through jets.
Check Antifreeze strength and add as necessary.
Jack up vehicle and put on axle stands to take the weight off the tyres.
Release the hand brake to minimise shoe to drum binding.
Wrap the wheels in black plastic bin liners to ellimate sun degridation on the tyres.
Start and run the engine for 10 minutes every 3 - 4 weeks.
Change the oil and filter at the start of the new season (after storage)
Close all curtains to minimise light bleaching on cushion covers and seats.
Take all cushions and upholstery away for cold surfaces/windows and outter skin of the van.
Definately use dehumidifier boxes but make sure they are stood on trays just in case they leak.
Lube your locks & handles (WD40 etc) so they don't freeze solid.
Properly wash and wax the exterior paintwork.
Take out all your food (tins/sachets etc) they will need using anyway.
Remove your camping cloths & bedding.


I'm sure there might be a few more advisories but these are the main ones.

Martin

[ROBRIOS]

That's great Martin, thanks very much.

Rob