12. Maintenance and upkeep
160
12.8 Winterizing the Caravan
For many people, the camping season ends when the temperature
starts to fall. Your caravan must be properly prepared for its winter
lay up
.
The following general rules apply:
• Only leave your caravan in an enclosed space if it is dry and
well-aired. Otherwise, it is better to leave your caravan in the
open.
• Cover the hitch head. Grease the brake linkage and winding
stanchions.
• Jack up the caravan if possible. Extend the corner steadies to
relieve the burden on wheels and axles to some extent. Use axle
stands to support the chassis.
• Close all gas bottles and emergency shutoff valves.
• If your vehicle has a battery (self-sufficient package), it should
be disconnected; ideally, remove it and store it safe from frost.
Check it about once a month to see if it is still charged; if not,
charge it.
• Leave space between tarpaulins and the caravan so as not to
hamper ventilation.
The following applies for tanks and containers:
• Clean, disinfect, descale and completely empty all water pipes
and taps. Leave taps open.
• Clean the fresh water tank and empty it by pulling out the over-
flow pipe
(see Chapter 8.2 Fresh water)
.
• Clean and empty the waste water tank.
• Clean and empty the toilet flushing tank (model-specific) and
the waste tank. Clean the toilet sliding flap, apply a lubricant for
seals and leave it open.
• Completely empty the therme/Combi heating system/boiler
*
.
• If your caravan is equipped with a hotwater heater: rinse the
water heater thoroughly and empty all of the water.
The following applies for the external structure:
• Wash the caravan thoroughly
(see 12.7)
.
• Check the vehicle for damages to the paint and other damages.
If necessary, repair these damages and carry out any other
necessary repairs.
• The exterior should be treated with wax or a special polish for
paint lacquer.
• Use a protective agent to protect the metal parts of the chassis
against rust.
• Check the chassis for damage and, if necessary, repair it. In
case of severe damages, contact your dealer.
• Ensure that no water can get into the venting on the floor, hea-
ting system and refrigerator venting (fit winter covers
*
).