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5 Things to Check Before Storing Your Caravan for the Winter
4th Mar 2026
Caravan Winter Storage
Whether you’re using a dedicated caravan winter storage facility or storing your caravan elsewhere, a little preparation before winter can prevent problems when you’re ready to travel again.
Over the years, we’ve spoken to plenty of caravan owners who admit they’ve parked their caravan up after the last trip of the season and thought, “I’ll sort that out later.”
It’s a bit like leaving your school homework to the last minute and then having to stay up all night drinking Red Bull to get it finished. Let’s face it, after unpacking, tackling a mountain of washing and getting back into the routine of everyday life, preparing your caravan for storage isn’t always top of the priority list.
The trouble is that a few small jobs left undone now can become much bigger and more expensive problems a few months down the line. In our experience, spending a couple of hours preparing your caravan properly before winter arrives can save a lot of frustration when you’re ready to head off again in the spring.
Here are five simple checks we always recommend before putting your caravan into winter storage:
1. A Good Clean Now Can Save Problems Later
If we’re honest, cleaning is rarely someone’s favourite job when they’ve just got back from holiday. However, it’s one of the most important things you can do before putting your caravan into winter storage.
A thorough clean inside and out not only removes dirt, road grime, dead flies and bird droppings but also any food crumbs that may have found their way into cupboards and corners during your trip and which could start to fester or attract rodents, if left.
We’ve found that caravans stored clean and dry tend to come out of winter in much better condition than those that are simply parked up and forgotten about. They tend to smell better too.
While you’re cleaning, it’s also a good opportunity to check for any damage that may need attention before the weather turns colder and the days get shorter.
2. Damp Has a Habit of Appearing Where You Least Expect It
If we had to pick one thing that worries caravan owners most, it would probably be damp and condensation.
In our experience, condensation causes just as many headaches as damp during the winter months. A caravan can look perfectly dry when you lock it up, but if moisture becomes trapped inside, it can create problems over time.
Before putting your caravan into storage, check areas where condensation is most likely to build up, such as around windows, inside cupboards and beneath seating areas. Allowing air to circulate through the caravan can also help reduce the risk of moisture becoming trapped. Many owners will leave internal doors, cupboards and wardrobes slightly open to encourage airflow throughout the caravan during storage.
It’s a simple step, but one that can help reduce the risk of moisture-related problems developing whilst your caravan is in winter storage.
Read our tips for avoiding caravan damp here.
3. Don't Leave Maintenance Until the Day Before Your First Trip
One thing we’ve noticed over the years is that many caravan owners don’t think about servicing or maintenance until they’re ready to use the caravan again.
The problem is that if you discover an issue the day before you’re due to leave, it can quickly take the shine off an upcoming trip.
Before putting your caravan into winter storage, it’s worth checking your battery, tyres and any maintenance items that may need attention. Regular servicing can also help identify potential issues before they become bigger and more expensive problems.
At Barnfield, customers have access to an independent caravan engineer on site, making it easier to arrange servicing, damp checks and safety inspections before the new season begins.
A little forward planning now can help ensure your caravan is ready to go when you’re ready to start travelling again.
4. Give Your Tyres Some Attention
Your tyres work hard throughout the touring season, so it’s worth giving them a little attention before putting your caravan away.
Check the tyre pressure [we have air for types available on site] and inspect the tyres for any obvious signs of damage, cracking or uneven wear.
It’s also worth remembering that your caravan could remain in the same position for several months, so following the manufacturer’s guidance on long-term storage is always sensible.
Like many maintenance jobs, it’s much easier to deal with any issues before storage rather than discovering them on the morning you’re due to leave for your next holiday.
At Barnfield Storage Park, secure caravan winter storage provides peace of mind while your vehicle is not in use.
5. Think Carefully About Where You're Storing It
Preparing your caravan for winter storage is important, but where you store it can be just as important.
After all, you’ve spent time cleaning it, checking it and getting everything ready for the colder months, so you want to know it’s being stored in a well-managed environment.
When choosing a storage facility, it’s worth considering factors such as security, access arrangements, site maintenance and whether the facility holds recognised industry accreditations such as CaSSOA. Read all about CaSSOA accreditation and what it means here.
At Barnfield Storage Park, we’ve been helping caravan owners store their vehicles since 1998 and understand the importance of giving customers confidence that their caravan is being looked after, while it’s not in use.
A little preparation now, combined with choosing the right storage facility, can help ensure your caravan is ready and waiting when the new season arrives.
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By following these simple steps before entering caravan winter storage, you’ll be in a much better position to enjoy a trouble-free start to the next touring season.