Winterisation

[Sparkalicious]

So may as well get the first of many threads on this topic.

What does everyone recommend doing? So far I have:

• Drain down - done by site
• Salt in bowls dotted around the place - I'm going to use cat litter in pairs of tights
• Mattresses and all soft furnishings moved away from the walls
• Set boiler and rads to frost protection
• Antifreeze in all the traps and loos
• Remove and dry shower head
• Turn off fridge/freezer and keep door open
• Hide the TV where it can't be seen from outside
• Vacuum seal all duvets and pillows

Any more for any more? This will be my first proper winterisation. The site were supposed to do it last time around but I don't think it was that great. No salt put down anywhere  :o. I'd rather do as much as I can to have it ready and then what ever they do when they do the drain down can be a nice addition



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[Ian157]

Sounds about right.

Though i thought part of the site doing a drain down is they should  antifreeze toilet systems and traps etc as part of the drain down process.
Our site does the drain down and all of that is included.

You might have an issue leaving the boiler on frost setting as if like our site the electricity is turned off during the closed season.
The radiator part of the boiler system has antifreeze anyway. Which should be checked during a boiler service.

Ian



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[Sparkalicious]

I think you are right Ian. I just don't mind going above and beyond to make sure everything is done. As I have found, the site maintenance guys can be a bit hit and miss depending on who you get.

Below is what they claim you are paying for:

Drain down service – a drain down of all water pipes, anti-freeze added protection, Fernox level check & top up – used in central heating units to prevent frozen pipes and parts (additional cost may apply), tap adjustment, shower disconnection and a drain up once the cold weather has passed.

Notice no mention of salt or an dehumidifying process.

As for the leccy, pretty sure they can't turn it off otherwise the alarm wouldn't work. I'm also planning on putting up a security camera facing the door just in case anyone decides to visit so would like power for that.

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[Ian157]

No. The dehumidifiers would be down to yourself to install as it's not part of the drain down service.

Will you be leaving an internet connection on during the closed period then?
Also if anything does go wrong with the drain down with the site doing it you do have a comeback with the site and insurance where as if you do it yourself you don't.
I would rather pay the extra than do it myself with these Floe systems that many people tend use. I would not be confident that i would do it properly. 

Ian

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[Sparkalicious]

When I said dehumidifying, I meant bowls of salt, something like that. It used to be part of a service they offered but I think they stopped it. Hence the kitty litter on my part.

If I have the security cam then yeah I'll leave the internet on. My 3 sim came today and that has 200 Mb free every month. More than enough as long as there isn't a party in the 'van that set off the camera and it starts streaming video 

I'm the same as you mate. No idea how to do it properly, it's probably very simple but I am not taking the risk and like you said if anything goes wrong I can point fingers. Not that they'd care much. 

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[Scorpio]

Hi, that is a good list.  The only things I would suggest are;
Instead of salt, you could use cheap dehumidifier sachets - I use the ones with a hanger and put them on the rail in the wardrobe (they are usually less than £1 each).
Get a piece of water pipe insulation foam and cut it into small pieces; use these to hold cupboard, fridge/freezer and wardrobe doors slightly open, allowing better airflow. and they don't fall off if anyone opens the doors.
It is recommended to remove the shower thermostatic mixer because they can hold water and become damaged if it freezes.  (This may not be necessaey if the heating system is on frost protect, with gas and electricity on).

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[Sparkalicious]

Nice, I like the water pipe insulation idea to keep fridge and freezer open and I have some kicking about. We used a tea towel last year but this sounds better. So you'd recommend keeping the wardrobe and cupboard doors slightly ajar as well? I'll keep that in mind.

I'll have to look at the mixer valve. I thought that would get emptied when they do the blow out of all the pipes for the drain down. The connections for our one are accessed through the corridor. Has a tiny access hatch.

I'm going to use cat litter instead of salt. Nice and absorbent and costs tuppence. Used to use it when I stored my classic mini over the winter to stop mould setting in. Didn't stop the mice though 

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[Sparkalicious]

Oh and another thing to add to my list.

• Bring home all nets and curtains

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[Scorpio]

Have a good journey home; it is always sad to leave a caravan for the closed season, especially after such a short summer season.  Hopefully, next year will be better. 
Our Site is not closing this winter, so we can visit any time if the weather is reasonable and Government restrictions allow it.  We need to drain down whenever the van is left unoccupied (for over 48 hours) between November and March, so I will be doing it myself - otherwise I would have to pay several times for the Site to do it.
Anyway, best wishes for the future.


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[snarg53]

Our site is open all year round and we plan to visit at least once or twice a month over the winter months.
We are planning to leave the central heating on low when we are not here (we have mains gas, so no risk of running out), hoping that means we don't have to do a drain down each time we leave. Anyone else take a similar approach?

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[Scorpio]

I do a winter drain down because it is required by the insurer (from November to March, whenever the van is unoccupied for 48 hours or longer).  I also have the heating on Frost Protect setting, but some of the pipes are below the van floor, so could be exposed.  If you don't drain down, I would suggest turning the main water supply off, just in case a leak occurs and put some antifreeze in the traps and u-bends..



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[DaveE]

Snarg53, Coronavirus restrictions excepted, we are on an 11 months site and use our ‘vans regularly throughout  that open period. We do this by having an easy drain system installed which means the whole process is quick and simple each time we leave the ‘van to come home.
There are different systems available, Floe and Caraguard  being two options. If you are wanting to use your ‘van in the winter months I would suggest it is well worth getting one of these.

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[Scorpio]

Looks like all our plans are changing again - another lockdown for at least 4 weeks.  We need to go to the van early this week to do a full drain down and prepare it for winter.
Don't know when we will be able to visit again, possibly not until next year, although the Site was planned to stay open continuously until January 2022.  Lets hope this lockdown will get the virus under control.
Stay well everybody and lets hope the future is brighter !


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[Sparkalicious]

I get what you are saying Scorpio. Everything changed. As soon as it started leaking about a lockdown at 3pm on Saturday I did a quick emergency trip (5 1/2 hours) to the van to do a close down and then the trip back the next day. Am shattered 

Site recon they'll stay closed now till March when they would normally be back open. They aren't even sure if they will be able to do the drain downs as the maintenance guys may not be allowed back on site.

Not sure what all the owners will do that couldn't whizz back down there before Thursday. Presume the site will be asking for money etc for all the services they offer.

Fingers crossed all friends and family will at least get some form of Christmas together.

Stay safe all.

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