Unless a caravan is used fairly regularly it will deteriorate. So if you don't intend to caravan during the winter, there are certain things you'll need to do to keep it in good shape for next season.
Exterior
Drain down any under-floor or internal water tank fitted to the van and the water heater, then close the drain taps or valves to keep creepy-crawlies from getting in.
Drain the toilet's fresh water tank, but there's no harm in leaving the usual charge of toilet chemical and a little water in the waste tank.
Chock the wheels and cover them to protect them from the elements. Check the pressures regularly and inflate as necessary because under-inflation is a major cause of tyre deterioration.
Leave the handbrake off to prevent the shoes from freezing or seizing on the drums. Then give the van a thorough wash and polish to protect the paintwork from the elements.
Fit a winter cover to the fridge ventilator grill to prevent the refrigerant from freezing.
If the van is connected to the mains and has a battery charger, you can leave the leisure battery in place, but remember to check the electrolyte levels every few weeks and keep them topped up. If the van isn't connected to the mains, remove the leisure battery and store it in your garage. Use
a battery charger every month or so to keep it charged. Again, check and, if necessary, top up the electrolyte at regular intervals.
Interior
Inside the van, empty the fridge, all lockers and cupboards of food or any other items that may be affected by damp. Leave the cupboard doors open to allow the air to circulate. The same goes for items under the seats, beds and other storage areas. Leave all the taps – sink, basin, shower – open.
Seat cushions and backs, and other upholstery, except curtains, should be removed and stored in
a warm, dry room in your home. If that isn't possible, stand them on end in the caravan to allow the air to circulate around them and turn them every week or so.
If the van is connected to the mains, leave a small fan heater plugged in and switched to its frost setting. It will come on when the temperature drops to keep
the worst of the cold and damp away, but it won't use much electricity. It's also a good
idea – and vital if the van isn't connected to the mains – to put two or three moisture absorbers
in it. They don't cost much and
will keep damp – a van's worst enemy – to a minimum.
Finally, close all the curtains. If the van has the latest concertina night blinds, which can be left in any position, you can use them instead. However, don't close the blinds if they are spring-operated, because their return springs will be serioudly weakened if left shut for a long time. Instead, stick with shutting only the curtains.
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