Winter drawers on

Hi all,

Since the clock changed today and I am not expecting to get out much later this year, I spent most of the day laying up the van.

Hope to get out for the odd day during the winter as I am a great believer in using kit to keep it in good trim. This will stop the tyres getting flat spots and gives the sidewalls a work out to keep them flexible. (experts say the need to be constantly used and replaced every 5-6 years irrespective of tread) turning the engine over helps all the belts (esp the timing belt which apperently needs to be changed at time intervals rather than mileage). AND it keeps your spirits up until the 'nice' weather returns.

Filled the fuel tank to stop condensation and it will be dearer next season.
Placed corks under the wiper arms to stop rubber sticking to glass.
Emptied water, including washer bottle.
Emptied as much cushioning, clothing and soft furnishings to reduce dampness.
Started 24/7 tubular heater.
Handbrake off.
Corrugated plastic sheets (same as estate agents for sale signs) placed against tyres to ward off U.V.
Food etc. cleared.
Mousetrap set (hair trigger, baited with sliver of 'finger of fudge' ) Had one in a caravan once. How he got in still a mystery but chewed lots of carpet etc.
All cupboards etc open.
Wash with Fenwicks motorhome cleaner, rinse with 'Bobby Dazzler' (interior of van previously cleaned).
Cover put on. (that should raise a debate) My van is under a tree and is prone to lots of green algae, so it is easier to keep clean.

The van has raised 'walls' along both sides which makes the cover sag, so i made a ridge pole with downspouting capped at each end with 'shoes' and supported over the length of the roof by blocks of wood and spouting clips. Hope it works!!

Probably did other bits but can't recall them, but feel free to add your tips and routine.

All the best,

Davy

@Davy

Your post was from 2011, do you still do all of the above?

Different van now and different house, so no longer use a cover to protect from sap etc, although I still would happily use a breathable cover if necessary. The current van is fully winterised so it gets used pretty much all year.
We seem to average about 100 nights and also have day trips, so whilst I still drain down after each trip, the van now stays in a constant state of readiness. I simply increase the concentration of fluid in the washer bottles to avoid freezing pipes but still religiously use corks any time the van will be sitting for more than a day.
Don’t use a tubular heater now and simply allow the temperature of the van to mirror the external temperature which leads to less likelihood of damp or condensation. Being retired also helps as the doors and some vents are opened for a period each day.
I use ‘forever black’ tyre preserver on the tyres. Paint it on every few weeks. It is a dye which keeps the wheels looking good, but contains similar UV protective properties to those incorporated into the carcass of the tyre when manufactured. Good stuff, not cheap, but I like it, especially when you read the science behind it. Buy mine on amazon.
Still a great believer in kit staying in better condition if used regularly, it also helps the engine stay exercised, and the tyres prevented from flatting which also pumps those polymers from the carcass of the tyres to the outer walls to protect the rubber. It acts as a sacrificial layer absorbing the UV. That is why tyres which do not get used turn grey. The polymers have been degraded and not replaced through use. Tyre science is very interesting!
Think that’s about it.

Davy