Table of contents
To ensure that your motorhome or off-road camper gets through the cold season safely, you should prepare it carefully before winter. As a premium manufacturer, VANME attaches great importance to ensuring that every vehicle is perfectly protected in terms of technology and craftsmanship – and we recommend that you do the same when preparing your vehicle for winter.
Removing food – protection against frost and damage
Check every corner of the storage space. Even small provisions or tinned food can burst in winter and cause major damage to the camper.
Clear out care products & bath accessories
Frost causes many liquids to burst. Therefore, remove shampoo, shower gel and all liquid care products – especially in off-road campers, which are often exposed to low temperatures.
Clean the fridge & leave it open
Before leaving for a longer period of time, clean thoroughly and leave to dry with the door open. This will prevent mold from forming.
Protect upholstery & textiles
Upholstery should be raised and loose textiles removed. This reduces the moisture load in the interior of your motorhome.
Cleaning the interior – for a perfect start to the season
A clean interior prevents crumbs and food scraps from attracting small animals. Vacuum and wipe the interior thoroughly.
Secure gas system
Close all gas taps completely, drain residual gas and remove gas cylinders or cartridges. Safety has top priority.
The most important step: remove water from the motorhome
Water is the biggest danger for campers in winter. Frozen water can destroy tanks, boilers, pipes and pumps. Careful draining is essential.
Empty fresh water tank
- Open the drain tap or use the pump
- Do not let the pump run dry for too long
- Open the cleaning opening (if present)
- Leave drain valves open in winter
Empty the hot water boiler
With FrostControl:
- Set the lever to the open position (across the direction of flow)
- Water drains automatically under the vehicle
Without FrostControl:
- Open the drain valve or safety valve
- Drain water via underfloor drilling
Important: Leave the drain taps and FrostControl open during the winter.
Drain pipes & fittings
- Switch on the pump
- Open all tapping points (kitchen, shower, outdoor shower)
- Stop the pump as soon as the water stops flowing
- Leave valves open in the middle position
Blow through pipes with air
A balloon is the simplest solution:
- inflate
- Place opening over tap
- Forcing air through the pipes
- Repeat until no more drops escape
Ideal for off-road campers who are exposed to extreme cold.
Empty waste water tank
- Empty tank completely via drain valves
- Leave valves open in winter
- Actuate electric valves 2-3 times
- Remove siphons or blow through with air
Protecting the electrics in your motorhome
So that your body battery survives the winter well:
- Disconnect the battery main switch
- Fully charge batteries before winter
- Recharge occasionally during long downtimes
- Only charge lithium-ion batteries in warm conditions at temperatures below 5°C
Note: Damage caused by incorrect winter preparation is not covered by the guarantee/warranty of VANME GmbH.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about winterizing a motorhome
The VANME recommendation – Winter as an opportunity
A well-prepared motorhome or off-road camper not only guarantees a relaxed start to the next season, but also protects valuable technology and interior fittings.
VANME stands for high-quality, durable vehicles – and you should take the same care when winterizing them.
