Properly engrave the caravan and motorhome
Caravan and motorhome should also be properly prepared for the winter break. Then it's all the easier to get started next season. The Society for Technical Monitoring (GTÜ) explains how to wash the rolling housing, keep it dry and protect it from pests.
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Eine gründliche Wäsche von Aufbau und Unterboden tut dem Fahrzeug nach den Erlebnissen des Reisejahres gut. Gently clean water and a mild car shampoo, with a soft sponge and brush to choose from. A washing brush with telescopic handle is suitable for higher parts of the construction.
If the caravan is dry after washing, it is worth applying a seal. For this purpose, specialist retailers offer special waxes, for example, which can be removed with a cloth. Rubber seals enjoy a course of talc or other products intended for this purpose.
The complete drinking water system with tank and fittings should be emptied for winter. This also applies to drains with siphons and the waste water tank. After cleaning, it is important that the closures of fresh water and waste water tanks remain open. This allows the remaining moisture to evaporate, which prevents nucleation.
The on-board battery is the decisive source of energy for many caravans and motorhomes on holiday. The battery must never lose its voltage completely during the winter season, i.e. it must be fully discharged. The easiest way to prevent this is to charge the battery regularly over the winter. Depending on the parking space, the charger can remain connected to modern vehicles for the entire season break. Batteries should always be stored loaded in temperature-controlled rooms. This allows them to discharge much more slowly.
The gas cylinder should not only be screwed tight at the end of the season, it should also be disconnected from the line and fitted with a protective cap. Winter covers for the outer openings prevent pests from entering the interior. Regular ventilation must be ensured - also for this reason. For this reason, the cabinet doors remain open during the seasonal break and the upholstery is raised. Anyone who wants to play it safe can set up air dehumidifiers. Coffee powder helps against bad odours.
In order to protect the tyres from damage to their position, they should take a break from winter with slightly increased internal pressure - around 0.5 bar above the recommended tyre pressure for the caravan. Tyre weighing with a semi-circular mount also relieves the tyre construction. The curved legs on the caravan also ensure good weight distribution.
When the caravan is well secured for the winter weather, the handbrake may be released. Otherwise there is a risk that the blocks will jam on the drums or that the trains will no longer move after winter. Conversely, when starting the new season, it is important to check the reliable functioning of the overrun brake of the caravan.
The right neighbourhood contributes a lot to the successful overtaking of the caravan. A dry place is best, for example under a carport or in a hall. If you are looking for a subordinate option, it may be worth checking with the local dealer, who is generally well networked. (ampnet/deg)
