Storing your Campervan over Winter: Keeping Damp, Damage and Dodgy Weather at Bay
Unless you’re a hardcore camper, most campervan owners park their ride up for at least a couple of months over winter. Giving your van a break and a bit of winter TLC will make all the difference when spring finally rolls round. Our Swamper T6 stays on the road as the winter workhorse, but we are packing away the VW Crafter and our classic 79 Bay Window right now, so here are the simple steps and kit we trust to keep them dry, secure and ready for the next road trip.
Why Winter Storage Matters?
Months of cold, wet weather can take a real toll on a camper. Paintwork gets hammered by constant moisture, seals can freeze, interiors get musty and batteries slowly drain themselves flat. Leave things unchecked and you might be greeted by mouldy cushions, dodgy electrics or that dreaded mildew smell come March. Luckily, a bit of prep and the right gear will keep everything shipshape.
Start With Protection From the Elements
A good cover is your van’s winter coat. Our Campervan Covers are designed to keep rain, frost and grime off your pride and joy while still letting the bodywork breathe. That means no trapped moisture, no paint blistering and far less elbow grease when you finally whip the cover off in spring.
Benefits of using a winter cover:
- Purpose made covers for a range of VW's including T2 Bays & Splittys ,more modern T25, T3, T4, T5, T6 and larger models like our own Crafter or Sprinters.
- Breathable yet weatherproof fabric keeps rain out and lets condensation escape.
- Soft inner lining protects paintwork on classics like our 79 Bay Window.
For bigger vans like the Crafter, a proper cover stops winter grime collecting in roof vents, solar panels and every panel gap of the bodywork. For older beauties like the Bay, it helps look after those original panels and ageing rubbers that really feel the cold.
Beat Damp Before It Starts
Even the best sealed camper will build up moisture when it sits for weeks, especially in the classic Vdubs. That is where Absodry Moisture Absorbers earn their keep. These neat dehumidifiers quietly pull excess moisture out of the air, helping prevent mould, mildew and that clammy smell that loves to settle into upholstery.
Why we use Absodry:
- No power needed, just pop one inside the living space or in the cab.
- Protects fabric seats, curtains and bedding from condensation and damp patches.
- Great for classics where older seals and window rubbers can let more moisture creep in.
We keep Absodry inside both our Crafter and our 79 Bay all winter. Come spring, everything still smells fresh rather than dank and musty.
Look After Your Battery
Cold weather is notorious for flattening campervan batteries, especially if your van sits for long periods. A dead battery is never a fun surprise, so we use the Maypole 6V/12V Smart Charger to keep things topped up.
Smart Charger benefits:
- Ideal for leisure and starter batteries in all VW campers.
- Smart charging adjusts automatically to keep the battery healthy without overcharging.
- Winter friendly design helps prevent sulphation, one of the main causes of battery failure after storage.
We simply hook up the charger every few weeks to avoid that sinking feeling when you turn the key for the first time in months.
Keep Your Camper Secure
With your pride and joy tucked away for winter, security is worth a thought too. A visible deterrent goes a long way, the Maypole Wheel Clamp range with clamps to fit all van types. For ‘belt and braces’ and complete peace of mind use in combination with a Universal Steering Wheel Lock.
Why it helps:
- Bright, heavy duty and quick to fit, perfect for when your camper is parked up for weeks.
- Universal design works across VW models from modern Transporters to classic Bays.
- Adds peace of mind whether your van lives on the drive, in storage or on the street.
Final Winter Checks
- Give the van a good clean before covering it so you are not trapping dirt or moisture.
- Open cupboards and lockers so air can move around.
- Remove any food or anything that might attract winter visitors.
- Leave handbrake off if possible and chock the wheels to avoid sticking brakes.
With a few simple steps and the right winter kit, your camper will take the cold months in its stride. When the first warm weekend appears, you will be ready to roll without any nasty surprises. Explore our winter protection gear today and get your van wrapped up cosy for the season.
The FL Team