Home › Forums › General Discussion › Preparing For Winter…
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24th October 2019 at 15:25 #1987
This is the time of year that I think is best to get the Exsis ready for winter, before the frosts and while the weather is still mild enough to happily work outside…
Tyres sorted – good treads and pumped up, windscreen treated with Rain-X (or similar) and check the wipers, treat all the door rubber seals (I use silicon, spray or grease, others use Vaseline, talcum powder, etc.) in order to stop the rubbers sticking together in frosts.
Ensure not only a correct mix of antifreeze in the engine cooling system, but also antifreeze in the washer bottle. Jetwash the step and ensure it is running freely and apply the correct lubricant to door and water/elec cap locks to ensure they don’t freeze (don’t use oil! Graphite powder is probably the best). Top up with gas and diesel, the latter to reduce condensation in the fuel tank, and the gas tank filled to ensure a supply if there’s a mid- winter emergency at home – mid way through cooking Christmas dinner, for example! This really did happen to me ar home one year and we finished off the cooking in the motorhome!).
I top up with water because I go away at times throughout the winter, but I keep my Exsis heated/dehumidified so freezing is not a problem – many of you will drain down, I guess. Some protective polish/silicon where necessary and you should then be able to drive with confidence throughout the winter.
If you’re laying up your Exsis over winter (I don’t – it’s the most peaceful time to camp, in winter!), then a whole different set of parameters apply. My Number One recommendation for a laid- laid up Exsis is to use a proper, small, 240volt dehumidifier. They’re inexpensive (about £120-ish) and will prevent damp getting into carpet, upholstery, mattress, etc. Internal water will not freeze if you get one that has a ‘frost’ setting. Failing that, a greenhouse heater on a ‘frost’ setting is good to keep damp at bay – we all recognise that smell… of old motorhomes on sales lots! It stops the tanks freezing too. Otherwise, if you’re not supplying a degree of warmth during frosts (and not everyone has a access to mains electricity where they park) ensure all tanks are drained and waterways blown through. Leave all taps open after isolating the electrics by removing fuses or switching off the master switch. Batteries (vehicle and habitation) should be trickle charged or removed for periodic charging if you cannot do it in situ.
Laying up the Exsis is so much easier if you have access to an electrical outlet – just a bit more hassle and needs attention if you don’t. Insulating the big screen can help, but leaving blinds pulled up can weaken the springs. It hardly needs mentioning but leave the toilet clean and fresh. Also wedge the fridge door open, after cleaning and polishing the inside.
If you have any other suggestions for your laying up procedures, we’d all be pleased to hear them.
Barry
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24th October 2019 at 18:25 #1988
Some good points there, boss.
I always pull out that long shower head/tap hose and remove the head, then blow through the hose to expel all water droplets with kitchen tap and boiler drain valve open. Open fresh and waste tank valves and with everything secure take the van for a little spin to shake water out.
Many years ago I had the hose pop out past the retaining pin of the washbasin tap (think you did too?). This was probably due to droplets of water freezing and expanding and before I took precautions.
I put some insulation between the outer wall and the hose (I believe you did).
I only use a heater on very low in severe frost using a timer.
We often have the odd days away during winter (in fact I’m off this weekend unless blown off course by the weather) – especially as overflow accommodation if visiting at Christmas, and as a ‘Day Van’ on a day out to keep the wheels turning.
A good thought in case some of our newer members are new to motor homing.
Fred
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