Can someone give me a quick checklist for me if I'll be leaving a VW Transporter campervan on a drive for a few weeks.

[TheWearyOne]

We've only just bought it, and I'm acutely aware that I'm not sure what to do to "shut it down".

Examples:
The fridge is empty, off and open / vented
The gas bottle is disconnected - did i just need to make sure the valve was closed?
Do I need to flip the leisure battery circuit breakers off?

 

[SpeedyDux]

I used mine as a daily driver when I had a VW T4 camper. Or have days out and use it as a day van. Better than leaving it on the drive unused.

I made sure that the water system had been drained down as a safeguard against the risk of frost damage, but that is all.

 

[Spriddler]

In the 'Resources' section.......... three pages of advice/suggestions/opinions

WINTERISING YOUR MOTORHOME

This thread is for the general discussion of the Article Winterising Your Motorhome.

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[L' Hobo]

We've only just bought it, and I'm acutely aware that I'm not sure what to do to "shut it down".

Examples:
The fridge is empty, off and open / vented
The gas bottle is disconnected - did i just need to make sure the valve was closed?
Do I need to flip the leisure battery circuit breakers off?

Check the antifreeze, drain domestic water, remove food and use often on a 20mile run.
(Sit in the countryside or by the sea and have a cup of tea.) Simples!

 

[autorouter]

There will be a drain tap near the water heater tank, so make sure that is open. There will be a couple of other drain taps on the hot and cold water hoses somewhere, probably not very obvious. Also a drain on the main fresh water tank. Then it's a matter of getting the water out of the pipes and taps. Some people blow down the taps, and down the shower pipe after removing the shower head. An alternative is inflating a balloon and using that instead. Leave taps open, if it's a mixer tap leave it open in the centre position.

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[steve69]

Don't forget to make it as thiefproof as you can too.

 

[pappajohn]

No need to disconnect gas bottle. Just ensure it's turned off
Turn off any habitation control panel no need to touch fuses, again make sure everything is off.
Put both engine and hab batteries on charge every couple off weeks to maintain charge.
Drain all water....boiler, main tank, all pipework and leave taps open, mixer/shower tap mid position and open.
Open a roof vent slightly to allow air circulation
Remove any packet food, tins are ok, to help keep mice at bay.

 

[CharlieFIVE0]

I use a small solar trickle charger on my VW transporter when I am away... to keep the battery topped up. It can struggle to start after a few weeks parked in the winter.

I have found these are great on motorcycles over long park ups. I am not sure how much difference the motorcycle ones (at 75Ah - 1.5 Watt) would make to a larger van battery, but they wont make it worse, and its always started first time.

I use the Oxford Solarizer as I have several of them.

Halfords have a few, this one at 20w, and that is probably better for a motorhome.

MICE.... A neighbor had mice eat the wiring in her engine bay, leading to expensive repairs. You can buy battery powered and mains powered mouse repellers. Probably worth removing all food too.