OK, stupid question, I am about to put the eriba away in the barn for the winter,it doesn't get to freezing in there but should I empty the WC flush and does the slide on the waste tank need to be treated to stop the rubber perishing?????, I have emptied the water tank and left the taps open

Many thanks

I would empty the flush tank to prevent bacteria growing in the liquid, Thetford do a spray on lubricating liquid if you are worried about the seal.

Quote: hob wrote in post #2

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Thetford do a spray on lubricating liquid if you are worried about the seal.

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If you've got a 'newish' type of cassette then unlike the earlier models it is possible to unscrew the entire centre section allowing for easy access to the inner workings in addition to making removal of the rubber seal an absolute doddle. Unlike me, I would highly recommend taking a photo with your mobile phone/smartphone after you've removed it (unlike me) because there are a couple of washers that need to be relocated the right way around.

Beforehand though, I would highly recommend buying and using some Thetford Tank Cleaner, filling the tank and leaving it to soak overnight. Even though we have only used our cassette four times this year I was surprised at just how much white deposit had built up around the working parts. Once these deposits have been removed you can then proceed with removing and lubricating the two rubbers (the seal and outer ring if you've got the removable access port as mentioned earlier). Don't use anything Petroleum Jelly related as it will eventually destroy the rubber - silicone as mentioned earlier or Thetfords own is the way.

OK, many thanks for all the comments, also should the windows be left on the first catch, slightly open?? pop top is up,

Some people stand the seat cushions upright away from the walls in case there is any internal condensation that may run down the walls and make them damp.

I don't drain down, my windows are closed, pop top down, uncovered, outside and never had a problem,

That's it then, I will park it next to Agger's

No problem I have room for about 6 at #aggersstorageemporium

Fwiw, ours sits on flag stones above gravel, it's in the middle of the garden with plenty of room for air to circulate, on a sunnyday it sits in the sun just about all day, the rear of the van faces North and when the wind blows it gets it full on. I've had caravans for 26 years now both lived in the garden in the same position, but the Burstner also spent many years on the North German plains! Before caravans we had 2 VW campers, a Kameo and a Trooper both lived outside in the open they were single glazed! and again spent years in the UK & Germany. Never drained anything (porta potties in the campers anyway) never moved upholstery, never had a problem.

I hear of people running heating etc in there empty vans in tbe winter, to me that would cause problems, dicferent when it's inhabited as body heat to a degree helps cool the van slower. You pays your money blah blah

we drain the flush more to reduce nose weight while towing, mind ye only fill about 1/4 full, so don't waste the pink stuff
the grey tank is left with the green stuff in for emergency usage
the flap closes lightly not fully..
rubber surely ky jelly
blow down taps to remove water out of pipes keep containers in dark but leave top to allow air circulation normally leave pump airing after draining
put plugs in drains

I move the cushions about 2" to allow air flow to the empty lockers underneath
don't close blinds stretches springs, use nets or cardboard
keep checking inside over winter that those pesky rodents have not moved in
remove any food that rodents may find appealing