12. Maintenance and upkeep
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Saving energy in winter
It is very easy to save energy inside your caravan. This applies es-
pecially to heating in winter.
The following applies for saving energy:
• Meter the exact use of ventilation in the caravan and the heating
valve.
• Open the door as little and as briefly as possible.
• If you are camping in winter, attach an awning as protection
against the cold.
At the end of the winter season
The following applies for the care of the vehicle:
• Clean the exterior and use normal car wax to preserve metal parts.
• Do not forget to remove flue extensions, winter covers on refri-
gerators, etc.
If, despite all of these measures, condensation forms
somewhere, simply wipe it away.
Before entering, remove the snow from your clothes
and shoes to prevent an increase in humidity.
The following applies for containers:
• If the interior is sufficiently heated, the fresh water tank, water
pipes and therme/Combi heating system/boiler* should not
freeze. Fill all of the water containers only after the interior has
been thoroughly heated.
• Since waste water is collected outside the vehicle, add antifree-
zer or common salt to it. The drain cock of the waste pipe must
be kept clear.
• The toilet can be used normally, even in cold weather, as long
as the interior of the caravan is heated. If there is a danger of
frost, both the cassette and the flushing water tanks (model-
specific) should be emptied.
Continue to heat the vehicle while you are sleeping!
The following applies for heating:
• Both the air intake as well as the exhaust gas openings of the
heating system must be kept free of snow and ice (if necessary,
use flue extensions).
• It takes longer to heat up the caravan in winter, especially to
heat hot water.
• Do not let the interior cool down completely when you are away
or at night; set the heating to low and leave it on.
• The caravan uses considerably more gas in winter than in sum-
mer. Two 11 kg bottles of gas will be used up in just under one
week.
• Therefore, should you stay longer in one place, it is worthwhile
to set up an awning. It will help to acclimatise the caravan and
keep the dirt out.