Storage Tips For Your Caravan During The Winter and Summer

Caravans are not the type of vehicles we use regularly. Unlike the standard cars we take to work, we can consider caravans luxury properties that we only get to use at least twice a year.Therefore, we must find a safe and secure location to park these  vehicles and learn the different ways we can keep them in good condition.

If you are curious to know about some caravan care advice, keep reading. Here are some tips on properly storing your caravan in winter or summertime!

WHERE TO STORE YOUR CARAVAN

You can find a nice spot to store your caravan inside your property if you're lucky. However, this does not mean that you completely forget about it. Whatever season it is, always make sure to check on it. Furthermore, it is always ideal to avoid storing your caravan in open areas. It should be shaded but not directly under a tree. This is because tree branches, leaves, and bird droppings can fall from the sky and can potentially cause damage to your caravan. If you don't have a space in areas near you, consider finding a storage space specifically available for renting vehicles.

CARAVAN EXTERIOR

Thoroughly clean and polish the body while simultaneously inspecting the external aspects of your van. While you are at it, always remember to check your tyres and wheels. Make sure they are not directly exposed to the sun to avoid rubber degradation. If possible, change them into winter wheels.

You can also apply grease to those moving mechanical parts and those needing one to prevent corrosion. Another good tip is to replace damaged parts and those with signs of wear and tear before you store your caravan. This series of actions will help maintain the integrity of your van while it sits for a long time.

CARAVAN INTERIOR

Just like the exterior, you should also completely clean the interior of your van. When doing so, it is crucial that you use products that are specifically designed for caravans. Some things you can do is to vacuum clean the inside and make sure all surfaces are damp free. You should also remove all food inside to prevent pests, insects and rodents from entering the van. Pull out all items that deteriorate over time or expire and leave your fridge doors, locker and wardrobe doors open to allow ventilation and prevent the appearance of moulds. Lastly, do not forget to leave blinds open but close all windows and roof lights to avoid fading the van's interior due to sun damage.

WATER SYSTEMS AND DRAINAGE

Try to open all your water outlets inside your vehicle to see if there is no more water coming out from the taps or showerheads. This will help ensure that all water sources are fully drained and that nothing is dripping from the outlets. It would be best to open all drain valves and plugs to drain water thoroughly to check that no water is left out during winter to prevent freeze damage. In addition, cover any open pipe outside your caravan to prevent insects from entering these openings. You can also use rubber caps or plugs to ensure insects or pests can not go through it.

ELECTRICS AND BATTERIES

Batteries are indeed needed in a caravan to power electricals. However, they will eventually discharge when left unused over time. When this happens, the full storage capacity can never be restored. The best thing to do is disconnect and unplug all interior electrical items and store them away from concrete materials. Ensure that you keep them above ground to avoid glass cell batteries from being destroyed. Moreover, you should also remove batteries from electronic gadgets such as remote controls. When these batteries are exposed to high temperatures, they can leak and cause further damage to the interior of your van.

GAS SYSTEMS

Another crucial step when storing your caravans is to close gas and disconnect regulators from the cylinders. After doing this step, you should also cover the cylinders and the pipes with a cap for safety. Cylinders are not to be stored inside your caravan for a long time. Instead, it should be stored in an open but shaded area and kept in a secure place, away from heat, sunlight, and flammable items. You can also apply petroleum jelly to the battery's terminals to avoid corrosion and more damage.

COVERING UP

The cold temperature during winter and the direct heat from the sun during summer pose a threat to the integrity of your vehicle. Therefore, you need to cover them up to keep their surface out of reach from outdoor elements. Covering will help prevent your van's exterior and interior from being damaged.

It is ideal to choose a cover with a waxy protective coating for the winter season. Meanwhile, get a light coloured covering to decrease the build-up of heat that can affect the bodywork and the caravan in general for the summer. If you are interested in getting a cover right now, scroll through our range of caravan covers to see which one fits your vehicle the most.

SECURITY

Finally, remember to remove all valuable items in the caravan to prevent the prying eyes of potential thieves. Purchasing a clamp and hitch lock can also keep criminals from entering your vehicle. If possible, you can acquire steady corner locks or a stand-alone tracker. If you want to take it a step further, you can also install an alarm. These simple safety measures will undoubtedly give you peace of mind wherever you store your caravan.