Purchasing a caravan is a great investment and fun for the whole family to jump in for a little getaway. However, failing to prepare for caravan storage during the off season can lead to costly damage. We have previously looked at vehicle and caravan storage options while it is not in use. Now lets look at how to prepare your caravan for storage and the steps you should take to protect it.

Clean Inside the Caravan

Empty the contents for caravan storage

Empty all personal and food items from the caravan. Closely check all of the cupboards, drawers, under furniture and beds to ensure you have completely emptied the caravan. Remove used tea towels, bed sheets and towels to wash so they are clean and fresh for next time. Store expensive items like a TV, laptop or other appliances in a locked cupboard, or alternatively take them out. This will prevent your caravan from being a target for break ins whilst in self storage. Remove any food items in the cupboards that may leave mouldy smells or attract unwanted pests. Make a list of everything you have removed or need to replace to ensure you don’t forget anything on your next trip.

Scrub and vacuum interior for caravan storage

Thoroughly clean inside your caravan from top to bottom prior to putting it in self storage. Scrub and wipe down any surfaces and empty cupboards. Vacuum the carpets, couches and any corners to eliminate dust build up and traces of food. Food will attract rodents and pests which can cause damage to your caravan. Cleaning the interior of your caravan will ensure that it stays in great condition whilst in caravan storage and is always ready to go for the next trip.

Clean the fridge and freezer

Defrost the fridge and freezer and empty the contents from both. Give them a good clean to ensure they don’t smell of last nights dinner. Ensure the interior is dry after cleaning and leave both the fridge and the freezer doors ajar to avoid any mould build up. Additionally, place a box of baking soda or dry sac in the fridge to draw out excess moisture.

Close windows, vents and blinds

Protect your caravan from letting any unwanted weather in. Just like water damage, direct sunlight can damage the interior of your caravan during storage. So it’s just as important to close blinds as it is to make sure all windows are closed and locked. To prevent mould forming from excess moisture make sure all caravan awnings are dry and rolled up tightly. This is also a great opportunity to check your caravans seals to ensure that they are 100% weather proof, especially when it comes to washing the outside of your caravan.

Clean the Outside of your Caravan

Clean and dry exterior

Time to give the outside some TCL. Invest in a soft-bristle brush attached to a long broom handle so it is easy to reach the high and awkward spots. Clean the outside of the caravan with your preferred washing solution. Retreat Caravans say that using dish soap can strip the paint of wax and protective coatings, leaving it vulnerable to scratching and sun damage. For best results wash your caravan with a car washing detergent. Use a small step ladder to get access to the roof of your caravan to get any tough spots like dried bird droppings. Simply rinse off with a hose or bucket. High pressure cleaners may cause damage to the paint work. 

Cover your caravan

The minimum step you should take to protect your caravan whilst in outdoor storage is to invest in a caravan cover. This will not only make sure the exterior is protected from the weather but it will also keep your caravan looking good for longer. Again, make sure your caravan is completely dry before covering to prevent moisture build up. Also, ensure the cover is breathable, this too helps prevent condensation.

Keep air circulating

Leave air vents in your caravan uncovered so air can circulate inside the caravan. This will ensure your caravan is not stuffy and stale when you take it out again. Circulation of air will filter your air or clean the air. It will also help diffuse or spread any pollutants added to the air, like any food smells.

Mechanical Checks Before Storing your Caravan

Disconnect the battery

Caravans have batteries to power the appliances when your caravan is not plugged into an electrical source. Having your battery disconnected whilst in storage will save your electrical items from draining the battery whilst it is not being used. The last thing you need is to get to your destination and find out the fridge or lights are not working because the battery has been drained.

Only disconnect the battery once it has been fully charged. Never leave it fully drained. It is also important that your check the battery every couple of months whilst it is in storage. This will ensure the battery does not drain. A fully charged battery can prevent deterioration and will ensure your house on wheels is ready when you are.

Check the tyres before and after caravan storage

A quick trip to the service station to check your tyre pressure before storing. This will save you time in the long run. Depending on how long your caravan will be sitting in storage, it is a good idea to pump the tyres to the optimum pressure. Your tyres will naturally lose pressure while it’s in caravan storage. Alternatively, if you know your caravan will be in storage for an extended period of time, jack it up to take the pressure off the tyres. Cover the tyres to protect them from the elements and to avoid deterioration.

Grease trailer hitches

Trailer hitches will need to be lubricated before storage and again when you pick it up after being in caravan storage. Apart from the general wear and tear this will prevent, it will also eliminate the awful sound of metal scrapping on metal when you turn a corner and any friction this can cause. Once you have lubricated the hitch ball cover it. Now that your caravan is ready to be rested and stored after it’s big trip don’t forget to check on it every now and again. This will assist in picking up any issues well before your next caravan getaway.

New Secure Vehicle Storage Area… NOW OPEN!

Store UR Stuff has extended! We are excited to announce the development of our new vehicle storage area is now open. With 24 hour security monitoring and recorded surveillance. As well as security fencing, PIN coded access and security lighting, you can rest assured your caravan will be safe and secure. To find out how to protect your caravan from theft and break ins contact Store UR Stuff  and reserve your spot today.