How to Prepare your Caravan for Storage

 So, you’ve just returned from the last trip of the season, and selected a secure storage site for your caravan. Is it as simple as leaving your van in its plot, or do you need to do some prep work before storing it away for winter?

The answer is yes, there are some things you’ll need to do. And here’s our guide:

·         GAS

Gas cylinders should be disconnected or removed from your caravan. If your caravan is going into a storage facility, check the gas cylinder policy.

·         BODYWORK

Give your caravan a thorough clean using suitable cleaning products for each type of surface (walls, windows, metalwork). Consider using a wax coating product to protect the exterior.

·         ELECTRICS

You’ll need to take a look at your car to caravan13-pin or 12N/12S connectors for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Wipes the electrical contacts over and spray with WD-40 to protect against water damage. 

·         BATTERY

If your leisure battery isn’t needed to run your caravan alarm system, it’s best to remove it and store in a cool, dry place. You can then top it up at home, when necessary. Don’t forget to remove batteries from other electrical items in your caravan too. Check out this post for leisure battery maintenance advice.

 ·         WINDOWS

Give all the windows a check to make sure the rubber seal is in good condition.

·         AWNING

After every use, your caravan awning should be cleaned and dried thoroughly. Make sure it’s completely dry before storing somewhere dry.

·         COVER

You may want to cover your caravan to protect it during the winter months. This blog post has more information.

·         WATER

Remove any filters from your system to prevent any remaining water held from freezing during the colder months.

You’ll need to open all taps including the shower. If you’ve got a lever control it’ll need to be moved to a central position between hot and cold. Put a plug in any sinks, and open the caravan’s drain taps.

Refer your caravan model’s manual to check how to drain down the water heater. 

·         TOILET

Your toilet will need flushing and emptying. Refer to manufacturers guide for specifics.

·         TYRES

Your caravan should be stored on a level plot, with corner steadies lowered. If you can, place chocks under the wheels.

If possible, turn the wheels to avoid them being in one position for long periods of time. This can be achieved by moving the caravan back and forth, or jacking it up to rotate each wheel.

·         FRIDGE

Ensure you remove everything from your fridge/freezer and clean it out. Make sure doors are left ajar so that air can circulate.

·         INTERIOR / FURNISHINGS /BLINDS

Leave your caravan interior ready for the next season ahead of time by giving it a thorough clean before storage.

Ideally, remove upholstery and store somewhere warm and dry to keep it damp free and not on view to potential thieves.

Blinds are best left open to prevent strain on the springs.

·         VENTILATION 

Any air vents should be left uncovered so that air can inside around the caravan. You may even want to consider a dehumidifier or some moisture adsorbing crystals.

·         SECURITY

All valuables should be removed from your caravan whilst in storage.

Hitch locks and wheel clamps are useful deterrents to potential thieves, but remember to check both your insurance policy and storage conditions for any specific requirements.

Caravan Awnings

Kampa Leggera AIR 260 Caravan Awning 2020

Whilst an awning isn’t an essential piece of caravan kit, they can extend your living space dramatically, giving you more space to relax and eat, even dry wet clothes, particularly during wet weather.

Think about what you will be using the space for; will it just be a storage space, or so you want to be able to dine or even sleep in there?

Will you want to remove side panels so that you can use your awning as a sun shade, does it need to be lightweight if you are restricted in terms of weight you can carry, and will it be exposed to the elements a lot and need to be highly water resistant?

Porch Awning or Full Awning

Firstly, you’ll have the choice between a porch and a full awning. Whilst generally smaller than full awnings, porch styles are easier to erect and less bulky.

For longer holidays a full awning may be a better option, giving you maximum living space. They’re heavier and can be trickier to erect, but you won’t be handling them as often. 

Bailey Discovery Air Awning

Caravan Awning Fabrics

Lightweight polyester dries quickly and makes for an easily constructed awning, making it perfect for short breaks away. Heavier polyester is more robust, so is likely to last longer than its lightweight counterpart.

Acrylic fabrics are more rigid, and more resistant to UV light because of the manufacturing process it undergoes. Acrylic coated polyester provides UV, mildew and water resistance.

Caravan Awning Frames

Steel awning frames can be good for longer stays & sturdy enough for a variety of weather conditions, but heavy if you have to frequently build & transport.

Aluminium & Glass-Fibre are lightweight & easy to handle, but can be compromised in bad weather.

Air (Inflatable awnings) are easy to erect & quick, especially if you have an electric pump.

What Size Awning Do I Need?

Awning sizes are called A-measurements and the size of awning you need will depend on the length of your caravan. The A-measurement is the distance around your caravan’s awning channel plus the distance from the end of the channel to the ground.

Head to your caravan manufacturer to find out your awning size – most will have a resource on their website to help you.

How Much Should I Pay?

Porch awnings start at around £150.00, whilst you can expect to pay upwards of £600 for a full awning. If you’re likely to be using your caravan awning frequently, for extended periods of time, it would make sense spend a decent amount – it’s worth investing in a good quality product which is designed to last. If you tour less frequently, or just for a few days at a time, a budget option may be a better choice. 

Caravan awnings are covered by quality standard BS ENISO 8936 – Awnings for Leisure Accommodation Vehicles. Before making a purchase, it’s a good idea to check that your chosen awning carries this award.

Caravan Awning Tips

• Never pack an awning away when it is wet, or even slightly damp, as this is highly likely to result in mildew forming.
• Avoid storing your caravan awning in your caravan over winder, as the conditions will be too damp.
• Re-proof your awning yearly.