Setting up a Caravan Storage Site

Setting Up A Storage Site

Do you have empty land and are unsure of how to use it? Caravan storage might be worth considering.

Whether you’ve got space for 10 caravans or 1000, caravan storage could help you maximise your land and bring in new revenue.

Here’s our quick guide to what you need to consider:

Planning

Initially, you’ll need to submit a planning application. In the majority of cases this will be for change of use for B8 Storage or Distribution. For any questions about what you need to submit in your application or which application type you should use, you should contact your local planning authority. 

If you need contact details or are unsure which planning authority you should contact, you can use the Planning Portal’s search tool. 

Security

There are a number of factors CaSSOA will consider when surveying and assessing a storage site in order to grant an accreditation. These include:

• Perimeter Protection
• Access Control
• Lighting
• Alarm Systems
• CCTV
• Administrative Procedures

As a minimum, CaSSOA sites must have full perimeter protection and access control.

Layout

As a rough guide each stored caravan should be allocated around 30 square metres of space, with the respective caravan jockey wheels set at a distance of at least 3 meter centres.

Individual parking bays should be approximately 8 metres in length, with the access roads at least 8 meters wide.  The space recommended between each caravan (hitch post to hitch post) is 3.5 meters.

Fire Protection

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to caravan storage sites and stipulates that a fire risk assessment be carried out. A fire risk assessment can be carried out quite easily by the site owner and CaSSOA can provide assistance with the process.

Administration

Additional things to consider:

• Site records, customer information & contracts – for these you will need to consider Data Protection Laws, and there are also programmes available which can assist with this, like Caravan Storage Manager.  
• Insurance
• Site fees – It is always worthwhile, having a look into the rates of sites in similar areas, with a similar level of security.
• Business Rates – For more information click here.
• VAT – For more information click here. 

Working towards the mantra ‘Together We Can Beat Caravan Theft’, CaSSOA has over 400 members nationwide actively promoting our ethos and providing superior caravan and motorhome storage facilities.


If you do decide to venture into caravan storage, show your commitment to the security standard of the caravan and motorhome storage industry by becoming a 
member of CaSSOA.

If you’d like to join CaSSOA or would like more information please email CaSSOA on enquiries@cassoa.co.uk or call us on 0843 216 5802. 

Caravan Storage Options

There are a number of options when it comes to deciding where to store your caravan.

Here's our guide to the choices you have and how to choose the best secure storage for your caravan or motorhome.

Read this on the CaSSOA blog. 

How to Access the Internet in your Caravan or Motorhome

When you’re away in your caravan or motorhome it’s nice to have some home comforts, and that can include internet access. Here’s our rundown of the options available to you if you need to get online.

WiFi

Many caravan sites now have WiFi, but the quality, cost and availability of the connection can vary greatly.

Connection is usually made by entering a pass code into your web browser. It can be a faster alternative to other methods of accessing the internet and means that most of the time you don't have to worry about data allowances. You may be able to access free WiFi zones in town centres or other public spaces, or a local café may offer their password in exchange for a drink.

Due to the low power levels and high frequencies used, WiFi reception on campsites can be very patchy. This is particularly the case where there is a lot of vegetation and when there is heavy rain, as both of these can absorb the signal.

One way of improving reception is to invest in a WiFi booster device. In simple terms, these plug into a USB port on your PC, effectively replacing the internal WiFi circuitry with something more powerful. MMM Magazine recommends the iBoost Pro D8 Directional System for £159.99, for its performance, popularity and value.

There are also external antennas which can be attached to the side of your caravan. However, although this can give you a faster connection, if the bottleneck is between you and the source of the signal, it won’t make much difference if the site WiFi is already oversubscribed.

Mobile Broadband

This is an internet connection using a mobile phone network. It is often more reliable than WiFi but, since you are paying for data you need to be careful to avoid additional charges.

If you have a smartphone you can access the internet using the mobile broadband network, or you can connect your laptops or tablets to your phone by tethering – turning on your phone’s personal hotspot. Some networks charge extra for this, limit usage or don’t allow it abroad.

Be aware that if you exceed your set data limit your connection may be restricted to a very much 

lower speed.

Data roaming charges when abroad can be astronomical, although the situation is getting better. In Europe, mobile data coverage has increased and data roaming charges have reduced. From June 2015 the most you can be charged for mobile data is 5p per Mb, however, this is set to be dropped altogether by mid-2017.

As a rule, each Mb equates to 20 seconds of video, a minute of audio, or a standard webpage. So, 500Mb of data will allow you to download 500 songs, or an hour of video, or handle 1000 emails with attachments. It will also allow you to browse thousands of web pages but if they contain interactive content such as videos, data will be used much faster.

Pay-as-you-go-packages range in price but for example, Three offer 1Gb for £10 which is valid for 30 days. Contract plans will give you more data for your money, but will lock you into a contract.  

If you're not sure about your contract when it comes to data and travelling abroad, be sure to change your settings to turn off 3G and data roaming; only connect via WiFi where available.

To improve performance, an unlocked MiFi device will take a SIM card and produce a WiFi connection for up to 10 devices. Some MiFi devices have external antenna connectors which can improve the signal, especially if roof or window mounted. Prices range from around £30 up to around £150.

Access via Satellite

Internet access via satellite is reliable but very costly, with a fully automatic system priced at around £3400 and ongoing charges between £15 and £60 per month. Satellite internet is best if internet connection is absolutely vital for you.

In conclusion, it’s best to agree what your particular needs are, and what your budget is. Mobile broadband is probably the best option if you want an internet connection wherever you are, but WiFi will probably satisfy your needs if you’re happy to wait until a connection is available. If the sky’s the limit, go for satellite internet!

The Caravan Industry & Security – Protecting Your Caravan

The caravan industry is an ever changing market, and with that comes developments in security as well as trends in caravan crime. Tim Booth, from the Caravan Safety and Security Group gives us a run down on what’s happening at the moment.

Looking at recent press reports it is very apparent that the Leisure Market is currently very buoyant, with both caravan and motorhome manufacturers reporting  high levels of sales. There is also a marked increase in the number of sales of European manufactured caravans.

Whenever a buoyant market for sales exists in any industry this is often seen by criminal groups as an opportunity to take advantage of a ‘high demand’ by seeking to meet this demand themselves. Of course, they achieve this supply at the expense of the current keeper or even the dealership, by stealing the caravans that they supply.

This then, is an important time of the year to make sure that you do everything you can to protect your caravan or motorhome.

Make sure that your caravan insurance cover is up to date and that you are meeting the requirements of the policy.

Of course it is not always possible to store your caravan or motorhome at your home address, due to planning conditions, and for some a lack of space – so owners increasingly turn to storage site providers.

It is a fact that many of the caravans being stolen are actually being taken from ‘informal’ storage sites – where caravans and motorhomes are just ‘parked up’ for the winter period. There are no inspections made by the site owner, or even the consumer. Many of the tracking systems fitted at time of manufacture only actually activate once the owner discovers that their property has been stolen, and then notifies the tracking company – the property can be long gone by then and chances of recovery are generally very low.

A ‘pro-active’ system will notify you if there are any issues that need to be addressed, so it is worth checking whether this is the type of system that you have – if your caravan or motorhome is fitted with such a system are you subscribed to their monitoring service?

Certificated storage sites, like the CASSOA scheme, offer the consumer a level of protection that is recognised by many insurers as a ‘positive deterrent’ to opportunist thieves. Some even offer insurance benefits for using such a facility.

Of course – if you are considering buying a caravan or motorhome, then make sure that you carry out a CRiS check on any caravan – this can tell you whether the caravan is currently stolen, or if there is finance outstanding. A HPI check can provide you with similar information about a motorhome. 

The cost of these checks could prevent you from becoming a victim of those people who choose to steal caravans and motorhomes, and then look to target unsuspecting consumers.

These straight forward measures can serve to protect your caravan or motorhome from being targeted by thieves.

Tim Booth provides specialist security advice to the caravan and leisure industry. He also works to support the National Caravan Council, The Camping and Caravanning Club and The Caravan Club by delivering an industry group called the Caravan Safety and Security Group.

Tim Booth Consultancy Services Ltd

Caravan Safety & Security Group

CaSSOA Working in Partnership with Sold Secure

Sold Secure is a company dedicated to reducing the risk of crime by the assessment of security products through manual attack testing.

Established in 1992 by Northumbria and Essex Police with the help and backing of the Home Office, Sold Secure is now owned and administered by the Master Locksmiths Association and works from purpose built laboratories in Daventry.

The scheme has close ties with a number of constabularies and insurers who provide regular information regarding the methods of theft and the tools utilised by criminals in their areas. This helps to maintain up to date specifications and means security products can be assessed in the light of the risk they are likely to encounter when in use

Manufacturers and suppliers can apply to have their products approved by Sold Secure. Products which have been satisfactorily assessed may bear the coveted Sold Secure Approved quality mark. Information on these approved products is circulated by Sold Secure to crime prevention officers, insurance companies, the media, the Home Office and the public, and is available free to those who require it in the form of the catalogue or via the Sold Secure website.

Steffan George, of Sold Secure says "We’re delighted to partner up with CaSSOA who we believe have the same ultimate goal as ourselves in terms of working in collaboration to reduce crime".

For more information about Sold Secure call, email or visit the website:

Telephone: 01327 264687
Email: admin@soldsecure.com
Website: www.soldsecure.com

Thh Farm Business Innovation Show 2015

The Farm Business Innovation Show 2015 is the most comprehensive and interactive show dedicated to helping farmers generate new forms of income from their land.

Taking place at the NEC in Birmingham, the show aims to help farms generate new forms of income from their land, and is the only farm business event that offers rural entrpreneurs the guidance, inspiration, suppliers and resources in diversifying out of agriculture.

This year CaSSOA will be exhibiting at the Farm Innovation Show, and we'll be joining over 5000 farmers, land owners and people with an interest in rural business,

With networking opportunities, over 200 exhibitors and a range of seminars and workshops, there could be an opportunity to create a business that could complement your primary source of income.

The schedule of seminars and workshops throughout the show cover a variety of topics, including leisure activities, glamping, renewable energy, farm shops, micro-breweries, and more. Each session is delivered by an expert, passing on their guidance in how to identify the right opportunities, securing planning permission, and attracting vital investment. The conference will also explore the latest trends in

diversification that farmers and rural entrepreneurs will look towards next year, featuring an unparalleled level of expert advice, knowledge and inspiration.   

Run in conjunction with the Farm Business Innovation Show, the Holiday Park Innovation Show
offers holiday park owners the guidance, inspiration, supplies, and resources to put their holiday park on the map.

These shows will give you the chance to network, explore the latest trends in diversification and find some inspiration of how to diversify. They will also offer opportunities for interaction with the farmers and holiday park owners who themselves have successfully diversified, offering you the chance to find out what worked for them and to meet face-to-face with the product suppliers who can ensure future profit is made from your land.

The Farm Business Innovation and The Holiday Park Innovation Show will take place on the 11th and 12th of November at the NEC in Birmingham, and is absolutely free to attend.

Book your ticket online here.

Vermin Proof your Caravan

Prepare your caravan for long term storage to prevent vermin damage.

Caravan Magazine talks us through some top tips for keeping your caravan safe from rodents.

Mice can squeeze through tiny gaps including the plastic vents and gas drop-outs under your caravans. And if they don’t fit, they can gnaw through them.

Without blocking your vents (it’s dangerous), cover them with a piece of fine metal mesh, chicken wire doubled over, or a metallic pan scrubber, stapled firmly in place. Don’t bother filling gaps with expanding foam, mice seem to particularly love chewing through that. It’s like a mouse Crunchie bar!

• Flush a strong detergent down your sink plug hole, as mice can be attracted to bits of food that go down the waste pipe.

• At either side of your front locker there are usually gaps leading up the hollow pillars and into the caravan. Block these with some scrunched-up fine wire mesh netting.

• Investigate the floor of your caravan for any tiny holes or gaps, and make sure all are properly filled.

• Seal around all cable holes in the floor with a good quality silicone sealant.

• Don’t leave food (human or pet) in the caravan.

• Clean the fridge and bins thoroughly.

• The strong smell of a used barbecue will attract mice and rats. Don’t store one in your caravan. If you do, keep it spotlessly clean.

• Remove potential nesting materials from your caravan. Consider storing expensive sofa cushions and mattresses at home over winter.

• Vacuum your caravan before storing it, to remove almost-invisible crumbs of food.

Storing Your Caravan

• Caravans on hard-standing are less likely to get infested than those on grass. Mice avoid areas where they are exposed such as bare hard-standings.

• Farm storage locations are likely to have more rodents around than other options.

• Don't give rodents an easy route into your caravan. Even sagging caravan covers can provide access.

• Mice find their way to food and shelter by following trails of mouse urine. Consider spraying your corner steadies, tyres and jockey wheel with a Jeyes Fluid solution to eradicate these trails.

• One option is to remove your caravan's wheels and replace them with axle-stands or 'winter wheels' when storing it through the winter. This makes the van more secure, prevents tyre damage and makes it trickier for mice to get up to the chassis.

• Certain scents are believed to repel mice. These include tumble-dryer sheets and mothballs.

• Check with your caravan storage site to make sure they have a vermin control regime in place.

For more advice on preparing your caravan for storage click here.

Thank you to Caravan Magazine for this feature.