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.

What Do I Need To Start Caravanning?

Towing License?

First things first, you’ll need to check when you passed your driving test. If it was before 1 January 1997 you’ll be able to tow. If it was after that date, you’ll only be able to drive a vehicle up to 3500kg and a trailer (caravan) up to 750kg behind it. So, if you want to tow a heavier caravan you’ll need to pass an additional test. For more information, head over to the Camping & Caravanning Club information page.

Towbar

Choose the right towbar for your car. To do this, check manufacturer’s websites (Witter, Westfaila, AL-KO) to find one suitable for you.

Caravan Hitch Lock

Security

There are various devices on the market which can help to protect your caravan.

• Hitch lock
• Wheel clamp
• Alarm
• Tracker
• CRiS

Check out this useful guide to Caravan Security Devices for more information.

Insurance

Your car insurance will usually provide third party cover for towing your caravan, so would cover any damage to other cars if you had an accident. However, you would have to pay for any damage to your caravan, so make sure it’s protected against accidents, breakdown and theft with adequate insurance.

Caravan Awning

Awning

Extend your living space with a caravan awning. Our guide to caravan awnings may help you choose.

Motor mover

Caravan motor movers allow you to easily manoeuvre your caravan into position whether that be into a driveway, storage or touring pitch, or even hitching up. This guide gives more information.

Water Carrier

You’ll need to have a container suitable for collecting water to bring back to your caravan. An Aquaroll is a great option which can be rolled along the ground.

Caravan Water Container 

Water Pump

Connect your Aquaroll to your caravan taps with a waterpump. Popular brands are Whale and Truma.

Waste Water Container

Waste water, or ‘grey’ water needs to be collected by a waste water container, which plugs into your caravan waste drain points. Wastemaster is a popular brand.

Leisure Battery

Whilst most campsites will provide EHU (electric hook up), it’s still useful to invest in a leisure battery so you can power your fridge, heater and lights. There are several types of leisure battery, and all have their pros and cons, so make sure you do your research before you purchase. This guide to leisure batteries is very useful.

Gas Bottle

Power your fridge, heating, gas cooker and shower with gas. Bottles are typically butane or propane and come in 6kg or 7kg bottles. Butane gas is ideal for the summer months, but for winter, propane is better as it’s unlikely to freeze in cold weather.

Electric Hook Up Mains Lead

Mains Lead

To connect to an EHU, you’ll need a mains lead which costs around £50. Make sure it has an IP44 rating which indicates the level of protection given to sockets from water penetration.

Step

Don’t forget to pack some portable steps to make getting in and out of your caravan a whole lot easier.

Corner Steady Jack

When you pitch up you’ll need to lower your corner steadies. Wind them down with a corner steady jack.

Toilet Chemicals

Reduce unpleasant smells, break down all the nasty stuff, and keep your toilet working effectively with toilet chemicals. Pink chemicals are added to the fresh water tank to keep the flush clean and provide a nice aroma. Blue or green chemicals are put into the waste tank and break down waste matter.

Towing Mirrors

Caravan Towing Mirrors

If you’re towing a vehicle wider than your car, you’ll need towing mirrors. You can buy stick on towing mirrors, strap on towing mirrors or bracket style towing mirrors. Prices range from around £15 to about £150.