12/04/2020
The time has come to park the van up for the off season and the first question is where do you park it. It can be an annoyance parked outside the house or up the driveway but for as little as $1.25 per day you could have reliable Caravan storage at a facility in your area. Secure caravan storage provides great peace of mind, offers easy access and cleans up the house all at the same time.
Here are a few simple tips to get your Caravan ready for storage.
Before you park the van for a few months give it a really good wash and wax this will remove all the dirt and apply a thin wax cover that helps protect the paint and then on a monthly basis it is advisable to repeat this process. You can apply a wax coating which is a wax on wax off system and this will add a much-needed barrier to the suns rays. Also ensure all blinds and curtains are drawn correctly to ensure you have stopped the sun getting into the van during the off-season storage.
Tyres
Left for long periods pump them up as your tyres will deflate over time and it is advisable to check every 6 – 8 weeks your tyre pressures. Then were possible move the trailer about 800mm to rotate the position of the tyres. You can also add the protection or a tyre protector which will stop direct sun deteriorating rims and tyres and stop the expansion from being exposed to direct sun light every day.
Battery
Your battery will lose power after months of storage so there are a few things you can do. The most efficient way to preserve your battery is to dd to your van a solar powered trickle charger to keep the battery topped up whilst in storage. Or if you don’t have access to a charger take the battery out of the van store it on a timber bench in a cool covered area and attach to a charge on a monthly basis to keep the battery charged.
Windows
Before putting your van in storage check the structure for any water leaks and test the windows for a water tight seal. If you have a water leak it is always advisable to have these attended to prior to parking up your van for the off season. Repairs are reasonable affordable and will save you money and time in the long run.
Gas
You can save money and ensure your vans safety but just a few simple steps when your storing your Van. Turn off the gas and ensure that the gas bottles are well covered from direct sun or if possible, take the gas bottle off the van and store in a cool well ventilated area out of the sun.
Ventilation
Make sure that you know where the ventilations ducts are in your van and ensure these are open enough to allow continuous circulation of the air when you have locked up your van. Whilst locked you can get condensation in you van so add a few absorption products like Damp Rid to soak up the moisture in the air.
Fridge
Always empty the refrigerator and give it a through clean before going into storage. We recommend you use a cleaning solution such as bicarbonate of soda which neutralizes odours and and does a good job at cleaning the interior of the fridge. Finally after the defrost remove all water from the trays and leave the door slightly ajar to allow the fridge to stay dry
Toilet
If you have a toilet on board, always be sure to empty it and your waste tank before storing it. Clean it appropriately and apply a tiny amount of olive oil to the opening blades. Leave them in the open position whilst in storage.
Water Systems
Drain all water tanks by turning on the taps and then flush out filters, hoses, showers, and water traps. Check all storage containers and ensure they are emptied, remove any moisture and leave open to breath as this will prevent the growth of mould whilst the van is in storage.
Caravan Covers
If you are parking up your van in the off season be sure to look around for a caravan cover to protect your investment from the harsh sun. There are many on the market, but it is advisable to buy one that is the right size for your van and is made of a material that breaths. Cheap plastic covers can cause your van to trap water and cause sweating which will lead to mildew marks which can be difficult to remove.
Storage
Safe and secure storage of your van can be attained simple by calling Best Storage. We offer flexible rate and no locked in contracts for your caravan storage and have easy access as we are located in Kingston (alongside the Logan Motorway). For more details call Ph 0488 33 44 00
