Top tips for preparing your caravan for winter storage
Most caravan owners spend months without using their caravans. It is important to ensure that during this storage period your caravan does not deteriorate in any way. It is important to have in mind some useful tips to follow in properly storing your caravan and keep it in the best condition possible. When you are ready, you will want to have your caravan ready to hit the road instead of spending time and money replacing damaged parts due to improper caravan storage. Below you will find a comprehensive guide on the best practices to follow for caravan storage.
Plumbing A caravan’s water system is one of the main areas to focus on for proper caravan storage. The best way to ensure that water does not cause any damage to your caravan during this period that it remains unused it is recommended that you drain all the water in the storage tanks. Allowing the water to sit for a long period of time can end up damaging different parts of the plumbing system not to mention the risk of harbouring bacteria and other parasites. Look for the water drain plug and remove it to drain the water left in the caravan’s water tank. You can run the caravan’s water pump for a few moments to drain any remaining water from the plumbing system. Replace the water tank drainage to avoid any insects crawling inside especially during winter. It is recommended that you leave all taps open during this caravan storage period.
Furnishings Cushions, mattresses and any cloth furnishings may develop odours especially when left in a moist air tight environment. Remove all cloth furnishings such as curtains, bedding and table cloths and use this chance to thoroughly clean them and store them in the house. Cushions and mattresses can be removed and aerated outside in preparation of caravan storage. They can then be stored in the house or stored inside the caravan standing on one side for aeration during the caravan storage period.
Furniture and Other Items All furniture items in the caravan need to be cleaned for caravan storage. This includes all storage spaces, cupboards and drawers. Caravans have multiple hidden storage spaces that can be easily forgotten when cleaning. Clear all storage spaces cupboards and clean them to make sure there are no food containers or particles left that might attract insects or ants during the caravan storage period. It is recommended that all these spaces be left open for air circulation. The caravan refrigerator should not be left out and should be cleared before cleaning. Afterwards, the door should be left open for air circulation during the storage period.
Caravan storage should be properly done to ensure the interior of the caravan is fresh and hygienic when you are back caravanning at the end of the storage period. The above tips go a long way in ensuring this is achieved.