What You Should Do Before Putting Your Caravan in Storage

It is important to make sure that your caravan is in tip top condition and ready to hit the road as soon as you come back for it. Just because your caravan won’t be going anywhere while it’s in storage, doesn’t mean you should leave any required maintenance until you come back to pick it up. Otherwise it may not leave the storage shed after all.

Here is a super quick checklist of things to do before you close the roller door:

 

1. Check Tyres

Do a quick once over on your tyres. This means checking the tread, maybe swap around the tyres as well as inflating them all (including the spare). Make sure your caravan is ready to leave the storage shed when you come back to get it by making sure your tyres are in optimal condition. Perfect solution for a quick and easy tyre pressure check is the CAOS Tyre Pressure Gauge. Simply connect and instantly receive an accurate reading. For an on the road solution check out our range of compressors. No need to manoeuvre your caravan into a service station with a 12V option ready to go. 

 

2. Clean The Interior And Exterior Thoroughly

Give your entire caravan a big clean on the inside and outside. With plenty of cleaning products specifically for caravans you won’t risk the paint work or any seals. While you’re giving it a thorough clean, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for any mould build up or water leakages you may have otherwise missed. When you have finished cleaning, leave the cupboards open so they have plenty of time to ventilate.

 

3. Remove All Food And Perishables

This one goes hand in hand with cleaning out your caravan but it’s often overlooked. Remove all food items (including condiments and sealed items) so bugs and other animals don’t have any reason to venture inside your caravan. You also don’t want to return to a mouldy infestation in your cupboards. Aussie Traveller have a great range of storage options if you are looking to keep your kitchen accessories and food all together for your next trip. 

 

4. Unplug And Secure Any Electronics

One of the main causes of caravan fires is faulty electrics so ensure you do a once over before leaving it for long periods of time. Make sure all power points aren’t exposed to the weather, disconnect any power leads, and store all cords neatly (remove all kinks). It’s also a good idea for an electrician to give your caravan a once over as well and it’s especially important for them to inspect your pins. Making sure your caravans electrical wiring is in order is important when it comes to keeping your family safe and sound when you’re on your next getaway. The ultimate solution in cable organisation is the Aussie Traveller Clear Top Electrical Storage Bag. 

It is always advised to contact your battery manufacturer or a reputable auto electrician to be informed on the safest way to store your batteries when not in use.  

 

5. Caravan Covers For Storage

If you don't have the luxury of parking your travelling investment under cover then it is important to invest in a high quality cover. There are a number of UV protected and good quality covers on the market backed with a 3 year warranty. Do not buy cheap when it comes to Caravan Covers. Check out our top choices here.

 

6. Toilet

If you have an onboard toilet then don't forget to empty and clean all your cassettes or waste tanks. The last thing you need is a nasty surprise waiting for you when you are ready to use your van again. There is a variety of cleaning products that are essential to keeping your toilet and waste storage clean and sanitary. Check out the variety of chemicals and cleaning products we have available here.

 

7. LPG Gas

When travelling it is recommended you always have your Gas bottles turned off however when storing your caravan it is important to double check all gas bottles are tightly turned off. If you are disconnecting them entirely then ensure you have capped your bottle. This isn't only to prevent leaking, it will also keep nesting bugs out too. If you can it is advisable to keep your gas bottles away from direct sunlight for extended periods of time as well. One of the most important safety features you should have in your van or RV is a Safe-T-Alert 12V Gas Detector Suitable For LPG & Natural Gas. This detects gas inside your space, keeping your and your loved ones safe. 

 

8. Water Tanks

The last thing you need is to get to your caravan site ready to unwind only to find you haven't changed your water in your tanks from your holiday 6 months ago. It is a topic of debate as to whether you fully drain your tanks and dry them for storage or fill them up and leave water in them. There are reasonable arguments for both sides. Emptying the tanks and not ensuring they are completely dry may cause bacteria to grow due to oxygen and moisture in a dark tank. If you can guarantee to let your tank fully dry out with no water, then emptying it is ok. Filling your tank will never allow you to get 100% full with no air bubbles either, so you need to keep that in mind if choosing to keep your tanks full. Air bubbles will form and may cause bacteria to grow too.

It is always recommended to refill them right before departure or once you arrive at your destination to have fresh clean water ready to go. You can also perform half yearly tank cleans using a flushing agent such as the CAMCO Taste Pure Water Freshener. This will help keep algae, mould and other harmful bacteria at bay

 

9. Insurance 

Your caravan or motorhome is one of your prized possessions so checking you have adequate insurance cover when travelling is important, so is making sure it is covered where you are storing it too. Check you are covered for damage while in storage as well. Asking these questions at the start, saves heart ache at the end should anything arise.

An important factor to consider is how you will physically move and store your caravan. The Kronings CT4500 Electric Caravan Mover is the ultimate solution to avoiding damage to your house or your caravan when storing it in tight spaces. The Kronings camper trolley range allows you to stand back from your caravan for perfect view and manoeuvrability into any space via a remote control. No insurance claim ever needed and arguments non existent!

 

 

Doing these quick things will mean your caravan will be just how you left it when you come to take it out of storage. You can also take some photos beforehand so you have something to compare it to when you do come back for it in case anything significant happens while it is locked away. 

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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.

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