How to store your caravan depends on how long it will be stored but there are a few things to keep in mind when storing your caravan.
How to store your caravan
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Campers who use their caravans often and long-term campers approach it differently from caravan owners who only use their caravans once or twice a year.
Where you live may influence how you store your caravan but in general, most people will follow the same approach. The best way to approach caravan storing is to look at all the caravan parts and give every part its own consideration, treatment and care.
Clean your caravan before you store it.
Get rid of dust, mud and anything that may cause rust or stains. Clean the interior correctly so there is no opportunity for mould to form or dust mites and allergens to settle in your caravan.
The most important is to make sure there is no dampness or wetness anywhere on the caravan, especially when it will be kept in a locked-up space. Be aware of the smell inside your caravan. A musty smell is a near 100% indication of dampness inside the caravan.
If you are going to store your caravan for an extended time (a month or longer) it may be a good idea to have it cleaned or valeted. Before storing the caravan, inspect the wood floor from under the caravan to ensure there is no wet wood that could start rotting.
Place trestles under the caravan axle to prevent weight on the wheel bearings. Never, ever use the corner steady’s to bear the weight of the caravan. They are not made to lift the caravan, only to level it. Rather use a jack under the axle to lift the caravan and insert the trestles under the axle. The axle is strong enough to carry the weight of the caravan, steady’s are not.
Remove caravan batteries before storage
Batteries must not be left inside the caravan if it is stored for extended periods.
A connected battery is a power source and a fire risk should it short-circuit. It is much safer to store the battery in your garage where you could see it should it need attention.
Wherever you keep the battery, keep in mind that batteries contain acid, may produce hazardous fumes and accidental short-circuits can occur.
Secure gas bottles when you store your caravan
Disconnect gas bottles and ensure the gas valves are closed when storing a caravan.
Keep gas bottles in a cool place if stored for long periods. You could store them in the garage unless the caravan is stored under a roof or in a space that won’t build up heat.
Gas bottles do not explode easily even when standing in direct sunlight, but it is wise not to test them!
Have gas bottles serviced and filled while the caravan is stored, so you are ready to go on your next camping trip.
Caravan tyres suffer when it is stored
Tyres suffer the most when your caravan is stored for long periods.
If you park your caravan for a short period tyre damage is not a big threat. You can keep the tyres on. You may need to move the caravan from time to time to roll the tyres and prevent distortion caused by flat spots.
But if the caravan will stand for longer than a month it is wise to remove the tyres and store them in a cool place and out of the direct sun. The caravan can be supported by axle stands or drop rims.
Tyres should in any case be checked often. Check the manufacturing date and if it is older than 5 years, you need to fit new tyres.
How to check the tyre age
Look for the code starting with DOT and then for a 4-number code. The first two numbers represent the week in which the tyre was made and the second two numbers represent the year. This tyre was manufactured in the 31st week of 2012 which would be the first week of August 2012.
Fridge and freezer
Clean out the fridge and freezer and make sure it is completely dry to avoid bad smells and mould.
Keep the door open so the fridge and freezer will experience good circulation and avoid heat build-up. It is a good idea to wipe the inside surfaces with a cloth and a mild bleach solution to protect them from all the bad bugs and bacteria.
Take care of the caravan’s toilet and water system
If your caravan has a toilet and water system it needs special care.
Run taps to drain water tanks and clear pipes. Use the water pump to make sure all water is drained. Empty and properly clean the waste tank so there is no opportunity for anything bad to grow.
Flush the whole system with a safe disinfectant to make sure no bacteria or other bugs start new families in the water system.
A caravan cover protects your caravan against the elements
Caravans are usually stored under a roof but exposed to the elements.
A stored caravan’s biggest enemy is the weather. A caravan that stands under a roof but outside or in a garage where there is ventilation via the doors or windows is exposed to wind and dampness. It will need attention if it stands for longer than a month or it rains often.
If you can get a secure caravan cover or canvas to protect your caravan, it will keep it from looking old and getting damaged by storm winds or water.
Remember to put pool noodles or partially inflated beach balls between the canvas and the caravan roof so there is adequate ventilation to prevent moisture from forming. Moisture forming creates dampness which tends to seep into very small openings and end up in the wood of the caravan.
A good tip by The Caravan Man Klaus is to put a moisture absorber in the caravan and change it regularly. It will keep the air in the caravan dry and protect against moisture forming.
Ventilate your caravan
Usually, the advice for ventilation is to keep vents and windows open to ensure healthy ventilation.
This can have its problems if you experience an unexpected visit from rodents or insects looking for something to munch or a place to build a mud nest. If you leave vents open, make sure water is not able to seep in or be forced in by strong winds.
Our Scout is stored under a carport and we keep the fridge and freezer connected and open the door every day. We never had a problem. Yet!
Take care of the soft furnishings
Soft furnishings are material and have the same problems as any other material.
Clean and dry soft furnishings properly before storage and keep dust away. Look after them in the same way you would look after your clothing.
Tents and Awnings
Tents and awnings must be cleaned and rid of mud before a caravan is stored.
Do not roll it or fold it for storage unless you are sure the awnings are completely dry. Keeping damp awnings furled is inviting trouble, frustration and unwelcome expenses.
Check the caravan’s brakes
Always check brakes before and after storage or use.
Keeping the brakes on may advance corrosion of the brake drums and stretching of the brake cable, so it is better not to keep the brakes on if possible. Chocks remove the need for using brakes when parking the caravan for shorter periods.
Maintain the coupling
Check the coupling thoroughly before and after storage.
Rust is a threat to couplings of caravans that are stored for extended periods.