Preparing your caravan for storage

Whether you use your caravan once a month or twice a year, you’ll want to take good care of it so that it gives you many years of travelling enjoyment. This is why it’s worth spending a little bit of extra money to ensure your caravan is protected from the elements when you’re not using it.

But, before you hire a caravan spot, there are a few things you should do first…

Clean inside

Clear all food out of the fridge and wipe it out so when you open it later down the track, you don’t find food that has sat there rotting for months. Likewise, wipe all benches down of any crumbs and leave a window or a vent open so when the time comes to take a much-needed holiday, you’re not faced with musty smells.

Clean outside

It’s also important to give your caravan a good clean on the outside — any dirt or watermarks will be harder to clean the longer you leave them. Grab a good brand of wax and polish, and get to work.

Check all water sources

A caravan is a mini home, and like any home, you should clean the toilet thoroughly. Empty the toilet cartridge water so that… this speaks for itself, really. Consult your caravan manual for directions on draining pumps and hot water systems.

Gas bottles

As a safety precaution, you should turn all the gas bottles off and empty the gas lines. After doing so, remember to make sure all lines are connected, as any left undone become tempting homes to insects

Electrical connections

Once you have parked your caravan in the storage facility, make sure you disconnect the batteries — doing so will increase their lifespan and avoid power failure further down the track. Disconnect all appliances inside your caravan and make sure all electrical connections are covered and dry before storage.

Don’t forget

• Store blinds down to protect the spring mechanism
• Stand couch cushions upright to prevent mould
• Leave storage cabinets open
• Leave breathable cloths on crockery
• Close all windows, except for the one you leave open for ventilation
• WD40 all hinges

Follow these tips, along with your caravan’s own cleaning and storage instructions, and your next holiday will begin without a hitch. For the ultimate security and protection, hire a parking spot at a secure storage facility like Wilson Storage.