Need to prepare for winter? Gresham Underwriting has teamed up with Cassoa to help you better prepare your caravan for the coming season.
So, you’ve just returned from the last trip of the season, and selected a secure storage site for your caravan. Is it as simple as leaving your van in its plot, or do you need to do some prep work before storing it away for winter?
The answer is yes, there are some things you’ll need to do.
Gas
Gas cylinders should be disconnected or removed from your caravan. If your caravan is going into a storage facility, check the gas cylinder policy.
Bodywork
Give your caravan a thorough clean using suitable cleaning products for each type of surface (walls, windows, metalwork). Consider using a wax coating product to protect the exterior.
Electrics
You’ll need to take a look at your car to caravan13-pin or 12N/12S connectors for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Wipes the electrical contacts over and spray with WD-40 to protect against water damage.
Leisure Battery
If your leisure battery isn’t needed to run your caravan alarm system, it’s best to remove it and store in a cool, dry place. You can then top it up at home, when necessary. Don’t forget to remove batteries from other electrical items in your caravan too. Check out this post for leisure battery maintenance advice.
Windows
Give all the windows a check to make sure the rubber seal is in good condition.
Awning
After every use, your caravan awning should be cleaned and dried thoroughly. Make sure it’s completely dry before storing somewhere dry.
Caravan Cover
You may want to cover your caravan to protect it during the winter months. This blog post has more information.
Water
Remove any filters from your system to prevent any remaining water held from freezing during the colder months.
You’ll need to open all taps including the shower. If you’ve got a lever control it’ll need to be moved to a central position between hot and cold. Put a plug in any sinks, and open the caravan’s drain taps.
Refer your caravan model’s manual to check how to drain down the water heater.
Toilet
Your toilet will need flushing and emptying. Refer to manufacturers guide for specifics.
Tyres
Your caravan should be stored on a level plot, with corner steadies lowered. If you can, place chocks under the wheels.
If possible, turn the wheels to avoid them being in one position for long periods of time. This can be achieved by moving the caravan back and forth, or jacking it up to rotate each wheel.
Fridge
Ensure you remove everything from your fridge/freezer and clean it out. Make sure doors are left ajar so that air can circulate.
Interior / Furnishings / Blinds
Leave your caravan interior ready for the next season ahead of time by giving it a thorough clean before storage.
Ideally, remove upholstery and store somewhere warm and dry to keep it damp free and not on view to potential thieves.
Blinds are best left open to prevent strain on the springs.
Ventilation
Any air vents should be left uncovered so that air can inside around the caravan. You may even want to consider a dehumidifier or some moisture adsorbing crystals.
Security
All valuables should be removed from your caravan whilst in storage.
Hitch locks and wheel clamps are useful deterrents to potential thieves, but remember to check both your insurance policy and storage conditions for any specific requirements.
If you have any questions regarding the changes, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the team.