As much as you love taking on the open road in your caravan, the chances are likely that you won’t be able to drive it year-round. Whether or not your caravan gets a lot of mileage throughout the year, you’ll want to store it as best you can to maintain its quality and prolong its lifespan. Here’s how you can take care of your home away from home.
Invest in a Storage Unit
You probably don’t have a garage that can accommodate your miniature home. Even if you have a shelter of some kind, your caravan will be subject to any harsh weather that might blow through your area. If you want your favorite toy to be safe and sound, then consider caravan storage to ensure its safety from weather, theft, and deterioration. Your caravan was an investment in lifelong memories with family and friends. Here are a few tips you should follow before locking it up in a secure storage unit:
- Remove all perishable items
- Wash and wax it
- Turn off the refrigerator and leave the door open to allow airflow
- Make sure all windows and doors are closed tight
- Disconnect your battery and store in a temperature controlled area
- Drain the water from the tanks
Keep It Covered at Home
If you’re storing your caravan at home, then the most important thing to remember is to keep it covered at all times if possible. There are several options for covering, however, you may only be able to take advantage of a few of them. If you have a barn, then definitely utilize that, as covered, closed-in spaces are the best for protecting it from weather. A carport is also a good option, even if it only covers a portion of the caravan. Avoid using tarps because they are known to trap in moisture, which can cause mildew and mold. If you can, a caravan cover is worth the investment and is cheaper than a storage unit.
To avoid wear and tear on the tires, you’ll want to park on the flattest surface possible. Cover the tires with tire covers and block them so they can’t move at all. This will help safeguard them against harsh weather.
Preparing for Winter
All of the previous steps regarding storage apply to winter preparation as well. Winter can be harsh on all automobiles, and your caravan will be no exception and will require a bit more upkeep to ensure it’s safe during the cold season. Covering and keeping your caravan sealed tight is even more important because there’s a higher possibility of water getting in, which could cause costly damages. And even though critters are less prevalent in the winter, you’ll still need to take extra steps to make sure they can’t get in, as they’ll be looking for a warm place to hide out.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your joyride caravan will be safe and secure. Securing it in a place that’s safe from theft and weather takes method and time, but it will be worth the effort you put in.