Caravan Storage Tips, from Devon Caravan and Boat storage specialists, Devon Move.

So the summer touring done and its time to say goodnight to your friend for the duration. Storing your caravan correctly is a must especially in our harsh winter conditions, do it right and your Easter start-up will be fine, Get it wrong and you are in for a torrid start to what should be a perfect start to the years touring. Hopefully I can give you some hints and tips that will prevent New Year disasters.

1.Drainage: ALL ONBOARD PIPES AND WATER SYSTEMS SHOULD BE DRAINED COMPLTLEY OF WATER the only alternative to this rule is when your caravan dealer and/or heating appliance manufacturer advises against it. I have always drained and left the plugs out during winter (please remember where you stored them)

2.Wheels: It's a good idea to place your van on axle stands, thus removing the weight from the suspension and giving it a rest so to speak, but more important, it takes the weight off the road tyres there fore alleviating the flat spot, wall damage and possible tyre renewal in the new year Just do a check with your insurance company both van and household to ensure you are covered DON'T LEAVE THE VAN ON THE CORNER STANDS

3.Interior: It's a good idea to remove bedding etc during the winter months, and remember the seating and upholstery need air in order to stop them getting damp and musty, Its also advisable to keep the fridge door ajar for the same reason, a good idea on a fine fresh day is to open the van and stand the upholstery on end, leaving the door ajar for a couple of hours, this way you can check for any damp spots at the same time. Curtains leave them open , It helps to air the van, don't worry about fading as this should not be a problem

4.Electrics: It's of no use just disconnecting the wiring relay and letting it hang there during the winter months, you're asking for trouble. Simply spray the unit in a good preservative and then seal with a plastic bag by wrapping or tying the end, this should stop any rust forming and short circuits, but do give it another spray and check the contacts on a free day.

5.Coverage: My own experiences have taught me NOT TO COVER MY VAN in order to try and keep the weather out. Condensation and mould growth became abundant and the scratches were beyond belief. My best storage area was a farmer's huge lofty barn. But always remember to use a security device remembering the poor farmer may need to move your van in an emergency, so check with him before you fit them and take the keys to any locks away with you.

Winter Security: Lock the coupling head into a cover with a hitch lock if possible, if your van is not on stands for the winter consider using lock nuts on the caravan wheels. If you can, use wheel clamps - everyone knows how well they can keep a vehicle stationary!

Gas cylinders are always an inviting target to a thief.
Padlock them to the fixing bracket on older caravans so they can't be removed,
and keep gas compartments locked on newer models.

Fit an alarm. You can get one from any DIY store. Fit a time switch. If you're out after dark, lights on in your caravan will make it look occupied and can deter opportunist thieves.

Remember: your caravan is even more vulnerable when not in use or at home. Caravans left on sites even over winter, for example, are targets for thieves. If you are choosing a storage site don't just look at the price. Check to see that it offers good security. If you are a member of the Caravan Club, your touring caravan will automatically be logged on the club's security register. This enables the club to liaise with the police and dealers rapidly should a theft occur. It also helps to authenticate ownership if your caravan is stolen then recovered.

If you need a caravan or boat storage service in the local Devon area, please contact Devon Move for more information on 0800 9230355.