StorageDirect

We offer storage of caravans as one of our services at Storage Direct. With winter coming in New Zealand, you are going to need to take special precaution when looking after your caravan. Here are some tips to keep it in great shape during the cold season.

Tips for Looking after Your Caravan during the Winter

In the winter months you’ll want to store your caravan to keep it out of the elements. Here’s some ways you can go about this so your caravan will be fresh and ready to go for the next travel season.

Decide Where to Store
You may decide just to store the caravan on your property or you might take it to some type of storage compound. This is really up to you. If you have the room on your property this is certainly a viable option for storage. If you use a storage area you’ll have to pay fees but your caravan will be safe and secure at these locations as they are monitored. If you store it at home make sure you it’s not near overhanging tress as it’s easy to get debris onto he caravan during the winter storm season. If you store at a site make sure you know how the caravan will be stored.  Make sure you also understand the rules and conditions of storing your caravan at one of these facilities if you go this route.

Cleaning
Before you store your caravan you should give the outside a good cleaning and hose off any debris from your best travel adventures. You might also want to wax the surface to protect it. When cleaning your caravan, ensure sure you use the agents that are designed to clean your caravan. Inspect the caravan for any mould and remove this as it could eat into he surface over the winter and cause more damage. If you need repairs make sure these are done prior to the storage if you can afford them. Winter is a great time to get repairs done as the shops won’t be as busy. Try to shield the wheels from the sun by covering them.

Security
If storing the caravan at your property use hitch locks and wheel clamps to prevent theft of your unit. If you store at an outside location the area will be monitored for theft so you will be safe.

Drain Tanks
Before you store your caravan make sure the water tanks are fully drained. You don’t want these to freeze or crack during the winter months. Make sure all the taps are drained as well and that there’s no standing water around. Clean and train the toilet and septic systems as well.

Interior
Make sure you vacuum and clean the interior prior to storage and ensure there’s some air circulation to prevent the buildup of mould. Cushions and bedding should be removed and stored elsewhere to keep them clean. The fridge doo should be opened to help with air circulation but be sure to clean it out completely before storing the unit. Cover your upholstery with cotton cloths to deep dust and debris off of them. Ensure all the windows are closed before you store the unit.

Gas
Makes sure the gas valves on the cylinders are closed and that regulators are disconnected from your cylinders and you place caps or cloth over the ends of the pipework. Check with the storage unit about gas policies if storing your unit there. Doesn’t store the gas cylinders in your shed or garage use the gas locker of your unit. If storing the cylinders in another location keep them away from open drains and away from any heat sources.

Electricity
If you can hookup your unit to electricity over the winter you should do this. This way you can keep the battery in good condition and powerup the unit from time to time if needed to check systems. Make sure all electronic are in fact completely off as a standby mode will still drain your battery. You might want to take the battery out completely and charge it periodically at your home to keep it in better condition.

These are just some of the tips and suggestions for looking after your caravan during the winter months.