caravan storage

[philip_374229949]

we have a very nice caravan and as first timers are keen to keep it that way. Over the winter a friend who is a farmer has said we can store it on his field. It will be the only van on it. I am not so worried about security as I am weather as another friend who has been caravaning longer than me thinks it is a bad idea, even if covered by a caravan cover. The less attractive option is to keep it on the driveway.

Any tips.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Philip,

You will need to check the details of your insurance policy. They sometimes stipulate the minimum level of security you should have for you're insurance to be valid.

I have to say that a single van on a field, will stick out like a sore thumb, and may attract more attention, especially as the people who are intent on stealing will quickly ascertain the level of site security to virtually zero.

If you intend to park it at home, again you need to check your insurance, but also the deeds of your property, as some housing scheme's actually preclude the storage of caravans.

 

[philip_374229949]

thank you for your kind reply. I note all you say but at this stage ammore concerned about the physical impact on the van being stored in a field. Will the weathering be damaging to it.

 

[Robtel]

Philip,

You have said that your main concern is the weather. Even if you store the van on your driveway you are still exposing it to the elements. Unless you are able to find storage undercover you are always going to have that problem.

All of my vans over the twenty odd years I have been caravanning have been stored outside. The body work of caravans is made of aluminium or plastic therefore rust is not going to be a problem. The main potential problem in all vans is water ingress and that is going to remain no matter where you store it. I don't know if this is a proven fact or not but I have, on more than one occasion, heard that caravns are better stored outside with plenty of air circulating around them as it helps prevent dampness and condensation.

If it were me in your position Philip I would be more concerned about the security aspects of storing it in a field as you describe rather than the weather.

Good luck with whatever course of action you take.

Robert

 

[Happy-Lappy]

Phillip,

I keep my caravan stored in a field, although it is concealed from passing traffic, the Farmer still blocks the main entrance with a paddlocked gate and large trailer. Your main concern will be the vermin (ie. Mice and Rats), as during the winter months they seek shelter from the elements and insurance companies do not cover attacks by these rodents, it is advisable to cover the lower air vents with wire mesh, obtainable from car accessory outlets. As for winter covers, these are now manufactured from 'breathable' material and have good write ups, but are still a bit expensive and don't protect the underside of the van anyhow, best of luck with your choice of storage

best regards, Martin

 

[philip_374229949]

thanks to you all. Really helpful advice.

 

[colin-yorkshire]

hi philip

rob-T is spot on there will be no adverse effects from storing your van outside body wise they are built for it (you will have to wash off the algae now and then though)

A couple of points to bear in mind though, first mice they get in no matter what you do but you can slow them down a bit.

cover all the places where you can see the slightest gap? around pipes cable inlets ect I use a small ammount of expanding foam (they dont like the taste of that)and fit wire mesh into vents you might have to remove them first fit on the inside so they dont show and take out all the bedding and soft furnishings and store in your garage when you park it up for the winter.

grease the legs inside and out and the jocky wheel shaft to stop them climbing up them

place 3 or 4 bowls half full of salt around the van to absorb any moisture and change them every 4 or 5 weeks

leave the brake off then it wont seize up and chock the wheels use a good brand of wheel clamp or take them off and stand on axel stands, also fit a good type of hitch lock and remove the battery.

then it should be fine, mine get that treatment every year in storage and so far I have had no problems

you dont need to to go to these lenths during the summer as the little rodents are too busy making more little rodents for next winter good luck

colin

 

[AnnM1]

Hi Philip

Why are you so against storing your pride and joy on your own driveway? It is much more convenient than using storage away from home.

As for rodents these have never caused us a problem - even having caravans stored under cover (where rodents particularly like to be!). We used mothballs (not too many as they do smell) at each corner of the caravan, indoors. We put a couple of mothballs into the mesh laundry bags with pull strings and dangled them close to outlets. We didn't bother using any other deterent(s). We never experienced any problems, nor did the caravans stored nearby! I must say, however, that vans stored further away had some damage from the little monsters.

Hope this is helpful.

Ann