Winter Fridge vents

[Ian341]

Hi all

Just putting caravan into storage for winter and was wondering whether it is completely necessary to fit winter vents to the fridge. I have had mixed comments from other people in storage. Also is it best to close the Heki rooflight blind to stop the sun from damaging the interior wood and upholstery, it says on the frame to keep blinds open for long periods of time. Should moisutre absorbers be used or are they just a waste of time?

Many Thanks

 

[colin-yorkshire]

hi ian.

as with all things it is a matter of choice and preferance, in time one gets into ones own rituals and beliefs, and each one will have a different approach, to start you off here is mine.

fridge covers on, why it can stop the damp and weather getting in behind the fridge cabinet(personnaly I leave mine on all year and only take them off when in use).

ditto heater cover same reason.

blinds open, because if they are left in the closed position for a long time it weakens the springs.

curtains open, stops fading,

roof lights closed but not the blinds (reason as above)you can stop the light getting in if required by putting paper ect on top of the mesh,

battery disconnected and removed (no alarm fiited)

wheels removed to protect the tyres, axels on stands unless forbbiden by site (fire regulations)although god knows how they would move it in the event of a fire with two wheel clamps on???

in which case I put on two old wheels.

A frame cover on and secured .

all grease points (over run brake,steadies ect)coated in grease,

anti moisture substance put in van ( salt is as good as anything else) half fill 2 bowls with salt place at either end of van on a mat and change every 4 weeks or so it is supprising how much water is collected.

cover all outlet pipes ect to stop the rodents getting in and use poison or mouse traps just in case?? (but dont use cheese it stinks after about 3 months in the van,ho ho.

finally make sure your van insurance is up to date and won't run out during layup and tell the insurance company exactly where it is stored.

thats how I do it and have never had a problem during winter layups in the 30 odd years I have been caravanning.

you could of course use the van all winter many do and love it then you would not have to lay it up at all.

good luck and kind regards

colin

 

[Ray R]

Add handbrake off to the above and that just about covers everything.

 

[Ian341]

Thanks all for your excellent advise.

 

[will2]

You will need to check with your insurance before you remove the wheels.

If it states you have to have a wheel clamp fitted you cant fit one if you take the wheels off so if something happened would you be covered??

Will