After a busy summer of caravanning, some owners may continue touring into autumn, while others may start using their caravan less frequently as winter approaches.
If your caravan is going to be laid up and out of action for several weeks or even months at a time, your thoughts may be turning to caravan storage after summer, and a little preparation now may help prevent avoidable problems.
How should I prepare my caravan for storage?
Basic preparation is simple and straightforward:
- clean both the interior and exterior surfaces;
- remove food and other perishables;
- empty the rubbish bins;
- clean the fridge and leave the door ajar for the circulation of air;
- check for signs of damp or the ingress of water; and
- remove anything that may attract pests or other infestations.
What should I do about water and gas before storing my caravan?
Safety precautions can vary between caravans, so it is important to follow your caravan manufacturer’s guidance and check any relevant conditions or requirements in your caravan insurance policy documents, too.
Before storing your caravan, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safely shutting off the gas supply. As colder weather approaches, these instructions may also recommend draining down the water system to help protect pipes, tanks and fittings from frost damage.
How can I protect my caravan from damp while it’s stored?
A potential hazard for caravan storage after summer is the unwelcome arrival of damp and mould.
Reducing the risk of damp typically involves maintaining adequate ventilation while making sure doors, windows and external seals are properly closed and weatherproof. Permanent ventilation points should never be obstructed. Aim to identify leaks or damp spots before storing a caravan and thoroughly check all seals before finally putting it away.
How can I keep my caravan secure in storage?
The security of your caravan can depend significantly on your choice of storage site. A Caravan Storage Site Owners Association (CaSSOA) approved storage site may provide additional reassurance, as accredited sites are independently assessed against CaSSOA’s standards, including security measures. Before committing to caravan storage after summer:
- ensure you have chosen an appropriate storage site – Cover4Caravans policyholders, for example, may be eligible for a discount on their annual premium where a touring caravan is stored at a site approved by CaSSOA, depending on their circumstances and the policy selected;
- consider fitting appropriate security measures, such as hitch locks and wheel locks, taking account of any security requirements specified by your insurer;
- consider alarms or tracking devices where appropriate;
- remove valuables where possible, particularly any items excluded from cover while the caravan is in storage; and
- arrange for periodic checks on your caravan in storage.
Do I still need caravan insurance when my caravan is in storage?
Although caravan insurance isn’t generally a legal requirement in the same way as motor insurance, risks don’t disappear when your caravan isn’t being used.
Depending on the policy, caravan insurance may provide cover while the caravan is in storage for insured risks such as fire, theft, storm or accidental damage. Before putting your caravan into storage, check your policy terms, exclusions, security requirements and any conditions relating to where the caravan is kept.
Do I need to tell my insurer where my caravan is stored?
Some insurers require you to tell them where your caravan is stored, while others may only need to be notified if you move it from one storage location to another – from your driveway at home, for example, to a secure storage facility.
Your caravan insurance documents should explain when the insurer needs to be notified.
What next?
The good news is that as September rolls around, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of caravanning. But if you are planning to lay up the trailer and leave it unused for the best part of the winter, now might be a sensible time to decide where to store it, review the security arrangements there, and consider your ongoing insurance requirements.
If you are reviewing your caravan insurance before putting your caravan into storage, at Cover4Caravans we can provide further information and an up-to-date quote.