Storing your caravan properly is essential to its long life and your enjoyment of it. As long as you remember to do these things, your caravan will remain odor-free, pest-free, it’s battery full and tires ready to go when it’s time to take it out for another tour. All that’ll be left to do is map your way and drive away to your chosen campsite.

Empty the fridge

Before storing your caravan away, open the fridge and take everything out. Don’t be tempted to leave a thing or two because that’s a sure way to invite rats and other pests. Give it a bit of cleaning to clear any spills and dry it carefully. The last step is to leave the door/s (top and bottom, if two-door) ajar. This will prevent molds or any strong odors from developing.

Drain water

Unused water stored for months or weeks would go stale and become unsafe to drink so it’s pointless to leave just it there. You need to check and drain the water from your reservoir including that in the toilet cassette and flush tank. Once you’re done, leave the cap off for a few hours and when it’s completely dry, put it back on to prevent ants and other insects from getting in.

Turn off the gas

Refill the gas cylinder before storing your caravan. After that, turn off and burn the excess off from the pipe. There is no need for you to undo lines or leave it open because it will only attract bugs. Choose a spot inside the motorhome that doesn’t get direct sunlight, so the material of the hose doesn’t weaken.

Check the powerpoint and outlets

Most caravans require a 15 AMP power supply and connecting it at home might be a problem because most only have 10 AMP. Doing this is banned in the country and a simple solution to it is having a 15 AMP installed in your home by a technician. Once you’re done plugging it, make sure the lead is disconnected and secure the outlet to so it doesn’t dangle afterwards.

Take care of your battery

When a motorhome isn’t in use its digital clocks, LEDs and satellite tracking systems use up the battery. This causes it to run flat, especially the lithium-ion ones. To prevent that from happening, you can install a fail-safe cut-off device that is activated when the charge drops to a low level. Another option is to connect it to a 240v power source placed on the roof or to use portable solar panels.

Wax it

Once you’ve cleaned everything inside, it’s time to work on the exterior. Apply wax to the caravan and use a lubricant for corner jacks and hitches. Use sprays like WD-40 or CRC or look for dry silicone-based variants to rust-proof these areas. These are cheap and won’t stain your clothes when you use it.

Keep it covered

Motorhomes take up a lot of space so putting it in the garage isn’t an option for some. There are carports and secured yards you could leave it to or you can put it outside your house. One way to protect is by buying a cover. These aren’t expensive and it will not let the sunlight that damages furniture and other items get in your caravan. Apart from that, it’ll be safe from falling fruit, twigs, branches, bird poo and most of all, harsh weather.

Mind the tires

To ease the pressure on tires when you store your caravan, you can use independent trailing arm suspension systems or, the older approach which is to jack it off the ground and put wood blocks under the axels. If you are parking it on an even surface, it’s good to inflate it to its maximum allowable pressure to prevent damage. Lastly, the recommended lifespan of tires in Australia is just five years from its manufacturing date. Its rubber will deteriorate when left under the sun too long. To avoid this, you have to choose a spot with enough shade and make sure it is covered.

Aussie Leisure Loans

You have to maintain your RV’s good condition if you want to get a good price when you resell it. Now, if you’re thinking of buying a new one, Aussie Leisure Loans can give you a hand. Call them on 1300 889 669 to find out more about their loans and let them connect you with trusted lenders.