Caravan Storage: When You’re Not Using It

Whether you’re storing your caravan between trips, during the off-season, or while you take a break from the Big Lap to visit family, proper storage preparation protects your investment from damage, theft, and deterioration. A few hours of preparation before storage saves weeks of repair and cleanup when you return.

Where To Store

Your driveway or property: Free and convenient. Check local council rules first; some councils restrict caravan storage in residential areas (particularly on the street or in front setbacks). You may need a hard standing pad to comply with regulations. Security is your responsibility: consider a hitch lock, wheel clamp, or GPS tracker.

Commercial storage yards: Secure facilities ranging from open-air lots ($50 to $100/month) to covered or enclosed storage ($100 to $250/month). Benefits include security (fencing, cameras, access control), insurance compliance (some policies require secure storage), and keeping the van out of the weather. Book early if storing over peak periods; popular facilities fill up.

A friend or family member’s property: Free or cheap, but confirm it’s okay with them long-term and ensure the location is secure and doesn’t violate any council rules.

Preparing For Storage

Water System

Drain all water tanks completely (fresh water, grey water, hot water). Run the pump until no water comes out, then turn it off. Open all taps to drain residual water from the lines. This prevents stagnant water, mould growth, and potential freeze damage (relevant in alpine or southern areas during winter). If storing for more than a month, consider adding a tank sanitiser before draining.

Power System

If possible, connect to solar or a trickle charger to maintain battery charge during storage. A battery that sits discharged for months will degrade significantly (particularly AGM). If you can’t keep it charged, disconnect the battery to prevent parasitic drain from appliances and monitoring systems. Ideally, remove the battery and store it on a trickle charger at home.

Gas

Turn off both gas bottles at the valve. No gas should be flowing during storage.

Interior

Clean thoroughly: vacuuming, wiping benchtops, cleaning the fridge (leave the door propped open to prevent mould), and removing all food. Open all cupboard doors and drawers slightly to allow air circulation. Place moisture absorbers (DampRid or similar) inside to prevent mould and mildew in humid climates. Close all blinds to reduce UV damage to upholstery.

Exterior

Wash the van (remove road grime, bird droppings, and bug residue). Check and reseal any damaged seals around windows, hatches, and the roof. Cover the van if storing outdoors for extended periods; a breathable caravan cover prevents UV damage while allowing moisture to escape. Don’t use a tarp; trapped moisture causes more damage than sun exposure.

Tyres

Inflate tyres to the maximum sidewall pressure to reduce flat-spotting during storage. If storing for more than 3 months, consider placing the van on jack stands to take weight off the tyres entirely. Move the van slightly every month if possible, or at minimum rotate the tyre position that’s bearing weight.

Security

Fit a hitch lock to prevent the coupling being attached to another vehicle. A wheel clamp provides visible deterrence. A GPS tracker ($100 to $300 plus subscription) gives you location alerts if the van is moved. Check your insurance policy; some require specific security measures during storage.

Coming Out Of Storage

Before your first trip after storage: check tyre pressures and condition, reconnect and charge the battery, fill and flush the water system, test all gas appliances (check for spiders in gas burners; they love nesting in there), run the fridge for 24 hours before loading food, test all lights and the breakaway system, and do a thorough walk-around checking for any damage that may have occurred during storage.