How to Store Your Caravan Properly

Most caravans spend more time parked than on the road. How you store yours between trips makes a big difference to its condition, lifespan, and your next trip experience.

A caravan that’s stored properly will be ready to hitch and go. One that’s been neglected will greet you with flat tyres, dead batteries, musty smells, and potentially serious damp problems.

Here’s how to store your caravan the right way.

Choose the Right Location

At Home

Storing at home is the most convenient option. You can check on it regularly and load up at your own pace before a trip.

Tips for home storage:

• Park on a hard, level surface (concrete or paving). Grass holds moisture and promotes rust.
• If you can park it under a roof or carport, even better.
• Make sure it’s not blocking drainage or sitting in a low point where water pools.
• Consider security: a wheel clamp and hitch lock are minimum.

Caravan Storage Facility

If you don’t have space at home, dedicated caravan storage facilities offer covered or open-air parking with security.

What to look for:

• Perimeter security (fencing, cameras, access control)
• Covered bays protect from sun and hail
• Access hours that suit your schedule
• Insurance requirements (some facilities require it, some include basic cover)

Cost: Typically R300-R800 per month depending on location and whether it’s covered.

What to Avoid

• Parking under trees (bird droppings, sap, falling branches, and leaves block drainage)
• Low-lying areas where water collects
• Unsecured open land
• Direct sun for extended periods (UV damages seals and fades paintwork)

Preparing for Storage

Clean It Thoroughly

Before parking up:

• Wash the exterior, including the roof
• Clean the interior from top to bottom
• Empty and clean the fridge, leave the door slightly open
• Empty the water tank and run the taps dry
• Empty and clean the toilet cassette
• Remove all perishable food
• Wipe down surfaces to prevent mould

Ventilation

This is critical. A closed-up caravan builds condensation, which leads to damp and mould.

• Leave roof vents slightly open (enough for air circulation, not rain)
• Crack a window if the caravan is under cover
• Consider placing moisture absorbers (available at hardware stores) inside
• A small dehumidifier on a timer works well if you have power access

Gas

• Turn off all gas valves
• Disconnect the regulator from the gas bottle
• Remove gas bottles if storing for extended periods

Electrical

• Disconnect the leisure battery and store it in a cool, dry place
• Charge the battery every 4-6 weeks to prevent it going flat and losing capacity
• If you have a solar panel, it can keep the battery topped up during storage
• Turn off all switches and appliances

Tyres

Caravan tyres develop flat spots when they sit in one position for months.

• Inflate to the maximum recommended pressure before storage
• If possible, move the caravan slightly every few weeks to change the contact point
• Consider using tyre covers to protect from UV damage
• Some owners jack the caravan up and put it on axle stands to take the weight off the tyres entirely

Water System

• Drain the water tank completely
• Open all taps to let remaining water out
• If storing over winter, consider adding non-toxic antifreeze to the system (relevant in colder parts of SA like Mpumalanga highlands or Free State)

Seals and Exterior

• Check all roof and window seals before storage
• Apply fresh sealant where needed
• A coat of caravan polish helps protect the aluminium panels

Security

A parked caravan is a target. Protect yours:

• Hitch lock prevents the coupling from being attached to another vehicle
• Wheel clamp makes it impossible to tow away
• Alarm with motion sensor
• GPS tracker for recovery if stolen
• Good insurance as a last line of defence

Many insurance policies require minimum security measures. Check your policy.

Before Your Next Trip

When you’re ready to take the caravan out again:

1. Check tyre pressures (they’ll have dropped)
2. Reconnect and check the battery
3. Fill the water tank and check for leaks
4. Test all appliances
5. Reconnect the gas and test for leaks
6. Check lights and brakes
7. Do a visual check of the exterior for any new damage or seal issues
8. Air out the interior
9. Restock your supplies

Need Storage Advice or Servicing?

At Caravan Center in Vereeniging, we can advise on storage, service your caravan for storage prep, and get it trip-ready when you’re heading out again.

Contact us at caravancenter.co.za/contact.