Careful Not Tight... ON THE ROAD!

Im going to keep this really easy. There are some excellent websites detailing this but some will take that long to read you could do the job quicker!

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1. Drain down all taps and tanks on your Caravan. - Find your drain plug, usually under the bunk somewhere and open it. Open all taps in sinks and leave them open to allow drainage. DON'T forget the hot water tank either!!

2. Drain the toilet wast and wash bottles completely. - Put a smear of vaseline or similar around the toilet flap seal to keep it supple.

3. Turn off/Disconnect your gas bottle(s).

4. Roll your caravan on to two wooden boards. A piece of floor board works well and it assists as a thermal break to protect the tyres.

5. I remove my battery and put it in the garage. I keep it connected to a battery charger and on the first of every month I charge it for 24 hours to keep it topped up

6. Open all the cupboards inside and leave them a jar - include the fridge as it is a cupboard - This helps airflow and prevents mould

7. My Caravan seems to be bad with mould and condensation and so I get dehumidifiers/salt pots, from places like Aldi, which absorb the moisture from the air during the winter. I empty these two or three times during the winter.

8. Similar reasons to above I remove all my seating cushions and put them in my loft to avoid damp. Some say leave a caravan window ajar to help airflow but, still mould formed on my cushions one winter and luckily, purely by chance, I had to go into the caravan for something. The mould was allover the seating at one end. We removed the lot and cleaned it down with a carpet cleaner (like a Vax)! Long cold job in winter...

9. Cover your Hitch to protect it from rain ingress. If you haven't a proper cover buy one or use a good thick bin liner type bag!

10. Empty your cupboards of anything that resembles food. Clean them out of breadcrumbs and spillage as it will attract mice and other assorted vermin!

11. Check all windows are shut but first check for any damaged leaking rubbers. We do not want water getting in and the damp attacking your prized possession! Repair rubbers temporarily with a bit of draught excluder.

12. Awnings etc - store them in your garage or similar. Think about protecting them from rodents as they can make a nest in them and chew them to bits. I acquired some large plastic storage containers with snap down lids. They may cost you a bit but its cheaper than a new awning!

13. Cover your van? - I dont as its like a car, made to live outside in all weathers. I have seen even a breathable cover show sign of mould when removed but worse... they blow in the wind if not secured well enough and scratch windows and body work. Trust me, I only saw it once and could not believe it!

14. Finally blinds... do I leave them open or closed? I have my Caravan on the front of my house and I close my blinds from prying eyes. However, I like to leave the one facing the sun open and the one in the Heiki sunroof open to let in any sunshine to keep it a bit warmer. Bear in mind I remove my seat cushions to my loft so it precludes the sun bleaching them. You decide on what you think is best for you!