If you’re keeping the caravan under wraps for a little bit or you don’t have any immediate trips planned, you’ll want to make sure everything’s in top shape for when you eventually bring it back out again.

Here are some tips to keep your caravan looking pristine while it’s in storage.

Clean the awning

Clean the awning before you put your van into storage and make sure to use the correct cleaning products. Bleach will rot the stitching and shorten the life of the awning. Run a line of wax along the top stitching when it is dry to prevent water dripping through.

Cleaning

Use some car wash and wax to clean the outside of your van and finish it off with car polish to give it a shine.

Check your lockers

Empty every locker to check for water leaks. Apply silicone spray to the gas struts on all cupboard doors.

Heat damage

Things like markers or glues may dry out in warmer temperatures while other things like sunscreen will deteriorate. Remove them from the van and use them. Remove batteries from things like the TV remote too so they don’t leak and cause damage.

Mildew

Use products with hygroscopic crystals to absorb any moisture within the van and use one in the fridge with the door left slightly ajar to ensure it remains fresh and dry.

Check under the van

Spend a good amount of time checking under your van for signs of damage. Check the springs, electric brake wiring, all water and gas hoses for leaks or stone damage and tyre wear.

If you need to, block all external pipes to prevent wasps from building nests inside.

Maintenance

Empty water tanks to prevent algae growth and service your jockey wheel regularly by cleaning and re-greasing the ball race.

Keep the house batteries charged via trickle charging or with a 240v smart charger.

This article was originally featured on Without a Hitch.