Moving from covered storage to uncovered , advice please (1 Viewer)

[Adbt]

New storage is much closer and way way cheaper , any advice / guidance please .

 

[Minxy]

Not really sure what type of advice you're looking for .....

 

[FJmike]

In my experience vans fare better outside as usually interior storage is in barns with bird poo and dust settling on the van. Outside the rain washes off most contamination. For peace of mind a good clean and coat of wax to give a bit of added protection.

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[Adbt]

Type of advice im after ..........

Anything that is specific to outdoor storage as opposed to indoor , we use the MH at least every month , 200W solar panel for battery top up .
Do we need to remove the soft furnishings / mattress etc ? Desiccant packs ? That kind of stuff .

 

[Minxy]

Ah, now I see what you want to know ... just leave it with stuff in except perishables and empty the water out whilst there is still a threat of frost; as you have solar it will actually benefit your batteries by it being outside. Ours have always been outside and never had any issues at all with them, never use a dehumidifier or heater just air it occasionally if it's not going to be used for a while, but if you use yours monthly this isn't an issue.

 

[John745]

I would suggest spraying the roof with Fenwicks Overwintering, I use it now and don't get all that green mess on the roof, which I did before.

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[JFD]

We keep ours on a local farm, outside, where the solar panels can get lots of sunshine! No issues with stuff left inside, except for food, so don't leave anything to attract the meeces! We also put on a German marten deterrent when we leave the Moho, just for peace of mind, and that seems to keep the little beggars away!

Good tip about the Fenwicks Overwintering - we have had a lot of algae build up on our roof, but it's only a matter of an hour or two to clean it off.

 

[Adbt]

When you say food , do you mean all food ? Cereals in unopened packets. , pasta in Tupperware ? Are closed cupboards mice proof ? Cheers !

 

[sallylillian]

In my experience vans fare better outside as usually interior storage is in barns with bird poo and dust settling on the van. Outside the rain washes off most contamination. For peace of mind a good clean and coat of wax to give a bit of added protection.

A valid comment, we are in a modern barn, but I now keep dust sheets over the top of the van for the reasons you identify.

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[FJmike]

When you say food , do you mean all food ? Cereals in unopened packets. , pasta in Tupperware ? Are closed cupboards mice proof ? Cheers !

Anything in a packet should be taken out, tinned stuff is OK because the mice haven't got the hang of tin openers. Also make sure there aren't any crumbs of food anywhere in the van, spilt sugar is a prime suspect. But this applies if your storing inside or out.

 

[PhilG]

When you say food , do you mean all food ? Cereals in unopened packets. , pasta in Tupperware ? Are closed cupboards mice proof ? Cheers !

Nothing in the world is Mice proof.

 

[Reallyretired]

Some closed cupboards are largely mouseproof but even high level lockers may have ventilation slots. Low level ones often have spaces around pipes and wires which would allow the beasties access. Cardboard packets are easily chewed through so if you must leave things like breakfast cereal sicker in then transfer to a strong tupperware type container, though they can chew through those too. Undercover storage can have mice as well of course.
I use a marten repellor and also use a few mouse traps (the humane ones which break their necks rather than trapping them to starve to death)

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[JFD]

Yes, all food should be taken out, for two reasons: Firstly, if it's not there, then it won't attract mice, and secondly, because you might find it's gone out of date by the time you get to open!

I put our marten scarier in the engine compartment, aiming it back along the length of the vehicle underneath. So far, so good (but only about 6 months use so far!). I have a tag on the steering wheel to stop me driving off with it still attached!!

 

[Jim]

Think about sun damage to upholstery

 

[Nirvanauk]

If you are outside at least your solar panel will keep all your batteries topped up so no chance of a flat engine battery.

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[JFD]

Sun damage to upholstery should not be a problem, as long as you use the blinds on the East, South, and West aspects.....and the roof transparency blinds. Mind you, the upholstery on our old Moho, a Talbot-based Pilote, some 23 years old was both original and fine, and I don't suppose all previous owners were careful to draw the curtains, but you never know!!

 

[Silver-Fox]

Nothing in the world is Mice proof.

Mice trap?

 

[Ninovan]

Recently bought 2 large multi packs of 24 Walkers & put them in the shed for storage. Went to get a packet & found every one had been eaten or 1/2 eaten with the exception of the prawn cocktail ones. Must be something in the smell of even a closed packet!

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[pyro]

Anyone advise on covers? I have been pondering this, but discounted on the basis that it would probably cause condensation inside (lack of airflow), but would welcome advice

 

[Jim]

Anyone advise on covers? I have been pondering this, but discounted on the basis that it would probably cause condensation inside (lack of airflow), but would welcome advice

The general consensus is that they do more harm than good. Scuffing mostly. Most vans will easily do 20+ years out in all weathers, especially if you keep a bit of polish on them.

 

[pyro]

The general consensus is that they do more harm than good. Scuffing mostly. Most vans will easily do 20+ years out in all weathers, especially if you keep a bit of polish on them.

Thanks Jim, that's settled the issue for me, and saved me a good few quid in the process

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[ABZSteve]

Type of advice im after ..........

Anything that is specific to outdoor storage as opposed to indoor , we use the MH at least every month , 200W solar panel for battery top up .
Do we need to remove the soft furnishings / mattress etc ? Desiccant packs ? That kind of stuff .

Nope leave all furnishings as is, don't remove any food, no need to top up the battery it will be fine and make sure you get a cover, they work wonders

 

[Dave K]

Anyone advise on covers? I have been pondering this, but discounted on the basis that it would probably cause condensation inside (lack of airflow), but would welcome advice

We tried a cover on our caravan when we stored it outside, not only a pain in the backside to put on and take off but the wind on the cover marked the bodywork, never again would I use one.

 

[pyro]

We tried a cover on our caravan when we stored it outside, not only a pain in the backside to put on and take off but the wind on the cover marked the bodywork, never again would I use one.

Thanks Dave, that settles that one then. Thanks to both you and Jim for the heads up

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[peterc10]

What is a marten scarer or deterrent and where can I get one from please?

 

[FJmike]

Think about sun damage to upholstery

Also think about tension on blinds. Many blinds when shut put tension on spring so if the blind spends a lot of time shut this weakens the spring, resulting in slow or non opening blinds. Also never close a roof blind fully, have it part blind and part insect net. This allows air to circulate across the skylight, if full enclosed heat can build up and damage the skylight even in the UK

 

[FJmike]

The general consensus is that they do more harm than good. Scuffing mostly. Most vans will easily do 20+ years out in all weathers, especially if you keep a bit of polish on them.

Have to endorse what Jim has said, also add that unless the van is pristine when putting the cover on it will mark the van surface so bad that it will need hours of rectification. Also if not in a sheltered spot the cover will move also causing damage.

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