Storing up MH for a number of months (1 Viewer)

errpaul

Free Member
Feb 27, 2009
538
82
Wiltshire
Funster No
5,757
MH
A Class
Exp
11 yrs
We're going to be storing our MH up now as pregnant Mrs L is not able to get comfy, and our house needs to be sorted for the impending addition!:winky:

This means no more trips in the van for quite a few months. Also as we can no longer fit the van on the drive we are storing at a storage site away from home.

Now last year we had no issues as kept our old van on the drive with heater and dehumidifier on in between trips, and used it throughout winter.

So the question is on the best prep to store it up. From what I can find out this is what I need to do:
Water systems drained.
Taps closed.
Plugs in.
Leave storage lockers open.
Dehumidifier crystals or salt in pots.
Leisure battery isolation off.

The site where it is being stored is not hard-standing.....is it worth taking patio slabs and placing these so the tyres are on these rather than grass?
Do I need to cover the tyres?
Is it a good idea to put the external screens on?
Window blinds up or down?
:Blush:
Also how often would you say to start up (max).
Are those solar trickle chargers any good too keep engine battery topped up?
Its an 03 ducato base and so need to keep engine battery connected for van security for insurance purposes.
:Blush:
Thank you::bigsmile:
 

Peter JohnsCross MH

Funster
Deceased RIP
Jan 5, 2008
9,617
6,194
East Sussex
Funster No
1,134
MH
Autotrail
Exp
1995
You should if possible give the van a short drive once a month to clean the brake discs and to get everything moving.

Dash board solar charger is a good idea, not expensive and save a lot of agro if the battery goes flat. Caravan Motorhome Solar Panel Battery Charger 12v

Just make sure it is connected to the battery, some cigar lighter sockets need the ignition on first, if so use the croc clips direct
Peter

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pappajohn

LIFE MEMBER
Aug 26, 2007
43,207
48,832
Dark side of the moon
Funster No
172
Exp
Since 2005
Water systems drained.
Yes...and dont forget the toilet flush tank, water heater and water filter if you have one. also remove the shower hose after blowing down it with the taps open to expel any water.
Taps closed.
No....leave open and in center position
Plugs in.
Yes
Leave storage lockers open.
all doors open including wardrobe
Dehumidifier crystals or salt in pots.
Yes but they wont last long before needing replacing
Leisure battery isolation off.
Yes...unless you have a proper solar panel

The site where it is being stored is not hard-standing.....is it worth taking patio slabs and placing these so the tyres are on these rather than grass?
pieces of ply/short planks will do the job

Do I need to cover the tyres?
No need in winter...its the sun that does the damage

Is it a good idea to put the external screens on?
Not worth it...no heat to retain.
Window blinds up or down?
Up...the return springs will suffer if pulled down for extended time
Also how often would you say to start up (max).
as the alarm is powered from the engine battery it wont last more than 3 or 4 weeks and still be able to start the engine.
half an hour every 2 to 3 weeks will put enough back in.

dash board solar panels are useless in winter...they'll produce milliamps at best.

put a little olive oil on the toilet blade....stops the seal drying out and sticking.

remove all packet foods...pasta etc and as daft as it sounds....put some broken digestive biscuit on a saucer on the floor.
if you get rodents coming in they'll eat the biccies and you'll know they are there and can take action but wont have an endless supply of food.





 

ourcampersbeentrashed

Free Member
Apr 19, 2008
7,574
4,348
East London
Funster No
2,222
MH
C Class
Exp
well over 5 years
a little off topic but congratulations to Mrs L on the pending delivery xxxxxx

Hope the little one brings great joy xxxx
 

Wildman

Free Member
May 30, 2008
0
8,470
Ilfracombe, Devon
Funster No
2,913
MH
Amazon Ambassador
Exp
since 1967
don't forget to leave handbrake of, and operate clutch frequently, drive at least once a month to recharge batteries and clear brakes from sticking.
Parked on grass is just asking for a rodent infestation, they love to chew electric cables. park elswhere if at all possible.
 
OP
OP
errpaul

errpaul

Free Member
Feb 27, 2009
538
82
Wiltshire
Funster No
5,757
MH
A Class
Exp
11 yrs
Thanks all for the advice.
Unfortunately there isn't anywhere else to store it....very short on sites here unless you wanna pay £500 a year.....:Eeek: don't need too many guesses to see why they've still got space!
Is there anything that can be donbe to help prevent rodents? Obviously remove all food, as papa john's advice, but are there things that can be sealed up?
The previous owner obviously had a rodent infestation at some point....took half the thing apart cleaning up their droppings once we got it....don't want to have to do that again!

Would the biscuit thing not attract rodent and insects etc?

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