Thinking about how to store your touring caravan or motorhome when not in use but not sure what’s best? Look no further. We’ve put together this handy guide so you can get up to speed on the ins and outs of motorhome and touring caravan storage.
1) Where can I store my touring caravan or motorhome?
There are several storage options available to you. The most common places are:
- At home – either your own, or a friend or family member’s
- At a dedicated storage site
- On private land (with permission), such as on a farm or industrial site
- Seasonal pitching –leaving your touring caravan set up at a campsite even when you’re not there. This does not apply to motorhomes
These places will all have varying levels of security, with insurance cover generally more expensive the less secure your chosen site is.
Where are you not allowed to store your touring caravan or motorhome?
Don’t just assume you can leave your caravan or motorhome anywhere. Even if you want to park it at home, you should first check that your property deeds don’t prohibit you parking it in your garden or on your driveway.
There are no laws against parking your caravan or motorhome on the street, but it may not be the safest choice. Security is minimal and it will be at risk of scratches and bumps from passing cars and weather damage.
Most importantly, your touring caravan or motorhome mustn’t cause an obstruction or be parked dangerously, and if it’s parked illegally, action could be taken. Also, if you leave your caravan on the road, it must be parked with the nearside facing the pavement, so the rear lights are visible to approaching traffic.
Why does it matter where you store your caravan or motorhome?
The first and most obvious reason why it matters, is the more secure your caravan or motorhome, the less likely it is to be stolen.
The second is that an insurer will take the security of your caravan or motorhome into account when pricing your premiums, so the more secure the storage the better the price you could pay for your caravan insurance or motorhome insurance.
Do you need to tell your insurer where your caravan or motorhome is stored?
Yes, many caravan or motorhome insurance policies will require you to do, but if not, it’s a good idea to keep your insurer informed anyway, to ensure you’re fully protected and don’t miss out on any potentially savings.
2) Why store your touring caravan or motorhome at a storage site?
How you store your caravan or motorhome is your choice, but with the AA estimating that 4,000 caravans are stolen a year, putting it in a dedicated storage facility is probably the safest option.
What is a CaSSOA site?
Standing for Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association, CaSSOA is a national caravan and motorhome storage site accreditation body. It has over 450 approved storage sites across the UK, so it won’t be hard to find a CaSSOA site near you.
CaSSOA awards four certificates: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Bronze goes to those that meet its minimum requirements, while Platinum is reserved for the best protected storage facilities.
CaSSOA sites are certified using a points system based on a variety of elements, including CCTV and surveillance, fire safety features, perimeter defences, alarm systems and controlled entry. The more points a site has, the better its certification. A full list of the differences between accredited levels of CaSSOA site can be found on their website.
Some sites also offer onsite facilities such as tyre pressure checks, servicing and valeting.
Some touring caravan and motorhome insurers ask for the CaSSOA certification of your storage site as it can bring down the cost of your premiums.
How do you choose the right storage site?
Research is key. You will want to compare cost, distance and security features, balancing convenience with value for money. Opening hours are worth checking too, especially if you think you may need to access your caravan or motorhome at irregular times.
Most storage sites will offer tours so that you can assess their security measures and see their facilities before deciding if it’s right for you.
Do I still need insurance if my caravan or motorhome is in storage?
Yes, you do. Motorhome insurance is mandatory regardless of whether it’s in storage or not. Caravan insurance isn’t mandatory but it's the only way to fully protect your touring caravan whether it’s on the road or stored.
3) Pros and cons of storing your caravan or motorhome at home
If you feel there’s no place like home, you could store your touring caravan or motorhome outside your house. Here are the pros and cons of doing that to help you weigh up your options:
Pros:
- Convenient
- Free
- Easy to access
- Easy to clean
- Easy to pack up and go
Cons:
- Takes up lots of space
- Can limit storage and parking options
- You may need permission to keep on your property
- Can cause annoyance or an obstruction if parked on the street
- Can be conspicuous i.e. when you're flagging it away
4) How do I prepare my touring caravan or motorhome for storage?
Top tips for getting storage-ready
Regardless of where you intend to store your caravan or motorhome, it’s worth preparing it for storage, especially if it’s for an extended period.
Here are some top tips for preparing a motorhome or caravan for storage:
- Drain the water system, including water heaters, to avoid damage from frost.
- Remove anything that could get damp, such as cushions, upholstery, and bed linen, or store them upright so that the air can get to them.
- Take out all food and perishables to prevent mould developing and nasty smells!
- Remove your gas cylinders. For maximum safety store them in a ventilated location away from your caravan or motorhome, or as a minimum, ensure the valves are turned off and the gas locker is closed.
- Protect your motorhome or caravan with a breathable, weatherproof cover to reduce weather damage and damp.
- Replace any old rubber seals on your windows to help prevent water getting in.
- If you’re concerned about damp, consider putting in a dehumidifier or some moisture traps.
Make sure your touring caravan or motorhome is fully protected when it’s on the road, being towed or parked up for winter. We offer specialist touring caravan and dedicated motorhome insurance from a range of trusted providers, so you can find a policy that works for you, not your insurer – get a free quote today.
