Caravan storage prep in Exeter
Professional caravan storage prep services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Caravan prepared properly for winter storage. Water drained, battery disconnected, cleaned, ventilated, protected. Next spring you open it up ready to use, not spending a weekend sorting problems.
Six Months Is A Long Time
Leave a caravan un-prepared over winter and you're asking for problems. Damp, flat batteries, frozen pipes, stale water, mice, condensation. Proper storage prep prevents all of it.
💡 Pro tip: Biggest mistake people make is not ventilating. Caravan shut up tight for 6 months = condensation = damp = expensive repairs. Leave vents cracked open even with cover on.
Prepped Properly vs Just Park It
| ✅ Storage Prep Done | ❌ Just Locked It Up |
|---|---|
| Opens dry in spring | Damp, musty, condensation everywhere |
| Water system clean and ready | Stagnant water, blocked pipes |
| Battery healthy | Completely flat, might be ruined |
| Smells fine | Reeks of damp and mouse droppings |
What Gets Done
🔧 Complete Storage Preparation
| Task | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Water system | Fully drained, flushed, antifreeze if needed |
| Battery | Disconnected, ideally removed for home charging |
| Clean | Full clean - don't store dirt for 6 months |
| Ventilation | Vents positioned, cupboards opened |
| Damp treatment | Moisture traps placed, dehumidifier bags |
| Gas | Turned off at bottle, connections checked |
| Covers | Fitted if required |
| Final check | Everything secured, locked, protected |
📦 Additional Measures
- Tyres blocked off ground (if long storage)
- Handbrake off (if on blocks)
- Windows cracked for ventilation
- Pest deterrents placed
- All food removed (obviously)
Pricing
| Service Level | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Basic storage prep | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Full prep inc. deep clean | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
| Prep + cover fitting | 2.5-3.5 hrs | £135-£185 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Large vans or extra tasks take longer.
When To Do It
✅ After last trip - literally as soon as you're home
✅ October time - before winter properly sets in
✅ Before long storage - 3+ months not using it
✅ Pre-emptive - don't wait for problems to start
Why Choose Us for Caravan storage prep in Exeter?
Protected against winter damage
Damp prevention measures done
Systems shut down safely
Ready to use next season
What to Expect
Step 1: Drain and Clean
Water system completely drained (pump, heater, pipes, tanks), caravan cleaned thoroughly inside and out. Don't store dirt - it attracts damp.
Step 2: Protect and Prevent
Battery disconnected, vents positioned, moisture traps placed, gas turned off. Everything to prevent winter damage.
Step 3: Secure and Cover
Locked up properly, cover fitted if you're having one, final check everything's done. Ready for winter.
🔧 DIY Tips
Prepping your own caravan for storage? Here's the full checklist:
🔧 Water system winterisation
- Drain everything: Open all taps, shower, drain valves. Empty both fresh and waste tanks completely
- Flush: Run clean water through, drain again
- Pump dry: Run pump til no water comes out
- Water heater: Drain valve open, empty completely
- Antifreeze (optional): Non-toxic caravan antifreeze through system if storing somewhere that might freeze
🔋 Battery care
- Remove if possible: Store at home on trickle charge
- If leaving in: Disconnect both terminals, leave somewhere accessible
- Check charge: Before storage, charge if low
🧽 Deep clean
- Empty everything: Food, toiletries, clothes, bedding - all out
- Full clean: Surfaces, floors, bathroom, fridge (leave door open!)
- Carpets: Vacuum thoroughly, shake mats outside
- No moisture: Everything dry before closing up
⛺ Ventilation setup
- Roof vents: Leave cracked open (even with cover on)
- Windows: One or two open an inch (security allowing)
- Cupboards: All doors open
- Moisture traps: Place in cupboards, under seating, bathroom
⚙️ Mechanical prep
- Gas: Turn off at bottle, check all taps closed
- Tyres: Ideally off ground on blocks (prevents flat spots)
- Handbrake: Off if on blocks, on if on wheels
- Stabiliser legs: Down to take weight off suspension
- Coupling lock: Secure the hitch
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Leaving water in system - freezes or stagnates
- Battery left connected - will be dead by spring
- Caravan completely sealed - condensation nightmare
- Food left in cupboards - attracts mice
- Fridge left closed - goes disgusting
- Stabiliser legs up - suspension takes weight all winter
💡 Pro trick: Put desiccant packs in cupboards and bed boxes. Silica gel bags from shoe boxes work great. Absorb moisture, prevent musty smells.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🚐 Check monthly: Even in storage, pop in once a month. Check for leaks, damp, make sure cover's still on properly. 10 minute visit can catch problems early.
Pest prevention: Mice love caravans in winter. Block entry points, don't leave food, consider deterrents (sonic devices or humane traps). Check bedding and soft furnishings in spring - signs of nesting.
Insurance: Some policies require specific storage conditions. Check if yours needs alarmed site, cover fitted, certain security measures. Keep records of prep done.
Often combined with:
- Cover fitting
- Full valet/deep clean
- Damp treatment service
- Minor repairs before storage
Spring reversal: When de-winterising in spring, reverse this process. Reconnect battery, refill water system, remove moisture traps, air it out, check everything works. That's a different service (season prep).
Frequently Asked Questions
What's involved in storage prep?
Drain water system, disconnect battery, clean thoroughly, treat against damp, ventilate properly, cover if needed. Basically everything to stop your caravan degrading over 6 months of not being used. Done right, you open it in spring and it's ready to go.
Do I need to drain the water system even in a garage?
Yes - any water left in pipes/tanks can freeze (if it gets cold enough) or go stagnant. Flushing and draining is essential. Also protects pump seals and prevents bacteria growth.
Can you do this at my storage site?
Yes - I'll come to wherever your caravan is. Most of the work can be done on-site. If it needs a water connection for final flushing, that's helpful but not essential.
Will you fit a cover as well?
Yes - can do full storage prep including cover fitting in one visit. Saves you booking two separate jobs. Just let me know you want cover done when booking.
How long before end of season should I book this?
Ideally last trip of season, or within a week after. Sooner the better - don't let it sit for a month before prepping. Damp and problems start fast if left dirty and un-prepared.
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