Tips and Recommendations for Long-Term Storage of Your Van
Preparing your van for storage is an essential task that ensures your vehicle stays in good condition and is ready to hit the road when you need it. Proper preparation involves draining water tanks, isolating batteries, and venting fridges, among other things. In this article, we'll provide you with some tips and recommendations for preparing your van for long-term storage.
Draining Water Tanks
Before storing your van, it's crucial to drain the freshwater and grey water tanks to prevent stagnant water from building up and causing mold or other problems. To do this, locate the bung plug on the side of each tank and unscrew it to allow the water to drain out. Once drained, resecure the bung plug, making sure it's snug but not overtightened.
Isolating Batteries
Isolating your van's batteries is another crucial step in preparing for long-term storage. Locate the two switches under your dinette seat: the three-way switch for inverter mains and turning the system off completely, and the battery isolation switch. If you want to disconnect the batteries from the system, turn off the oscillator switch to the off position, and the three-way inverter switch to the off position. If you plan to store the van outdoors, you can leave the batteries connected in the system and have your inverter switch turned on to the inverter position, which will trickle charge the batteries.
Venting Fridges
To avoid mold and odors building up in your fridge, turn off the power button at the top of the fridge or manually turn it off at Red Vision. Allow the fridge to get down to ambient temperature, then wipe out any residual moisture thoroughly and leave the fridge open off the seal. This will allow the fridge to breathe and prevent any mold or odors from developing.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent mold and other problems from building up in your van during storage. Open windows and hatches to the vent position, making sure the catchers have a multi-position lock to allow the window to remain open while still locked for security. Also, consider opening up the roof vents in the main dinette area and the ensuite area by turning the crank handle. The more ventilation you can provide, the better.
In conclusion, properly preparing your van for storage is essential to ensure it remains in good condition and is ready to hit the road when you need it. Follow the tips and recommendations outlined in this article, and consult your owner's manual or a professional for any specific instructions or guidance.
Disclaimer: The following article provides general advice and recommendations for preparing your van for long-term storage. Always consult your owner's manual or a professional before performing any maintenance or storage procedures.