Inside versus outside storage in winter.

replied on 26/02/2017 10:01

Posted on 26/02/2017 10:01

Hi. My Missus and I bought our first Caravan ( Sprite Alpine) last September. Having no space on our drive for permanent storage we were delighted to find inside storage in an unheated barn in our Village for £8 per week. However now we are moving ten miles up the road and have the chance if we wish to store the caravan in our front garden. I am inclined to store the caravan at our new place but the other half thinks we may be better off paying so we can use the barn in winter as this would keep the caravan in better condition. To do this would cost over £400 per year. We have a breathable cover for it and I do not mind spending money on an anti frost heater or a fan to help ventilation. Am I just being pennypinching or would the Van would be better off inside over the winter?

14 replies

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 26/02/2017 10:48

Rocky 2 buckets

Posted on 26/02/2017 10:48

Mr B, it'd be inside the Barn every time for me. More protection is better than saving money & a bit of convenience

DavidKlyne replied on 26/02/2017 11:20

Moderator

DavidKlyne

Motorhomer

Posted on 26/02/2017 11:20

In 35 years of caravanning and motorhoming we have been fortunate that we have been able to keep our vans at home but not undercover. As a result its easy to do any small jobs at short notice and of course I can keep it connected to the electricity which is handy for keeping the leisure battery topped up. Perhaps a silly thing but its also handy being in the garden as an extra storage facility for Christmas food!!! Also if we have guests its not unknown for us the use the van as extra accommodation.

David

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Takethedogalong replied on 26/02/2017 11:55

Member

Takethedogalong

Posted on 26/02/2017 11:55

Same for us DK. Makes life so much easier. Wouldn't want it blocking view out or light coming in, but we keep ours at side of house, so no issues. If it was brand new, might be tempted by indoor storage, but sometimes barns bring their own issues. Rodents love them!

replied on 26/02/2017 11:59

Posted on 26/02/2017 11:59

At home for me as well. I would find that in storage was a PITA. Also would depends on access times to storage area if I were working

replied on 26/02/2017 12:10

Posted on 26/02/2017 12:10

I suppose my main question was" can the effects of damp and condensation be kept at bay as well storing outside as they could be in the barn".

JVB66 replied on 26/02/2017 13:51

Member

JVB66

Campervanner

Posted on 26/02/2017 13:51

Keep it in under cover storage you can always bring it home for the odd day or two to do work or load,its possible you may also get cheaper insurance? and also if kept on the front of the house all the local heroes know you are away

replied on 26/02/2017 13:59

Posted on 26/02/2017 12:10 by

I suppose my main question was" can the effects of damp and condensation be kept at bay as well storing outside as they could be in the barn".

Posted on 26/02/2017 13:59

Never suffered any effects from condensation in 35 years and 4 caravans. I suppose that if you had a leak it would make a difference.

Pippah45 replied on 26/02/2017 14:47

Member

Pippah45

Caravanner

Posted on 26/02/2017 14:47

I keep mine at home and keep the heater running on minimum setting and a little ventilation from the vent in the kitchen area. The downside of keeping it at home is that it is quite an advertisement that you are away when the caravan is gone. I suppose that depends where you live if the security might be a worry.

replied on 26/02/2017 15:21

Posted on 26/02/2017 15:21

So is the breathable cover worth using, seems to me it hampers ventilation and causes a temperature imbalance neither of which are good for condensation.