Winter Storage - Blinds and Cushions
As new caravanners we have seen conflicting advice on two storage related issues, namely blinds up/down and cushions leave/take home. Blinds down would help with security but some say doing this will weaken the springs. Leaving
cushions in the van might lead to a musty smell but a full set would take up a lot of storage space back at home. Note: Our van is completey dry but low winter temperatures could lead to condensation.
Any wise words from experienced caravanners out there?
Comments
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I have always left the blinds down and never had any problems.
As for the cushions I leave them in the caravan but stand them on edge to maximise the ventilation around them and from under the seats. I have a fixed bed in my caravan and I leave this raised up and supported with a block of wood, again to maximise ventilation. Again I’ve not had any problems with the cushions or the bed.
The only problem I have had was with the curtains when I left them pulled open one winter and they ended up with mould stains on the lining in some of the folds. I’m having the linings replaced over this winter and have learnt my lesson.
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The instructions with my van say blinds up - to avoid spring damage - and curtains drawn but hanging clear of windows. Also cushions up to let air circulate. It also advises cupboard doors ajar for the same reason.
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I asked the dealer about this when we bought the Caravan and he said he had never heard of standing the cushions on edge ?. (We used do that back in early80's with our old caravan) We have left ours in place but covered them with some cheap microfibre fux
fur throws and the same with the mattress on the fixed bed. Also curtains drawn to block the sun light.Ian.
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I guess as lots of owners, our caravan sits empty and out of use for more time than occupied. The blinds are not fully closed as we are told in the handbook not to in case of causing heat build up in the top of the windows that leads to distortion. We only
put the blinds fully up overnight to keep it dark for sleeping when occupying it.As it is 'stored' outside year round, probably the same as winter storage outside.
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Fridge door open.
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The instructions with my van say blinds up - to avoid spring damage - and curtains drawn but hanging clear of windows. Also cushions up to let air circulate. It also advises cupboard doors ajar for the same reason.
.Exactly what we do and have done for over 35 years, wipe the fridge out and leave ajar to stop mould developing. As the M/H sits outside the house and we tend to use it all year round its not as big an issue as when we had a caravan and didn't use it in
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If you are concerned with damp etc I have just purchased some Damp Traps and have put two in the M/H..never had any problems in the past but I thought I'd give them ago. I intially bought them for our box room as we are getting mould under the bay window...not
sure if they are going to work but time will tell I guess. Damp Trap said to remove dampness caused by humidity..prevents bad odour..helps prevent mildew...bought online £8 something for 10
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Why store over winter - use it. Winter caravanning is great!
I can't. No holidays left, used them all through the summer.
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Another alternative to blinds/curtain debate is to buy a cover and throw it over the whole van as we do. there is another thread re. covers but I am pro covers and with 3 cm of snow down at the mo glad we got it on yesterday. I have also lifted the seat
cushions on end.During season - blinds up, curtains drawn.
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First winter for our 2013 caravan, blinds up, curtains closed, mattress and seating left in place, went over to storage regularly to air out, come March everything good.
Second winter, blinds up, curtains closed, mattress and seating left in place, went over to storage regularly to air out, come March the curtain liners had mold spots although the curtains themselves were good,and everything else was good.
Can only assume last winter was more wet than the previous, with differing humidity level.
This winter I'll leave the curtains open and drop the blinds, it's a game of chance.
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I have put moisture traps in my caravan, anyone else use them?
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If you are concerned with damp etc I have just purchased some Damp Traps and have put two in the M/H..never had any problems in the past but I thought I'd give them ago. I intially bought them for our box room as we are getting mould under the bay window...not
sure if they are going to work but time will tell I guess. Damp Trap said to remove dampness caused by humidity..prevents bad odour..helps prevent mildew...bought online £8 something for 10Write your comments here... DMiller555 are these the same and do they work ?..never tryed them before bought them for the box bedroom but thought I'd put them in the M/H
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Afterthought...I did read somewhere recently where one owner put large sheets of card up at the windows to help stop fabrics fading...
Surely there's no need for the cardboard if the curtains are drawn. Depending how close to the windows the card is there's the potential for it to restrict circulation of air so causing a musty smell.
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I too put a couple of the cheap moisture traps in my caravan overwinter. Not sure they are any good but a belt and braces measure. Yes last winter was damp rather than cold and this probably meant more moisture. Blinds up and curtains closed, all cupboards and fridge open and cushions away from wall - still got some of the dusty mildew stuff which cleaned off quite easily!
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Like a couple of the others I ve been caravanning for about 35 years and tend to hang onto my vans for about 7 years before changing.
I am of the do very little school. Of course I drain everything down, leave the fridge door wedged open, and I fit winter covers on the fridge vents. But I never put the blinds down, the springs do weaken, and I never pull the curtains which as far as I am concerned are purely for internal decoration. In all of those 35 years I have never suffered from faded upholstery or condensation either. Certainly not damp! I do visit the van about once a month to check that my investment is in good health,- and in about mid Feb take a book with me to read, and stay in the van for a couple of hours with the heating on high. That has always ensured that when we start again in early March she's in good fettle & ready to role!
TF
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I have put moisture traps in my caravan, anyone else use them?
We did for a few weeks unti SIL pointed out that with all the air vents we were probably trying dehumidify the universe..... Last winter was particularly mild & damp and I think a lot of people got caught out with mould - we did on the inside of cupboards.
We always leave blinds up and curtains open but take out bedding. This year we haven't as we're away in Yorkshire for New Year ��??�0
