Body work and glass - Storage
Big Vern: Hi, I have recently become the owner of a 1990 VW transporter Hi Top Leisuredrive campervan which I have become very attached to in a short period of ownership. I have no choice but to store it outside during the winter.
Qu: I am also a new member fo this club and i think it is really cool loads of info. Does anyone have any tips on keeping the inside dry during winter? I would appreciate any help. Many Thanks
gdr77: Hi there I am in the same boat I have just got a cover for a caravan and put it over and disconnected the battery.
billiemaye: Hi welcome to the club Big Vern, your best bet is to use it every now and again,whether for camping or just give it a run now and again.
They dont like standing around, we hook our camper up to the garage and have a fan heater on inside, just to keep it dry.
It's great as sometimes if I come in late of a night out, I nip in the van and kip, rather than wake up the Mrs and kids. :-)
jaylo264: Covers may not be the best thing apparently ( gdr77 , see my posting on highlanddubbers ?)
I would defo put one end up on ramps, at least, and let air flow as much as poss.
HarryMann: Yes, covers - often heard - probably true - covering up is a double edged sword, condensation that never dries out fully on a warm day.
If you prop it one end, make sure water doesn't drip into the rear louvre vents.. Dripping air-vent syndrome
Open the rear tailgate right up after heavy rainy periods to see if water drips out of the drains at the bottom... if so repeat every time it rains :)
If possible park it where the sun shines for some of the day, but block the windows from direct sunlight light somehow if stored for long periods in summer. Leave the handbrake off and chock it.
If you do get an unseasonably warm dry day and can't take it for a drive, then open the tailgate and slider for an hour or two at midday, shutting it up [i]well before[/i] the dew comes down.
But best of all, just make a point of going touring in it every so often to get the engine fully warmed up and the interior well dried out, so choose a nice weekend every once in a while. Don't just take it around the block - very bad!
Make sure the coolant system has had it's 3 yearly coolant change and the anti-freeze is up to full strength (50/50) to prevent cooling system corrosion, which will get it if this has been neglected...
