When it comes to storing a caravan, a question that often pops up is whether to keep the legs down. As a caravan owner, I’ve faced this dilemma myself and understand the importance of ensuring the longevity and stability of my investment. Proper storage not only protects your caravan from wear and tear but also ensures it’s ready for your next adventure.
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Many caravan enthusiasts debate the pros and cons of storing with legs down. Some believe it offers added stability and prevents unnecessary strain on the tyres, while others worry about potential damage to the leg mechanisms. It’s crucial to weigh these factors carefully to make an informed decision that suits your specific needs.
In this article, I’ll delve into the benefits and drawbacks of both options, helping you decide the best approach for storing your caravan. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or new to the caravan lifestyle, understanding the nuances of storage can make all the difference.
Importance Of Proper Caravan Storage
Proper caravan storage ensures durability and safety. Preventing unnecessary wear and tear on tyres, chassis, and support mechanisms is crucial. If a caravan is stored with care, it maintains structural integrity and value over time.
Storing the caravan on a level surface preserves the condition of tyres and suspension systems. A stable base prevents uneven load distribution, reducing stress on specific components like the axles and frame.
Covering the caravan protects against environmental factors such as rain, UV rays, and dust. If a caravan is exposed to these elements, it faces exterior and interior degradation. Using adequate covers, especially those designed for caravans, provides an additional layer of protection.
Regular maintenance checks during storage prevent long-term damage. Inspecting seals, cleaning the interior, and lubricating movable parts help keep everything in working condition. Addressing small issues immediately avoids costly repairs.
Pros Of Storing Caravan With Legs Down
Using the caravan’s legs during storage offers several advantages that contribute to its overall stability and protection.
Stability And Security
Placing the caravan’s legs down enhances its stability significantly. This prevents unwanted movement, particularly during strong winds or when someone enters the caravan. The legs provide a solid anchor, giving peace of mind that the caravan won’t shift or tip unexpectedly while stored.
Protection From Movement
Additional protection results from minimising movement within the caravan. Legs down, internal components and fixtures experience less shifting, reducing wear on parts like locks and hinges. This stability helps maintain the condition of furnishings and fittings over extended storage periods.
Reducing Stress On Tyres
Using the caravan’s legs alleviates stress on its tyres. Without the constant weight pressing down, the risk of flat spots and tyre degradation decreases. This preservation of tyre integrity saves on replacement costs and prolongs the tyres’ lifespan, ensuring they perform optimally when back on the road.
Cons Of Storing Caravan With Legs Down
Storing a caravan with the legs down poses several risks. I’ll explore possible damage to jacks and surface considerations that may affect your decision.
Potential Damage To Jacks
Lowering the legs too frequently weakens the jacks over time. Exposing the mechanical parts to elements like rain leads to rust or corrosion, compromising their functionality. Repairing or replacing damaged jacks is costly and time-consuming, impacting overall usability.
Surface Considerations
Not all surfaces support the weight evenly when using caravan legs. Uneven surfaces create instability, which puts stress on the chassis. Hard or abrasive surfaces like concrete result in wear and tear on the legs, while soft surfaces cause them to sink, risking structural misalignment. Choosing inappropriate surfaces exposes the structure to these risks.
Alternative Storage Methods
When deciding on the best method to store a caravan, exploring various options can help ensure the integrity and longevity of the vehicle.
Using Wheel Chocks
Wheel chocks offer a reliable alternative for caravan storage by securing the wheels and preventing movement. In my experience, wedges made from durable materials like rubber or plastic effectively hold the wheels in place on both level and sloped surfaces. Positioning wheel chocks snugly against the tyres enhances stability, reducing the risk of unwanted motion due to minor shifts or environmental factors such as wind. Ensuring the chocks are positioned correctly on both sides of each wheel provides optimal security. It’s important to regularly check and adjust them as necessary, especially when the caravan remains stationary for extended periods.
Tyre Maintenance
Proper tyre maintenance is crucial for maintaining a caravan’s condition during storage. I’ve found that inflating tyres to the recommended pressure limits potential tyre deformation and wear over time. It’s advisable to frequently inspect tyres for cracks or other damage before and during storage. Using covers protects against UV damage, which can degrade rubber compounds and lead to premature ageing. Regularly rotating the tyres when the caravan is in use after storage can promote even wear, extending their lifespan and promoting even performance on journeys.
Expert Opinions
I consulted various professionals in the caravan industry to gather diverse perspectives on storing a caravan with the legs down. Technicians and manufacturers generally suggest lowering the caravan legs for enhanced stability, particularly if the storage period exceeds a few weeks. They note that stabiliser legs reduce pressure on tyres, thus minimising flat spots and prolonging tyre life. This opinion aligns with the views of some caravan service providers who highlight the reduced risk of internal component wear due to minimised movement.
Conversely, some experts highlight the importance of context, particularly the environmental conditions and surface type. They caution against lowering legs on soft or uneven terrains, as these can compromise structural integrity. Caravan engineers and support specialists often advise assessing surface strength and levelling before deciding to use legs. Additionally, they stress the need for regular checks of the legs’ mechanical condition to avoid potential rust and damage.
Experts in caravan maintenance recommend considering the frequency of use as a factor. If the caravan sees frequent use, it might be preferable to use wheel chocks, which offer flexibility in moving without repeatedly lowering and raising the legs. Their insights underscore the importance of balancing the storage method with the caravan’s intended use and environmental surroundings for optimal results.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to store your caravan with the legs down depends on various factors like storage duration, surface conditions, and how often you use your caravan. While lowering the legs can enhance stability and reduce tyre stress, it might risk damage to the leg mechanisms, especially on uneven or soft surfaces. Wheel chocks offer a reliable alternative for those who frequently move their caravan.
Ultimately, the choice hinges on balancing stability, potential wear on components, and ease of access. Regular maintenance and careful consideration of your storage environment will ensure your caravan remains in top condition, ready for your next adventure.
