Storing Your Motorhome is Convenient and Easy, But Which Facility is Best for You?

It’s the easiest thing in the world, life on the open road with your motorhome – but what about when you’re not using it? Most motorhomes are cumbersome things, and when you’re not enjoying the freedom of the open road, you’ll need a place to store your ‘van.

If you don’t have space at home, then you need to find somewhere else. Even if you are lucky enough to have a garden or driveway big enough to accommodate your motorhome, there may be reasons to look for alternative storage. These could include local regulations preventing you from parking your ‘van in the vicinity of your house. 

Sureterm Direct is the UK’s leading specialist motorhome and RV insurers, having insured thousands of motorhomes in its 10 years of trading, so here are some useful ideas for storing your motorhome.

Farm Storage
Many farmers have picked up on the income to be made from allowing a few motorhomes to park on their property.  Often the owner is an acquaintance, and farmers are always looking for diverse sources of income. A couple of motorhomes and a caravan are often stored in disused barns.

There are no standardised arrangements when it comes to storing your ‘vans on farms, so your experience is likely to vary from one to another. Additionally, you will most likely be expected to tackle the problem of security on your own. Farmers are often up early and late to bed and they will certainly investigate any disturbances, but beyond that they will not be able to provide much in the way of security.

Campsites

The Camping and Caravanning Club and The Caravanning Club often operate storage facilities at some of their campsites.

CaSSOA approved sites

There are dedicated storage facilities throughout the country that specialise in taking care of caravans and motorhomes, and many of these are approved by the authority in the field of storage, the Caravan Storage Site Owner’s Association (CaSSOA).

CaSSOA have a three-tier award system – Gold, Silver and Bronze – for rating the security of sites.

Gold – These sites are of course the most secure, and have very high standards of security. All other risks to the stored caravans have been addressed, and wherever possible eliminated.  Features often include the site being well hidden and not publicised with loads of signage, entry barriers and individual key cards, advanced fencing systems and CCTV cameras.

Silver - These sites offer a high level of security including fencing, part-site CCTV and entry / exit lighting.

Bronze - These sites offer a good level of security. This is termed as the entry level for membership and new members are encouraged to upgrade, as and when finance is available.

All CaSSOA approved sites are required to have fire protection and vermin control measures in place, and there should be no risk of damage from floods, storms or falling trees.

If you chose to pick an approved storage facility, you will need to bear in mind that this will mean more forward planning, particularly when it comes to making sure you return your motorhome before it gets dark. Another consideration is cost – as high levels of security will dictate higher pitch charges.

More Sureterm Storage Advice

·        You must inform your insurance company on your chosen storage site.

·        Visit a storage site before you commit to storing your motorhome there. Find out how easy it is to get in without a pass and check to see if someone has to let you in.

·        Some insurers, such as Sureterm Direct, will offer significant discounts particularly on CaSSOA sites with security levels such as perimeter fencing and 24 hour access controls.

·        Keep valuables out of your ‘vans when they’re in storage.

·        It is advisable to install an alarm or a tracking device on your motorhome, particularly as insurance companies like Sureterm Direct will offer discounts based on the alarm system or tracking system you use.

·        Check that your personal effects are covered on your insurance policy – companies like Sureterm offer £5,000 personal effects cover.

·        Are you a member of a club?  You could get further insurance discounts.