Every year there comes a time to lay up your caravan or motor caravan, to tuck it away safely until it is needed again. Here are some tips to help keep you caravan fit and ready for the next adventure.

1. Drain out the water system. Some caravans have a drain cock at the lowest point in the system, a red stopper or a tap. If not, open all the taps and allow any water to drain out through the pump inlet. Remove the water heater drain plug. Open the waste caps and ensure there are no loops in the pipes holding water. Shake any water from the submersible pump. If you have an inboard tanks flush it through with a tank cleaning agent and plenty of water, before emptying them completely.

2. Look over the bodywork, windows and seals for damage or suspect sealant. Better to prevent a leak than to repair one later. And if any replacement parts are needed its a good time to order them.

3. Consider where it will be stored. Under a tree may mean that it will be covered in green moss, hard to wash off and damaging to paint. Long grass may allow mice to climb in and spend the winter. By a chimney or gas flue may stain or damage the paint work. Make sure there is no obvious potential danger to the caravan, exposure to high winds, loose roof tiles above or a near by swinging gate which could damage the caravan. Perhaps the ultimate storage location would be inside a well constructed shed.

4. Check the tyres for cracks and general condition. Caravan tyres rarely wear out, they tend not to do high mileage. So more often they deteriorate through standing or just old age. It is best to remove them, as a security as well as protection, and place them in a garage or shed, whilst placing the caravan on "winter-wheels" steel stands which replace the wheels.

5. Secure the caravan with a quality hitch-lock, wheel-clamp, winter-wheels or a combination of them both.

6. Remove valuable items. Obvious really. But also the awning and bedding to store in a well aired place.

7. Draw the curtains to deter prying eyes. Don't be tempted to pull down the blinds, the return springs would be under tension for all the time that you store it, which could result in a dulled action when rolling up the blind or the spring may dislodge or even break.

8. Now go home and put your feet up by the fire, assured your caravan will be ready and waiting when you need it next.