Owners Blog November 2010

Intro

Our caravan does not have central heating or double glazing but it was still used in November using the powerful gas fire and electric heathers in each bedroom.
Apparently the shower room was a bit parky in the mornings!!!

Visits

Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy long bracing walks on fresh crisp days, one of our favourites was from Freshwater up to Tennyson monument then along to the tip of the Island to see a view of the Kneedles lighthouse.

Ownership

Although our park is open through to early January 2011 we decided not to use the caravan from December 2010 - February 2011.

If you are considering extended use outside of summer we think central heating and double glazing are a must.

As a result our thoughts turned to ensuring the caravan was ready for the winter layup.

To protect our caravan for the winter close season we had the park complete a full winterisation package which
includes the ‘’drain down’’ of the water system to avoid damage from frozen pipes. This is a stipulation of many
insurance companies and is at a cost of £49.95.

We also asked the park to arrange our annual boiler service and health check completed by a gas safe engineer to comply with current legislation at a reasonable £69.
As a result we received the appropriate Holiday Home Gas Safety Certification which is displayed in the boiler cupboard.

Many owners recommend ‘taking it home’ as the best policy for reducing the risk of damage from the damp and to reduce the security risk of break ins. Items that are often removed include;

• Soft Furnishings
• Bedding
• Towels
• Curtains
• Mattresses
• Kitchen Equipment
• Electrical Items such as DVD players and TV’s

Condensation / Damp: It is generally good practice to leave out dehumidifier crystals or bowls of salt to help absorb any condensation or damp. We have heard of some owners using dehumidifiers throughout the winter to keep down the levels of damp. You will need to check with the park operator regarding current regulations.

Cleaning: It is vital the your static caravan is thoroughly cleaned prior to winterisation. Bathrooms and kitchens need to be cleaned with mild detergent and dried. You also need to ensure there is no food left anywhere in the static caravan, check under lounge seats etc. Many owners who sublet their vans now wet and dry clean carpets and soft furnishings on a regular basis. Such cleaners are now available for as little as £100.

Rodents: It is a good idea to check that there is no access for rodents as these can be a real issue. Removing food will help, however if you have a major problem then seek professional advice.

Gas / Electrical: All gas and electrical systems should be isolated for the winter season.

Security: Before leaving your van you should ensure it is locked and secure. Be aware of security measures taken by the park owners during the closed season and whether personnel are onsite to make regular site checks. Finally check that your contact details are correct with the park owner including your mobile phone number, in case of unexpected issues. Most owners may periodically check on their van throughout the winter especially after winter storms.

Remember pitch fees are due in December!!!