Thinking of storing my Cali in my garage... Pro's & Cons

[jamesC]

I have been toying with the idea of storing my Cali in my garage during the colder months, what are peoples thoughts around the pro's and con's??

I will need to adjust the doors slightly to fit too....

 

[CC44853]

Ohhh mammma

 

[CC44853]

My only comment would be to remove the awning. It's a fairly straightforward task and probably the highest bit?

 

[WelshGas]

My only comment would be to remove the awning. It's a fairly straightforward task and probably the highest bit?

On an unmodified California fitted with factory awning then the highest point is the centre of the roof.

 

[jamesC]

On an unmodified California fitted with factory awning then the highest point is the centre of the roof.

I was expecting this, but my vehicle is totally stock and the awning appears to be the highest point, although I may find the satnav/aerial housing may also be quite high.

 

[Nicholas Boff]

Could you reduce the tyre pressure thus lowering the height of the van

 

[jamesC]

Could you reduce the tyre pressure thus lowering the height of the van

absolutely, but my original question was about the pro's and con's of storing a california indoors, however the photos have clearly taken the conversation in a different direction.

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

Change garage door for a roller one which stows away higher than the opening

 

[ThomasHJ]

If I had the chance to store my Cali indoors I would. Unless it's a great hassle to get it in and out of the garage. It's safer and the impact the weather has on the vehicle must be hugely different.

 

[66tim99]

I can't think of a con, if you don't have to compromise to free up the space, especially if it means you can plug it in.

 

[CC44853]

Biggest con would be people don't immediately know you have a Cali and have made excellent life choices.

 

[larrylamb]

I would just make sure it was completely dry before storing.

 

[WelshGas]

I was expecting this, but my vehicle is totally stock and the awning appears to be the highest point, although I may find the satnav/aerial housing may also be quite high.

Experts suggest the following:-
A. Large garage, dry and well ventilated.
B. Car port with no more than 2 sides so there is good ventilation
C. Outside away from trees

Mine has been outside for the past 10yrs. Washed and waxed in the Autumn.

 

[rangitoto1956]

A sectional door would be the answer. Your door sits within the reveal when open. Don't know how long your garage is but with your current door, it 'cuts' the corner when closing. The sectional door clears the opening completely, goes around the corner when opening and closing, and sits well above the reveal when open.

 

[ewanc]

I have been toying with the idea of storing my Cali in my garage during the colder months, what are peoples thoughts around the pro's and con's??

I will need to adjust the doors slightly to fit too....
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If you can work out a way to get it in with safe clearances, storing it inside will protect plastics and to a lesser extent paint from damage, but unless you keep the humidity low, it will increase corrosion. I use a super efficient Meaco Arete dehumidifier (to keep running costs low), it’s amazing how many litres of water come off a ‘slightly damp’ van!

 

[Velma's Dad]

Air flow is the most important thing, to minimise corrosion and mould. A fully sealed garage is generally worse than keeping the vehicle outside. A dehumidifier is great, but a simple fan to move the air around a bit is still pretty good. The 'car-cocoon' type systems use that method, they just have one or two very low wattage fans.

Be aware of the rodent damage risk although of course they can get in to an outside-parked vehicle especially if you're in a rural setting and of course never leave food in the van.

Keep the fridge lid open.

Having said all that, our van has lived outside, parked at the bottom of an old orchard, for 9 years and it hasn't come to that much harm (although I'm not a purist).

 

[Keith Picture]

I have been toying with the idea of storing my Cali in my garage during the colder months, what are peoples thoughts around the pro's and con's??

I will need to adjust the doors slightly to fit too....
View attachment 129093View attachment 129094View attachment 129095

I recently had the same problem. Fitted a roller door now safe and snug.

 

[silversurfer]

I have been toying with the idea of storing my Cali in my garage during the colder months, what are peoples thoughts around the pro's and con's??

I will need to adjust the doors slightly to fit too....
View attachment 129093View attachment 129094View attachment 129095

Probably cheaper insurance if you store it there permanently

 

[johns6809]

We keep ours in the garage with proper cavity walls etc. on the gable end of our Bungalow which was originally going to be an extra bedroom but the Cali was more important.

 

[Parkinjm]

I garage mine if I’m away for 2-3 weeks. Benefits include security, ability to connect the leisure battery to a charge point, protection from wet north west winter.

It’s a squeeze getting it through the doors, but it fits through if I breathe in and close my eyes.

 

[California T2023]

Keep ours in the carport best of both.
Ps excuse the weeds, driveway cleaned since

 

[hirsty]

I'd have mine inside given half a chance - security, cleanliness & sun damage.

parking on a main road I've picked up a few marks, most annoyingly at handlebar height on 'the pavement side' as we live in a triangle between three schools & kids ride bikes at wobbly walking-pace talking to their pals ...

 

[Velma's Dad]

I garage mine if I’m away for 2-3 weeks. Benefits include security, ability to connect the leisure battery to a charge point, protection from wet north west winter.

The leisure battery hook-up thing often gets mentioned on here. A lot of folks say or imply it's really important to prevent battery degradation.

By contrast, I've got a 2015 Cali that only ever gets its leisure batts charged by driving (okay, maybe a campsite EHU hook up once or twice a year). Nine years on, I'm still on the original batts that still show 80% when charged. Our van gets fairly regular use generally but has also been left parked for a couple of months a few times.

Just saying this in case any new owners get the impression that a hookup is a must at home (different of course a van stays parked up for long periods 'out of season').

 

[loaferm8]

I'd have mine inside given half a chance - security, cleanliness & sun damage.

parking on a main road I've picked up a few marks, most annoyingly at handlebar height on 'the pavement side' as we live in a triangle between three schools & kids ride bikes at wobbly walking-pace talking to their pals ...

Likewise. I am on a gated linear mooring as I live on a barge but my parking spot is under a huge cherry tree. Bird poo is the enemy and unless it's removed immediately it can etch the paintwork. I have tried waxing but not sure how to deal with imperfections like that .... Any suggestions?

Also am thinking of trying a portable garage /tent has anyone experience of anything like that or indeed a bubble blow up / continuous pressure type, mindful of the issues of damp etc . I have power outside and would be willing to throw some serious cash if it overcame the bird poo problem short of chopping the massive tree down !

 

[andyinluton]

Likewise. I am on a gated linear mooring as I live on a barge but my parking spot is under a huge cherry tree. Bird poo is the enemy and unless it's removed immediately it can etch the paintwork. I have tried waxing but not sure how to deal with imperfections like that .... Any suggestions?

Also am thinking of trying a portable garage /tent has anyone experience of anything like that or indeed a bubble blow up / continuous pressure type, mindful of the issues of damp etc . I have power outside and would be willing to throw some serious cash if it overcame the bird poo problem short of chopping the massive tree down !

I would be tempted to get the roof & bonnet either wrapped or PPF'd just for protection.