Cali in storage

[Mark Wade]

I have recently bought a new Cali Ocean and require advice on precautions to take to avoid any condensation build up inside it if is stands used for a period like say over a potentially harsh Scottish winter. I have bought the cover that was available from the shop on this site so will be looking to put it on when I am not using it.

 

[Kmann]

You can get some containers that collect moist thru silica. Place it in the car and inspect once in a while.

OR you can get an electric dehumidifier and put in on a timer. Still need to inspect once in a while.

 

[Mark Wade]

Yeah was thinking something along those lines.
Thanks.

 

[WelshGas]

Get some Disposable Dehumidifiers to leave inside. Open all cupboards. Leave mains connected or connect mains monthly for at least 12/24 hrs, also move forward backwards frequently to avoid tyre distortion.

 

[calikev]

Use it

 

[WelshGas]

Yeah was thinking something along those lines.
Thanks.

Also be aware, prolonged periods of storage will accelerate brake pad and brake disk wear,, Diesel microbial growth in the fuel tank, de-naturing of engine oil, drying out of rubber seals etc: especially in the AirCon circuit are all more likely and may require more frequent servicing/repairs.
Using the vehicle frequently throughout the year can minimise these problems.

 

[ArunAlec]

I use an electric dehumidifier.
Watch out for the cover scuffing the paintwork if it's likely to move about.

 

[Meoncoast]

+1 for use it or loose it

 

[Hotel California]

Why should he use it if he has a other daily driver?
If he can affort a Cali just for his vacation trips and nothing else there should be nothing to worry .
I also only use mine for trips and in 5y and 4 months "only" 50.000km but i can say that +45.000km are driven in over 6 forreign contries if i start my engine chances are very high i leave the country ...... can you all say thesame ?....so imo. wel travelled !

Why use your Cali to drive to work if a bike can get you faster and cheaper?

Anyway ,
@Mark Wade , are you leaving it behind "in" a storage or outside on the street?
Each needs diffrent precautions .

 

[sapto]

I have recently bought a new Cali Ocean and require advice on precautions to take to avoid any condensation build up inside it if is stands used for a period like say over a potentially harsh Scottish winter. I have bought the cover that was available from the shop on this site so will be looking to put it on when I am not using it.

I have one of these.

 

[Mark Wade]

It's kept at a secure storage facility as it made insuring cheaper than keeping out the front of the house. It will get used as often as possible, in the UK and abroad, even if its only for days out but even standing for a couple of weeks will allow condensation to build up. My thoughts with the cover is not only to protect the paintwork but to maintain an even ambient temperature inside in an attempt to keep condensation at a minimum.

 

[Hotel California]

So still not 100% clear to me but looks like outside storage ...
Would not worry to much about condens inside , just make sure you leave nothing wet inside when leaving behind.
There's a tread on things to do when leaving your Cali in freezing themps. , you need to consider this also .
Did you think about charging the battery's while parked up ? Is it possible to have it on 220v hook-up as imo this is very important !
If you cloud have it on hook-up you could program the aux.heater also during the winterdays to heat up everyday ....

 

[Mark Wade]

The picture is from the dealers show room before I bought it, storage is outside with no facility for hook up so it will be a case of taking it for a drive now and again and/or bringing home and parking it on the drive and hooking into the mains to keep the batteries healthy.

 

[Stuart]

I've got one of these left in the van:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00I3VKBJS/?tag=eliteelect-21

But not sure how necessary it is, as I've not recharged it since last winter! Our van is used every week so maybe not needed.

 

[Velma's Dad]

I suggest leaving the fridge box slightly open (eg I keep a sponge pan scourer wedged under the lid to create a small gap) to avoid mould etc.

Just drained down my fresh and waste water tanks today. Although I'll be using the van over the winter for short trips.

And have just ordered the Pingi dehumidifier bag that Stuart linked to - looks like a good idea, great reviews and maybe will get for our cars too.

 

[vmaxkiddy]

Larger Pingi dehumidifier bags are available. Less "pretty" than the Amazon supplied one, but cheaper per gram.
https://www.homecareessentials.co.uk/products/pingi-xl-moisture-absorber-bag-450g/81014

 

[Stuart]

Larger Pingi dehumidifier bags are available. Less "pretty" than the Amazon supplied one, but cheaper per gram.
https://www.homecareessentials.co.uk/products/pingi-xl-moisture-absorber-bag-450g/81014

I would say that one is more pretty!

 

[WelshGas]

Why should he use it if he has a other daily driver?
If he can affort a Cali just for his vacation trips and nothing else there should be nothing to worry .
I also only use mine for trips and in 5y and 4 months "only" 50.000km but i can say that +45.000km are driven in over 6 forreign contries if i start my engine chances are very high i leave the country ...... can you all say thesame ?....so imo. wel travelled !

Why use your Cali to drive to work if a bike can get you faster and cheaper?

Anyway ,
@Mark Wade , are you leaving it behind "in" a storage or outside on the street?
Each needs diffrent precautions .

I don’t think anyone has mentioned using to drive to work, but using it to travel. As many have shown and written, the California, especially the SE/Ocean is well suited to All Year round use. Doesn’t have to be confined to just summer use nor 2 or 3 week holidays and not necessarily even sleeping in it.

Regular use will reduce problems with Seals, Sensors and deterioration of lubricant and hydraulic fluids that due to their hygroscopic properties can deteriorate and may need replacement on an early time rather than mileage basis.

 

[westfalia]

if i start my engine chances are very high i leave the country ......

That doesn´t say a lot about your country, or is someone after you

 

[Hotel California]

That doesn´t say a lot about your country, or is someone after you

If we wanted to explore our own country a Cali would be useless from anywhere in Belgium to my home is less then 2h drive so ....and not much campersites/aires , not much campings , they even ban campervans to park for the day in the city's on the Belgium coast if you want a day at the beach .....
I prefer other countries to spent my hollidays!

 

[westfalia]

I prefer other countries to spent my hollidays!

Yes i know what you mean. The grass is always greener.
We really like Belgium, it´s always been a winner, biking and kajaking in the lux area.
The beer is good, the moules en frites are good, the chocolate is the best and
in the cities the architecture is good. So for us it´s a winner.

 

[Jay20cali]

I have recently bought a new Cali Ocean and require advice on precautions to take to avoid any condensation build up inside it if is stands used for a period like say over a potentially harsh Scottish winter. I have bought the cover that was available from the shop on this site so will be looking to put it on when I am not using it.

Use it that's what it's for

 

[aileen]

I'm reading things here that I never thought about and it's scary. I leave my Cali in storage every year for the winter as I live alone and I go to Thailand every winter. I see many motor homes in storage and just put a trickle charger on my Cali. It's a 2013 ref
Not sure how to check if there's deterioration etc