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SHED THE SHED

So, how much caravan storage should you budget for?

The local secret nobody mentions at the caravan show: the trip ends, the red dust settles, and suddenly you need somewhere to park 7 metres of fibreglass that your neighbour definitely does not want overhanging their driveway.

If you are weighing up owning a caravan versus hiring a campervan or motorhome and sleeping in it on the road, this is the practical storage bill to put in your sums: monthly costs, access rules, insurance traps and the point where booking a hire vehicle online starts looking very tidy.

Illustration of a Maui-shape campervan with no branding parked beside a long stored caravan in an Australian storage yard, red dust on the ground, gum trees beyond the fence, semi-realistic painterly style. australiamotorhomes.com
STRAIGHT ANSWERS

Questions self-drivers actually ask

Is caravan storage charged by the month or by the size of the van?
Both systems exist. Some facilities quote a flat monthly bay price, while others charge by length, often using overall length including drawbar, rear bar and spare wheel. Always give the true nose-to-tail measurement, not just the internal body length.
Is outdoor caravan storage safe enough in Australia?
Outdoor storage can be fine if it has secure fencing, lighting, cameras and sensible access control. The bigger issue is weather: UV, hail, coastal salt and wet-season humidity can age seals, awnings, tyres and plastics. A good cover helps, but it is not the same as indoor storage.
Can I store a caravan with gas bottles and batteries fitted?
Rules vary by facility. Many require LPG bottles to be turned off, declared or removed for indoor storage, and some offer powered bays for battery maintenance. Ask before arrival so you are not unpacking gas bottles in the driveway like a stunned mullet.
Do I still need insurance while the caravan is in storage?
Yes, if you want cover for theft, storm, fire or damage while parked. Check your policy wording because some insurers ask where the caravan is stored and whether the facility is locked or monitored. Do not assume the storage yard’s insurance covers your van.
Is hiring a motorhome cheaper than owning and storing a caravan?
It depends on how often you travel. If you are away for months each year, ownership can make sense; if you travel for a few weeks, storage, rego, insurance, servicing and depreciation can outweigh the convenience. Hiring lets you book the vehicle for the trip and avoid paying for it to sit still.
What should I do before putting a caravan into storage for months?
Clean the fridge, drain water tanks if appropriate, empty the toilet cassette, turn off gas, maintain or remove batteries, inflate tyres correctly and fit pest deterrents. If storing in hot inland areas, inspect seals and vents carefully before the next trip. A pre-trip check beats finding a cracked hose at the first campground tap.
SHORTLIST

Where to start

The short answer: expect $50 to $600+ a month

The short answer: expect $50 to $600+ a month

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What changes the price: roof, security, length and postcode

What changes the price: roof, security, length and postcode

The big price levers are simple: land value, cover, access and risk. A locked gravel yard 40 km out of town will usually be cheape…

Hidden costs owners forget after the Big Lap

Hidden costs owners forget after the Big Lap

Storage is not the only line item. If you own the caravan, you may still be paying registration, insurance, servicing, tyres agein…

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