Every spring when our beloved vans come from hibernation, I see the effects of the lack of proper storage. I’m going to take a few minutes to help make sure they don’t wake up cranky in the spring.
I’m assuming that the van has been undercoated. We use Fluid Film, which is a byproduct of wool production, it’s a non petroleum based product that doesn’t affect plastic or rubber.
First thing I do with my van is take it to the nearest gas station and have the fuel tank filled to the top, with supreme fuel. Try to get fuel with out ethanol. Ethanol will degrade the factory fuel lines and plastic parts. While you’re there, fill the tires to the proper air pressure as per the sticker on your door jamb.
Next, bring it back home and give it a good bath, outside, clean the bugs off, wash and add a coat of wax to the paint. I wipe the door jambs down and spray a little silicone spray on the rubbers to keep them from sticking and keeps them soft.
Remove the drain plug/cap from your house water tank and drain it out, turn on your tap until it runs out of water, put the cap back on and put a little plumbers antifreeze in and turn your tap back on until it runs in the sink.
Get out your vacuum out and clean all the crumbs and dirt from the interior, don’t forget the cabinets and spice racks! Remove all food, and wipe the sink and stove top down to make sure there’s nothing that will attract mice to move in while you’re not using it. They love camping too.
Once that’s all done, you can move the van inside and disconnect your batteries. I like to bring them in the house if the storage area isn’t heated. Ideally, if you can’t remove them, buy a little battery maintainer (.5a is fine) to keep them fresh. I like to raise the roof and open the skylight to let the interior breathe a bit. It will help with mold growing on the inside of the roof.
I know it sounds like a lot, but it sure makes a world of difference in the fall when it comes out for the summer.