Advisor Contribution by ShedEx Fleurieu

Summer on the Fleurieu is the perfect mix of long drives, salty air, and weekends out on the water. But once you’re home and ready to park the caravan or boat back inside the shed, a little prep now will save you time, money, and headaches later.

Storing your caravan in a shed isn’t just convenient – it also means lower insurance premiums and higher resale value for your pride and joy (more on that in a bit).

If your shed was built by ShedEx Fleurieu, you already have a head start with features like slab-first construction and vermin flashing designed for South Australia’s hot coastal summers. Now, here’s your easy, practical summer storage checklist:

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1. Clean and Dry Everything Before You Store It

Before tucking your caravan or boat away, give it a thorough clean and make sure every inch is dry.

This prevents mould, smells, and corrosion from forming while it’s stored. For caravans, empty the fridge and remove all food to avoid attracting pests.

Wipe down interior surfaces and rinse the exterior to wash off dust and salty residue.

For boats, flush the motor with fresh water, rinse the hull, and let everything dry completely. Consider leaving a couple of moisture absorber packs inside to keep humidity in check.

Moisture trapped inside a shed can cause musty odours and rust spots, so a quick clean and dry now stops those issues before they start.

Caravans – Empty out perishables (no food should be left inside). Turn off and prop open the fridge to prevent mildew. Wipe all counters and cabinets. Give the exterior a gentle wash to remove dust, salt, and bug splatter.

Boats – Rinse the boat thoroughly with fresh water, especially if it’s been in saltwater. Flush the outboard motor or inboard cooling system. Make sure bilges, canopies, and upholstery are completely dry before storage.

Pro Tip – Leave cupboard doors, drawers, and the fridge ajar so air can circulate. If your shed tends to get humid, use desiccant packs or a small dehumidifier to prevent condensation. A clean, dry caravan/boat is far less likely to develop mold or corrosion while parked.

2. Check Tyre Pressures and Weight Distribution

Hot summer weather can cause tyres to lose pressure quicker than usual, and long drives in the heat can soften them up. Before backing your caravan or trailer into the shed, ensure the tyres are properly inflated and the weight is distributed evenly. This prevents flat spots and undue strain while it’s parked.

• Inflate tyres to the correct PSI. Check your caravan’s tyre pressure when the tyres are cool, and top them up to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Don’t forget the spare tyre as well.
• Reduce the load on the jockey wheel. If your caravan has a jockey wheel or tongue jack, take some weight off it using blocks or stabiliser legs. This keeps the front end from bearing too much weight over time.
• Chock the wheels. Place wheel chocks or blocks to prevent any rolling. Even on flat concrete, temperature changes or a slight slope could make an unattended van shift.
• Park level. Ideally, your shed has a solid, level concrete slab floor – ShedEx uses a slab-first method so your caravan or boat sits nice and level. If the slab is level, your tyres will all carry weight evenly, and fluids in the van (like fuel or water tanks) will stay level too.

A sturdy concrete slab poured before shed construction ensures your caravan or boat stays level and secure in storage. By checking tyre pressures and stabilising the weight now, you’ll avoid coming back to flat tyres or stressed suspension later.

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3. Make Sure Your Shed Is Summer-Ready

Your shed itself needs a quick check to handle the peak of summer. A well-built shed will stay cooler, cleaner, and keep pests out even in the heat. It pays to do a mini-inspection of the shed before parking your caravan or boat inside for an extended period:

• Check ventilation. In summer, ventilation is key. Open any windows to release hot air that’s trapped inside. Good airflow will prevent heat buildup and condensation.
• Look for pests. Do a quick scan for spider webs, wasp nests, or signs of rodents. Summer is active for pests – clear out any nests and consider spraying a surface insecticide around corners to deter unwelcome critters.
• Keep items off walls. If you store boxes or gear in your shed, leave a small gap from the walls, especially metal walls. This improves airflow and helps you spot any moisture or leaks. It also discourages insects from hiding in tight spots.

Every ShedEx shed is designed to withstand Fleurieu summers – but a few proactive checks will ensure your shed stays a safe haven. Make sure there are no gaps or broken seals where summer dust or insects can intrude.

With a quick once-over, you’ll have confidence that the environment inside the shed is as ready as your caravan for the summer storage period.

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4. Double-Check Clearances Before You Reverse In

Backing a large caravan or boat into a shed can be tricky even on the best of days. Take a moment before you start reversing to double-check that you have ample clearance on all sides. A purpose-designed caravan or boat bay in your shed makes life easier, but it’s still smart to confirm the fit every time – especially if you’ve rearranged storage items in the shed or added any accessories to your rig.

• Confirm door height and width. Measure your caravan/boat’s height (including any roof AC, antennas, or fishing rod holders) and ensure it’s lower than the shed door clearance. Likewise, confirm the width with mirrors folded if necessary.
• Check your turning room. Ensure the approach to your shed allows you to line up straight . Move any obstacles in the driveway. If your shed is in a tight spot, consider using a spotter or even trailer mover dolly for precision.
• Clear the path inside. Clear out any clutter that might snag on the caravan or boat as you maneuver in.
• Go slow and steady. It helps to mark the floor or wall as a guide for when to stop (such as a strip of tape where the front of the caravan should reach). This prevents bumping the back wall. If you constantly feel like you’re “squeezing things in,” it might be a sign your shed layout or size isn’t matching your needs – but that’s a problem for another day (and one ShedEx can solve!).

Double-checking clearances takes only a minute, but it can save you from crunching an air conditioner or scraping the side of your van. This step is all about protecting your investment from avoidable dings and dents.

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5. Disconnect, Unplug, and Secure Loose Items

When your caravan or boat is parked in the shed for a while, you want it effectively “offline.” In other words, disconnect all power sources and secure anything that could move during storage. It’s a quick but important safety step, especially during the hot summer months when electrical systems and batteries can be stressed.

• Turn off and empty the fridge. Switch off the caravan’s fridge (or the boat’s galley fridge) and leave the door ajar to prevent mould. Remove any last items – a forgotten can of Coke will explode in the heat, and leftover food will smell terrible later.
• Disconnect batteries. For caravans, disconnect the battery or flip the master isolator switch if you have one. This prevents any phantom drain on the battery and reduces fire risk. For boats, you should also disconnect or switch off the battery. If you won’t be using the rig for a while, consider removing the battery and hooking it to a maintenance charger periodically.

• Unplug appliances and devices. Make sure anything plugged into shore power or an inverter (microwaves, TVs, chargers, etc.) is unplugged. Also turn off the gas bottle valves if your caravan has gas appliances.
• Secure any loose items. Walk through and check for items that could roll, slide, or tip over if nudged. Latch all cabinet doors, put heavy items on the floor, and wedge or tie down anything like TVs or electronics. In a boat, secure fishing gear, coolers, and equipment so they don’t slide if the boat is bumped.
• Close windows and vents (but not completely). You want some airflow, but ensure rain can’t get in. If your caravan has roof vents, leave them on the vent position if it’s safe to do so, or use vent covers. Double-check all windows are closed and latched to keep weather and critters out.

A minute now can prevent damage later — especially in summer heat. Heat can cause pressures to build (in sealed bottles, cans, etc.) and can accelerate battery issues or fuel evaporation. By disconnecting and securing everything, you eliminate the most common sources of trouble while your caravan or boat is stored. It’s better to spend a few minutes now than to come back to a dead battery or a mess in a few weeks.

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6. Protect Against Heat, Dust, and Summer Critters

South Australian summers can be brutal on caravans, boats, and any gear left exposed. Intense UV light, blowing dust, and high temperatures can all take a toll – and that’s not even counting the insects and rodents looking for a cool shelter. If your shed isn’t well-sealed, dust and vermin can become a nightmare. Fortunately, storing your vehicle in a shed gives huge protection from the elements. To really safeguard your investment, take a few extra steps against heat and pests:

• Use breathable covers or sheets. Even indoors, cover your caravan or boat with a breathable cover or cotton sheet. Make sure the cover is breathable to avoid trapping moisture.
• Keep canopies, awnings and gear dry. If your boat has a canvas canopy or your caravan has an awning, ensure they are completely dry before you roll or fold them up for storage. Any damp fabric enclosed in summer heat can grow mould quickly. It’s best to remove, dry, and store canvas separately if possible.
• Don’t seal up damp items. Double-check that you haven’t left wet towels, swimsuits, life jackets, or other damp gear in the caravan/boat. Either dry them out or leave them hanging in an airy spot. Also drain any water tanks if you won’t use the van for a while (stagnant water in heat = stink).

• Clean chains, trailers and metal parts. Salt and dust cause corrosion. Rinse and wipe down metal parts like anchor chains, trailer hitches, brake disks, and any exposed bolts. A light spray of lubricant or corrosion inhibitor on moving metal parts (trailer winch, door hinges, etc.) can keep rust at bay over summer.
• Seal the gaps (if any). Check that your shed’s doors and windows close tightly to keep out blowing dust and insects. If you find any gaps, use weather stripping or even a towel at the bottom of the door as a temporary seal. ShedEx sheds come with slab-first construction and no gaps thanks to vermin flashing, but it never hurts to verify everything is shut.
• Set out pest deterrents. As an extra precaution, you can place some naphthalene mothballs or natural rodent repellent sachets in corners of the shed (or under the caravan) to deter mice. Just remember to remove them before using the caravan. For spiders, a surface spray around the base of the shed can create a barrier.

Even with a high-quality ShedEx shed (which already has features like slab-first floors and vermin flashing to keep pests out), these steps will ensure your caravan or boat stays pristine. By covering against dust, controlling moisture, and warding off critters, you’re preserving the interior and exterior from the worst of summer’s effects. Your shed provides the physical shield against sun, wind, and rain – you just need to handle the finishing touches to create an ideal micro-climate for storage.

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7. Do a Quick Safety Check Before You Shut the Roller Door

Before you finally lock up, do a last walk-around of your caravan or boat and a quick safety inspection. Think of it as a pre-flight check that ensures your next trip will start smoothly. It takes only 30 seconds and can save you from nasty surprises down the road.

• Test the lights and indicators. If your caravan is still hooked to your vehicle, have someone tap the brakes and flash the indicators to confirm all the trailer lights are working. If not hooked up, at least visually inspect the light covers for cracks or blown bulbs that you can fix now (you’ll thank yourself later).
• Inspect safety chains and hitches. Look at the condition of your trailer safety chains, hitch coupler, or boat winch strap. Are there any signs of wear, rust, or fraying? It’s easier to replace or repair them during storage than to have a failure on the highway. Ensure the coupling mechanism is lubricated and ready to go next time.

• Make sure support legs are secure. If your caravan has corner stabiliser legs down or your boat is on a stand, ensure all pins or screws are tight. You don’t want a support collapsing. Also check that the jockey wheel or trailer jack is stable (you might even give the van a gentle shove to be sure it doesn’t rock).
• Look for corrosion or loose bolts. Scan the chassis, drawbar, wheel hubs, and any metal joints for rust or looseness. Tighten any loose bolts, and treat any small rust spots with a bit of rust converter or at least mark them to fix later. A quick peek now can prevent a part from failing on your next adventure.
• Security check. Finally, ensure any doors, windows, or compartments on the caravan/boat are closed and locked. You don’t want to invite thieves or have a door flap open in the breeze if there’s a storm.

By running through this mini safety checklist, you essentially “winterise” (or in this case, summer-ise) your caravan or boat for its time in storage. Everything will be in good order when you retrieve it. It’s far better to catch a blown taillight or loose screw now in your shed than on the road later. A few final checks = total peace of mind.

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8. Park It, Lock It, and Enjoy Your Summer

That’s it – time to park your rig, lock up the shed, and go enjoy the rest of summer knowing your gear is safe and sound! Once everything is cleaned, dried, checked, and in place, roll the caravan or boat into its spot gently. Double-check that nothing is sticking out (antenna down? vents closed? motor tilted down?). Then secure the shed:

Lock the shed doors. Engage any locks or on the roller door and PA door. Your caravan/boat is now out of sight and secure from theft and vandalism – one of the biggest benefits of shed storage.

Do a final power/gas check. Before you walk away, be 100% sure you’ve turned off all appliances and disconnected power as in Step 5. Also confirm gas bottles are closed tight.

Cover any exposed bits. If part of your boat or van sticks out near the shed opening, consider a tarp over that section (though ideally it fits completely inside). Also, if sunlight falls through any shed windows onto your vehicle, maybe hang a curtain or cover the caravan with that breathable cover to block UV rays.

Leave the shed tidy. It helps to keep the area around your caravan free of loose items. Not only does this make it easier when you take it out next, but it also avoids any tripping hazards when you occasionally check on things.

Now pour yourself a drink! You can relax knowing your caravan or boat is stored in the best possible environment. Unlike being left outdoors, in the shed it’s shielded from sun fade, heavy rain or hail, and prying eyes. You won’t have to worry about UV cracking your upholstery or a summer storm tossing branches at it. And when you’re ready for the next trip, everything will be in great shape waiting for you.

If while parking you had the thought “I really need a bigger space for this…”, you’re not alone. Many caravan and boat owners are surprised how fast they outgrow their storage space. A custom-built shed with a purpose-designed bay can solve the squeezing and stressing. No more inching around tight corners or leaving part of your boat sticking out. Consider if upgrading your shed could make life easier (and protect your investment even better).

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Would You Like a Shed Built for Your Summer Lifestyle?

All these tips are a lot easier when you have the right shed. If reading this checklist has you thinking your current shed is too small, too flimsy, or just not cutting it – ShedEx Fleurieu can help you fix that. We specialize in sheds that fit your caravan or boat properly and stand up to the tough South Australian climate.

With ShedEx, you get home-grade construction (we pour the slab first, then build the shed on it) so you have less heat, less dust, and zero vermin ingress by design. Our sheds use quality BlueScope steel and are fully customisable to your needs – whether you need extra height for a caravan with aircon on top, or extra length for the boat trailer, or even a mezzanine for storage. And with one experienced builder handling the whole job, it’s hassle-free for you.

In short: we build sheds like homes – stronger, smarter, and made to last – because we know your summer lifestyle on the Fleurieu depends on gear that’s well-protected and easy to access. If that sounds like the kind of shed you want, then we’re the team for you.

Contact ShedEx Fleurieu today for a free quote or just an honest chat about designing the perfect shed for your caravan or boat. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can enjoy your adventures and then come home to a shed that keeps everything safe until the next weekend escape!

Here’s to stress-free summer storage and many more great trips ahead!

Michael Schubert

Managing Director, ShedEx Fleurieu

(Direct) 08 8166 4302     (Office) 08 8552 9092

shedexfleurieu.com.au     [email protected]

2/2 Lincoln Park Drive, Hindmarsh Valley SA 5211

Builder Licence: BLD236453

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