One of the things we are looking at is secure storage. Sadly we can't store the caravan at our home, the drive too sloping and limited in space. The storage place we are looking at does not give anyone access, they tow and store the van themselves. This sounds ok, as no-one can just wander around the site. But it does mean that to access the van for any reason we would need to give 24 hours notice and it would be towed out for us, presumably we would then need to take it away. No just popping in to get something or to clean etc. Do you think this would be a major problem?
------------- Gramps-R-us
Happiness is not having what you want
BUT
wanting what you have.
It would for me.
The storage where mine is kept has access at all reasonable times and other times by arrangement. I wouldn't be happy with someone else parking it for me and I like to, as you say, pop in and collect and drop off items when I choose. I secure the wheelclamp and hitchlock and also make sure the legs are down as I want them to be!
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"If I let go of what I am, I can become what I might be".
On reflection I think you are right, I'm now looking for somewhere else, but I'm worried by an earlier post telling of two local storage sites where caravans were vandalised. I can't find any report of them, and I'm worried about choosing one of those sites affected. Also as a result of the incidents, if it is true, then a lot of owners will be moving their caravans, which may mean a lack of spaces!! Why is nothing straightforward!!!
------------- Gramps-R-us
Happiness is not having what you want
BUT
wanting what you have.
Have you looked at the CaSSOA website, www.cassoa.co.uk , thats where we found our storage. They have bronze, silver and gold rated sites so there is some guarantee of security (i would hope!).
Steve, we must be lucky with ours then, can't fault it - gold award site. I just presumed they would all have the same level of security within each band - bronze, silver or gold.
Where about"s in staffordshire do you live,if you live anywhere near kings newton ,donnington race track i could recommend (macaravans storage)that we use
We do actually live about 15-20min away ourselves but once hitched up its only about 10mins to all directions on the motorways.
We used a large pound to which we had a key. There was no damage to any caravans while we used the pound and there is only so much you can do to protect your va. This is why we spend a fortune on insurance.
When we moved we put the van into some undercover storage, which sounded great - phone them up an hour before and the van would be ready in the yard for you to tow away. This was OK until we tried to go away in January and the owners were on holiday. We have not been back since.
I would only use a site where I could get 24 hour access.
We have another Cassoa site quite near us, I've emailed them and waiting for a response, I did try to ring, and put the phone down when I realised it was a bit unkind to bother them on a Sunday with an enquiry!
------------- Gramps-R-us
Happiness is not having what you want
BUT
wanting what you have.
I've discovered where these sites are now- apparently there were three sites "attacked", thank goodness it is not the site where we have just registered! All local sites have stepped up their security significantly, hopefully that will be the end of this mindless vandalism.
------------- Gramps-R-us
Happiness is not having what you want
BUT
wanting what you have.
We live in Staffs and keep our van at one of the storage places listed on the Cassoa website. It is a gold category site and is excellent. We have no worries at all and are confident our van is fine there. We have to give 24 hrs notice of when we want to collect or drop the van off but this has never been a problem
Thanks for that, we have now registered at a (gold) Cassoa site, a bit pricey, but at the end of the day you get what you pay for. We were a bit worried when we read about the sites that had been vandalised, but fortunately not this one, and they have stepped up security, hopefully the mindless yobs will get the message! The site looks good, with access at any time during normal office hours for members, with reasonable notice at other times. No-one else can get in unaccompanied, we were pretty impressed by the security.
------------- Gramps-R-us
Happiness is not having what you want
BUT
wanting what you have.
Hi Chops noticed you are from Stafforshire as are we and that you've now got fixed up, but theres a storage site up on the Leek to Ashbourne road in Leek itself. We keep ours there. I'll be honest, the security looks abysmal. Theres just a CCTV camera and no gate or anything, BUT because theres a quiet street behind it the people in that street seem on permanent watch as to whats going on. So much so, that last year we had a long trek to Norfolk and decided to leave at 2am in the morning. As we were hooking up the caravan the police turned up. Turns out a local resident thought the caravan was getting pinched and called them! Bit of shock for us at the time but reassuring to know theres someone keeping their eyes and ears open. Never had any problems in the 18 months we kept it there.
Chops - do remember to let your insurance company know that you will be storing your van on a CASSOA Gold site as you will get a decent discount.
One of the other advantages of having it on a storage site is that it isn't a red flag to potential burglars when the van suddenly isn't in your drive.
We are on a very good site, and can access most times up to 8pm, which suits us just fine. Irs very secure, CCTV, electric fence around, and access only by key fob.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: access to caravan storage
