Over-wintering in inside location

nigpdreadingfc · Nov 29, 2023

I keep my Cali in a secure, inside location that has EHU.
Although I plan to use it occasionally over the winter months, in the times it's not being used, I will have a small, oil filled radiator, keeping the temperature above freezing (at 10°C ish).
My question is, should I crack the front windows a little as well? I have wind deflectors. TIA

JollyGoodShow · Nov 29, 2023

Lovely van. You’re obviously thinking of humidity. I see no harm in equalising the humidity myself. If you are really worried you could run a dehumidifier.

I used to keep a classic car in a garage over winter and didn’t have any issues with humidity provided, like you, I kept the space warm and dry.

Ch1pbutty · Nov 29, 2023

Wouldnt bother a heater unless you want a family of mice. The fabrics etc used inside vehicles are designed and tested to take a range of temp fluctuations / humidity.

Just keep the batteries plugged into a smart charger.

Corradobrit · Nov 29, 2023

Nicely sorted Ocean. Can I ask if the suspension is raised and your wheel/tyre setup? Are those factory installed mudguards?

I bought a couple of reusable dehumidifying gel packs for the interior. Not sure how effective they are but I guess I'll find out.

pluc99 · Nov 29, 2023

Ch1pbutty said:
Wouldnt bother a heater unless you want a family of mice. The fabrics etc used inside vehicles are designed and tested to take a range of temp fluctuations / humidity.

Just keep the batteries plugged into a smart charger.

I agree with this. I don't see the point in heating the garage unless you actually see condensation on the windows. If a window is kept open a crack any humidity will equalize with the outside air.

A good reason not to heat is if there is any likelihood of picking up salt from the street on your infrequent runs, which will become more corrosive in warmer temperature.

nigpdreadingfc · Nov 29, 2023

Corradobrit said:
Nicely sorted Ocean. Can I ask if the suspension is raised and your wheel/tyre setup? Are those factory installed mudguards?

I bought a couple of reusable dehumidifying gel packs for the interior. Not sure how effective they are but I guess I'll find out.

Suspension is Bilstein Silver Komfort lift kit and Eibach 35mm springs. Wheels/tyres are 17" Black Rhino Warlord and General Grabber AT3s 235/65/17. Mudguards are factory installed

Viktorgeorge · Nov 29, 2023

nigpdreadingfc said:
Suspension is Bilstein Silver Komfort lift kit and Eibach 35mm springs. Wheels/tyres are 17" Black Rhino Warlord and General Grabber AT3s 235/65/17. Mudguards are factory installed

Where did you get the wheel arch protectors, please, and are you happy with their fit etc.?

nigpdreadingfc · Nov 29, 2023

Viktorgeorge said:
Where did you get the wheel arch protectors, please, and are you happy with their fit etc.?

Wheel arch protectors were fitted by T5 Upgrades, Aberystwyth. Very happy with the fit

B J G · Nov 29, 2023

Viktorgeorge said:
Where did you get the wheel arch protectors, please, and are you happy with their fit etc.?

Vanstyle products are usually good quality. No personal use of this kit. May not fit T6.1
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B J G · Nov 29, 2023

JollyGoodShow said:
Lovely van. You’re obviously thinking of humidity. I see no harm in equalising the humidity myself. If you are really worried you could run a dehumidifier.

I used to keep a classic car in a garage over winter and didn’t have any issues with humidity provided, like you, I kept the space warm and dry.

Having heated storage will prevent condensation forming when there is a fairly rapid change in outside air temp from cold to mild/damp temp. The vehicle appears to 'sweat' similar to dew but all over/under.
In my experience the most rust creating weather condition.

I put one of those cheap condensation collecting units in mine last winter which filled in about 4 months, parked outside.