Getting Your Caravan Ready for the Season

Caravanning is an interest held by many people in the UK and so getting your caravan ready for the season is an essential task to ensure you, the freedom to explore where you want when your want. As we are quickly approaching the new season, we have put together this handy guide to help you get your vehicle prepared ready for safe, stress free adventures.

Check the Exterior

• Tyres – check for wear, cracks and bulges and ensure the tyre pressure meets the manufacturer’s recommendations. Make sure you check the spare wheel too. Ensure wheel nuts are torqued to the correct manufactures specifications.
• Bodywork – check for cracks, scrapes or any signs of damp, particularly around doors, windows and skylights.
• Cleanliness – after being stored for a while, give your caravan a good wash using a specialist cleaner and soft brush. Get rid of any dirt, mould or algae.

Chassis & Hitch

• Coupling head – ensure that it is clean, lubricated and free from rust. Test the hitch lock and stabiliser to ensure they are working correctly.
• Jockey Wheel – Ensure that the jockey wheel moves freely and securely holds the from wend of the caravan.
• Chassis – Visually inspect the chassis for signs of rust or damage. Coat if necessary.

Towing Electrics

• Test the lights – hitch up and check that the lights are working on the caravan (marker lights, indicators, brake lights & fog lights).
• Cables – Visually inspect the cables – are they in good condition with no signs of wear of damage?

Prepare the Interior

• Ventilate the caravan – open all windows, doors and skylights to remove any bad smells.
• Check for damp – visually inspect for any signs of damp like staining or a musty smell.
• Check your battery – visually inspect for any leakage or bulging to the side of the battery (replace immediately if this is found). Check that the battery is working to full capacity.
• Appliances – Test that the fridge, hob, oven and any other appliances work on electric. It is advised to get appliances checked by an engineer for safe running on gas.

Water

• Flush the system – sterilise and flush the system to remove bacteria and limescale build up. Use products specifically for caravans and motorhomes.
• Inspect pipes and taps – run the water though and check for any leaks or blockages.
• Check the toilet flush – these often seize when stored for a period of time.,

Gas

• Gas Bottles – check that the bottles are full and securely fasted in the compartment/gas locker. Check that you are using the correct regulator.
• Connections – Inspect hoses and connections for any potential signs of wear and tear and replace if damage is found.
• Gas locker – Are there any signs of gas escaping?

Safety

• Fire safety – Check smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguisher (replace units or batteries if necessary – there is an expiry date on the back).

Pack & Organise

• Before travelling stock up on supplies – kitchen supplies (crockery, utensils and food), bedding, towels, tools and spares (bulbs, fuses etc)

Tow Vehicle

• Ensure your vehicle is fit for towing – have a recent service , fit towing mirrors, check your driving licence that you are covered to tow.

Paperwork

• Ensure that your paperwork is all in order and up to date – Car & caravan insurance, servicing paperwork (car and caravan), Breakdown cover (check that it covers your car and your caravan).

By getting your caravan ready for the season, you’ll be ready for the off. Sparing some times to make these checks will help to eliminate any problems you may have whilst away. We can help with any of these checks or repairs needed before you go away. Give us a call or make a booking via our website www.neilthecaravanmedic.co.uk/book/

For further advice or if you are new to caravanning take a look at the expert guide from The Camping & Caravanning Club  – www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/advice/equipment/ready-for-the-road/?msockid=342b6850b3c362b30f337b2ab2b46348