During the latter part of the winter, there comes a point where you have to get your caravan or motorhome up to speed in preparation for spring travel. Usually, this means a much-needed maintenance check.
Throughout colder months, most leisure vehicles aren’t in regular use. As we head towards warmer temperatures, we must carry out checks and ensure it’s in good working order before we start getting busy with touring.
When things like mould and leaks manifest over the winter, they can turn from minor problems to serious issues if left unattended. Luckily for us, Chris Lowe, managing director at Kimberley – The Caravan & Motorhome People, has shared some of his essential van maintenance tips for the season ahead.
Check for leaks and signs of damp
We’re no strangers to cold weather in the UK and when the doors and windows on your leisure vehicle are shut for a long period of time, it becomes more susceptible to damp seeping in.
Just like checking your roof, regularly inspect your caravan for leaks. A simple trick to do this is to ask a friend or family member to sit inside whilst you douse the exterior with water. Any leaks will be spotted quickly from the inside.
Spring cleaning
It’s getting towards that time of the year again. A thorough clean, both inside and out, is essential for van maintenance. The build-up of dirt and grime can cause damage and deterioration if not removed. Mud, sediment and gravel all develop in the seals and joints of a motorhome, as well as the inside seams of furniture.
All you really need for a good clean is a garden hose, bucket, vehicle cleaner and a long-handled brush. For smaller crevices, even an old toothbrush can become the perfect tool. Make sure to use a glass cleaner to remove any dust and dirt from the windscreen and windows.
Remember, washing up liquid can cause corrosion to the exterior of your caravan, so opt for a specialised vehicle cleaner. However, if you do make this mistake, immediately wash off with plenty of water and apply a layer of polish to preserve the protective coating.
Checklist
It might feel like you’ve got a mountain of tasks to do when it comes to bringing the caravan out of hibernation. To simplify things, here’s a checklist you can follow to be more efficient and save some time.
- Flush out the water system thoroughly and clean internal tanks with steriliser
- Check the tyre pressure and top up air as required
- Check tyres for signs of bulging, cracking, low tread depth, or objects stuck in them
- Check oil and coolant pressure – top up as needed
- Charge the vehicle battery
- Check wiper blades and screen wash mechanisms are in good working order
- Check bike racks and luggage racks are fixed securely
- Wash and dry all bedding, curtains, and soft furnishings such as cushion covers
Although it’s not a legal requirement, you should get your vehicle booked in for an annual check-up. This means a specialist engineer inspects your caravan and you can relax. It’s worth checking with your local garage to see if they offer this service, but make sure to get a full report from them after.
Photo credit: Kimberley – The Caravan & Motorhome People
