As the days slowly start to get longer and spring doesn’t seem so far away, it’s time to begin preparations for staycation season.
Caravan and motorhome owners who’ve put their leisure vehicles into storage or simply not used them much over the winter months will want to start readying them for use.
Now, the experts from Auto Finance have shared the essential checks travellers need to think about after winter hibernation in time for springtime adventures.
Steve Noga from the company said: “We know that thousands of Brits are planning ahead for their spring adventures, with Google searches for ‘staycation’ already up by almost ten per cent compared to last year.
“There are around 23,000 searches per month right now, and it’s important that travellers prepare their vehicles for the trip ahead.
“The harsh winter weather can wreak havoc on any vehicle, especially when it hasn’t been used in months, so it’s important to make necessary checks before heading on your caravan holiday.”
Assess for damage
Begin by inspecting your leisure vehicle for any damage that might have occurred during the winter, with cracks, damp spots, rust or wear and tear all potential problems.
Don’t forget to check the roof and its seals, as well as around doors and windows, where moisture is particularly prone to collect in the colder months.
Clean the exterior
Without giving your caravan or motorhome a good clean, it can be difficult to see if there are any issues hiding beneath the dirt or grime.
As well as the outside of the leisure vehicle, clean the awning too, as the build-up of mildew on the fabric can shorten its useful life.
Check the tyres
Just because your tyres were in good condition when you put your vehicle into storage doesn’t mean they’re still fit for purpose now.
Check the pressure and inspect them for cracks or bald spots on the tread, as rubber can deteriorate over the winter.
Recharge the battery
Recharging and reconnecting the battery after winter is a crucial job to ensure everything is working as it should.
If your caravan or motorhome runs on solar power, then check and clean the panels too, before testing all the electrics, inside and out.
Flush the water system
Draining the water system is an important job to do before winter hibernation, but it’s just as crucial to flush it when returning your leisure vehicle to use.
This will ensure any stagnant water or antifreeze is removed and it gives you a good opportunity to inspect the pipes, taps and pumps for cracks or damage before sterilising the system once more.
Conduct safety checks
Go around your caravan and motorhome and make checks on essential safety equipment, including:
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Towing hitch
- Brakes
Update your documentation
The new caravan season is a good time to check all your documentation is in order, including caravan or motorhome insurance, breakdown cover and servicing for your towcar.
If you’ve bought a new car since the last time you towed a caravan, then it’s important to make sure it meets the legal standards for towing.
Clean the inside
Get inside your leisure vehicle, open all the windows and give everything a spring clean. This means washing bedding, wiping down surfaces and vacuuming the carpet.
Even if you cleaned carefully before putting your caravan or motorhome into storage, it will still need a thorough going over before being used again.
Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production
