When it comes to owning a caravan, there’s no escaping the regular checks and maintenance required to keep it in working order. Although most caravans are designed to take a beating on the road, they’re definitely not indestructible. If you want to make the most of your caravan and make sure it lasts for several years, regular checks and maintenance should be part of your routine.

Here’s a simple checklist of some of the most important things to keep an eye on when doing a maintenance check of your caravan:

Interior

  • Windows – Check your windows for cracks or any signs of damage. Remember to also check the condition and function of the rubber seals.
  • Doors – Make sure the locks and hinges are in working order and free from rust or debris.
  • Tanks – Regularly clean your fresh and grey water tanks to prevent stale water and mould. Follow the cleaning instructions in your tank manual for best results.
  • Living spaces – Make sure the living room, dining areas, and kitchen (including cabinets and cupboards) are free of dirt, grime, and debris.
  • Upholstery – Wash curtains, covers, and other upholstery in between trips to retain freshness and extend their life. Remember also to check your mattresses and seats for signs of damage or mould.
  • Appliances – Test all electrical appliances in your caravan to ensure safety and good working order. This includes checking the wires, batteries, and power cords of your appliances.

Exterior

  • Tyres – Check the tyre pressure and condition of your tyres before, during, and after your trip. Ensure they’re inflated at the recommended level by the manufacturer to prevent unnecessary strain on your caravan’s axles.
  • Brakes – Make sure your car and trailer brakes are in working order. Have it checked professionally if something seems off about them. Don’t forget to also check the brake drum/hub of your caravan.
  • Battery – Ensure your car battery and caravan leisure battery are well-charged and far from empty. Keep track of their expiration dates or life expectancy, and replace them long before they actually expire.
  • Rims – Check for signs of kerbing damage to help make sure your rims are functioning at their best.
  • Handbrake – Test your caravan’s handbrake to make sure it works well and without any issues. This part of the caravan is particularly prone to rust and corrosion, so keep an eye out for this before it worsens.
  • Electricals – Make sure your road lights, smoke alarm, and other external electrical systems work. Replace batteries and fix their wiring whenever required.

Get Professional Help If Needed

Regular checks and maintenance may help you avoid small issues in your caravan, but it can only do so much when it comes to serious mechanical issues.
If you find a problem that you can’t fix yourself, it’s always best to have a professional look at it and fix it for you. Yes, this will often cost more money upfront, but you’ll save plenty of time and effort by having it fixed professionally. It’ll also help prevent further expenses down the road from sloppy DIY-fixes.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Maintenance is more than just about fixing problems as they come. More importantly, it’s about fixing problems before they become even bigger. Remember that a thorough maintenance check of your caravan does more than just keep it looking good; it also makes your caravan safer to use on the road. Not to mention it’ll help you make the most of your caravan loan and the investment you put in it.
When it comes to your caravan, even the simplest routine maintenance will always go a long way.