Prepare for the new season, caravan enthusiasts! Don't forget these six significant inspections before hitting the road.
Preparing Your Caravan for the New Touring Season
As the warmer months approach, it's time to dust off your caravan and get it ready for another exciting touring season. Here are some essential checks you should perform to ensure your caravan is in top condition and safe for the road.
Gas System Checks
Firstly, it's crucial to verify the expiry dates of your first aid kit and fire extinguisher, ensuring everything is in good condition and you are stocked up on everything you need. Additionally, check your gas bottles and hoses for any signs of wear or damage, and ensure they are securely mounted. Remember, annual inspections by qualified engineers are mandatory, but before touring, examine gas pipes for corrosion and verify that safety devices like carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
Tyre Care
Caravan tyre care is essential. Check tyre pressure and inspect for cracks in the rubber rims or bald spots in the tread. Replace any tyres over five years old regardless of tread depth to avoid blowouts and improve fuel economy.
Mechanical and Electrical Inspections
Auto Finance's expert, Steve Noga, encourages van owners to perform a thorough spring check-up. This includes looking at the towing hitch and caravan brakes, two crucial components for a safe experience on the road. Conduct a full professional servicing if not done recently, covering brakes, suspension, electrics (both 12V and mains systems), gas appliances, coupling mechanisms, and corner steadies. This ensures roadworthiness and safety.
Exterior Condition and Security
Cleaning a caravan is an important start-of-season task. Remove dirt and mould from the exterior and awning. After flushing the system, fill up the fluids, including windshield washer liquid and coolant. The harsh winter weather can cause damage to caravans that have been in storage. Inspect the caravan for moisture and dampness, ensuring proper ventilation and carefully inspecting seals around windows and doors for any damage to prevent leaks or mold growth.
Security Features and Storage-Related Wear
Inspect security features and storage-related wear, including hitchlocks, wheel clamps, and coverings to deter theft and damage after winter storage. Lubricate moving mechanical parts like corner steadies and ensure electrical connectors are clean and corrosion-free.
Electrics
The electrics should be tested, including the interior power sockets and appliances, as well as the brake lights, turn signals, indicators, and lights. Caravanners are advised to carry out essential checks before their first tour of the season.
Water System
The water system should not be forgotten, as it needs to be drained, flushed, and refilled before use. Check the water system for build-up of antifreeze and stagnant water, and use a suitable cleaning solution to get rid of odours or bacteria.
Stock Up on Essentials
Stock up on the best caravan toilet chemical for the cassette toilet if required. Ensure gas bottles are full and there are no cracked hoses.
These checks help detect and prevent costly repairs, maintain safety, and ensure the caravan performs reliably on the road. Happy touring!
[1] Caravan and Motorhome Club. (n.d.). Pre-season caravan checks. Retrieved from https://www.camc.com/advice/touring/touring-advice/pre-season-caravan-checks
[2] The Caravan Club. (n.d.). Pre-season caravan checks. Retrieved from https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/help-advice/practical-advice/touring/pre-season-caravan-checks
[3] Practical Caravan. (2020, April 17). Pre-season caravan checks. Retrieved from https://www.practicalcaravan.com/tips/pre-season-caravan-checks
[4] Caravan World. (2020, March 27). Pre-season caravan checks. Retrieved from https://www.caravanworld.com.au/tips/pre-season-caravan-checks/
[5] Caravan Guard. (n.d.). Pre-season caravan checks. Retrieved from https://www.caravanguard.co.uk/advice/pre-season-caravan-checks
- When buying a new caravan, consider consulting various buying guides to make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle, budget, and touring needs.
- For travel enthusiasts, it's important to invest in caravan breakdown cover to ensure peace of mind on the road and to handle any unexpected breakdowns during your touring season.
- Keep yourself updated with the latest general news and home-and-garden trends to gain insights into innovative caravan modifications and improvements that can enhance your travel lifestyle and experience.
