Taking Care of Your Caravan

Caravans were relatively easy to maintain earlier. The most crucial things that needed monitoring were tyre pressures and adjusting the bearings and brakes annually or every 10,000 kilometres. However, due to recent advances in caravans, they have become more complicated, and a lot may go wrong unless issues are identified and fixed in time. Caravans, unlike static dwellings, are vehicles that must meet road safety regulations. Hence the importance of caravan maintenance cannot be stressed enough. Caravans, camper vans, and RVs serve as second residences. They have evolved into more complex machines offering a variety of features and facilities equivalent to those found in a regular home. Depending on the age RVs, like houses, require regular maintenance (as well as the occasional repair) to keep everything in good working order. Many components on a van can malfunction over time or become damaged unless addressed in time. If you don’t address these issues when you see them first, they’ll become worse, leading to a very high caravan repair bill.

General Stuff

As a caravan owner, you will undoubtedly know that maintaining your caravan or motorhome is essential. Maintaining and servicing a caravan isn’t something you should put off. We can divide caravan services into the first service and the annual service. Many people consider the initial caravan service as the essential service for a van. Typically, it is done after the first 12 months of ownership or after the caravan has travelled roughly 2000 kilometres (whichever comes first). Although the first service is simple, it frequently reveals any abnormal weakness or concern indicators. Annual maintenance will be determined by the caravan’s manufacturer and, of course, the RV type. In general, caravan servicing should be done at least once a year or every 10,000 kilometres (whichever comes first). Even if your van has been lying inactive for months, you should still ensure that the annual maintenance is done without fail. This will ensure that your next vacation will be stress-free.

Safety First

Regular maintenance keeps minor issues from becoming costly and dangerous, and the majority of these suggestions should be followed before, during, and after a journey. This will make your caravan last longer and ensure it is ready whenever you need to use it.

Wheels, brakes & jockey wheels: Check tyres for signs of bulging, cracks, etc., rims for buckles and cracks, tighten all bolts and ensure optimum tyre pressure. Check handbrakes are working correctly. Jockey wheels should turn freely, operate efficiently, and have no rust or stress fractures.

Towing capacity: Try to avoid towing with full water tanks to reduce wear and tear, and it costs more to travel with full tanks. Check safety chains and shackles and ensure they are rated correctly.

Gas, power and water: Regularly inspect the gas, electricity, and water storage. Have frequent checks for all appliances, including the refrigerator, cooker, and heating system, for leaks and proper operation. Check the electrics – make sure all of the lights, especially the running lights, are functional and that any broken bulbs are replaced. Check that the batteries are in good working order and are entirely charged.

Rust and mould: Rust is a common issue when metal parts are exposed to moisture, and it can be costly to repair if not identified early. The following are some simple maintenance recommendations that will assist you:

• Keep the outside of your caravan clean.
• When not in use, store your RV in a dry and protected place.
• Get a caravan cover and after rains, remove it to allow the vehicle to dry.
• Repair any paintwork which is damaged.
• Surface rust on metal surfaces should be fixed without delay.

Without sufficient ventilation, mould can form in any moist or wet space. It can cause significant health problems if left uncontrolled. You can do certain things to keep mould from growing in your van.

• Using a disinfectant to wipe off surfaces to get rid of microorganisms
• Cleaning and airing out the vehicle regularly is essential
• Checking for leaks regularly and keeping all seals and corner moulds in good working condition
• Spills should be cleaned up as once
• If you notice mould or mildew, use diluted white vinegar to remove it

Extras Fittings

Nowadays, caravans come with many extra fittings that add to the enjoyment of caravanning. Awnings, air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwaves are all fixtures and equipment virtually taken for granted when caravanning today. But finding out that one or more of these are not working can ruin your holiday. Toilets and showers, as well as water tanks, are among the other things needing maintenance. In a caravan, fixing these requires specialised knowledge, which might not be easy to get while on vacation. Hence such caravan repairs should be finished well in time before the trip starts.

Call us
Complete RV services – the only place you need to visit for all your RV maintenance and repairs. Covering everything from full servicing, repairs, power products and RV installations, you can get it all done under one roof. Visit us at https://www.rvservices.com.au/contact/ or call 0423 384 873 to have all your caravan maintenance and repairs done.

Also Read: Tips for Modern Caravan Restorations