Caravanners getting ready for their first tour of the season have been urged to carry out some essential checks as they get their tourers out of storage.
While some van owners enjoy caravanning in winter, many will have reached for the best caravan cover and put their tourers into hibernation during the offseason. As we start planning our upcoming tours, the experts at Auto Finance are encouraging van owners to carry out some crucial checks to ensure their tourers are ready to go.
Auto Finance’s expert, Steve Noga, said: “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.”
“If you don’t properly prepare your caravan after winter hibernation, you could run into some serious safety, mechanical, and financial issues. A thorough spring check-up will save money, keep you safe, and ensure a stress-free adventure!”
To help caravanners with their pre-tour checks, Steve is advising van owners to:
1. Inspect your tourer for damage
Begin by looking out for any signs of damage that have happened during the colder months. This isn’t just checking for water ingress, cracks or rust, but also includes inspecting the roof and its seals.
Cleaning a caravan is always an important start-of-season task, and Steve advises getting rid of dirt and mould that could have accumulated on your tourer’s exterior – don’t overlook the awning either, rolling it out to look out for signs of damage or mildew.
Caravan tyre care is crucial too. Steve advises checking the tyre pressure and ensuring they are inflated to the correct PSI to prevent blowouts. He adds: “It’s also important to inspect for any obvious cracks in the rubber rims or bald spots in the tread as tyres are prone to degradation over winter, especially if your caravan has been left stationary.”
2. Look at the battery
Caravanners who took the battery out over winter will need to recharge and reconnect it, as leaving it discharged for too long could lead to irreversible damage, due to sulphur building up.
If you use solar panels instead, check and clean them instead to ensure they are working as they should.
Then give the electrics a test, making sure it’s not just the interior power sockets and appliances that work, but also the brake lights, turn signals, indicators and lights.
3. Don’t forget the water system
Your caravan water system could also need some attention if your van has been unused over winter – there could be a build-up of antifreeze and stagnant water in the pipes, for instance. Look out for cracks and signs of damage to the pipes, pump and taps, and then use a suitable cleaning solution to get rid of any odours or bacteria from the system.
Check the gas bottles and hoses thoroughly, ensuring the propane cylinders are full and there are no cracked hoses. Then, after flushing the system, fill up the fluids, including windshield washer liquid and coolant. Don’t forget to stock up on the best caravan toilet chemical for the cassette toilet if required too.
4. Do the essential checks
Check 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. Test the carbon monoxide detector, replacing the batteries if necessary too.
Don’t forget to take a look at the towing hitch and caravan brakes, two crucial components for a safe experience on the road.
5. Refresh the interior
The inside of your tourer will require some TLC too. Reach for the best caravan vacuum cleaner to get rid of any dirt and dust that could have built up, and use cleaning products to wipe down the surfaces. Give the bedding a wash, open the windows and vents to freshen it up, and look out for signs of mould and damp.
6. Don’t forget to look over your documentation
Check your caravan breakdown cover is up to date, as well as your insurance, and if it’s required, get your car serviced too.
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Caravan, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances and skill level. Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. You should check that any van warranty will not be affected before proceeding with DIY projects.
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