Just like any other place that you would live in, your caravan is going to require a certain level of maintenance to keep everything in top working condition. However, there are probably more things for you to think about when it comes to maintenance in your caravan than in a house, as everything works differently.
To help you to ensure that everything is running smoothly and as it should be, you will need to keep on top of regular maintenance. Otherwise, all of the tasks that need to be completed can quickly pile up and cause things to stop working properly.
If you are now left wondering about what you need to do when it comes to maintenance in your caravan, we are here to help. In this article, we are going to tell you everything that you need to know about caravan maintenance, so you can be better prepared.
What Maintenance Do Caravans Need?
Unfortunately, there are lots of things that you will need to consider when it comes to caravan maintenance, which might not be what you want to hear. On the plus side, we are here to help you find out exactly what you need to do.
Chassis Maintenance
Every static caravan will have a chassis, and this will typically either be galvanised, painted, or somewhere in between. It is important to check and maintain this on a regular basis to ensure that there is no rust or damage present.
Galvanisation will help to protect your caravan against concerns like rust, and if you are able to invest in galvanisation, it is definitely worth the money. Some things that will help you to maintain the stability of your caravan include regular oiling, greasing, and spray paint where needed.
Caravan Taps and Filter Maintenance
When you are not using your caravan, it is usually a good idea to leave the tap open, so the air can pass through the tap. Otherwise, a small amount of water can get trapped, and when it gets cold, this water can freeze and expand, and cause damage to your taps.
Some caravans will also have a water filter that is built into the water system, and these will require maintenance too. You will need to replace them every 30 days or so.
Checking for Damp in your Caravan
If you have noticed any kind of musty smell in your caravan, this could be a sign that you have damp. If any water is able to make its way through the outer shell of the caravan, this can lead to significant structural damage over time.
So, if you notice a musky smell or any signs of mold, then you might want to check for damp inside your caravan by using a moisture meter.
Even if there is no smell, it can still be helpful to check the moisture levels inside of your caravan at least twice a year. This will ensure that you are never taken by surprise when it is too late, and it is part of good caravan maintenance.
If you find that there is more than 20% moisture, then you should get booked in for a proper damp test.
Draining Down
You may have already heard of this, but draining down is when you turn off and release any excess water that could be left in the system before you leave your caravan for the winter. Some parks will do this for you, but you can also do it yourself if you want to.
A drain down will help to prevent any damage that could otherwise occur due to burst water pipes or freezing while you are away and the caravan is not in use. Water that is left in your caravan’s systems when it is not in use can lead to severe damage, which can become expensive very quickly.
To avoid this happening, it is important to completely drain it down before you go.
If you want to do this yourself, then you will need to make sure that you have turned off all gas and water systems and supplies before you start the process. The next thing that you need to do is to make sure that the water plugs for external drainage are both clear and opened up.
If you have a self-contained heating system, you should never try to drain this on your own or take out the plugs. The last step is to fully drain all of the water from your caravan before you head out.
General Maintenance Tips
Now that we have looked at some of the most important things for you to look out for in terms of maintenance, it is time to look at some of the smaller tasks that are often overlooked. Even though there are lots of things to think about, it doesn’t seem like so much if you keep on top of a maintenance schedule.
Keep things as tidy as possible as clutter can be hazardous.
Try to open your windows regularly to keep the air as circulated as possible.
Clean your caravan to high standards to avoid a build-up of anything that is unwanted.
Clean out any air vents regularly for safe circulation.
Remove fallen leaves from the outside of your caravan roof during the autumn months. This can actually cause roofing issues if left unmonitored.
You will also need to get regular gas and electricity safety checks to ensure that everything is working as it should be. This is really important, as it could become dangerous and even life-threatening if left unchecked.
Remember to charge up your battery if your caravan has not been in use for a long time.
Make sure that there is no damage to your tires, and be sure to check for things like cracks and bulging. Damaged tires will need to be changed immediately, even if the tread is not worn.
Clean the outside of your caravan just as well as the inside.
Always check additional accessories for damage, like your caravan cover or awning.
