With the freshness of spring bringing with it the start of the camping and caravanning season, and as online searches for the term ‘caravan holidays’ soar by 238,000 searches in the last month alone, caravan/motorhome owners share the essential checks road travellers need to think about when taking their caravans out of winter hibernation for springtime adventures.
Assess any damage
First things first, inspect your vehicle for any damage that might have occurred over winter. Look for any cracks, damp spots, rust, or any wear and tear from winter storage. Don’t forget to check the roof and its seals too.
Next, remove any dirt or mould that has built up on the exterior of your caravan. Make sure to double-check the awning too. To do this, roll it out and inspect for any damage or mildew that could deteriorate the fabric.
Lastly, check the tyre pressure. Make sure to inflate them to the correct PSI - the unit used to measure the air pressure inside a vehicle's tyres to avoid blowouts. 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.
Check the battery
If the battery was removed over the winter, you’ll need to recharge and reconnect it. Leaving caravan batteries discharged for extended periods can lead to irreversible damage, as a build-up of sulphur over time can render them prematurely unusable.
If your caravan or motorhome runs on solar power rather than batteries, then you should instead check and clean the solar panels, and make sure they’re functioning properly too.
Test the electrics, making sure that all the lights, indicators, turn signals and brake lights are working as well as the interior power sockets and appliances.
Flush the system
If your caravan has been left unused over the winter months, you might find there is a buildup of antifreeze and stagnant water in the water pump and system of pipes.
Inspect the pipes, taps and pump for cracks or damage before sterilising the system with a good cleaning solution to remove bacteria and odours.
Give all gas bottles and hoses a thorough check, making sure that propane cylinders are full and hoses aren’t cracked. Once you’ve flushed the system, fill up your fluids such as windshield washer liquid, coolant and chemicals for the toilet cassette.
Make essential safety checks.
Check your fire extinguisher and first aid kit, and make sure the equipment is in good condition, hasn’t expired, and is fully stocked for all eventualities. Also, double-check that the carbon monoxide detector is working, and replace and test the batteries.
The towing hitch and brakes will need inspection too, to make sure they are in good condition for smooth and safe towing.
Give it a spring-clean
Finally, get inside the caravan and open the windows and vents to remove any musty odours that have gathered over the winter, inspecting corners and storage areas for mould and damp buildup as you go. Wipe down all surfaces, wash bedding, and vacuum thoroughly before use.
Remember, for all your car accessories this spring, look no further than the team at Bowers Automotive. Call us on 01782 590700 or email enquiries@bowersautoparts.net.