Prepare Your Caravan for Spring

Here’s some advice to get your caravan ready to roll.

• Give the caravan a clean inside and out
  
  Inside the caravan will need a clean if it’s not been used for a few weeks or even months, so clean the inside of all the cupboards and the fridge, leaving the doors open to let them air. Give the carpet a vacuum and clean out the pipes with a sterilising fluid. The outside of the caravan should be cleaned and polished to help protect it against the elements and keep it looking smart, whilst pitched on the campsite.


• Check the tow bar
  
  Make sure your tow bar is in good condition before hitching up your caravan to your tow car. If applying lubricant – check with the manufacturer of your stabilising device so as not to affect it in any way.


• Check the appliances
  
  Fit your gas bottle to check that all the appliances such as the fridge, cooker and heating are working correctly, and check the electrical appliances.


• Check the tyres
  
  If your caravan has been sat on the driveway or in a storage site over winter, the tyres may have become worn or perished. Make sure all tyres are in good condition, checking for any cracks or bulges in the sidewalls and replace any that look worn. The last thing you want on your first holiday is blow-out on the motorway. Also check the tyre pressures comply with the manufacturers recommendations – low tyre pressures could affect the handling of the tow car as well as fuel economy.


• Check window seals
  
  Window seals can become perished if they’re exposed to the elements, so give all interior and exterior seals a quick check and replace any that may leak.


• Check the lights
  
  Make sure all lights are in full working order and replace any bulbs that may have blown. Ensure all lights are intact and there is no broken or cracked glass.


• Check your insurance documents
  
  It’s easy to forget about your caravan insurance whilst your ‘van is in storage, but it’s important to make sure your policy has not lapsed - your caravan is still at risk from theft or damage even when not in use. Don’t forget to inform your insurance company should you be changing the storage address of the caravan over the summer months.

Now your caravan should be well and truly ready for the road, but just to be on the safe side, why not book it in for a service with your local dealer? Meanwhile, you can look ahead to the summer and plan those weekends away or fortnights in the sun!