Give Your Caravan a Little TLC - It Deserves It
That caravan of yours has seen things. Rainstorms in Cumbria. Midges in Scotland. That time the kettle exploded somewhere on the M6 (no judgment). So once a year, it's time to return the favour. Maintenance may not be glamorous, but neither is waking up to a damp mattress or a flat tyre in the middle of nowhere.
This checklist is simple. No degrees in mechanics required. Just practical steps to keep your home-on-wheels comfy, safe, and ready to roll. And yes, it includes the boring-but-important bits you've been avoiding.
The Annual Caravan Maintenance Checklist
- Check the tyres - Look for cracks, wear, low pressure. Tyres age even when the van's sitting still. Don't skip this one.
- Inspect the roof and seals - Got a ladder and some caution? Then get up there. Look for signs of water ingress or cracked seals around roof lights and vents.
- Test all lights - Interior and exterior. Don't be the person causing a traffic jam with a dodgy brake light.
- Check the battery - Is it holding charge? Terminals clean? Give it a test or take it to someone who will.
- Clean and flush water systems - Mouldy pipes? No thanks. Use sterilising tablets to flush it through properly.
- Inspect the gas system - If you're unsure, get a Gas Safe technician in. Leaks aren't a DIY project.
- Grease the moving parts - Corner steadies, jockey wheel, hitch... anything that squeaks or sticks needs a bit of love.
- Examine windows and blinds - Look for cracks, damage, or anything that's stopped rolling up/down smoothly.
- Test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms - Batteries die. Make sure yours haven't.
- Give it a full clean - Inside and out. Not just for aesthetics - it's a chance to spot little issues before they become expensive ones.
Don't Forget the Paperwork: Insurance Matters
You've done the checks, greased the bits, flushed the pipes... and then what? You take off and seek out your insurance ran out two months ago. Lovely. Make a point to review your caravan insurance annually. Check what's covered - accidents, theft, contents, all the usual suspects. Not all policies are created equal, and neither are insurers.
Bottom Line: Fixing Beats Regretting
There's a certain smug joy in knowing your caravan is ready for anything. Rain? Bring it. Bumpy country lanes? Not a problem. Annual maintenance isn't just about box-ticking - it's about confidence. And fewer arguments when something goes clunk in the night. So stick the kettle on, grab your checklist, and get stuck in. Your companion, standing dry and smug in a storm, will be silently applauding.