Having a static caravan can help you spend your holidays at various places, but you need to properly maintain it so that you don’t have to deal with expensive repairs later.
Whether you ride up to a village or set up near the sea, you need to take care of your second home at all times. That’s why you shouldn’t hesitate to bring add-ons that help with situations like air pump noise reduction or other security concerns.
Regardless, to make sure that you have an enjoyable road trip with your family and friends, we’ve made a list of maintenance tips for your static caravan.
Now, get your maintenance kit ready and let’s get started!
1. Keep the Gutters Clean
When it comes to caravan maintenance tips, the one that will always top our list is keeping your drains working, especially in a place like the United Kingdom where the weather changes frequently. This is because if your gutters get blocked, water can get trapped and stay on the caravan’s roof, causing severe issues in the future.
Therefore, you should clean your gutters regularly, especially if you’re dealing with bad weather or living in a place with several trees. It will help drain any rainwater and avoid any issues with water build-up in your static caravan.
2. Wash the Exteriors of Your Caravan
The exterior of your caravan is made of sturdy materials to deal with natural elements like hail or heavy rain. However, things like animal waste can still cause damage if you leave it unchecked for a long time.
This means, it’s extremely important to clean the caravan with warm water or car cleaning detergent regularly. If your vehicle features a decked area, you can also apply a strong wood stain to keep it protected from any environmental factors.
3. Clear the Vents
Static caravans have several vents and they’re crucial for ventilation and gas safety inside the place, so you should maintain them properly. You should keep the air vents closed when you’re not using the caravan, as water can enter through them, causing damp issues.
As for any wall and floor vents, you can keep them open because they help with air circulation. Having said that, you should check for any objects in the caravan that might block the airflow.
4. Replace Broken Locks
Whether you’re spending time in the caravan or not, you should make sure that the vehicle is safe and secure. This includes replacing or fixing any broken locks on your doors and windows.
However, you can’t leave locks to stay stiff or broken in your caravan, otherwise you’ll risk compromising your security. We therefore recommend purchasing a proper stainless steel lock to prevent any rust, due to rains or bad weather. They also tend to last longer, making them a good investment.
5. Repair any Failed Double Glazing
You need to maintain double glazing in your caravan windows, just like your home. If these windows get damaged due to weathered seals or big cracks, they will lose their efficiency and become misty and unseeable, which is not ideal for a road trip.
Moreover, you need to maintain your double-glazed windows to prevent condensation. Doing so will not only help you enjoy the scenic view during your road trip, but also help to keep the temperature warm in the caravan.
If you’ve noticed any faulty double glazing, you’ll need to go to a window company and get it repaired before you plan on going somewhere in the van.
6. Sweeping Off the Roof
You’re bound to find debris on top of your caravan if you keep it in the same place for a long time. However, if you don’t clean them properly, they’ll accumulate slowly and cause damage to your roof.
A simple sweep once in a while is all it takes to maintain the roof of your caravan. But make sure you clean it safely by using an extended brush for those spots that are tough to reach and always keep someone with you to help you with the cleaning process.
To Sum Up
That sums up all the caravan maintenance tips for you to keep your vehicle clean and tidy.
Sure, maintaining a caravan can be difficult but it’ll pay off in the long run, as you won’t have to deal with expensive repairs often. It also ensures that you can travel and live in your favourite places without facing any issues.
All in all, to adapt to a newer style of living, you need to make some effort. However, once you do, you’re bound to have the time of your life travelling and exploring new places with your trusty caravan!
