Guide to caravan care in summer

Unfortunately, caravan maintenance and repairs are not just for winter. Besides giving it a good cleanse every now and then, there are always issues that need to be solved if you want to keep your second home in perfect working order. Here is a checklist of what you can do to keep your caravan in a perfect state all the time:

1. If your caravan was unused in the colder months, start by airing out your vehicle. Open all the windows and doors for at least an hour to let fresh air circulate.

2. Check if there is any condensation or damp in the vehicle as they provide the ideal conditions for mould. You could use a damp meter for this or work preventive and invest in a breathable cover for your caravan.

3. Caravan parks have strict regulations on safety, so you should always be equipped with a fire extinguisher, fire bucket, and first aid kit. Keep these supplies in good condition and close to hand.

4. Check if your tow car’s road lights still work and make sure they are not covered by any dirt. Do this regularly as a malfunction could cause severe road accidents!

5. Always keep an eye on your caravan’s jockey wheel and handbrake, to prevent it from rolling.

6. Make sure there is no damage on the leads and pulls used to tow your caravan. Have a look at it and test their capability before leaving on holiday.

7. Check if all the door and window seals are fully operational for when you are towing the caravan around.

8. Clear all air vents of any debris that may cause a blockage. This simple task is often overlooked, however lots of dirt can pile up over the months and cause irreversible damage.

9. Similar to your car, it would be advisable to check up on the tires of your caravan to see if they are not cracked or too deflated. As the weather heats up, underinflated tyres are more prone to popping.

1. One last simple task that is overlooked by many! Ensure you are using the right number plate. After changing cars, people often forget to attach a new, corresponding number plate to the back of their caravan. If you fail to do this, you are breaking the law.

It is recommended to these check-ups regularly, preferably every time you leave on holiday. In addition to these check-ups, make sure to stock up on plenty of supplies (gas, water, foot, etc). You can shop all your caravan essentials from tow bars to covers at PF Jones. Check out our online web shop for specific products or contact one of our representatives for more details.