If there’s one thing we’ve learnt this past year and a half, it’s that Britain has some pretty epic places to travel to when you put your mind to it. From Cornwall’s picturesque seaside towns and North Wales’ rural, rugged landscapes to Norfolk Broads lock-free waterways, there are more beautiful staycation spots on our little island then you can shake a hiking stick at.
Where the question of holidaying at home is concerned, what better way to experience the Great British countryside at close quarters, to breathe in nature each morning and look deep into the stars at night, than from the vantage point of a caravan?
After such a long time spent largely indoors, how good does the open road, the wind in your hair and the fresh air in your lungs sound? Like beautiful, harmonious music, until you find your caravan has suffered a cruel winter, you’ve broken down on the side of the road, and you’re actually sleeping out under the rain, in a layby.
It shouldn’t have to be this way. With a little foresight and planning, you can ensure your outward bound adventure goes without a hitch; here’s how to prepare your caravan for a summer trip.
USEFUL TOOLS
First things first, you’re going to need the right gear and all the idea to ensure you’re equipped to maintain your vehicle effectively.
Things can get damaged, especially when travelling through corrugated roads, and having some tools on hand can be really useful if any minor repairs are required. Screwdrivers, an extension cord, a hammer, pliers, and a stepladder could all come in handy.
Make sure you have the proper tools in case you need to change a tire or keep your caravan in good working order. Spare caravan parts, such as brakes, lights, hitches, and other running gear, all play a role and must be checked and maintained regularly.
DETAILED CLEANING
After a period of downtime, caravans may have some cleaning challenges to attend to. Not the most glamorous job, we know, but needs must. The good news is that pests, moisture, and potential structural difficulties can all be avoided by cleaning the interior and exterior of your caravan prior to any adventure.
So, it’s time to pull out the shampoo, brushes, and hot water and prepare to give your caravan a thorough scrub down.
Wait for a sunny day to open all the windows, as well as the rooftop and closet doors, and thoroughly air out the inside. Ideally, you should buy cleaning supplies that have wax protecting qualities, firstly cleaning and waxing the outside, which might be challenging but it’s by far the best way.
The inside, like the outside, will also benefit from a thorough cleaning. Vacuum the furnishings and scrub all surfaces, including the sink, oven, and toilet. You want your trip to be as comfortable as possible, after all.
It’s also a wise move to take various caravan & motorhome products suitable for cleaning with you, to maintain your caravan’s upkeep as the holiday progresses. Clean as you go, and all that…
INSPECT THE INTERIOR
While working on the inside of the caravan, double-check that all locks and security systems, such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, are functioning properly. Your desire for that sense of freedom and adventure shouldn’t compromise your family’s safety, after all.
Keep an eye out for black mold spots on the ceiling, doors, and windows of your caravan. If you observe any apparent traces of damp, you should use a dehumidifier for a few hours.
It’s also a good time to double-check all of the fixtures and installations, such as light bulbs. Ensure that the electrics aren’t sparking, as this could indicate that they’ve been damaged and cause a fire hazard.
CHECK FOR SIGNS OF STORM DAMAGE
Over the winter, your caravan exterior may have been damaged by severe weather conditions such as snow, wind, or water damage.
Check particularly for signs of storm damage. Examine the entire exterior, including doors, windows, joints, and any outdoor storage. It is necessary to conduct a full examination of the outside, paying special attention to dents, cracks, or breaks, as well as the roof gutters.
TOILETS AND WATER SYSTEM
If the water supply has been switched off, reconnect the line. However, be sure that all taps are turned off before doing so.
If your caravan has been unoccupied for some time, flush the toilet and turn on any faucets for a few minutes to allow both hot and cold water to pass through. This will allow water to flow freely through the caravan and allow any airlocks to be released.
CHECK FOR LEAKS
A caravan should provide you with shelter, and many a holiday in the Great British Outdoors has been ruined by a leaking roof. In fact, many a caravan has been ruined by a leaking roof, since water can cause mould and irreversible structural damage.
You should carefully and diligently set about identifying and fixing the source of the leaks, to ensure peace of mind for your future adventures.
Start by inspecting the roof for any leakage, with both an interior and exterior examination. You may well have to give it a good clean, removing grit, dirt and debris accumulated on previous excursions, but the entry point of a leak is almost always a broken seal or the campervan’s skylight. Don’t ignore the rooftop HVAC systems, either.
The process of repairing the leaking roof relies on the material it’s made from, whether that be fibreglass, rubber or metal. Going forward, a campervan or motorhome cover is a worthwhile investment to avoid further damage and degradation.
KEEP YOUR CARAVAN COOL
Higher temperatures can be a major issue for many caravan owners and visitors. The heat from increasingly balmy British summers, if not appropriately respected, may rapidly turn your experience into a nightmare.
During the summer, good insulation will retain cool air inside your trailer while keeping heat from entering. Roof insulation is already included in the price of new caravans. However, if you have an older caravan and you are remodeling it with newer equipment, ensure the roof and walls are well insulated. Also consider bringing some electric fans along with you, to ensure nights are cool and untroubled.
On a more aesthetic level, if you’re keen to bring a glamorous vibe to your summer holiday, check out these 10 ways to glam up a campervan.