Caravan Seasonal Servicing
Understanding the mechanical and habitation checks required to keep a caravan safe for the road and resilient against the winter elements.
The Importance of Pre-Storage Checks
While motorhomes have engine management systems telling you when it's time for an oil change, a caravan relies entirely on you to notice when the overrun brakes are getting lazy or the exterior seals have begun to degrade. Performing a seasonal service (or having a professional perform one) just before winter storage ensures that small issues don't escalate into expensive damp repairs by spring.
Mechanical Inspection Categories
A good seasonal inspection breaks down into several key categories. Let's look at the mechanicals first:
Braking Systems
The overrun braking system is your primary safety mechanism on the road. The damper in the hitch should offer resistance when compressed and expand smoothly. Brake linkages should be free of rust and properly lubricated. If you're leaving the caravan for a long time, remember not to leave the handbrake on; the shoes can easily rust to the drum during winter.
Tyres and Chassis
Caravan tyres often suffer from age degradation long before the tread wears down. Check the date stamp on the sidewall—industry advice generally suggests replacing them every five to seven years. Inspect the chassis for early signs of corrosion, and ensure the corner steadies are cleaned and re-greased with a lithium-based grease to prevent them seizing up.
Electrical Systems
Inspect the 13-pin (or older 7-pin) tow plug. Moisture ingress here causes corrosion that can lead to indicator failures on your first spring journey. A quick spray of a moisture-displacing contact cleaner goes a long way. Check all road lights, and similarly, inspect the internal habitation 12V and 230V systems.
Seals and Bodywork
Caravans flex significantly during travel, putting stress on mastic seals around windows, doors, and awning rails. Water ingress is the great destroyer of caravans. A damp meter is a worthwhile investment. Run it around the internal wall boards, particularly in the corners and around roof lights.
Factors That Can Affect Service Costs
If you're booking a professional service rather than doing a self-inspection, you might wonder what affects the bottom line. Costs are typically influenced by:
- Inspection Complexity: A single-axle caravan is generally faster to service than a twin-axle model.
- Service Requirements: Is it just a habitation check, or a full chassis and running-gear service?
- Parts Required: If wheel bearings, brake shoes, or AL-KO friction pads need replacing, parts and labour will increase.
- Seasonal Demand: Trying to book a service in late March when everyone else is also preparing for Easter usually limits options and can influence workshop rates compared to booking in early winter.
Appliance Checks
Finally, confirm that your gas appliances (heater, fridge, hob) are functioning correctly. However, complex gas testing should always be handled by a certified technician. Before storing, ensure the gas bottle is turned off, and ideally removed from the locker if the storage facility requires it.