Regular caravan maintenance is a good idea. It makes your caravan safer and more comfortable for renters and you. Additionally, it increases the caravan’s life expectancy, lowers repair costs, and improves your trailer or motorhome’s resale value.
Every caravan owner has a lot to gain and very little to lose. It is a smart decision to keep up with maintenance. This will provide you with peace of mind while out exploring the great outdoors .
Establishing a Schedule
A calendar and a list with tasks are required to create a schedule for caravan maintenance. An electronic calendar is ideal because you can set up a recurring event with the necessary details. You can still use pen and paper if you prefer it. Just make sure to include all maintenance dates in your calendar.
Diverse maintenance activities should be performed at different times. These are the most common intervals:
- Weekly maintenance
- Maintenance Monthly
- Quarterly maintenance
- Maintenance done every year
Motorhomes and caravans have an engine maintenance schedule that is based on the vehicle’s mileage, not time intervals. If the mileage markers are met first, it should be followed. Depending on how frequently your caravans are used, you can add checking for mileage events to your weekly, monthly or quarterly checklists. To ensure that everything is in top shape.
Keep records
Keep a log of all maintenance activities that you do for your caravan. This is especially important if they are related to safety and integrity. A three-ring binder is a good choice, as it allows you to include completed maintenance checklists. Include the date, details of checks performed, a description of their passing, and any repairs or substitutions.
The logbook will be your proof that you completed these tasks and it will also serve as a key to showing others that you took good care of your RV. Are you looking for other reasons to keep accurate records? These are just three reasons to keep good records.
- You may be required to show proof of maintenance when you file an Apache Caravans insurance case.
- A maintenance log can help buyers feel more confident when you decide to sell you caravan.
- Quarterly Maintenance Checklist
Every caravan is unique. For specific maintenance recommendations, you should consult your owner’s manual. Each type of caravan has its own set of considerations. Both a trailer and a tow vehicle should be maintained on a quarterly basis.
Electric System
You will need to connect to shore power to run a basic safety check of your electrical system. To check that your circuit breaker is working, you should also check each fuse. Next, test each electrical outlet, light, or appliance in your trailer. If they aren’t working, it is likely that you have an electrical problem. Also, make sure you check the electric starters on your stove or furnace. To ensure that your battery is properly charging, make sure you check the voltage.
Propane System
If your caravan is a propane gas system, you must have a propane leak detection system. Because propane gas is heavier and more likely to sink than air, the sensor should be placed near the floor. First, make sure that your detector is turned on using the test feature. Open your main propane valve and close all doors and windows. Wait for about two hours to check for leaks. If your alarm sounds, it is likely that there is a propane leak. This should be fixed immediately.
Appliances
Every quarter, take a visual and functional inspection of all major appliances. Each burner should be activated on a stove. The microwave can also be used. Finally, the refrigerator temperature must be checked. Each one should be given a thorough cleaning and listened to for unusual sounds. You should immediately address any unusual sounds or conditions.
Brakes
It is important to learn how to visually inspect the brakes of your caravan. First, you will need to research the type of brakes your caravan has and then find out what to look for in inspecting them. The most common problem to check for is worn brake pads. This, along with many other caravan inspection tasks, is made easy by the probable endoscope. To check for irregularities, it’s a good idea also to perform a live brake test. You can clean the brake connector on a caravan by using contact cleaner. It’s a great time to check your breakaway switch to make sure it is in good condition.
Lubricate Hinges & Locks
It is recommended to lubricate your caravans’s hinges and locks every 90 days. All hinges can be lubricated with household oil such as WD-40. Most people don’t use much oil. To avoid oil stains and streaks, wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel. Dry graphite lubricant should be used to lubricate locks. It is a good idea to make a list of all the areas you need to lubricate. It is easy to forget a hinge or other moving part.
Lug Nuts
It is important to determine the torque rating of the lug nuts on your caravan’s tires and keep it in mind when you make your checklist. To ensure that you have the correct torque on each lugnut, you can use either a hydraulic or mechanical torsion wrench. This is best done by lifting the wheel off of the ground. In a pinch, however, you can adjust the wheel by moving the vehicle so that the tire rotates 180 degrees. Then, make another adjustment.
Power wash
You should give your caravan a good exterior washing every quarter and use any wax or other treatment recommended by the manufacturer. Make sure you clean the roof, undercarriage, and wheels as well. These places can collect dirt and corrode your RV.
Mileage Check
A quarterly mileage check may be necessary if your caravan isn’t getting much use. Based on the vehicle’s mileage, carvans usually have several service recommendations for their engine and brakes. These recommendations will help you get the best out of your caravan. If you have reached a milestone or are past due, make an appointment to visit an RV service center.
Clean Septic and Water Systems
Your black water tanks, grey water, and fresh water tanks are important! Make sure you give your blackwater tanks a thorough cleaning and to maintain your freshwater filter system. To flush out any stains or other contaminants from your fresh water tanks, use bleach and water.
Common Routine Maintenance and Checks
Tires
Before you take a trip, your tires should be checked. Ensure that your tire pressure is in line with the manufacturer’s specifications.
