Common Caravan Problem And How To Resolve Them

A caravan allows you to travel anywhere you want. However, like any other vehicle, you will need to maintain and repair your caravan throughout its life. You’ll need to address both plumbing and electrical problems depending on what was included in your caravan.

Here are some common issues that caravan owners face and how to fix them.

Broken or dull Lighting

You may notice that the lights inside your caravan start to flicker, get duller or stop working altogether. It is usually a matter of changing the bulb to get it working again. New caravans will come with LEDs that offer long life and can be replaced without removing the globe.

If your lights stop working in your caravan, it could be a dead battery. It is always a good idea, therefore, to have a spare power source for an emergency.

You might have more complicated issues if some lights work but not others. This could take some trial-and-error to figure out. Check that all circuits are properly connected. Next, inspect the fuses. You may have a problem with your wiring if your lights are not working properly or are having trouble staying on. If you don’t have the right qualifications, electrical work can be dangerous. Talk to an electrician or a caravan repair specialist.

Fabric & external panels damaged

Your caravan will travel with you everywhere, and it will be exposed to the harsh Australian elements like rain, sun, road debris, bumpy terrain, and much more. These elements can cause damage to your caravan’s exterior over time. Protect your caravan with an application like Paintseal Ceramic Coat 

Most minor damage such as scratches and dents can be repaired easily without the need to replace the panels. Even though they may be noticeable, small scratches and dents will not affect the integrity of your van. It is important to fix any damaged fabric or panels that could compromise the safety of your caravan.

Book a caravan service online to have a specialist team inspect your caravan for larger dents and scratches. A local fabric workshop will repair any tears or rips in your caravan’s fabric. They can match the caravan’s colour scheme and fabric type.

The air conditioner does not cool

Air conditioning is crucial for caravans, especially during hot Australian summer months.

If you are lucky, you may only need to change the air filter. This is something you should be able to do yourself. Another simple repair is to replace the refrigerant in your air conditioner unit. To stock up on refrigerant before you go, visit your local caravan accessories shop.

If none of these options works, you should call a professional.

Air conditioners, like most appliances, are complex and require proper installation and maintenance. Your air conditioner should be serviced at least once per year. You can catch problems early so you can have cool air flowing when it is needed.

Shower leaks

You don’t want your caravan to leak if it has a toilet and a shower. This will not only waste water but also puts your caravan at risk from rusting pipes and buckled flooring. A cracked shower tray is the most likely cause of leaks under the shower. It is often a simple fix and can be done with some waterproof sealant. A fibreglass repairer might be an alternative if there is a serious issue.

 You should inspect the pipes for leaks. Repairing them yourself is possible if you have the skills. If you are not confident with the task, contact a qualified plumber or caravan repair technician. Leakage from the showerhead is also a problem.

Door and window seals that are not working properly

If your caravan’s doors and windows don’t seal properly, air can get in, which will reduce the effectiveness of your heating or air conditioner. Insects and other undesirable critters might also be able to enter if the gaps are too large. You may also need to fix loose seals if your caravan is easy to break into. This could make it more attractive to thieves.

Although you might be able to repair the seals by yourself, it is better to have it done professionally. This type of problem can be difficult to fix. You’ll probably spend more time trying it yourself than it will take to repair it. Let the Peninsula RV Centre’s caravan experts take care of this one.

Broken sinks and benchtops

Your caravan’s kitchen is likely to get a lot of use, just like your home kitchen. Your sink and benchtops can become scratched, dented, cracked, or worn. It may be possible to replace the laminate top on older benchtops. 

 You can usually fix surface cracks or scratches with a simple waterproof sealant and acrylic Polish. 

Bring your caravan to Peninsula RV Centre, our trusted dealer,  if you are having trouble with your caravan. They can fix any caravan problem and get your caravan running again in no time. You can also reach them at 0438 868 580 for ongoing maintenance and tune-ups.