A static caravan is a great investment in your families future holidays. You can enjoy amazing times in your new holiday home but you should look at after your static caravan to ensure it stays in tip top condition year on year.
I thought I would give you some hints and tips on maintaining your caravan and I will write some more detailed advice in other articles, but this one covers the main areas.
1) Gas and Electric Maintenance
Your holiday home will most likely be fitted with a gas boiler which in some cases will be connected to a central heating system.
Annual maintenance of your boiler should be completed by a competent and registered engineer, however you can ensure that it’s running smoothly and highlight any concerns to your engineer as soon as possible. This will keep your overall costs down in future years.
As for electric systems I would recommend getting these annually checked for safety. Again, you can check if the fuses are in place correctly and that when you leave your static caravan that both the electric and bass is turned off at the main connection points to your plot.
2) Exterior Maintenance
Dirt will collect on your caravan throughout the year. Cleaning the exterior of your caravan will keep it looking great and will also ensure it stays waterproof.
You can use a jet wash or a cloth and detergent to clean the outside of your caravan. Windows can be cleaned with a normal window cleaning solution.
Ask your park manager if they offer a cleaning service or know someone who does if you feel this is a too greater task for you.
3) Guttering
One area to check on a regular basis are your gutters.
Remove any leaves and debris to ensure that water can pass easily away. This is a common cause of damp in caravans so by performing this quick and simple maintenance task your static caravan will perform as expected for many years.
4) Anchor your static caravan
You might think that your caravan weighs quite a bit, but high winds in the autumn and winter can cause them to flip over.
I would recommend that you anchor caravan and check this on a regular basis. Anchor chains will be available from all good caravan accessory retailers or ask your park manager if they can recommend a solution.
Some caravan parks will check and maintain this for you, however I would ask the question rather than just think its happening!
5) Window Latches and Doors
A new caravan can be installed with double glazing and uPVC doors. However I would advise that all windows and doors close and lock securely.
A static caravan can warp as it gets older, so checking that the seals are tight and all security features are in good working is a quick precaution that can save you money in the long term.
6) Check for rust
The chassis of your caravan will be constructed from a hardy metal however you should check for rust on other areas as your caravan gets older. This would especially be the case on any fittings attached to the caravan.
7) Wheels
It’s rare to have to move your static caravan however an annual inspection of your wheels will ensure that if it is required to be moved it will easily without issues such as getting cranes in.
8) Electric Fridge and Freezer
Your fridge and freezer will get some serious use each year. When you leave your caravan for a prolong period of the time and your fridge is not required I would advise that you allow the freezer section be correctly defrosted.
This will reduce any issues of water leakage and also reduce down any damp that could be created when not in use.
9) Internal Cleaning
I would recommend that you clean your caravan on a regular basis. As you perform the cleaning you will be able to notice any signs of wear and tear that could effect the life of your static caravan.
If you are unable to perform a deep clean your park manager will be able to advise of local cleaning companies that specialise in static caravan cleaning. They will report any problems they notice to you so you can react quickly and repair any problems before they get worse.
10) Static Caravan Insurance
Please, please, please ensure you have adequate static caravan insurance.
This is one area where many owners fail to get the correct level of cover. If its too cheap, then it probably won’t meet your requirements. Check your policy wording carefully and ensure that you are correctly covered for accidents or other insurance related claims.