Caravans are essentially houses on wheels and, as such, are prone to damage. Luckily, most of these problems are easily fixable. For more caravan repair tips Adelaide, check this out.
Maintaining your caravan will make the journey more comfortable, improve the resale value and save you money in the long run. Here are some caravan repair tips in Adelaide to get you started:
Check the tyres
Caravans don’t do the high mileage of a regular car. However, they are exposed to harsh UV rays that degrade the rubber in the tyres. It is, therefore, essential to check the tyres for physical damage like cracks, embedded objects or visible puncture holes.
It is also essential to check the tyre pressures, which should be set to their manufacturer’s recommended pressure. You can find this on a sticker inside your caravan or in the manual. Over-inflated tyres can lead to premature wear and overheating, and under-inflated tyres reduce contact with the road, which could lead to reduced performance and increased fuel consumption.
Check the brakes
Caravan brakes can be prone to wear and tear over time. They are particularly vulnerable when the van is left parked for long periods. Therefore, they should be thoroughly checked on every caravan trip before they are used.
The caravan should be fitted with an emergency breakaway brake activation system. It usually consists of a small black box mounted to the A-frame, a pin inside the box, and a cable connected to the pin with a shackle or carabiner attached to the tow vehicle.
When checking the brakes, replace the green bungs and put the wheels back on. Please double-check that the wheels spin freely, and then apply the handbrake to ensure it locks. Once satisfied, lower the caravan and tighten the wheel nuts.
Check the wiring
Getting your caravan checked for electrical faults is essential. Caravans have a lot of wiring to power appliances and lights. Keeping these wires in good condition helps prevent overheating and fires. Fuses are also an important safety feature. They “blow” if overloaded, stopping the current flow to the device or circuit.
Ensure you have a multimeter or a caravan electrics tester to check the voltage of the caravan’s fuses and plugs. A basic digital multimeter can be purchased for around PS10 in most electronic stores or large DIY shops.
Ensure your RCD and isolator switch are off before you plug any cables into the caravan. These are essential caravan safety devices. Also, check the gas connections, ensuring there are no leaks. If you find a gas leak, call a licensed professional.
Check the heating
Caravans have a lot of moving parts, so it is wise to inspect them regularly. A reputable mobile caravan service will check the tyres, brakes, wheel bearings, handbrake cable, and handle for signs of wear and tear. They will also inspect the jockey wheel to ensure it is secure and can manoeuvre easily. It is also a good idea to empty and flush the water tanks before each trip. For more caravan repair tips Adelaide, check this out.
Caravans have a 240-volt electrical system with an ELCB (similar to a house consumer unit) and MCBs (the modern equivalent of fuses). Understanding this makes troubleshooting easier. It is always better to avoid working on the 240-volt system if you are not fully qualified.
Check the windows
Caravan windows are not only prone to rust but also require regular cleaning. It will help them maintain their appearance and keep moisture out, a significant cause of caravan leaks.
While it may not be a legal requirement, it is a good idea to carry out regular caravan maintenance to ensure your caravan is safe and reliable. According to Takalvans, this should include checking the tyres, cleaning the awnings and water tanks, inspecting wiring for damage, and ensuring the batteries are charged. For more caravan repair tips Adelaide, check this out.
