Caravan Maintenance: Get your Tourer ready for the season!

As the days start to grow longer and we head towards the camping season, it is important to give your touring caravan a thorough maintenance check before hitting the road.

We have compiled 6 caravan maintenance tips to help you get your caravan ready for its first adventure of the year.

Check your caravan's tyre pressure

Checking the tyres of your caravan is vital when your vehicle has been sitting still for several months over the cold winter months.

Before beginning your first caravanning adventure of the year, prioritise a thorough tyre check. You should:

• Inspect each tyre for any warping, cracks, bulges or embedded objects.
• Check your tread depth meets legal and manufacturer recommendations refer to your caravan's manual for the correct tyre pressure, considering load and speed limits.
• Don't forget to observe the wheel nuts for rust, wear and proper tightness – as loose nuts can be dangerous.

Carry out caravan tow hitch maintenance

At Witter Towbars, we design and manufacture the strongest towbar for your vehicle and test it to its very limit. However, if a towbar isn't used or maintained correctly, your towbar could become damaged.

Here are some tips on how to keep your towbar in perfect towing condition.

After 500 miles of towing and thereafter every year you should:

• Tighten the bolts: Re-torque all the towbar fixings using the values specified in your installation instructions (available online if you lose them). Use a torque wrench – it's an affordable safety investment!
• Protect the paint: Harsh underbody conditions can wear down the paint. Regularly inspect for damage and apply touch-up paint or protective coatings when needed.
• Check for damage: Scan the towbar for cracks, bends, or loose components. Replace any damaged parts for safe towing.

Regular maintenance means your towbar remains a strong and reliable accessory for caravanning journeys. Of course, you can also take your towbar to a local towbar fitter for a thorough inspection and bolt torque check. This simple step can prevent potential issues and ensure a secure connection between your vehicle and touring caravan.

Look out for any first signs of damp in your caravan

Damp is a caravan owner's worst nightmare. Once dampness takes hold, it can be difficult to get rid of and cause serious damage, so it is vital to keep an eye out for the first signs of damp and treat it early on.

Start by checking around windows, doors and skylights for signs of any leaks. Next, check over your upholstery for signs of dampness. In most cases, your nose is one of the best detectors of damp, sniffing out musty smells before any visual damage has taken place.

If you spot signs of damp, leave a dehumidifier running. Even if dampness doesn't appear to be an issue, it's always advised to open the windows and doors and let some fresh air circulate every now and again.

Check caravan trackers and security devices

Make sure to check that all your alarms and locks on the tourer are working as they should, check that your alarm is still setting correctly and that the siren/notification system is audible and working as it should.

If you have a caravan tracker fitted, test it with your app or tracking company. It's important to make sure it's still giving off a strong signal and that your contract or pay-as-you-go sim card is ready to go for your next outing.

Make sure you have a caravan fire extinguisher

Caravan fires are on the rise but you can protect your family and your trip with the right precautions.

First, identify any fire hazards lurking in your caravan – flammable materials near heat sources, faulty wiring, worn gas appliances. Address these risks immediately.

Next, ditch the outdated dry powder fire extinguisher and get a modern, multi-purpose option like a water mist or foam extinguisher. Multi-purpose fire extinguishers tackle Class A (wood, paper), B (flammable liquids), and C (electrical) fires which are common in caravans.

Remember, though, that ABC fire extinguishers won't touch cooking oil or fat fires (Class F). For those, keep a fire blanket handy to smother them quickly. Prioritise safety and equip your caravan with the right tools.

Get your caravan serviced

Just like your car, yearly professional caravan servicing is crucial. Trained technicians can inspect everything, from gas, electrics and brakes, to damp and structural integrity. Servicing your caravan regularly gives you peace of mind while enjoying your travels.

Once you've completed these important caravan maintenance checks, you're ready to enjoy your caravan adventures this season.