Waking Caravans and Motorhomes from Winter Storage
Even if the weather takes a turn for the worse: the first signs of spring are impossible to ignore. Crocuses and lilies of the valley are just starting to bloom and the occasional sunny day has already brought a hint of that holiday feeling.
So now is the time to start getting your caravan and motorhome ready for the coming season!
Here are some tips on what you should do and what to pay special attention to at this time of year.
1. Comprehensive Inspection
To start with, you should carefully check your caravan or motorhome inside and out:
- Are there any damp or mouldy areas in or on the vehicle?
- Are the tyre pressure and tread depth sufficient?
- Do the tyres show signs of damage from being stationary for a long period?
- Does the AL-KO VT torsion bar axle – unless a maintenance-free version is installed – require lubrication for optimum comfort (every 20,000 kilometres or at least every 12 months)?
- Does the vehicle have a valid MOT sticker?
- When is the next gas safety check due?
- Are the lights, fridge, gas system, heating and hot water system all working?
- What do the wear indicators on the anti-snake system (AKS) show? Do the friction pads need replacing?
Special attention should also be paid to the overrun device on the caravan:
- Is the handbrake working?
- Can the drawbar shaft be pushed in and pulled out smoothly?
You can check the first point while coupled and driving slowly, and the second by shunting the caravan forwards and backwards by hand. If there are any issues here, the braking system of your caravan should definitely be inspected by a workshop.
2. Maintenance and Care
In the second step, not only the surfaces and storage areas, but also all installations such as the gas hob, heating, toilet cassette and grey water tank should be given a thorough clean. The fresh water system should also be disinfected carefully to prevent algae and germs from forming.
On the outside, a proper wash at a suitable washing bay or petrol station will help your caravan or motorhome shine again. The quickest and most thorough way to clean your vehicle is usually with a pressure washer and a soft brush. However, be sure to avoid the acrylic windows, and only clean them with specially designed products and a soft cloth. For stubborn streaks caused by rain, there are dedicated products you can use to tackle these stains – for example, Dometic Clean & Care acrylic glass cleaner.
3. Final Preparations for the Journey
When all maintenance and cleaning work is complete, you can look forward to the next step – preparing your motorhome for your upcoming holiday.
Start by having a thorough sort-out: What wasn’t used last season? Are any items of equipment damaged and need replacing? Can heavy items be swapped for lighter alternatives? Will the children still be coming along, or can two camping chairs stay at home?
Once you’ve finished sorting, and hopefully created a bit more free storage space, you can start restocking. If you removed your basic kit over the winter, check that all the essentials are back on board. Make especially sure that essential items like your toolbox, power cables and adapters, levelling ramps, water canister, gas bottle, and, of course, bed linen and crockery are included!
If you’re not sure what to pack, the CamperStyle checklist for basic equipment has you covered: http://de.camperstyle.net/checkliste-erstausstattung-fur-wohnwagen-reisemobile/
Have a great travel season!
