Motorhome, panel van and caravan ready for the new season

For hydraulic support systems for motorhomes such as the LevelM Pro or HY4, you will find information on maintenance intervals in the operating manual. The work should be carried out by a specialist. The same applies to panel vans. Maintenance generally consists of cleaning and a visual inspection; changing the hydraulic oil may also be necessary. For mechanical support systems, maintenance and care depend on the model. Generally, you should clean bearings and pivot points and lubricate them with spray grease afterwards. If the entire support leg is dirty, clean it thoroughly too.

For hydraulic support systems for caravans such as the Level C, it is also important to observe the maintenance intervals stated in the operating manual in order for everything to function correctly. The caravan steady legs benefit from a little grease or oil to ensure smooth extension and retraction. You should also regularly clean the spindle and apply fresh grease (for example, a dry lubricant based on Teflon).

Special care is required for your stabiliser coupling (AKS) on your caravan, if present, as well as the corresponding towball on the towing vehicle. Clean but do not grease the towbar coupling on the car, as grease will impair the function of the AKS. It’s best to use fine sandpaper until it’s bright and shiny again. For new towbars, remove the paint from the ball completely before the first journey, as it can stick to the friction pads.

If the wear indicator on the AKS is in the green, everything is working properly. If it shows red or creaks when driving, the towbar on the car, the AKS and the friction pads must be checked and, if necessary, replaced. You can ask a workshop to do this, or do it yourself: you can get replacement parts from AL-KO VT or a caravan accessory retailer. Towbars without an AKS are simply cleaned and greased as usual.

Once all technical systems have been checked, serviced and maintained, it's time for the finishing touch: cleaning. Regardless of where the camper spent the winter, there will always be dirt and dust build-up, so a thorough exterior clean is advisable.

You can clean the exterior at an authorised wash area (self-wash bay) for motorhomes, caravans, panel vans or even lorries. There are also special vehicle washes for these larger vehicles. Start by rinsing the exterior and carefully scrubbing with a brush and cleaner – if possible, also include an underbody wash to free the chassis from dirt. Don't forget the wheel arches. Windows and rooflights are usually acrylic, so they should be cleaned using appropriate products to prevent scratches. Either dry by hand or leave it to dry naturally. Don't forget the awning: wind it out, check for any damp patches or dirt build-up, and clean if necessary.

Depending on how thoroughly you cleaned your camper internally before winter, the spring clean can be short or more comprehensive. Always air the interior thoroughly to let in fresh air and dust as needed – do more only if required. The same applies to an awning if you have one. In any case, it is advisable to lay it out on dry ground at least once, check for damage and brush or wipe it down as needed. After cleaning, treat the seams and surfaces with waterproofing spray.

Depending on what you took out of your recreational vehicle for winter storage, it’s now time to load it all back in – from camping furniture and kitchen equipment to books, games and toiletries.

Check the basic equipment for condition and completeness to make sure you’re prepared, and see what might need replacing. This includes items such as:

• Adaptors, power cables and extension leads
• Levelling ramps
• Camping furniture
• Watering can and hose
• Pegs for the awning or tent
• Sun canopy
• Support pads for the steadies
• Awning
• Warning signs
• Water canisters

For a comprehensive overview of camping equipment, see this camping checklist.