Important checks before taking out your caravan or motorhome

With summer just around the corner, you might want to consider servicing your RV.

Expert tips for new drivers Reading Important checks before taking out your caravan or motorhome 5 minutes Next Driving law changes affecting new drivers

Summer is just around the corner. As the temperatures rise and the days lengthen, it's time to start thinking about your next camping trip. We already have a guide to buying your first caravan or motorhome provided, so now is the time to get out there and make the most of it.

Whether you are heading to the coast or enjoying the Peak District countryside, it is absolutely essential to ensure your caravan or motorhome is in good health to avoid any unexpected problems whilst on the move.

At Snooper Ventura, we know how frustrating it can be to get into trouble on the go, let alone when you're miles from home! Additionally, traveling with children can put even more pressure on parents hoping to avoid problems other than the constant shouts of “Are we there yet?” from the back seat.

With a few simple safety checks before you set off, you can avoid sticky situations and have more time to focus on having fun at your destination. For your convenience, we have listed these extremely important maintenance checks for you.

It goes without saying that your caravan needs an all-round service every 12 months, but there are a number of things you can do to ensure that everything runs smoothly in the meantime. Check out our list of tips below.

Are you fully charged?

Work commitments and inclement weather often prevent us from spending as much time camping as we would like, and you will find that your RV spends a lot of time on the driveway. If your motorhome has stood idle for a long time, remember that the battery is fully charged in good time before the next time you take it out.

Look for small problems

Do some important checks by opening and closing all the windows in your caravan or motorhome, including cupboards and storage areas, and identify which ones need a little oil. Also, check all window seals for signs of weather damage or wear in the form of cracks and condensation. Highlighting these early on can help you avoid bigger problems later that could become more expensive.

Check for punctures

Again, if your RV hasn't been used for a long time, check the tires before you set off. As with any vehicle, the weather can have a significant impact on a caravan's tyres. Therefore, to minimize the risk of a flat tire, it is important to inspect them for signs of wear or cracks on the sidewalls. If the tires show signs of damage, they should be replaced immediately.

Purchasing a tire pressure monitoring system can also contribute to safer driving by constantly monitoring any changes in your tire situation. By keeping your tires properly inflated, you extend their life, save fuel and reduce braking distances, which are crucial on a larger vehicle. tire pilot from Snooper is a tire pressure monitoring system and starts at £179.99 including wheel sensors.

Check electrical installations

Make sure all of your caravan's electrical fittings and fittings are in order before setting off, including the lights. This gives you enough time to replace defective light bulbs before your trip.

Handbrake handling

If a motorhome is stationary for a long period of time, the likelihood of the handbrake getting stuck increases. Therefore, before you put your belongings and family in it to go away, check that your handbrake is in order. If the handbrake is stiff, apply a lubricant to the mechanism to prevent further problems.

Check all systems

Before heading out onto the open road, hook up a gas bottle to check that all equipment is running safely. This usually includes the refrigerator, stove and heater. Also clean the water system, especially if your motorhome has not been used for a long time. Use a sterilizing liquid to flush the system for best results.

Caravanner for the first time

Towing your caravan for the first time can be a daunting undertaking, but to ease any worries, book some lessons with a reputable towing training organization. If you are a member of a club like The Camping and Caravaning Club or The Caravan Club, they recommend local centers that are experts in the field.

Caravan or Motorhome Satellite Navigation

If you're a new caravan or motorhome owner, chances are you already have a car sat nav. While these sat navs are perfect for cars, they won't fit your larger vehicle and can send you through traffic down narrow alleys, over weight-restricted bridges, and around difficult turns. A caravan and motorhome sat nav offers routes specific to your vehicle and avoids these dangers. Also, you have one Ventura navigation system Access to over 24,000 campsites in 31 countries across Europe.

Seek professional help

OK, so we know you're dying to get back on the road after a seemingly endless winter, but if you discover any major problems with your caravan it's always best to take it to a professional to have it fixed. At this time of year all campers are looking forward to the months ahead, so be aware that wait times can be longer than usual.

Simple checks of your caravan before your trip are essential not only to ensure you are not left stranded when something happens far from home, but also to avoid serious accidents. Using time wisely can also help you save money on caravan insurance. So it's always better to be prepared.