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How to prepare your caravan or motorhome for the season

Home Inspiration How to prepare your caravan or motorhome for the season

As spring arrives, the sun begins to peek through the new leaves and temperatures rise. It’s the perfect time to collect your caravan or motorhome from its winter storage and create a new season filled with RVing memories. In just a few steps, you can get your caravan, van or motorhome ready for the road.

1. Inspect and clean the exterior

Start by giving the exterior a good wash, including the roof and the underside of the vehicle. Inspect doors, windows and vents to ensure that the seals are still intact and are not showing any sign of cracking or other damage. Make any necessary repairs and use Thetford’s Seal Lubricant Spray to lubricate the seals and protect them from drying out.

man checking RV engine

2. Give the basics of the RV a thorough check-up

It is crucial to conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle, particularly since the caravan or motorhome has been in winter storage. The first step is to check the tyres, ensuring that they have enough air pressure and are not showing any signs of wear and tear. If the tyres are older than six years, consider replacing them before your trip. Move on to inspect all lights, the engine, brakes, air-conditioning system, motor oil, coolant and wiper fluid of your motorhome. For caravans, pay close attention to the towing system, hitch lock, and mover during the inspection process. Contact a certified servicing specialist if there are any issues.

3. Check for signs of water damage and give the interior a complete clean

To prevent water from entering your caravan, van or motorhome, it is important to check for gaps around window and door seals, air filters and roof lights, as these areas are prone to water damage. If your caravan or motorhome is showing signs of dampness or mildew, clean the camper vehicle thoroughly, wearing gloves and a face mask, as dampness and mould can make you feel unwell.

gloved hands puts back caravan vent
To reduce the risk of dampness and mildew, ensure that you ventilate the vehicle as often as possible, maintain seals with Seal Lubricant Spray and keep a dehumidifier at hand. Always contact your dealer if you have any doubts about leakage. Follow up with a complete RV interior clean: tackle all dust and fluff, clean the floors, wipe plastic surfaces, nooks and crannies. Change the filters in your air and water systems regularly too, as they collect dust and debris. If you have doubts about the leakage? Visit a dealer to prevent further damage.
finger pressing thetford fridge display

4. Electrical system inspection

When you carry out an inspection of the electrical system in your RV, start by checking that the battery is charged and in good condition. If you removed the battery before winter, inspect it for signs of rust and ensure that it holds a charge. If necessary, replace the battery. Next, check the electrical system by switching on the electrical appliances inside your vehicle. Are the lights working? Is your fridge running on 220V and 12V?

5. Gas system inspection

Once you have completed the inspection of the electrical system, the next task is to check the gas system. After re-installing the propane tank, turn the gas on slightly and check for any leaks by applying soapy water to the hose connectors with a sponge. If you see any bubbles forming, this could indicate a leak. Contact your dealer and have it repaired if this is the case. If all looks okay, turn the gas on fully and check that all gas appliances, including the heater, fridge and cooker, are in good working order. If the gas-fired appliances are not working, it’s worth checking that spiders haven’t woven their webs near the gas jets. Removing any webs can often solve the problem!

finger pressing flush thetford cassette toilet

6. Water system inspection

After verifying the electrical and gas systems, it’s time to proceed with the water system in your caravan, van or motorhome. First check that the winter water valve in the boiler is closed, otherwise water will flow straight outside. Next, sanitise and flush the plumbing system with a safe cleaning product and leave the water to run until all traces of the cleaning detergent are eliminated. Don’t forget to check the pipe system for leaks and make any repairs if needed. Lastly, turn on the taps and check the flushing system of your cassette toilet to check that everything is functioning properly.

7. Prepare the waste and water tanks for departure

Preparing the waste and water tanks is another important item to tick off your checklist. Start by inspecting the cassette tank, grey water tank and freshwater tank (if applicable) for any signs of damage or leakage. Proceed by cleaning out the cassette with fresh water and refill it with clean water as well as a waste-holding tank additive of your choosing. To extend the lifespan of your cassette tank and grey water tank, treat them periodically with an effective cleaning solution. Last but not least, add a grey water tank product to the grey water tank to prevent unpleasant odours while travelling, and a flush water product to the flush water tank (if applicable).

thetford waste holding tank, someone applying thetford seal lubricant spray to seal

8. Carry out regular maintenance of your toilet

Here are some more tips to keep the toilet in great shape during your travels. The waste holding tank blade should be left open during winter storage to prevent it from sticking to the lip seal. If you forget to do this, the lip seal may become damaged, leading to leakage. Check whether this is the case and replace the lip seal if necessary. Regularly lubricate the lip seal with a maintenance spray to keep it from tearing or breaking. Also don’t forget to check the flushing system and regularly clean the bowl and the outside of the toilet.

Maintenance products

9. Perform all safety and security checks

Be sure to schedule a service appointment for your motorhome or campervan and verify that the burglar, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, as well as the fire extinguisher, are all in good working order. Additionally, make sure that all necessary documentation and insurance policies are up to date.

10. Stock up on supplies

It’s almost time to hit the road. Ensure that your water and gas tanks are full and the battery is charged. Also, make sure you stock up on enough food and non-food items. It’s easy to forget the essentials, such as toilet paper, so double-check your supplies before you leave.

Essentials

By following these ten simple steps, you can ensure that your caravan or motorhome is fully prepared for the upcoming season.  Whether you’re planning a long journey or just a short weekend break, it’s crucial to carry out these checks regularly throughout the season to prevent any unforeseen issues while on the road. Remember, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable trip.

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