To many Australians, the freedom of the wide open road and the ability to leave winter in the rear-vision mirror as you roll along the highway towards warmer weather can be a wonderful way to while away weeks – even months – as you trade bricks and mortar for aluminium and annexes in a friendly caravan park community.
But, when it comes to living the van life, regular maintenance is critical. And if you ignore the regular servicing your caravan needs, you may find your next holiday is not the relaxing road trip you planned.
Keeping your caravan in optimal condition does require some time, effort and a budget to cover any repair and upkeep costs. To avoid even greater expenses, it’s important to pay attention to the maintenance you can’t afford to ignore.
Safety first
You probably wouldn’t consider ignoring safety and maintenance checks on your car, so why treat your caravan any differently?
Delaying or skipping caravan servicing can create some serious safety risks, including:
Braking issues: faulty brakes, worn-out brake pads, or low brake fluid levels can impact how safely (and quickly) your caravan stops. Without reliable, effective brakes, your risk of accidents is much higher, especially in an emergency braking situation.
Tyre failures: tyres that are not looked after can be dangerous. If tyres are not replaced, the result is bald tyres with insufficient tread depth. Less traction and grip can make your caravan harder to handle and lead to reduced control.
Suspension issues: neglecting your caravan’s suspension system can cause instability, poor handling – and a bumpy ride. The resulting excessive bouncing, swaying, or uneven weight distribution, can put your caravan at greater risk of accidents.
Electrical faults: checking the parts of your caravan that contact the road is only one component of its maintenance demands. Failing to maintain the electrical system can lead to faulty wiring and lights that don’t work. If you’re travelling at night or in low-visibility weather conditions, being able to see your brake lights, indicators and other lighting helps other road users see you and your caravan. Minimising the risk of an electrical fire is another great reason to look after your van’s electrical system properly.
Gas leaks: faulty connections and worn-out hoses can lead to gas leaks, fires or even explosions.
Regular maintenance can save you money
Although maintenance can seem costly, dealing with major repairs caused by ignoring regular servicing needs can cost even more.
For example, a small water leak can lead to extensive water damage. Or, failure to replace one small part could lead to other parts failing, requiring even more repairs. Plus, if you’re travelling in remote areas, emergency repairs or towing services – as well as the waiting times for parts – can be expensive.
There’s also the issue of voiding your caravan’s warranty – and that may have a flow-on to insurance issues. When you fail to stick to the manufacturer’s recommended servicing schedule, you may find yourself carrying the full cost of repairs that might otherwise have been protected under your caravan’s warranty.
- Voided warranty: failing to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals can void your warranty. This means that, if any issues arise, you’ll have to bear the full cost of repairs, even if they would have been covered under warranty with regular servicing.
Better on-road performance lowers running costs
If your chosen getaway vehicle is a motor home, looking after the engine creates greater fuel efficiency and more responsive acceleration.
Maintenance also supports insurance protection
Insurance coverage: insurance policies often require proof of regular maintenance and servicing. If you neglect these requirements, you may find your coverage is denied. Insurance companies expect you to take proper care of your caravan to minimise the risk of accidents or breakdowns.
Lack of liability protection: neglecting maintenance can raise questions of liability in the event of an accident or damage caused by your caravan. If negligence contributed to the incident, you may be held responsible for the damage, even if you have insurance.
Easy tips to care for your caravan
- Check tyre pressure on the caravan, including the spares.
- Clean and lubricate the caravan’s hinges internal and external.
- Clean the awning.
- Check and clean out the water tanks.
- Inspect all wiring for damage or fraying.
- Charge all batteries before departure and check the operation of the gas system.
- Clean out the fridge and freezer to prevent mould build-up.
- Check the brakes, including hand-brake adjustment, cables, bearings, and suspension.
When was the last time your caravan was serviced? What sort of maintenance do you manage yourself? Where are you off to next in your caravan? Share your stories in the comments below.
Read more: The must-have items for your next caravan trip
