Caravan maintenance guide

Storm Doris subjected the UK to a bit of a battering last week, which for some places around the country caused millions of pounds worth of damage. Static caravans can be particularly susceptible to bad weather, so we felt like now was a good time to turn our attention to how you can protect your static caravan and ensure it is in good shape by the time summer comes around again. Whether these tips are new to you, or are good old fashioned common sense, it can never hurt to brush up on your knowledge and keep your static caravan in the best possible condition.

The Caravan Roof

For a lot of people, this is the most exposed part of their static caravan and will bear the brunt of the bad weather, so in this case it would certainly have felt the full wrath of Storm Doris. Despite this, people rarely actually take the time to inspect their roof, and often damage is only noticed once it is too late. Repairing a damaged roof can prove incredibly costly, especially if it is beyond repair. A far cheaper option is to periodically have the roof inspected to capture any concerns early. It may also be worth getting it washed regularly, as this can help prevent any further damage by decaying materials, and a wash may expose a crack which was previously invisible.

Mildew and Mould

A lot of static caravans are left unoccupied during the winter months, which can provide mould and mildew with the perfect opportunity to spread far and wide. These spores have also been linked to effects on people’s health, meaning it’s important to deal with any mould or mildew straight away. An instant sign that mould has taken hold will be a strong, stale smell when you open the front door. Typically, it manifests itself as small black spots. Soft furnishings are also a target for mould, so all blanket, soft furnishings and clothes should be thoroughly inspected. In order to minimize the chances of a mould manifestation, you can take the following precautions:

• Keep your static caravan well ventilated, especially when using the bathroom or kitchen
• Check for leaks regularly
• Switch off the fridge when it is not being used, dry it out and leave the door open
• Mop up any spillages swiftly

Safely Sealed

As the seals begin to degrade naturally over time, water can then creep in, and on top of any surface damage will also allow any mould to thrive. Buildups are usually particularly bad around areas susceptible to condensation, typically this can be found in the following places:

1. Sink
2. Shower
3. Windows
4. Skylight
5. Kitchen
6. Ventilation ducts

Generators

Some static caravan sites will provide you with electricity and water points you can hook up your caravan to. However, some static caravan runs off a generator, in which case regularly maintaining your generator is a good way of extending the life of your engine. Generators are normally powered by fossil fuels, and if these are left dormant then after around 30 days they can begin to decompose which can cause great damage to the interior components of the generator. However if suitably maintained, it can clear any stale fuel out, re-lubricate the engine seals, remove build-up of moisture and prevent carbon deposits collecting. Caravans come with their own specific set of risks and so an ordinary home insurance policy is unlikely to provide the required cover. The most important thing to do is to speak to a specialist provider like Intasure about your needs so we can help you get the cover you need. Give our friendly caravan insurance team a call on 0345 111 0680 to request a quotation. *The opinions and views expressed in the above articles are those of the author only and are for guidance purposes only. The authors disclaim any liability for reliance upon those opinions and would encourage readers to rely upon more than one source before making a decision based on the information.