Getting your off-site static caravan safely delivered is one thing… getting it pushed into position, and securely sited and level ready for use is another.
Certainly, you’ll have been thinking about siting your static and, if you had our Site Survey, you’ll have been given plenty of advice about what’s involved and what’s needed to make this process as smooth as possible – particularly about preparing this in advance.
With your delivery, you’ll have noticed that when we transport one of our static caravans we always send at least two vehicles. One will be the rigid or articulated lorry transporting the static caravan, other will be an escort vehicle which acts in support of the wide load movement. Depending on the type of siting, an additional vehicle with siting specialists may also be part of the task.
If you are using our static caravan siting service, then the escort vehicle is likely to be our 4×4. This is because this vehicle supports the siting process by moving the static into place once it’s off the main lorry.
To do this, siting boards are used as required, with manoeuvres being carefully carried out so that the static is fully lined up correctly in your preferred position for siting
Of course, all sites are different, but generally, the process of siting and levelling involves:
- Choking the wheels
This ensures the static caravan will not move whilst it is being worked on.
- Jacking the static caravan
The caravan is then jacked up at each end of the entrance side, under one of the marked support points, until the wheels are just off the floor.
When our team does this work, you’ll notice we use a spirit level throughout the process, to ensure that the caravan is level lengthways, before placing concrete blocks. Where required, we’ll also add small pieces of timber underneath each side of the wheel at the support points.
If you are siting your static yourself, or getting someone else in to help, It’s vital to ensure that this task is completed using suitable equipment, Including PPE and that a spirit level is used frequently to check the level of the caravan.
It also means that the facilities inside, such as cupboard doors and entrance doors, fit and function properly. If doors suddenly stop fitting snugly, or seem to ‘drop’ this can be a sign that the ground has shifted and the static needs to be re-levelled.
- Check roof seams
It is really worth checking if the seams are in good condition. If checks reveal any splits or breaches with suitable sealant before any water ingress occurs.
- Sweep the roof
A quick sweep with a long handled soft brush is usually all that’s needed to prevent build up of any debris, bird poop and twigs. If left to rot, these could affect the integrity of the roof.
- Check and reseal roof
One of the most important jobs for your caravan maintenance is to regularly reseal the roof. This should be done each year even if there’s no sign of a problem – because you want to prevent problems in the long run. Always follow the manufacturer’s advice for your model of static caravan, whenever available. This can often be found on the manufacturer’s website.
- Clean outside
By being sited outside, any static caravan may gain mould, algae and other marks on its exterior, the simplest solution is to keep it clean on an as-you-go basis, along with a regular wash and wax solution as a preventative. However, alternatives such as spraying some WD40 (instead of using wash and wax) into the cleaning water will make the surface slippery and less susceptible to anything sticking.
If you’re stuck with stubborn mould or marks, then the best way to get rid of these can be by using suitable cleaner aimed at the problem. Alternatively, a solution of natural white vinegar and peppermint oil, or tea tree oil, may help to kill off any spores and help prevent reoccurrence.
- Chassis check and maintenance
Static caravan chassis maintenance is quick and easy. Armed with an oil can, a routine check of the chassis and attachments, such as the legs and chains, should make the job quick and easy.
Most chassis are galvanised and should therefore remain rust free, but the bolts and moving parts still need a little TLC. Simply brush off any dirt, debris or rust and treat all moving parts with a lubricant.
If the chains are steel, then keep them oiled or sprayed with WD40. If in doubt, get the expert’s opinion as soon as you spot a problem you can’t deal with, as early action can save headaches later on.
