Static caravan maintenance – and more!
Whether you’re using your static caravan as temporary accommodation during a house build, or as annexed accommodation for family and guests, regular static caravan maintenance is essential for keeping your static in optimum condition.
Just like a house, there are actions you can take on a regular basis to spread the tasks out. Byron’s useful overview below will give you some idea of what actions you can take, and how often.
You can also scroll down for more information on each of these actions …
1. Check and clear gutters
The main aim of the caravan is to keep you and your family and possessions warm and dry inside. To do this well the caravan needs a little help from you. It is surprising how quickly the system could fail due to something as small as a little debris in a gutter.
It’s always worthwhile checking the gutters every month, as even during the summer they can fill with blossom and air-borne drus. It’s also important to check after a storm as debris could have been blown into the gutters. Clean out any debris, gently brush any dirtybits and rinse through with the hose, check that the water is flowing freely.
2. Check level of mobile home
If your static caravan is on a level concrete pad, then all that’s needed for this check is just a regular glance to check everything looks alright. If you have sited directly onto hardcore, mud or other surfaces then vigilance is needed to check that the level is maintained to avoid chassis twisting and damp ingress. Again, it’s particularly important to do this after extreme weather events or prolonged extreme conditions.
3. Check roof seams
It is always worth regularly checking the seams are in good condition. When any areas look suspicious or vulnerable, treat with sealantbefore any water ingress occurs.
A quick sweep with a long handled soft brush is an easy regular maintenance task which can help prevent build up of plant debris,
bird poop and twigs. These could affect the roof as they rot down, so a quick sweep regularly pays in the long run.
4. Sweep the roof
A quick sweep with a long handled soft brush is an easy regular maintenance task which can help prevent build up of plant debris,
bird poop and twigs. These could affect the roof as they rot down, so a quick sweep regularly pays in the long run.
5. Check and reseal the roof
One of the most important jobs for your caravan maintenance is to regularly reseal the roof. It’s important to do this before there is a problem, rather than wait to do it if problems arise. Follow the manufacturer’s advice when available or develop as part of an annual maintenance programme.
6. Clean outside
A static caravan may gain mould, algae and other marks on the outside. The simplest solution is to keep it clean and use a wash and wax solution as a preventative.
If the worst should happen with stains or stubborn marks, the best way to get rid of these is to use a propriety cleaner aimed at the problem. However, there are alternatives:
* Such as spray some WD40 (instead of using wash and wax) into the cleaning water. This will make the surface slippery and less susceptible to
anything sticking to it.
* Use natural white vinegar and peppermint oil to kill off any spores and help prevent recurrence
7. Chassis check and maintenance
Static caravan chassis maintenance is quick and easy. Armed with a can of oil, make a routine check of the chassis and its attachments, for instance the legs and chains, and maintenance should in most cases be a quick and easy job. Most chassis are galvanised and therefore rust free, but the bolts and moving parts will still need a little TLC. Simply brush off any dirt, debris or rust and treat all moving parts with a little oil. If the chains are steel then keep them oiled or sprayed with WD40. If in doubt, get the experts out.
8. Check and clean air vents
The air vents of a static caravan are there to ensure ventilation in the caravan, especially when using gas. A quick, regular clean of vents should keep them in tip top condition. Covering vents is never advisable, but some owners do cover them in particularly windy or cold weather. in such cases, it’s important to remember to uncover them as soon as possible. Do not ever cover all vents.
9. Operation and seals of windows and doors
The door you mainly use for access will see a lot of use, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the hinges and fit of the door. As well as the main door, do check that all windows open and shut as they should and that the rubber around them is in good condition.
An ill-fitting window could be a sign of some shift somewhere and should ring alarm bells, so if you find that suddenly a window seems misaligned, it’s worth getting this checked professionally.
10. Clean and check windows and doors externally
On a bright day, a quick check on the outside of your static caravan on a nice day will identify any problems and monitor potential maintenance issues:
* Windows: check fit by opening and closing each window. Also check for dirt and debris. A vinegar and water solution (equal parts) is a very good way to keep glass and polycarbonate windows in good condition.
* Doors should fit well and not be twisted. If a door seems to have ‘dropped’ or there is a misalignment, check the level of the caravan in case there has been a shift, and call in a professional if you suspect a levelling or site issue. A good hands-on clean is the ideal way to both check the door and avoiding dirt build up at the same time.
