At last the sun is out!!!!
After the dreadfully wet winter we have all experienced we will all be thrilled to see the sun come out heralding the start of Spring. Thoughts can now go to planning holidays away in our caravans, motorhomes or tents. If you have a motorhome or a caravan there is a schedule of things to go through before you set out on your first trip, so that you can prevent any problems spoiling your first break away. Your first trip away could be an absolute disaster if you not check that the basics in your caravan are working correctly and safely.
Getting your caravan ready for your first trip
The first word of advise is to book your caravan in for a service at an approved workshop such as Mullacott Caravan and Motorhome Centre. Knowing that everything has been checked and is in working order will give you peace of mind on your first trip away.
Check for damp after our wet winter
Because our Winter has been so mild (excluding you caravanners who live in the North!) most of us will this year have avoided the damage to our taps and water heaters caused by freezing weather conditions. One problem less to deal with! The extremely wet weather may have caused damp problems in your van. Check for signs of damp using either your sense of smell or a damp meter and if there is damp and mould open the windows and leaved open for as long as possible to dry out the inside. Clean the inside of your van with a all purpose cleaner such as
THETFORD BATHROOM CLEANER 500ML but is you have a really stubborn mould stains try using Fairy soap, although some stains you will find impossible to move.
A list of checks to go through before your first trip
1. Test your battery- use a multi meter such as
a Digital Multimeter or a volt meter to check the state of charge.
2. Gas bottle, weigh your gas bottle to make sure you have sufficient supply.
3. Thoroughly flush the water system, then clean with proprietary sterilizer such as
Puriclean, remember, never use domestic bleach in the water system.
4. Check the hob/grill and oven burners of the cooker, the flame should be a steady blue. The cooker should always be checked during a full service, but if you have concerns report them to the workshop.
5. Your fridge should also be checked during a full service but if it is running on gas check the flame (same as above). Any concerns report to the workshop when booking in your van for its service.
6. Interior lights - check for blown bulbs.
7. Clean the toilet with a toilet bowl cleaner such as
Thetford toilet bowl cleaner, never use bleach.
8. Very importantly check the batteries of your smoke alarm and security alarm and replace if necessary.
9. Make sure all your appliances work.
Most importantly of all enjoy the sunshine and enjoy your 'second home'. Hopefully we will have a brilliant summer ahead of us to enjoy!!!!
