Whether it’s for weekends away or longer holidays, your static caravan is the perfect escape from daily life, so you’ll naturally want to keep it in tip top condition. The great thing about static caravans is that they don’t usually require lots of day-to-day maintenance, but there are certain seasonal or annual tasks it’s worth devoting some time to.
Keeping on top of your basic maintenance jobs could save big problems (and big costs) building up in the future. You can also keep it comfortable and in a nice condition for longer, which in turn helps it hold its value should you ever decide to sell it in the future.
Some caravan parks may have staff who will do or help with some maintenance jobs but how much they’ll do, if anything, will vary from park to park. And there’s still plenty you can do yourself.
So, without further ado, here are our top tips for keeping your static caravan in tip top condition.
General static caravan maintenance tips
Here are our general maintenance tips that, with a bit of elbow grease, should not only prolong the lifespan of your caravan, but also make it the envy of your neighbours.
- Clear out your gutters and sweep the roof – autumn and winter may require the most attention, but you should also give it a look over after stormy weather in any season. You don’t want leaves rotting and blocking your gutters making them overflow (and smell). And if trapped water freezes it could damage your caravan’s exterior.
- Scrub the outside walls – even just twice a year will keep your walls looking clean and fresh. Simply washing it with soap and hot water gets rid of unsightly grime, preventing build up, damage and mould.
- Check your caravan is level – make sure it isn’t listing one way or sinking into the ground, particularly if it’s not stood on concrete. At best, a slanted caravan is irritating, at worst it could warp the frame and lead to structural damage.
- Clean your decking – if you have a deck, a regular sweep or wash will keep it looking nice. If it’s wooden, varnishing or applying protective paint every few years will extend its longevity.
- Switch things off when you’re not there – there’s no point heating or fuelling an empty caravan – from both a safety and a cost perspective.
- Stay on top of security – check your alarms are working (not just for fire and carbon monoxide, but also break-ins). Test whether your locks still hold up and replace them if they’re faulty.
It’s worth noting that a static caravan near the coast may require more regular maintenance because it has to contend with more wind and salt water.
Tips for keeping damp away
The enemy of many a caravanner is damp. If you’re away from your static caravan for long stretches of time, it’s especially important to be vigilant as damp can set in while you’re not there. If not monitored, it can invite structural problems and more – which could be costly down the line.
So, our dos and don’ts for dealing with damp are:
DO…
- Keep your caravan well ventilated, airing it out as often as you can
- Keep your air vents clean
- Keep water off your surfaces: clean up spills and wipe away condensation
- Open doors and windows when you’re cooking
- Keep an eye out for black mould and mildew
- Consider a dehumidifier if your caravan is difficult to ventilate
DON’T…
- Obstruct your air vents
- Dry wet clothes, towels or pets inside if you can avoid it
- Be complacent! Regular cleaning and checks are the best way to keep on top of damp.
Chassis maintenance tips
Every static caravan has a chassis – it’s the metal frame that your caravan sits on. But while it may be of sight, it shouldn’t be out of mind.
As it’s the foundation of your entire caravan, you don’t want damage setting in and affecting its structural integrity. Rust is probably your biggest concern here. Fortunately, along with regular cleaning, there are plenty of products and actions you can use to fight it:
- Rust–resistant paint – this coats your chassis with a durable barrier against moisture, helping hold rust at bay.
- Protective coatings – you can apply products such as wax or oil that work in much the same way as the paint.
- Galvanisation – this process coats the metal with a layer of zinc, which is highly resistant to corrosion.
It’s recommended you check your chassis at least once a year. You should look for signs of corrosion and rust, like discolouration and flaking paint. Scratches and dents can also create areas vulnerable to rust so pay them particular attention. If you find any, remove it with a wire brush and apply one of the three options above.
Protecting what you love
With all our maintenance tips at the forefront of your mind, your static caravan should live a long life populated with many happy memories. However, unlike rust or damp, there are some things in life you just can’t foresee or prevent. Gale force winds, a toppled tree, fire damage or theft: only static caravan insurance can protect you from these potentially costly events.
With InsureMy, you can quickly and easily compare quotes from our panel of trusted insurers to find a deal that suits you. And with our lowest price guarantee, you’re sure to find yourself a great-value policy.
