How to Extend the Life of your Caravan or Motorhome

Looking after your leisure vehicle almost certainly means that you’ll be able to enjoy it for longer, as its lifespan will be extended. It also results in a safer and more comfortable experience on every trip you take. Proper TLC of your motorhome or caravan can help you to avoid costly repairs, keep it looking pristine year after year and, when the time comes that you decide to sell, improve resale value. From exterior and interior care to regular servicing, this edition of our blog highlights many of the practical steps you can take to ensure an extended life for your caravan or motorhome.

1. Washing and waxing One of the easiest ways to preserve your caravan or motorhome’s exterior is by regularly washing it, and then even waxing it. Dirt, grime, bird waste and tree sap can all cause long-term damage to the paint and exterior materials if they’re left unchecked and allowed to ‘set in’. You must remove them regularly.

• Wash: Use a mild detergent soap or liquid and a soft brush to wash the exterior. Although the temptation to use one will be high, you should avoid high-pressure washers. These can actually damage seals around windows and doors.
• Wax: Apply a quality wax to the exterior of your motorhome or caravan at least twice a year. This creates a protective barrier, shielding the paint from UV rays (which can be harmful), dirt and moisture. There are specialised leisure vehicle waxes available, which have been formulated for use on outdoor vehicles.

2. Protecting against sunlight An extended amount of time exposed to sunlight can cause the fading, cracking and deterioration of paint, decals and rubber seals. Always try to park in shaded areas or use a cover when the vehicle is not in use, as these things can make a difference.

• Covers: If indoor storage (ie. a garage) isn’t an option for your motorhome or caravan, you should invest in a high-quality breathable cover that fits your vehicle’s dimensions. For additional protection, you can use sun shields on the windows and tyre covers. These will protect rubber from UV damage.

3. Sealing joints Water ingress is one of the most common and damaging issues for caravans and motorhomes. It leads to mould in the walls and floors, and even rot.

• Sealants: Check the seals around windows, doors, roof lights and panels for any signs of cracks or wear. If necessary, you should apply a weatherproof sealant. Doing this on an annual basis is ideal (particularly if you do it just before winter storage).
• Inspections: Inspect for cracks or gaps at least twice a year. This ensures you can address small issues before they become significant problems.

4. Rust prevention Rust can have a profound impact on the structural integrity of your caravan or motorhome, especially when it is on areas such as the chassis, underside and wheels.

• Treatment: Apply an anti-rust treatment, especially after winter. This will go some way to preventing  corrosion. A regular spray with a rust-preventative solution on the underside offers added protection.
• Maintenance: Washing the underside after trips on dirty, sandy or salty roads and then applying rust-inhibiting paint will slow the progression of rust.

5. Tyres Tyres are a really important component of every motor vehicle. Worn or under-inflated tyres a safety hazard as well as causing problems by putting added strain on the vehicle’s suspension and alignment.

• Inflation: Check tyre pressure regularly, especially before long journeys. Doing so will help you to prevent premature wear and improve fuel efficiency.
• Tyre Covers: When you’re parked up, put tyre covers on as these will help to prevent UV damage and cracking.
• Replacing Tyres: Even if they’re not worn, replace your tyres every five to six years. Rubber degrades over time, and so even if the vehicle is off road for several years, it’ll be a smart move to replace the tyres. Always check for signs of cracks, bulges, or excessive tread wear.

1. Cleaning and Protecting Upholstery When you use your caravan or motorhome on a regular basis, you’ll find that dirt, spills and wear and tear are quite inevitable. Making sure you keep the interior clean helps to prevent unnecessary wear and allows you to maintain a fresh, comfortable and inviting space.

• Seat covers: Use removable seat covers that can be washed and replaced. These will keep the original upholstery clean and protected.
• Vacuuming: Regularly vacuum the carpets, upholstery and blinds in the motorhome or caravan to prevent serious build-up of dust.
• Stain Protection: Use fabric protectors on upholstery to guard against stains. If there is leather, use a conditioner to prevent drying and cracking.

2. Humidity Humidity can lead to mould, mildew, and unpleasant odours, which can be challenging to remove once they have ‘set in’ and become established.

• Dehumidifiers: During the winterisation period, or in humid conditions, use a dehumidifier inside the vehicle to control the level of moisture as best you can. For smaller spaces, a desiccant product of some kind will also help.
• Ventilation: Allow for good airflow – especially after cooking or showering. Opening the windows, door or roof vents can reduce humidity levels.

3. Appliances Appliances such as the fridge, cooker, hob and heating systems are really important for day to day comfort on the road. Regular maintenance and cleaning will extend their lifespan and maintain efficiency.

• Cleaning: The fridge, microwave, oven and other appliances should be cleaned well, and regularly. Defrost the fridge if necessary to avoid any build-up of ice or frost.
• Gas and electric: Get the gas and electrical systems inspected each year by a professional. This will ensure they’re functioning properly – and safely.

4. Flooring The floor in a motorhome or caravan endures seriously heavy use. Due to this, it is highly susceptible to grim from tracked-in dirt and water.

• Carpet: Place carpet mats or rugs in the high-traffic areas. These can be removed for cleaning, and they will reduce wear on the original flooring.
• Sealants: For laminate or vinyl flooring, think about applying a sealant to the floor to help protect it against scratches and stains.

1. Regular Servicing Routine servicing by a mechanic or motorhome / caravan specialist is important so that any potential issues which might not be visible to you are caught early. Regular servicing (and repairs if required) will extend the life of your vehicle.

• Annual service: Book in for a full service on an annual basis, ideally before a long trip or after bringing the vehicle out of its winter storage. A check will cover critical areas – the engine, brakes and suspension, plus the electricals and plumbing system.
• Engine maintenance: For motorhomes, engine oil and filters should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s schedule. Keep your eye on fluid levels, making sure to top them up as and when needed.

2. Battery Care Caravan and motorhome batteries are prone to deteriorate if they’re not cared for properly, especially during the off-season. Proper maintenance will go some way to preventing breakdowns and extending battery life.

• Charging: When the vehicle is in storage, charge your battery from time to time, or consider using a trickle charger to maintain it.
• Battery Check: Check the battery voltage before you undertake any long trips. Replace it if it’s not holding its charge well.

3. Storage How you store your caravan or motorhome during the times you’re not using it (particularly the winter) significantly impacts its lifespan. Proper storage means the vehicle is protected from any potential environmental wear and damage.

• Location: Store in a sheltered, secure place to ensure the vehicle is protected from the elements. Indoor is ideal, but if that is unavailable or not an option, use a durable cover.
• Levelling and jacking: When the motorhome or caravan is parked up for an extended period of time, ensure its level. This will avoid putting any strain on the suspension and tyres. For motorhomes, levelling jacks can help preserve tyres by taking weight off them.
• Water Systems: Before storing your vehicle for the winter, make sure you drain down all water tanks and pipes. This will prevent freezing, which can cause cracking and leaks (and therefore necessitate costly repairs).

4. Records Keep a logbook (on paper or digitally) of all the maintenance, repairs and upgrades on your motorhome or caravan. This will help you stay on top of the vehicle’s necessary care and will add value if you choose to in the future.

• Service Records: Document each service (even minor fixes) so that you’ve got a comprehensive history of vehicle care.
• Parts: Track any replaced parts, particularly those with a specific lifespan (such as filters and tyres), so that you know when things need renewing.

With the right care, tools, attention and effort, you can extend the life of your caravan or motorhome, and it will stay in excellent condition for many years. By following the steps we’ve detailed in this edition of our blog, you’ll be able to enjoy countless adventures in a vehicle that looks, feels and performs like new. Our Accessory Store contains many of the products you can use during maintenance and cleaning, so feel free to visit and see for yourself.