Fast Facts: 20 Minute Maintenance Check

20-Minute Maintenance Check

Don't Go Anywhere Until You've Completed These Simple Caravan Maintenance Checks

When it comes time to head away on holiday, the last thing you want is to be delayed by a broken component or fitting on your caravan. With so many parts to account for, it could be something minor that brings a premature end to your trip or stops it from starting in the first place. But what’s that old saying, “prevention is better than a cure”?

It applies just as much to caravans as it does to people and often requires far less effort – in fact, with just 20 minutes a month, you can keep your caravan in tip-top shape, catch any problems before they get out of control, and enjoy a holiday free from unexpected surprises.

Start From The Front

When conducting a maintenance check, the aim is not to be as fast as possible but as thorough as possible. We recommend starting at the front of the caravan and working your way backwards to ensure you don’t miss anything.

Check The Couplings

There are three main couplings to check on your caravan, each with slightly different requirements.

  • Override Couplings: Ensure they are effectively lubricated and that the head and shaft rotate freely. The adjusting screw and nut should not be frozen in the head and should be adjusted to stop the tow ball from rattling, while the backing stop should move freely.

  • Hydraulic Couplings: All parts should move freely, and the master cylinder cap should be in good condition to prevent moisture from entering the fluid reservoir.

  • Fixed Couplings: Check the operation of the spindle and screw nut to ensure that they are not seized or rusted.

Checking Your Handbrake, Safety Chains & Jockey Wheel

The drawbar is often where you will first see signs of wear and tear, given that it receives the greatest exposure to the elements. While the drawbar and chassis on a Regent caravan are made of durable hot-dipped, galvanised steel, it is important to check them thoroughly for damage.

  • Handbrake: Check for rust or corrosion, especially where the base plate attaches to the A-frame. If you live near the coast, as the vast majority of Australians do, be mindful that the handbrake can quickly become seized with the amount of salt in the air and may need a regular application of WD-40 to keep it moving freely. Check the brake cables and pulleys for damage or signs of degradation.

  • Safety Chain: The safety chain should have no visible signs of rust or cracks at the fixing point and should be long enough to reach the chain hook easily and allow for cornering. If your safety chain looks pitted, cracked or just worn out, replace it as soon as possible – for the sake of a few dollars, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

  • Jockey Wheel: The handle and wheel should turn freely in the mount, and the wheel should spin freely on its axle. The clamp and bolt should have a smooth operation but may need a touch of WD-40 to keep them from seizing. You will also want to check for movement or play around the spring hangers, shackle plates and bushes, U-bolts and fish plates.

    The corner stabilisers should move easily, and the handle should be in good condition, while the step should be checked for cracks and corrosion.

Moving Down The Caravan: Wheels, Rims & Tyres

Having a tyre blow out while you’re on the road is one of the most frightening and dangerous experiences you can have as a caravan owner, so you need to pay extra attention to the condition of your wheels, tyres and rims.

Inspect your rims for cracks, buckles or other damage after every trip, especially if you’ve been on rough roads or bush tracks. As with your car, make sure your tyres have sufficient tread depth and do not have any major gouges in the surface or signs of wear to the rubber from over or under-inflation.

Keep an eye on how your caravan tows when you’re on the road, as any drift might indicate an issue with your wheel alignment. You should also check and repack your wheel bearings and oil seals, and inspect the hydraulic lines for wear and tear that could lead to leaks.

Underneath Your Caravan: Water Tanks & Fittings

Out of sight definitely shouldn’t mean out of mind, and while it might be a bit of a pain, it is well worth getting underneath your caravan (safely, of course) from time to time to check for damage.

The main place you are likely to find damage is your freshwater tank. Although all Regent caravans are fitted with a tough stone guard to protect the water tank, large rocks or bumps in the road could dent it and cause it to rub on the tank, eventually creating a hole.

In addition to the tank itself, inspect all pipes/hoses for kinks, wear or signs of mildew – it is also worth flushing these thoroughly every few months with a gentle detergent to keep them clean. Finally, check that the hose clamps are tightened and that the tank straps are not cracking or rusting.

The Final Pieces: Doors, Windows & Gas Fittings

Once you’ve made sure the underside of your caravan is free from damage, it’s time to conduct a final check of all of the exterior features.

  • Doors & Windows: Starting with the doors, check that all seals are fitted correctly and haven’t perished before moving onto the windows, checking both the seals and the panes themselves. Pay close attention to the corner moulds, as this is a common point of ingress for water, especially after a big storm.

  • Gas Fittings. Conduct a visual inspection of all of your gas hoses and fittings, both internal and external, and replace them if you see signs of fraying or splitting. Next, spray your fittings with detergent and turn the gas bottles on – if you can see bubbles in the detergent, your fittings have a leak and will need to be replaced.

It’s Time To Hit The Road

Assuming you haven’t found any issues, it’s time to hit the road! The great thing about caravans is that you can do most of the preventative maintenance yourself.

Although it may seem like a chore at times, taking 20 or 30 minutes once or twice a month to give your caravan a good once-over will take ensure that your van is safe to travel, take the stress out of going away, and hopefully avoid any major expenses or nasty surprises that could ruin your trip.

Make sure to head over to our Tips & Advice section for more information on buying, owning and caring for your Regent caravan. Safe travels!