Merriments Gardens & Cafe
Merriments Gardens Open 7 Days a Week Open 7 Days a Week See More
Merriments Cafe Open 7 Days a Week Menu Open 7 Days a Week See More

Your caravan Spring maintenance checklist

Published 14/04/2025

Spring is the perfect time to get your caravan ready for the adventures ahead. After a long winter, giving your caravan a thorough check ensures a safe, smooth, and stress-free touring season. At Caravan Tech, we’ve put together a simple, helpful checklist to help you hit the road with confidence and highlight when a professional service can save you time and hassle.

Take a look at our checklist below!

1. Inspect your tyres for wear and pressure

 

After months of sitting still, your caravan’s tyres can develop flat spots or cracks. Check:

  • Tread depth (minimum legal depth is 1.6mm across 75% of the tyre)

  • Signs of wear, cracking or bulging

  • Tyre pressure against your manufacturer’s recommended levels

Don’t forget your spare! If your tyres are over five years old, consider replacing them, even if they do still look fine. Tyres deteriorate over time regardless of use.

2. Check the brakes and hitch components

Your caravan’s safety relies on fully functioning braking and towing systems. Look for:

  • Rust, wear or stiffness in the hitch and tow ball

  • Smooth movement and no excessive play in the handbrake

  • No squeaking or pulling when braking

If anything feels off, book a professional inspection.

3. Test all electrical systems and battery

Whether you’re wild camping or relying on hookup, your electrics need to be in top condition.

Batteries typically last 4–6 years with proper care. If yours is struggling, it may be time for a replacement.

4. Give the water system a deep clean

After winter storage, it’s important to flush and sterilise your caravan’s water system to prevent bacteria growth.

  • Use a dedicated sterilising solution or citric acid

  • Run clean water through all taps, shower and toilet

  • Check for leaks and ensure the water pump works properly

This step is often overlooked, but a clean system keeps you healthy and extends the life of your plumbing. Make sure to pick up some toilet cleaning chemicals too.

5. Look for damp and reseal where needed

Moisture can sneak into even the best-built caravans, especially during winter. Look for:

  • Soft spots in walls, floors or ceilings

  • Mouldy smells or visible mildew

  • Discoloured or peeling wallpaper or panels

Use a damp meter for peace of mind. Take a look at our range of moisture traps and dehumidifiers to help keep things dry.

6. Check gas systems and appliances

Did you know, only 13% of individuals apply the same carbon monoxide safety measures in caravans as they do at home, such as using detectors? Alarmingly, 75% of caravanners have not had their gas appliances checked in the past year, and 18% have never serviced their caravan's boiler in over five years.

Gas safety is essential. Test:

  • All gas appliances (hob, oven, heater, fridge)

  • Regulator and hose condition

  • Carbon monoxide alarm function

We strongly recommend a Gas Safe engineer carry out annual checks. If in doubt, Caravan Tech offers full gas system inspections for your safety.

7. Clean and care for your exterior

A clean caravan not only looks great, but also protects against long-term damage.

  • Wash with a non-abrasive cleaner

  • Check seals, vents and windows for damage

  • Wax or polish to protect the finish

Now’s also a good time to inspect your awning, roof, and undercarriage for winter wear. If you’re looking for an awning replacement, take a look at our guide on choosing the best awning for your caravan here.

Get in touch!

Your caravan is your passport to freedom this summer, but only if it's in top condition! Our expert team at Caravan Tech offers full spring servicing packages, from safety checks to deep cleans, gas inspections and damp reports. We use approved parts, skilled technicians, and provide honest advice so you can travel worry-free. Book your spring service with us today or get in touch with our team here.

FAQs

FAQs | Your caravan Spring maintenance checklist

How often does a caravan need servicing?

A full caravan service is recommended once a year, even if your caravan isn’t used regularly. This ensures your brakes, tyres, gas system, and electrical components remain safe and roadworthy.

How do I clean my caravan's water system?

Use a specialist caravan water system cleaner. Fill the system, allow it to circulate, then flush with fresh water. Don’t forget to clean external containers, hoses, and taps to prevent bacteria build-up.

How do I prevent mould and smells in my caravan after winter?

Open vents and windows regularly to improve airflow. Use moisture traps, clean soft furnishings, and leave cupboards slightly open. A deep clean before and after winter storage helps keep smells and damp at bay.

How do I check my caravan's tyres?

Look for signs of wear, cracking, or bulging. Check the tread depth (minimum 1.6mm) and inflate the tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Don’t forget to inspect the spare tyre too.


Other Relevant Articles

The ultimate guide to winterising your caravan
You may have noticed the sudden drop in temperature and the dark night’s drawing in, which can only mean one thing – winter is on its way! You may be preparing to put your caravan into...
Read
How to watch TV in a caravan
You’ve reached your destination, and you fancy watching the latest episode of your favourite show. Or perhaps it’s film night and you’ve got the popcorn and comfy pajamas ready....
Read
How much is caravan insurance?
In this article, we discuss why caravan insurance is a worthwhile investment, the types of policies available, factors influencing insurance costs and our top tips for finding the best insurance!
Read

Latest Articles

4 mistakes first-time caravan buyers commonly make
Buying your first caravan is exciting, but it's also easy to make costly errors if you rush in without doing your homework. From choosing the wrong layout to overlooking legal or maintenance...
Read
The true cost of owning a caravan in the UK
Owning a caravan is a dream for many UK holidaymakers who want the freedom to explore the countryside, coastlines, and beyond without the hassle of booking hotels. But how much does that dream...
Read
Caravan servicing myths that could cost you money
Servicing your caravan might not be the most exciting part of ownership, but it’s one of the most important.
Read

Get In Touch

For more information, please call us today on 01580 860260

*Required

*Required

Submit
Message received! Thank you for getting in touch with us. We look forward to getting back to you as soon as we can.