A motorhome can be a great investment if you like to travel and take road trips. There’s nothing better than being able to get in your camper van, head to an area that you’d like to explore, and know that you’ve got everything that you need for the trip.
However, like any vehicle, camper vans can be victim of wear and tear as they get older, which will make them uncomfortable to stay in and increase the risk of breaking down and ruining your trip. With the right Camper Van Maintenance, campervans can last for a very long time and be your faithful companion on all your adventures.
Top 5 Tips Of Camper Van Maintenance
1. Check For Signs Of Damp
Damp is definitely avoidable; however, it can often creep up on you when you are unaware. Catching damp early means that you can deal with the problem quickly and prevent it from worsening, so make a point of checking around your camper van for the signs of damp at least once a month, even if you haven’t been using it.
Remember that damp areas can often lead to mold, which is very dangerous for your health. Also, it is practically impossible to detect mold until health symptoms appear. This is why you always need to check for damp areas. Do it as thoroughly as you can. If you notice some dampness, take care of it fast.
2. Inspect For Leaks
There are various places in a camper van where leaks are more likely to occur, including around the windows, doors, and other seals. Even a tiny bit of damage can create a gap that water will get in through when it is raining, and this can sometimes go unnoticed throughout the summer months.
The last thing that you need is for your camper van to be leaking in the winter when you want to use it, so regularly check seals and other leak-prone areas for any potential gaps.
Just as with dampness, leaks can lead to the appearance of mold and mildew. Also, you might end up with losing water that you would eventually need at a later point in time. Wouldn’t it be horrible to want to take a shower in the middle of the forest and not have any water left?
3.Check The Gas Appliances
If you have gas appliances in your camper van, it’s important to ensure that they are in good working condition at all times. Regular inspection of your gas appliances by a professional will ensure that they are safe and not posing any hazards to you or your family. If you haven’t used the camper van in a while, make sure that the gas appliances are working correctly and safely before setting off on a trip.
The big potential problem here is obvious. You might end up with an explosion, which could lead to life-threatening situations. Do not risk the health of your family by not inspecting the gas appliances before you leave on a trip. This could lead to serious injuries and even death.
4. Flush The Water
If you haven’t used the camper van for a while, it’s important to replace the water that is in your tank. Since this is the water that you’re going to be using for bathing and potentially even drinking while on your trip, it’s important that it is clean and fresh.
This is also a good time to check the camper van’s waste system and make sure that everything is working as it should. Services like wasteawaysystems.com can thoroughly clean your camper van’s water and waste system to make sure that everything is ready for your trip.
5. Check All Electrical Items
Finally, make sure that all electrical items are in good working order. Check all the lights, kitchen appliances like the fridge and freezer, and the television to ensure that everything is running smoothly.
As you surely expect, electrical problems can lead to various serious problems when you are out camping. At the same time, you might end up with your battery depleted, which can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
The big problem with electrical items is that most people do not know much about how they work. This is why it is a very good idea to contact an electrician. This is true even if you do have knowledge about electrical systems.
Before heading out on your camper van trip, make sure that the vehicle itself is in good condition by checking the battery, oil, headlights, rear lights and brake lights, and getting a regular service. It is actually a really good idea to visit a mechanic so that the vehicle can be properly checked.
You want to have the camper van in a proper driving condition before you leave. After all, you are the person responsible for the safety of your family when in the van and anyone else that might be with you in the vehicle.
