Category: Caravan Maintenance

Helpful Tips to Prevent your Caravan from Breaking Down

Whether its winter or summer, there are equal changes that your caravan may breakdown due to extreme weather conditions. In order to avoid inconvenience of arranging caravan transport due to vehicle breakdown, you need to follow some safety tips that will prevent caravan breakdown in colder months and hot summers.

1.     Battery

Batteries can be damaged by cold, moisture in winter or excessive heat in summers. If your battery weakens then, your caravan will take time to start for which you need to replace the battery. You also need to take care of battery, especially when it is older than two years.

There are few guidelines that you should consider to increase the life span of battery such as:

  • Remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place where you can check it regularly.
  • Don’t leave ignition on when car is in stationary state and top up its charge levels when needed.
  • Turn off heater, head/ tail lights and entertainment systems when you stop the caravan because when you start the engine these functions put more strain on the battery.

2.     Tyres

Secondly, you need to check you tyre pressure weekly. This facility is available at all petrol stations and it is free.Tyres should be in good condition for a safe journey as cracked, bulges and lose pressure can lead to bad consequences.

If the tires have tread wear indicators which is down to one-sixteenth inch of the tire, then this is the right time to alter the tires.  You can also take you car to mechanic for checking tyres and another way for checking is to look at the depth of the tires with the use of an instrument tread-depth gauge. Other parts of your caravan that need to be check regularly include:

  • Jockey wheel
  • Wheel nuts
  • Corner steadies
  • Hitch head
  • Breakaway cable

3.     Oil Change

Engine oil also needs to be checked regularly because if you don’t check, it may fail to serve its purpose. It is simple to check oil condition of your motor home or converted van; there is a dip-stick to check. Dip the stick in oil and analyze the oil, if it looks black, crude or thick then, it needs to be changed. Oil change facility is available at auto service stations. The oil filter also needs to be changed annually for better engine performance. Apart from that, do check that the coolant and brake fluids once a month whether they are at the recommended levels on your tow car or not.

4.     Air Filter

Usually, in winter air is denser and there is moisture in the environment. In these conditions, air filter should be clean to prevent moisture or ice blockage from getting mix with engine and fuel. You need to check air filter regularly in summers too and if it is dirty then take your caravan to service station. If air filter is not clean, your car may start missing and you will not be able to drive well.

Beware

As caravan and other vehicles are complex piece of machinery, you need to service them well, then you should always keep an eye on Warning Lights. This is because warning lights notify you about problem with the suspension, alignment or tires or steering. So in order to keep your journey safe, don’t ignore what warning lights indicate.

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Preparing your Caravan for Travel in the Australian Outback

Who doesn’t like to travel on outback roads in Australia? Answer is simple no one. Because driving your caravan when you go for outback Australia holidays is an ultimate adventure. However, you must prepare your camper before hitting the road.

Here are few important steps to prepare your caravan for travel in the Australian Outback.

Get your Caravan Serviced

Before going on a long trip, the best advice is to get your vehicle serviced. You can start it by checking oil level, and replace fluids of radiator, power steering, transmission and windshield if not up to the required height. Also cleaning your caravan from inside and outside is important part of general maintenance.

Special Arrangements of Caravan

Caravan has numerous components that need maintenance to stay in good condition, so to prevent your caravan from breaking down, make sure to check these parts before beginning your trip.

  • Screw, bolt and nuts
  • Vehicle’s exhaust system
  • Suspension and shock absorbers
  • Battery and its fluid (Also place an extra battery)
  • Vehicle’s lightning system

Tires

Tires are vital to driver and passengers’ safety, and comfort. It’s vital to check tires condition and ensure you carry adequate spares with you before leaving for travel. Other than that, tyres in good condition boost the fuel efficiency, whereas underinflated tires are certain to waste fuel. Therefore, you should tire pressure every 1,000 miles that can vary depending on the length of your trip.

First Aid Kit

In order to get prepared for emergencies, take precautions and put a first aid kit in your caravan.

Other than that, put extra water, food and blanket that you can use in a case you are stuck in middle of your journey. Placing a torch and a match box to light a fire can also be helpful during night.

Bottom-Line

By following these tips, you can surely make your travel in Australian outback safe and sound.

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