Before agreeing to purchase a caravan, it’s wise to research and thoroughly check its service history.
Caravans can be challenging to manoeuvre when reversed; advanced driving skills will be needed to remain under control when operating one. Click here for information on mobile caravan repairs Adelaide.
Delamination
Delamination is one of the biggest myths surrounding caravanning, and it can strike fear into most caravanners’ hearts. While many think delamination indicates damp or rot damage, it refers to a separation of layers within the outer fibreglass shell, which usually starts near seams but may appear anywhere on windows and doors; you can feel its bubble-like surface when touching it; eventually, it worsens over time.
Repairing delamination as soon as it appears is crucial in stopping further spread. To do so effectively, find the source and seal it properly; do-it-yourself kits may provide useful assistance here; however, for proper results, it requires experience and appropriate skills to do the job right. It is worth checking if the costs associated with fixing this are covered by insurance; otherwise, costs could add up quickly. Caravan floors often experience delamination due to being constructed of two layers of plywood bonded together around a central core made up of upper and lower sheets of plywood bonded together by glue, which breaks down over time, causing irreparable damage to its entirety, causing irreparable harm and to its entire structure and interior occupants inside.
Tyres
Caravan tyres differ significantly from those fitted to your car in that they’re designed to withstand more rigorous use and bear heavier loads than standard tyres, so they must meet all specifications and are inflated appropriately.
Caravan manufacturers typically recommend inflating caravan tyres to the maximum pressure set forth. It typically amounts to 5-7% of your caravan’s weight.
Caravans that remain stationary for extended periods may become subject to something known as ‘flat-spotting’, wherein their weight presses down on one section of a tyre, distorting it into an out-of-round shape with a flat spot that can only be repaired by pumping up its tire again. Click here for information on mobile caravan repairs Adelaide.
Tyre inspection should also be performed regularly and stored under cover to protect them from damaging sun rays. Incorporating Tyron safety bands onto your caravan may help avoid an unpleasant puncture or blowout by providing short run-flat and short run-flat capabilities.
Brakes
Caravan brakes can be an infuriating source of frustration for caravan owners. Their drum brakes must be adjusted regularly as they lack ventilation compared to disc brakes in your car. Being heavier means placing an increased strain on them, leading them to overheat more quickly than their counterparts in other vehicles.
Overheated caravan brakes may become susceptible to delamination, in which the brake shoes crack or separate, leading to reduced braking force and eventually decreasing effectiveness. Furthermore, corrosion and water ingress may wreak havoc with caravan brakes, further diminishing their efficacy.
Before embarking on your caravan holiday trip, the brakes must be checked for damage and periodically after that. A comprehensive annual check should be performed, especially as many caravans can sit idle for long stretches. When purchasing your caravan, it would also be beneficial if it came equipped with a service history; this will demonstrate its caretaking history and allow you to gain insight into which brake products it uses.
Electrical
Electrical systems on caravans and motorhomes are extremely complex, necessitating professional auto electrician services for maintenance. Electrical issues such as broken fuses or loose connections can quickly lead to major hassles; regularly servicing your caravan or motorhome can prevent this issue. Click here for information on mobile caravan repairs Adelaide.
A caravan may only be placed on farmland for agricultural activity, storage or health and safety rest areas and should never be used residentially without planning permission. If used for more than 28 days as residential accommodation on farmland, this would constitute a change from agricultural use to domestic and includes a “material change of use”.
Caravans and motorhomes should be regularly serviced to ensure their water heater, heating system, gas cooker, fridge, etc, are working effectively – this cannot be understated as regular servicing would prevent many caravan-related accidents from happening in the first place.