Maintenance Tips When Sprucing Up Your Campervan

Spring is the perfect time to not only get to grips with all those ‘must do’ household chores, but also a time to deep-clean your motorhome, caravan or campervan.

Ed Bassett, Head of Wanderlust at Camptoo, the Airbnb of campervans, said: “Many of us are now finding ourselves spending more time at home than we previously thought possible. So, if anyone’s struggling to maintain their to-do list, now’s the time to consider giving the campervan or motorhome some TLC with a springtime spruce-up.

“Spring is the best time to do this kind of essential cleaning and maintenance so that ahead of summer, when people are likely planning to make the most of their vehicles, they will be in perfect working order. As soon as everyone is able to travel recreationally again, all they’ll need do is head off on a new adventure.”

Read on for Ed’s tips:

Check for leaks and signs of damp
Start by checking for leaks – ask a family member to sit inside the vehicle whilst you soak the exterior with water. If there are any leaks, you should be able to spot them immediately. Watermarks, mould or a strange musty smell, are all indicators of damp. Make sure to give your vehicle a good airing by opening all windows, doors and skylights.

Let the cleaning commence
Any build-up of dirt and grime can cause damage and deterioration if not attended to, so a thorough clean, both inside and out, is essential van maintenance. Mud and sediment can build up in the seams, seals and joints of a campervan so regular exterior cleaning is vital however a bi-annual deep clean is advisable too.

A garden hose, sponge, body shampoo, window cleaner and extendable or long handled brush should do the trick. A toothbrush combined with some old-fashioned elbow grease will help you to remove any stubborn dirt caught in any seals.

Don’t make the mistake of using washing up liquid to clean the exterior as it can be corrosive. If you do happen to make this mistake, immediately wash off with plenty of water and apply a layer of polish to preserve the campervans protective coating. For the inside, hoover and mop all floors, dust and wash walls and surfaces, and give all appliances a thorough clean. Use a paint polish and protective wax externally and protect internal wooden and metal surfaces and joints with appropriate protective sprays/WD 40.

Time for a spruce up
Thinking of replacing appliances or update the interior décor? Now is the perfect time.

Firstly, check all electrical appliances are in good working order. If you decide to replace anything, keep in mind that the new appliance should be easy to use (you don’t want a day ruined by searching for an instruction manual you left at home) and ideally not take up too much room.

If you regularly rent out your vehicle don’t be tempted to indulge in the latest style trend when it comes to the interior of your motorhome – think about what’s practical and, most importantly, durable. Consider a neutral colour palette with the odd pop of colour which will appeal to most potential renters.

Also make sure to check out the latest WI FI mobile services, as they are improving all the time in terms of connectivity, range and cost so you may find yourself a better deal.

Don’t forget about the admin
To preserve any warranty and ensure that your van is in a safe condition, an annual motorhome habitation check is essential. A basic habitation service includes assessing electrical, gas and water systems, bodywork, ventilation, fire and safety as well as a damp report. Also, as with any vehicle, your motorhome should be serviced annually, MOT kept up to date and insurance in place.

Before you go
Flush out the water system thoroughly and clean internal tanks with steriliser.
Check the tyre pressure and top up as needed. Blowouts are a common cause of accidents so check for sings of bulging, cracking, low tread depth, or any object stuck in the tyre.
Check oil and coolant pressure – top up as needed.
Charge the vehicle battery.
Check wiper blades are in good working order – replace if needs be.
Check any bike racks are fixed securely.
Wash all bedding and remove any cushion covers to wash (and consider a spare set).

To find out more and plan your road trip, visit www.camptoo.co.uk.