Static caravan maintenance falls into two parts; checking for issues or factors that could affect your caravan’s condition and carrying out simple jobs to keep your static caravan at its best. Whether this ensures your chassis is stable or preparing your property for snow or storm conditions, it pays to stay on top of the maintenance. That is why static caravan maintenance is essential for you to get the best from your holiday home and to increase the lifespan of your static caravan.
When you first buy a static caravan, you may assume that it will weather for years to come. Unfortunately, there will always be a few things you’ll need to prepare for. Much of this falls on British weather, including winter preparations.
This guide will look at what you need to know about maintaining your static caravan regularly. We’ll also consider which responsibilities fall to you and those falling to the park operators (the people who look after the park). Naturally, you will want to keep your static caravan looking great and working at a standard you can be proud of. Therefore, many of these static caravan maintenance tips could be common sense.
General Static Caravan Maintenance
Before we look closely at one or two specifics, it is good to consider some general caravan maintenance tips all year round. For example, static caravan maintenance may sound like it will be arduous or tricky to arrange. However, providing you are proactive and know which areas need your support the most, it’s unlikely you will have any trouble.
Here are a few general tips which may help you in the milder months. We will look at winterisation for your static caravan further down the guide.
Simple Top maintenance tips
- Keep your caravan clean – This may be as simple as running a damp, warm cloth around the exterior. Your caravan is at risk of all manner of debris build-up.
- Windows and doors – You should be ready to open your window regularly. Recirculating of air is a great idea in static caravan spaces which can get very stuffy. Whether you are leaving your caravan for a few minutes or for a few months, keep windows and doors locked
- Remove fallen leaves – These need to be removed from your caravan during autumn. These can actually impair your roofing more than you may believe.
- Boilers – Have these serviced once every three years. Turn off when away from the caravan
- Air vents – When you aren’t using your static caravan you should keep your air vents closed. The wall or floor vents are fine to leave open, these will help to circulate air around the caravan and help dampness. Air vents should be cleaned for safe circulation and try to avoid obstruction when using your caravan.
- Clean out your white goods – Leave the door open on your fridge freezer to prevent mould growth.
- Maximise air circulation – Ensure vents aren’t being blocked by household items.
- Gas and Electricity – Obviously turn off the gas bottle and electricity when the static caravan is not in use. Gas and electric safety checks should be discussed with your park operator, as you may have to pay annual fees. It is always worth checking things out with park staff in the first instance.
All of the above advice applies to heavy storm conditions, too. Anything not fixed down is at risk of causing severe damage. Once a storm passes, check your guttering and anything that may be dislodged from your roof.
What Other Static Caravan Maintenance is needed?
As well as general maintenance, there are other parts of your caravan that may need a higher level of skill to be carried out, this may be done by yourself or by a professional. Again, it is worth seeking advice from your park operator in the first instance. Here we look at Chasis maintenance, winterisation, and static caravan condensation of your caravan.
Does a Static Caravan Chassis need Maintenance?
All static caravans will have a chassis. The chassis will generally either be galvanised, painted, or somewhere in between. You must check and maintain this regularly for rust and other damage. On the whole, galvanisation will protect your caravan against most concerns such as rust. If you have the option to invest in galvanisation outright, it is well worth the investment.
Regular static caravan maintenance you should undertake includes paint spraying and regular oiling and greasing. This will help to maintain the stability of your caravan. You should be checking for any signs of loosening, corrosion or rust. Chassis can also damage easily, which means you should always be vigilant. Lubrication of your caravan’s corner steadies and oiling its hitch head, jockey wheel, and general wheels should also occur.
If you are concerned about static caravan maintenance concerning the chassis, ask your park operator for advice. They may be able to put you in touch with a specialised, local contractor who can spray, oil and lubricate your caravan. Learning how to maintain this part of your property doesn’t take much time, and it is always relatively easy to do.
Static Caravan Condensation
One of the big problems holiday homes face over the winter is condensation. Consequently, it’s good to keep any bedding and upholstery away from the walls and windows when you leave for the winter. You could also store them in vacuum packs.
You may also wish to purchase a small dehumidifier to prevent dampness from building up and prevent mould.
How to prevent condensation in static caravans
It sounds scary to think of returning to your static caravan to find that it smells damp, rots, and has black spots of mould on the furnishings and walls. Static caravans can be kept damp-free, fresh, and welcoming by taking various steps to prevent condensation and dampness.
The presence of condensation in static caravans can lead to major problems. We will examine the potential issues and discuss solutions in this article. However, let’s take a step back and understand the problem first.
What causes condensation?
Whenever warm, moist air encounters a cold surface, condensation occurs. This is why it tends to be worse during winter when the indoors of your holiday home are warmer than the outside walls.
Moisture is always present in the air, and when it cools, this water vapour is transformed into water droplets. This is why your window becomes fogged.
Almost all living things produce water vapour. The question is, how much? In a typical three-bedroom house, a family of four can generate 14 litres of water a week. Clearly, this is a lot.
Daily activities like cooking, washing dishes, taking a shower and putting on the kettle contribute to the production of moisture in the air. However, the main source of humidity in the air is breathing.
Even in a large house where all that water is spread out, condensation can still be seen. You can’t escape it in a static caravan because of the space constraints.
How to check for condensation
Condensation appears most noticeable on surfaces such as glass, but it can affect much more than your mirrors and windows. The outside walls and roof of your caravan are places where you should keep an eye out for moisture as it can accumulate anywhere that’s colder than the ambient temperature. It is also common for condensation to occur in bathrooms and kitchens for obvious reasons.
What happens if condensation is not addressed?
One word to describe it: mould. Or mildew as the case may be. As expected, condensation will go untreated in more difficult-to-reach or less visible areas of the house. There is a possibility that corners, ceilings, window frames, and the inside of cupboards could become permanently damp. As a result, black mould may develop in those places.
The airborne spores it produces creates unsightly discolourations and patches on the wall. They are also dangerous to health. They cause different health conditions like sinus complaints, bronchitis, and skin infections. People suffering from asthma and other respiratory disorders should be wary of mould inside their static caravan.
Condensation can also cause damp patches or small pools if it is allowed to build up over days and weeks. Eventually, these will lead to rot, stains, and other problems, so it is vital to prevent a recurrence.
How to prevent condensation in static caravans
Condensation is inevitable, and it occurs naturally in a variety of conditions. Although it cannot be avoided, the damage it causes can be minimized. These are some tips for controlling condensation in static caravans.
Make sure that the caravan is well ventilated
One of the most effective things that you can do to prevent condensation is to make sure there is enough air going through. Once you get back to your caravan after a period away, and whenever possible while at home, you should open your windows and/or roof vents for fresh air and ventilation. By doing this, you will be allowing the moisture to escape instead of building up on surfaces within the house. You will also enable the damp places within the caravan to dry out more rapidly.
There are many ways to keep your caravan safe and ventilated, and one of them is to fit restrictors to the windows.
Install fans and vents
Bathroom extractor fans and Cooker hoods are standard features in modern static caravans, especially those manufactured by reputable caravan providers. You should always turn them on while cooking or taking a shower and leave them on for a few minutes afterwards. Moisture takes a bit longer to dry up after cooking or taking a shower.
Clean the surfaces thoroughly
Compared to traditional homes, static caravans are usually small spaces that are naturally prone to condensation. Make it a habit to use a squeegee, a clean cloth, or a kitchen roll to remove moisture from surfaces as soon as it settles — before it can become a permanent mould issue.
Here are more condensation prevention tips
- It is advisable not to dry clothes inside since this adds moisture to the air.
- It is crucial to make sure the vent of your tumble dryer is directed to the outside.
- When cooking, cover pots with lids to conserve fuel and reduce steam.
- Rather than warming up quickly, set your heating to gradually warm up instead.
- Consider purchasing a dehumidifier.
- To capture moisture from the air, place several bowls of salt around the area (cat litter also works).
- Make sure your caravan is insulated and double-glazed if it’s an older model.
Do residential specifications (BS3632) help with condensation?
Yes, they do. Per the BS3632 standard, all caravan homes are suitable for use throughout the year (subject to the park license). As a result, you can take advantage of proper insulation, which regulates the temperature inside and improves ventilation.
Alternatively, if you buy a holiday home that is built to European standards (EN1647), it might produce more condensation since it is for only seasonal or temporary holiday use.
Water Spouts And Facilities
Static caravan maintenance includes turning on your water spouts and facilities, such as taps and showers. All water should drain freely. Toilets should be flushed at least once to ensure that the cistern is fully drained.
You should also drain any systems or fixtures which contain water. This will include heating systems and tanks, which you may have on your property. Don’t take any chances.
It’s also advisable to blow air through piping. Ultimately, it would help if you ensured that there is no risk of any excess water still spilling out. Ideally, pipework should be insulated and lagged. Using salt in your water or any you have left will also prevent freezing.
It’s good to make sure an experienced drainage expert handles your drain down. While you are free to drain everything on your own, you may risk contractual or warranty agreements by doing so. Therefore, always consult your park operator first for advice before you leave.
Protecting a Static Caravan in Winter (Winterisation)
Whether a static caravan is left for the winter or staying on-site, some static caravan maintenance is needed for winter. Here we look at draining down, snow clearance other winter tips.
What is Draining Down?
Draining down involves switching off and releasing any excess water you may have left in your systems before you vacate for the winter months. Some park operators are willing to drain down your static caravan; however, there is a process that you can follow. But as part of your static caravan maintenance.
Does a Static caravan need Draining Down?
Essentially, a drain down will help prevent any damage caused by burst water pipes or freezing when you are away. For example, if you have water left in your caravan’s systems and something happens while not on-site, you could risk severe damage and rising costs. To avoid such scenarios, it’s handy to drain down completely.
If you’d like to drain down on your own, make sure to switch off all water and gas systems and supplies before you get started. Then, make sure your water plugs for external drainage are clear and open up. If you have a self-contained central heating system, do not drain this down on your own or take out the plugs. Next is a complete draining of water from the caravan before you leave. This is an essential part of static caravan maintenance.
Snow Clearance
Snow isn’t always a guarantee during a British winter, but it is always a good idea to be prepared. If snow or ice settles at your pitch or around your caravan, it is your responsibility to handle it. However, holiday park staff will need to ensure that you can easily access the park safely and with plenty of accessibility during winter.
This is backed by UK law, meaning that you can always expect to access your caravan with ease during all weather. However, make sure to take advantage of additional winter care and support from your park if available, even for an additional fee. It may be worth paying for peace of mind in this circumstance.
Other Winter Tips for Static Caravan Maintenance
You should make sure, as stated, to drain down your property if you are leaving it during winter. You should also be ready to secure down any loose items, clean your caravan itself, and any decking or skirting you may have. Check everything on the outside of your property thoroughly. Is it all safe to leave for months at a time? If there is any room for doubt, check again. Take care of loose items and fittings by putting them into storage.
Cleaning and checking your exterior property is essential as it means that you’ll prevent debris build-up or any chance of water letting in. This also means ensuring everything is sealed up and locked properly, windows and doors included.
A park will be very secure. However, it’s still advised not to leave any valuables lying around throughout the winter if you’re not using the holiday home. Things such as TVs or music systems should be removed, put away or covered up to be on the safe side!
Try to contact a neighbour or someone else at the holiday park. They may be able to pop by and check on your lodge for you.
If you’ve taken the necessary steps, it’s always a nice feeling to have reassurance.
As you can see, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to protect your holiday home for the winter seasons. You’ll also definitely see the benefit when you come back to visit.
Bear in mind that some parks will also offer ‘winterisation’ services for the property. This means they will take care of some of these things for you.
Static Caravan Maintenance – Conclusion
Static caravan maintenance takes time and effort. However, it is worth protecting against risks to safety and any potential costs that may arise along the way. If you doubt what you need to do, ask your park operators for advice. For further reading, see our article on ‘What to Remember When Buying a Holiday Home’.