Caravan care advice – covering the common issues and challenges
Technical advice
Caravan care made easy: common Issues and challenges
We have booked a trip to France in the summer holidays, and I have a fridge question. Why does my caravan fridge struggle to cool properly in hot weather?
Absorption fridges rely on outside ventilation, and in hot weather, they can struggle.
Ensure the fridge vents are clear and, if possible, in the shade.
When the temperature soars, some people place a small fan near the vents to help with airflow. Cooling the fridge overnight or before a trip also helps.
How often should I check and replace my caravan's tyres?
Even if they look fine, caravan tyres should be replaced every five years (ideally) and not used after seven years.
A visual inspection, such as checking for cracks in the sidewalls and between the tread, won’t always reveal structural issues, so it’s important to check the age.
The date of manufacture is generally stamped on the sidewall in a four-digit format that denotes the week/year.
My caravan’s toilet has a lingering smell even after emptying the cassette—any tips?
Thetford produces a dedicated cassette cleaner called Duo Tank Clean. It's designed to thoroughly clean the inside of the cassette and give it a pleasant smell.
Thetford also sells a Toilet Bowl Cleaner that is safe on plastics, should you wish to give the loo a spring clean.
Check the black circular seal when cleaning the cassette to ensure it seals correctly.
Why does my caravan’s mains electric trip when I plug in certain appliances?
Your caravan will have a limited electrical supply, which is dictated by the available amperage from the bollard and the internal RCD board.
You might overload the circuit if you use a high-wattage kettle or other device while the heating and/or hot water is switched on.
If the switch on the pitch’s bollard trips before your caravan’s electrical system, it is likely that you are trying to draw more power than the site’s supply can handle. Before using high-wattage items, check if other appliances are also in use.
How do I stop my caravan's windows from misting up between the double glazing?
Your plastic double-glazed windows will likely have a small plastic bung fitted to one of the corners.
Carefully pry the bung from the window and allow it to dry naturally before replacing it.
If misting is a problem at all times of the year, check the edges of the window to ensure that the bonding hasn’t failed.
What’s the best way to level my caravan on uneven ground?
First, check that the caravan is level along its axle, i.e. from side to side. Place a spirit level on the floor, or a flat, level surface inside the caravan.
Place a levelling ramp (or ramps for a twin-axle caravan) under the wheel(s) on the lowest side, and pull the caravan up the ramp with your tow car, or use a motor mover.
Once the side-to-side level is set, adjust the jockey wheel to fine-tune front-to-back levelling. Chocks will keep the caravan stable once it's in position. Once set, wind down the corner steadies.
Can I use a standard domestic heater in my caravan during winter?
Yes, but be mindful of power usage.
A standard 2kW fan heater can trip your electrics if the supply is limited, especially if other appliances, such as the water heater, are being used. Low-wattage heaters designed for caravans are a better choice, and a small oil-filled radiator can provide steady heat without using too much power.
These can be particularly useful when the caravan is not in use, for example, sitting in your garden, when you want to prevent the temperature from falling too low.
Try using Towmatch
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Use Towmatch today to start your caravan journey, then explore the latest caravan news, reviews and inspiration on Out & About Live!
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