Head of Wanderlust at Camptoo shares essential van maintenance tips.
Ahead of the peak summer travel season, it’s important to give your campervan, caravan, or motorhome some TLC. Whether you plan to use your vehicle or rent it out it’s worth ensuring your vehicle is ready to go for the best possible driving experience.
Ed Bassett, Head of Wanderlust at Camptoo, says: “After a winter hibernation period, when most vans sit idle on the driveway, it’s time to partake in some essential cleaning and maintenance of your vehicle ahead of the busy spring and summer months. Small issues can easily become more serious if left unattended, so it’s worth ironing out any niggles sooner rather than later.
“An annual service is not a legal requirement but is still worth doing. A ‘Habitation Check’ entails a thorough inspection of the habitation area of your motorhome or caravan and is carried out by a specialist engineer. The check covers dangers such as fire risk, ventilation, and gas systems, as well as problem areas such as water systems, damp, electrical systems, and bodywork.
“Check if your local garage offers this service and ensure you receive a full report afterwards, as it’s well worth being aware of and fixing any issues before you use your vehicle again.
“Keep in mind that in summer mechanics tend to be fully booked with many last-minute repairs, so it’s worth getting ahead and booking a thorough maintenance check.”
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, to get rid of any condensation or stale air that can lead to mould developing.
It’s important to check for leaks and signs of damp, even if you haven’t noticed any or had any reported to you by renters – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
A deep clean
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 vital. Regular exterior cleaning is crucial to stop the build-up of mud and sediment in the seams, seals and joints of a campervan however it’s also the perfect time for a post-summer deep clean.
A garden hose, sponge, body shampoo, window cleaner and extendable or long handled brush should do the trick. And don’t forget a toothbrush combined with some old-fashioned elbow grease will help you to remove any stubborn dirt caught in seals.
But whatever you do, 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.
And don’t forget about the interior either – hoover and mop all floors, dust and wash walls and surfaces, as well as giving 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.
Update or replace
If you’re considering replacing appliances or updating the interior décor, now is the time to do so.
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. If you’re planning to rent out your vehicle over autumn/winter adding extra blankets and hot water bottles wouldn’t go amiss.
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.
Even if you’re not planning on travelling until the spring….
- Flush out the water system thoroughly and clean internal tanks with steriliser.
- Check the tyre pressure and top up as needed.
- 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.
- Close and latch exterior and interior doors.
Lastly…
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.
To find out more and plan your next road trip, visit www.camptoo.co.uk.
-Ends-
Notes to Editors:
Camptoo’s Head of Wanderlust and UK Country Manager, Ed Bassett, is available for interview or comment upon request.
For further press information, please contact:
Charlotte Wright | Jo Kendall | Elsa Findlay
Rooster PR
T: +44 (0) 20 3440 8930
E: [email protected]
About Camptoo
Launched in the Netherlands in 2014, Camptoo is a sharing economy platform that connects the owners and renters of campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans. The company was recently ranked the #1 fastest-growing travel company in Europe by Financial Times (FT1000, 2020).
Since it was launched, Camptoo users have booked over 300,000 nights in vehicles rented through the site. Owners can generate income from their campervan when it’s not being used while renters have greater flexibility when booking their vehicle so that it best suits their needs.
There are over 900 vehicles listed in the UK, with over 3,500 vehicles to choose from across Europe, and a further 400 across Australia, with more being added every week. Vehicles are properly insured to allow both owner as well as renter a carefree holiday, with Camptoo providing all the necessary paperwork, checklists and roadside assistance. For more information, visit www.camptoo.co.uk.
