GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #29 | Page 56

RV FEATURE MITIGATING PROBLEMS For many people, including us, our caravan is a source of pride and joy. The day we picked it up from the factory was intensely anticipated. We were about to begin enjoying the fruits of our labour and we were so proud! If your intent is similar to ours – to spend years living in your caravan touring the countryside, with as little cash having to be thrown at repairs as possible – our maintenance list below may be of interest. It’s what we’ve learned to service, not only for safety purposes but to increase the touring life-span of our caravan. 1. Grease suspension arms to keep them lubricated for movement. 2. Check wheel bearings and re-grease every 10,000kms. 3. Periodically re-lubricate your DO35 hitch, if applicable. 4. Silicone-grease rubber seals on windows, doors and hatches to keep them from drying out and splitting. 5. Rinse out your grey water tank regularly with white vinegar to reduce smells. 6. Clean solar panels to retain charging ability. Fixing the broken stoneguard. The Williams family take delivery of their new van. EDUCATION IS POWER We recommend researching maintenance for your particular caravan so you can be prepared and act quickly and confidently if something breaks or stops working. Failing that, we believe if you add Sikalex and a box of miscellaneous screws, nuts and bolts to your toolbox, there won’t be too much you can’t fix on the fly – or at least to tide you over until you hit the next big town and can get some expert help if required. 56 \ Check and re-grease the wheel bearings every 10,000km. KOOLKAMPERS.NET INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK YOUTUBE