The Most Common Caravan Repairs

Owning a caravan can be a fun and affordable way to take holidays, but like any vehicle, caravans require regular maintenance and occasional repairs. Many minor issues can be addressed yourself, saving on repair bills. However, more complex repairs are best left to professionals. Here are some of the most common caravan repairs UK owners face and advice on tackling them yourself or seeking expert help. 

Servicing Appliances

Like your home appliances, the various appliances and systems in your caravan need periodic servicing to keep working efficiently. This includes the fridge, stove, water heater, toilet, and more. The owner's manuals provide maintenance schedules, but a general rule is to service appliances before the start of each camping season. Tasks may include testing, cleaning, lubricating parts, replacing filters, clearing blockages, and ensuring adequate ventilation. You can perform most basic servicing if you're reasonably practical.

Resealing

One of the most frequent caravan repairs is resealing areas prone to water damage. Experts recommend resealing every 2-3 years as sealants deteriorate over time due to exposure to sunlight and weather. Check around all openings including windows, hatches, roof fixtures, and exterior joints. Look for cracked caulk, leaks, moisture damage, and areas where the sealant has shrunk. Carefully remove all old sealant then thoroughly clean and dry the area before applying fresh sealant designed for caravans. Take care with preparation and application for good results.

Electrical Repairs

Faulty electrics are a common issue. Problems include damaged sockets, malfunctioning appliances, battery failures, converter/charger faults, and wiring problems causing power shorts or losses. Appropriate DIY repairs include resetting circuit breakers, replacing fuses, servicing the battery, and checking trailer light bulbs. More complex electrical issues like rewiring or converter repair should be handled by an auto electrician experienced with caravans. They have the necessary tools and testing equipment.

Chassis & Damp Repairs

Over time, water ingress can cause rust, corrosion, and rot on the chassis and wooden structures. Signs include damp areas, soft floors, mould/mildew, and loose fixings. Left unattended, it can weaken structural integrity. For surface rust, carefully sand back the area then apply a rust converter and metal primer before re-painting. For more severe rust or wood rot, sections of the chassis or internal framework may need replacement - a job for the experts. Specialist mobile repairers can also treat dampness by injecting anti-moisture sealant into wall cavities.

Window & Door Repairs

Stuck windows and doors are a nuisance, while broken locks or handles can leave your caravan insecure. Sticking issues can often be fixed by adjusting and lubricating the hinges. Clean out built-up dirt then apply silicone spray or powdered graphite to improve operation. Replace damaged locks yourself but for special motorhome/caravan windows or fittings, consult a caravan repair shop. They'll likely have suitable replacement parts not found in regular hardware stores.

Awning & Roof Repairs

Awnings and roofing periodically sustain minor storm damage or simply wear out over time. Common problems are small tears, split seams, broken fastening clips, bent arms, frayed fabric, and leaks. For small tears, carefully patch by gluing and stitching durable waterproof fabric to the inside surface. Re-sealing the seams may suffice for minor leaks but more serious roof damage like cracking, major holes, or delamination requires professional repairs or total replacement.

Tyres

Worn, damaged, or improperly inflated tyres pose serious safety risks as well as handling and braking issues while towing. Every trip should start with a tyre pressure check using a quality dial gauge. Ensure pressures match the vehicle manufacturer's recommended specs. Frequently inspect tyre treads and sidewalls for cuts, bulges, cracks, or nails. Rotate tyres occasionally for even wear. Replace damaged or excessively worn tyres in pairs on the same axle. While you can change caravan tyres yourself, have a professional assess the suitability, load capacity, and condition of your current tyres.

Bearings & Brakes

These safety critical components need regular inspection and maintenance. Listen for grinding noises from wheel bearings signaling imminent failure. Have them removed, inspected for play and wear then re-packed with grease by a technician. Brakes commonly need adjustment, especially after the first few heavy braking incidents which bed-in the shoes. Feel for heating, pulsing or grinding suggesting misalignment. Most modern trailers use self-adjusting drum brakes but periodic inspections are still essential. Friction pads, drums and linings may require replacement over time.

Chassis Lubrication

Few caravan owners remember to regularly lubricate chassis points prone to squeaking or seizing up. This allows for quieter, smoother towing and extends component lifespan. Key areas needing grease include the jockey wheel, corner steadies, coupling head, brake linkages, drawbar slider, and suspension joints. Check your model's lubrication points against the manufacturer diagram then use a grease gun to inject fresh waterproof grease several times per year. This quick task prevents costly repairs down the track.

Performing basic troubleshooting and minor repairs will keep your caravan functional for longer plus build your confidence for tackling maintenance tasks. But knowing when to seek expert assistance is also important, especially for structural, damp, electrical and braking issues where DIY mistakes prove costly or dangerous. 

Familiarise yourself with caravan specialists in your region and don't hesitate to get professional support when needed. With regular upkeep and attention, your caravan investment will provide lasting memories for years of happy holidays to come.