Caravans are a home on the road that should be treated with care. Although it isn’t a legal requirement, caravan repair Adelaide should be done regularly. It isn’t just a good idea; it also helps you save money by catching issues early.
A well-maintained caravan will be more reliable and safer to drive on the road. It will also have a higher resale value.
Tyres
Tyres are the only caravan part that makes contact with the road. As such, they are vital to the safety of a caravan. The vehicle’s acceleration, braking and steering depend on this relatively small area of rubber. Tyres should be in good condition and inflated to the correct pressure. Caravan manufacturers and the tyre industry are working to provide more consistent information on tyre performance to assist consumers with purchasing decisions.
You should replace tyres on caravans (including spares) when they reach a specified age, even if they still appear to be in good condition from the outside and have not reached the tread wear indicators. This is in the interests of both comfort and safety.
Inspecting tyres before a holiday is important, particularly those left unattended for long periods. If you suspect your tyres are unsafe, have them thoroughly inspected by a professional. This will include checking the tyre’s tread depth and inspecting for cracking or feathering.
Electrical system
It’s important to get your caravan serviced. If problems are identified and rectified sooner rather than later, you can save yourself money in the long run – avoiding further damage and expensive caravan repair Adelaide. Caravan owners often try to carry out DIY repairs, which can be more costly in the long run.
If you’re not a fully qualified electrician, avoiding working on your caravan’s 240-volt system is best. This is because it can be dangerous, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
However, you can work on the 12-volt system, similar to your house wiring. It’s supplied by an ELCB (like the consumer unit in your home) and then a series of little devices called MCBs – the modern equivalent of fuses.
Understanding how your caravan’s electrical systems work is a good idea and will also help you troubleshoot when something goes wrong. This will give you peace of mind and ensure your caravan continues performing at its peak.
Suspension system
Caravans travel over potentially hazardous environments on unimproved roads, and a strong chassis and suspension structure minimizes or prevents damage. A suspension system also supports the larger tires of a caravan, providing more traction and control when driving on uneven surfaces.
The most common type of suspension system is a leaf spring system, which absorbs the shock from bumps and potholes. Metal rods are used alongside the springs to channel away the impact from the road.
Another popular option is the trailing arm suspension. This system has a track-mounted arm that connects to the chassis via a pivot point. The caravan moves up and down on the arm when it goes over bumps. This system requires less maintenance, but the springs may eventually need replacing when they “fatten out.”
Caravans should undergo caravan repair Adelaide to ensure they are in good condition for use. Professional repairs keep the caravans safe and let owners enjoy their holiday, knowing their vehicle is in good working order. The more a caravan is neglected, the more problems will arise that are difficult to fix and could even be dangerous.
Gas and water systems
Caravans are little more than flimsy houses constructed from aluminium, fibreglass and wood. They are designed and built to be light for easy towing, but this also means they can be more easily damaged. Caravan walls can dent, the thin sheets that cover the frame can stretch and bend, and the wood is allergic to water and dampness.
Caravan services include checking that all the caravan’s essential systems are working properly. This includes checking the gas, electric and water systems. The services will also ensure that all 12V and 240V outlets function and that blown fuses are replaced.