As we write this, significant areas of the country are covered under a thick layer of fresh snowfall, and the vast majority of campervans out there are in winter storage. So why are we already thinking about campervan spring maintenance?
Before you take that first trip in the spring, your home away from home is going to want some tender loving care. While we do offer a robust warranty, your trip will be better if you don’t need to rely on it.
So what can you do to make sure your first campervan trip of 2025 is as smooth and enjoyable as possible?
Have You Checked Your Tyres?
If you’re relatively new to driving a campervan, you might not realise yet that their tyres take a lot more wear and tear than a typical car’s would.
The access to a campsite isn’t always as well maintained as we’d want, and if you’ve ever heard the sound of a spray of grit hitting the underside of your vehicle you know what damage loose stones can do. Add to this the fact your campervan is heavier than a car and therefore presses the tyres down more firmly against the source of damage, and you can easily see the problem.
If your campervan isn’t also your regular vehicle – maybe you drive it only once or twice a year, or maybe you set it aside for winter in October and you’re reading this a month or two after we posted it – you should be looking at the walls of the tyres as well as the tread.
Tyre walls can bulge slightly from sitting in the same spot for a long time, which is often the first sign of deterioration. You may also see them start to crack, especially if they’ve been resting in bright sun every day. Once these tyres get back on the road, the chance of a blowout significantly increases.
Don’t forget to check your tyre pressure! Even with the above horror stories, tyre pressure is the most common issue you might run into.
Lastly, of course, if you put cold weather tyres on for any winter campervan adventures, remember to switch back to your normal set!
Book Your Annual Service Ahead of Time
An annual service for your engine is just a good idea, but it can be a nightmare to book in last minute unless you have a very understanding local garage (and even if you do, it may still need maintenance). Don’t forget your MOT if required.
Leisure Systems & Lights
Your campervan has a lot more going on than a regular car, including a whole extra set of systems that need checking. Make sure your gas, electrics, heating and water systems are checked annually, just as with your engine, and keep the paperwork – you may need proof of servicing if you sell your vehicle on or have to deal with an insurance dispute.
Don’t forget that rubber hoses can perish over time, so look for any signs of deterioration – and make sure your gas bottle is full enough for your next planned trips.
An Escape Campers campervan keeps the leisure battery charged through trickle-charging, but that only happens while the vehicle is on the road. Make sure to check the current charge levels. If needs be, you can remove the battery and charge it at home through a suitable charger.
(We know many of our customers who enjoy cycling use this as a cue to check their electric bikes, too!)
Sterilise Your Water Systems and Containers
Even if you’re using your water system regularly, it’s good to have at least one time of year where you make a point of doing this. You’ll need to:
- Drain your water system
- Flush it with a water purifier (Puriclean, Milton tablets, etc)
- Clean your waste water tank
- Service your portable toilet (if applicable)
This is definitely the least pleasant part of the whole spring maintenance cycle, so we recommend finishing by washing the exterior, either by hand or at a car wash. When you know your campervan is sparkling clean inside and out, the feeling of pride and satisfaction can’t be beaten.
Upholstery and Roofing
A campervan is a great investment and we hope you’ve been making the most of yours! That can mean, though, that your upholstery might need more than a quick wipe clean. As with your annual service, check whether you need a full valet while there’s still time to arrange one before you need it.
Give your roof a good look – and pop it up as part of that; you can check it’s in good working order and air out the campervan at the same time.
Refresh Your Storage Space
At Escape Campers, we recommend taking the time at least once a year to go through your cupboards and lockers and fully empty them out. Hopefully you caught anything that might go off before winter, but even store cupboard items have a shelf life.
Is everything you want to carry in date? Is there enough in the container for it to be worth carrying on the trip? This is a great time to re-stock any nonperishables that you know you’ll be using regularly.
At the same time, ask yourself how much you needed anything that didn’t see much use last year. This step is essential for making the most of your storage!
Don’t Forget the Paperwork!
Does your insurance need renewing? How about your breakdown cover?
If you’re a member of the Camping and Caravanning Club, Caravan and Motorhome Club, or any similar organisation, make sure you’re paid up and good to go. The same goes for the National Trust if you know you’ll regularly be visiting their locations.
This all sounds like a long list, we know – but if you get started, you’ll find most steps take much less time than you expect.
Once they’re done your campervan will be not just roadworthy but pristine, your home away from home ready again for your first adventure of the year!
