How To Keep Your Caravan in Ideal Shape While Not in Use

There’s a little Steve Irwin in every Australian, you can’t deny it. Even if some of us might not have the courage to go swimming with crocodiles and sharks, we all share the same love for the great outdoors. The Australian nature is deeply ingrained within our DNA. Case in point: the large number of caravans parked in people’s yards. Caravans allows us to nurture our connection with nature while still being able to use basic modern necessities. Even though looking rather simple, caravans can be a huge investment for the average Australian. That’s why when driving your caravan around harsh terrain, you need to be extra careful.

However, a parked caravan is also prone to a lot of damage. And rarely does a garage have the space to fit it in. Because most caravans are kept out in the open, obviously they are exposed to rain, wind, frost and sun which can cause progressive damage to their exterior. Moreover, leafs, bird excrement and small branches can destroy the paintwork. If you want to preserve the exterior of your caravan so that you can enjoy it for many trips to come and reduce the time spent on cleaning it, purchasing a cover is a must.

There’s no doubt that the only way you can protect your RV while not in use, is with one of the many different caravan covers Australia camping stores sell. However, not all covers are created equal. There are certain features in a cover that make it optimal for protection. One such feature is UV resistant material. Sun rays can eat into the paint, which is where that yellowy sheen comes in a once spotless white RV. Extreme heat can also wear out your tires and make them susceptible to blowouts which can be dangerous if you’re driving your whole family around. Therefore, don’t forget to check whether the caravan covers Australia stores offer are UV resistant.

Another rarely found, but extremely important feature in a caravan cover is an air vent system. This makes sure that the caravan has maximum breathability in order to prevent mould and mildew from forming. This air vent system also prevents the appearance of a stale smell which happens in all vehicles left out in the open. Also, look for a cover that has strong strap and buckle attachments to prevent it from blowing off during strong winds.

Besides carrying out regular check ups and protecting it with a thick sun-and-water-resistant cover, there are also other ways to keep your caravan in the best condition possible. Here are some steps you can take which will make sure everything is in perfect order for your next touring adventure:

• Even when it’s not used, charge the battery every five to six weeks;
• Check whether all the appliances and gas bottles inside the van are turned off before storing it away;
• Raise the tyres off the ground to prevent problems from standing to long on the asphalt in the summer heat;
• Polish the caravan regularly to protect paintwork.