Owning a static caravan in the UK allows you to take a well-earned break whenever you want. Whether you plan to get away for a couple of weeks in the summer, or just for the odd weekend during term time, owning your own holiday home gives you the ability to do this as and when you require.
But, to get the best out of your holiday caravan, owners should be aware of the basic maintenance work that needs to be carried out on an annual basis. This keeps your static caravan in mint condition and ensures continued enjoyment of your unit.
Prior to signing your ownership contract, take a look at the small print. This will include full details regarding the maintenance obligations of both the caravan owners and the owner of the park. Check this over and ensure that it is thorough and clear.
If you plan to sublet your caravan, you will need to ensure that checks are carried out on all maintenance work, even if the caravan park checked it themselves. For example, any maintenance work involving gas - i.e. inspection of an LPG system – should be carried out by a Corgi registered engineer; all details of annual requirements should be included in the initial ownership agreement.
With interior checks completed, caravan owners can breathe a sigh of relief. Thanks to durable modern materials and advanced construction techniques, modern static caravan holiday homes require far less exterior maintenance than you might imagine.
Most exterior maintenance is carried out at the end of the holiday season and falls under the category of winterisation.
Basic Annual Maintenance
Exterior
As mentioned above, only minimal exterior maintenance will need to be carried out on your holiday caravan. Cleaning the outside of your caravan with designated exterior caravan cleaning and weatherproofing fluid helps to keep the unit looking fresh and new, while also combatting deterioration.
Many owners opt to use a jet washer to spruce up the outside of their caravan. This is an efficient and laboursaving method of cleaning and maintaining the exterior of your unit.
Roof & Guttering
Static caravan roofs are ideal for keeping caravaners warm and dry inside their units, but they offer a similarly hospitable habitat to mosses and lichens which can make your caravan look unkempt and grotty.
If you’ve got trees on your caravan park this can add to the idyllic atmosphere of your pitch, but watch out for leaves and debris that could clog your guttering.
Make sure that your guttering remains clear to prevent water build up and subsequent damage.
Gas / Electrical
Always read your ownership agreement thoroughly, keeping it handy and remaining aware of your obligations in relation to the gas and electrical supply on your plot. Your park owner will also have their own obligations, it pays to be aware of these.
Anchoring
Rust and corrosion of anchor chains is the main thing to be aware of in terms of anchoring. Conduct regular checks to ensure that chains are not deteriorating and that the space beneath your caravan is free from clutter and vegetation.
Steps
This is purely a safety issue. Many static caravan steps are made from light-duty materials and should be checked regularly to ensure that they continue to retain their structural integrity.
Windows
Windows are the weak link in the structure of any holiday caravan. However - for fans of daylight and pleasant interior ambience - they are a necessary evil. Check all rubber window seals regularly to ensure that water seepage is eliminated and that no damage occurs from moisture in your caravan.
Always check that door and window locks are in good working order to prevent unauthorised access and to facilitate an easy exit in the case of an emergency.
Wheels
Many static caravans will be "blocked off", i.e. the wheels will be non-functional or even non-existent. However, if you want to retain the option of easily resiting your caravan when required, regular checking the bearings and tyres on your wheels is necessary.
Always ensure that wheels undergo a full service before relocating your static caravan.