Your Essential Caravan Maintenance Checklist and Care Guide

Essential Caravan Care for Australian Adventures

Regular caravan maintenance checklist servicing prevents breakdowns and keeps your family safe on Australian road trips and camping adventures.

Maintenance protects your investment and extends caravan life. Proper care maintains manufacturer warranties and resale value for years.

Prevention is cheaper and less stressful than caravan repairs. Well maintained caravans provide shelter and comfort on your Australian travels.

Pre-Trip Caravan Safety Inspection & Maintenance Schedule

Every caravan trip starts with a safety check. These essential checks prevent roadside breakdowns and keep your family safe on Australian roads.

Pre-Trip Safety Checks for Road Trip Ready

Thorough pre-trip caravan servicing inspections are your first line of defence against mechanical failure and accidents on Australian roads. 

How to Check Tyres & Wheels on a Caravan

Tyre safety checks with a tyre gauge:

• Check tyre pressure on all tyres, including the spare

• Inspect for cracks, bulges or signs of ageing

• Measure tyre tread depth (1.6mm minimum recommended)

• Look for uneven wear patterns

Check your wheel rims for cracks, buckles or damage after every trip, especially if you’ve been on rough roads or bush tracks. Under-inflated tyres can cause caravan sway, so towing mirrors are essential for safe visibility.

For detailed caravan tyre pressure calculations and professional inspection techniques, IDCE has guidelines on safety checks and maintenance schedules.

Caravan Brake System: Pre-Trip Safety Inspection

Brake & handbrake system checks:

• Check brake cables and pulleys for damage or wear

• Test electric brake controller with manual override

• Inspect handbrake for rust or corrosion

• Apply WD-40 to coastal storage areas to prevent seizing

Listen for the solenoid engaging when testing electric brakes. Adjust your brake controller if the caravan pulls or pushes your tow vehicle excessively.

For more on Australian electric brake controller requirements and system diagnostics, check out guides on legal compliance and maintenance procedures.

Systems & Equipment Caravan Inspection Guide

Caravan systems need to be tested before departure to ensure they work throughout your trip and prevent costly caravan repairs. A systematic caravan maintenance checklist approach helps identify potential issues before they become major problems.

Caravan Electrical System & Lighting Safety Checks

Lights and electrical system checks:

• Clean trailer plugs with WD-40 to prevent connection issues

• Check pins aren’t bent or pinched

• Test all lights and indicators: brake lights, headlights, clearance lights

• Check 12-13V available with charge meter or multimeter

If lights don’t work, pins may be squashed and not making contact. Use a small screwdriver to open them slightly.

For Australian electrical standards and safety requirements, see AS/NZS 3001.2:2022 solar panels and battery installations.

Coupling, Hitch & Safety Chain Inspection

Critical caravan coupling and hitch and chassis safety checks:

• Inspect safety chains for rust, cracks, and length

• Check coupling lubrication and movement

• Verify adjusting screw and nut not frozen

• Test tow ball safety pins and fastening

• Ensure breakaway cable connected

Check weight-distribution hitch connections if applicable. Ensure backing stop moves freely and adjusting screw stops tow ball rattling.

For professional brake adjustment and coupling maintenance, Cruisemaster has technical guides for drum brake servicing.

Weekly DIY Caravan Maintenance Tasks

Regular weekly maintenance keeps your caravan systems running smoothly and helps you find small problems before they become big repairs or safety issues.

Water System Care & Gas System Checks

Weekly water and gas system maintenance ensures safe operation and prevents contamination problems that can ruin your camping trip.

Weekly Water System Checks for Caravans

Water system maintenance tasks:

• Test water pump and tap flow

• Inspect tank connections for leaks or loose clamps

• Check tank condition for wear and mildew

• Test hand pump for off-grid caravan access

• Inspect waste water outlets for blockages

• Replace water filter to prevent limescale build-up

Clean grey water tank sensors if your caravan has monitoring systems. Ensure clean water supply throughout the system and check for water damage.

For plumbing maintenance and troubleshooting guides, BCA Australia has water system care and leak detection advice.

Gas Safety Maintenance: Weekly Inspection

Gas system safety checks using gas hoses and gas fittings inspection:

• Spray hoses and connections with soapy water to detect leaks

• Check gas bottle mounts are secure

• Inspect hose and fittings for wear

• Test gas appliances: stove, hot water, heating systems

• Ensure enough gas for trip duration

• Install gas leak detector for extra safety

If you suspect a gas leak, it needs to be fixed now. Never compromise on gas safety.

For Queensland gas compliance and safety guidelines, check out the official government standards for recreational vehicle gas systems.

Caravan Interior Maintenance & Condition Monitoring

Interior maintenance prevents mould growth and structural damage and keeps your caravan a home away from home.

How to Maintain Caravan Interiors Weekly

Vacuum all surfaces, floors and fabrics thoroughly. Make sure to vacuum every nook and cranny, especially under furniture.Check all cupboards and drawers close and lock. Check furniture and fittings for loose screws or broken parts.

Pay attention to high moisture areas like the bathroom to prevent mould and mildew. Ensure good ventilation and seals throughout the van. Check cassette toilet and waste tank capacity regularly.

For cleaning techniques and maintenance schedules, RV Spares Online has exterior and interior guides.

Monthly Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Monthly maintenance catches wear and tear early, extends your caravan’s life and maintains its resale value through regular inspection routines.

Exterior Body & Frame Caravan Care Guide

Monthly interior and exterior inspections prevent minor damage from becoming major structural problems that could compromise your caravan’s safety and integrity completely.

Caravan Exterior Maintenance Checklist

Monthly exterior tasks:

• Check for dents, scratches or cracks

• Address surface rust immediately for coastal rust protection

• Clean and inspect roof and roof mounted equipment for damage

• Ensure vents and ventilation and seals are clean and functional

• Repair superficial damage promptly

Get on top of surface rust immediately and save yourself headaches down the track. Keep your caravan clean and dry with a breathable cover when stored.

Chassis & Suspension: Monthly Mechanical Checks

Critical chassis and suspension checks:

• Look for rust or cracking in chassis (get underneath safely)

• Inspect springs for cracking or damage

• Grease suspension and coupling points

• Check suspension mounts securely

• Inspect shock absorbers for leaks

• Examine underbody and A-frame structural integrity

• Service wheel bearings annually or every 10,000km

Regular chassis inspection prevents major structural problems down the track.

For expert suspension maintenance and troubleshooting advice, Alpha Suspensions has tips for different suspension types and inspection schedules.

Climate Control & Battery and Solar Systems Maintenance

Monthly HVAC systems and climate system checks ensure comfortable living conditions and prevent electrical faults that could cause fires or system failures.

Air Conditioning & HVAC Systems Maintenance

If you notice a strange smell coming from the air con and/or heater system or any musty dampness in your caravan, contact your local caravan repair centre asap.

Have a qualified technician service your fridge, stove and air con every 2 years as recommended by Gas Energy Australia.

Clean air con filters and ensure vents are unobstructed. Test heating system before cold weather trips.

Monthly Battery Care & Lighting and Electrical Systems Check

Look for signs of wear, corrosion or damage, check battery charge is functioning correctly and replace your battery as needed.

Test and maintain the caravan’s battery, ensure it’s charged and in good condition. Clean battery terminals and check electrolyte levels if applicable.

Ensure the leads get visually inspected from time to time to spot any outside cover cuts, as damage in the leads can be potentially hazardous.

Annual Caravan Servicing & Professional Maintenance

Annual servicing maintains manufacturer warranties, complies with Australian standards and goes beyond DIY capabilities. Professional technicians follow a comprehensive caravan maintenance checklist that covers all major systems and components.

Annual Caravan Servicing Checklist

Professional maintenance covers complex mechanical and safety systems that need special knowledge, tools and certification to inspect and repair.

What’s Included in a Full Caravan Service

Caravans Australia standards professional service components:

• Brake checks and adjustments

• RCD testing and safety verification

• Gas system compliance inspection

• Damp testing for water ingress

• Chassis and structural examination

• 60-100 individual safety checks

A full service takes around 6 hours to complete. AWS accredited workshops have trained professionals do all the work to Accurate Caravans industry standards.

For professional servicing information and maintenance schedules AllBrand has guides for annual service requirements and DIY maintenance tasks.

Major Components to be Serviced Annually

Professional maintenance:

• Brake discs, brake pads, calipers (every 6-12 months)

• Wheel bearing repacking (annually or 10,000km)

• Tyre rotation (every 5,000-10,000km)

• Appliance servicing: fridge, stove, air conditioning (every 2 years)

You can check for wear yourself but professionals must do brake servicing and wheel bearing maintenance.

Deep Cleaning & Maintenance Record Keeping

Annual deep cleaning and documentation protects your investment and creates maintenance records that add value and warranty compliance.

Annual Caravan Deep Cleaning & Pre-Summer Maintenance Checklist

Wash your caravan with Meguiar’s RV Cleaner to remove dirt, debris and grime that has built up over winter and get it ready for summer travel.

This sacrificial rod is there to prevent rust and corrosion in the hot water system. Over time this will corrode but replacing it with a new anode is a simple job.

Deep clean all storage areas, appliances and ventilation systems. Open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate through the van and remove any stale air or moisture build up. Check for insects and/or bug infestations and consider ultrasonic pest repellents.

Essential products for waste-holding tank and cassette toilet maintenance are Duo Tank Cleaner Concentrated, Aqua Kem© Blue Concentrated, Aqua Rinse Concentrated and Aqua Soft toilet paper – key RV toilet maintenance products for proper sanitation.

For spring cleaning guides and deep maintenance checklists Let’s Go Caravan has step by step seasonal preparation and organisation tips.

Logbook & Maintenance Record

Having a full service history will add value to your caravan or motorhome if you ever sell it.Keep a record of all maintenance, repairs and upgrades. Record service dates to not void manufacturer warranties.

Keep receipts for all professional work and parts replaced. Record any modifications or additions to the caravan, whether it’s an off-road caravan, pop top caravan or hybrid camper.

For maintenance record keeping and warranty compliance Retreat Caravans has yearly checks for DIY and professional maintenance.

Common Caravan Problems & Solutions

Knowing common caravan faults means early detection and prevention, saving thousands in repairs and keeping your family safe.

Caravan Repair Checklist Issues

Circuit breaker tripping means electrical short circuits or current surges. Get a professional electrician in to investigate ASAP to prevent fires or system damage.

Moisture and corrosion causes hard to track electrical problems. Check earth connections for corrosion by disconnecting, cleaning and reconnecting all electrical points.

Pre-loved caravans have questionable electrical modifications. Get a caravan repair centre or auto electrician to inspect any dodgy electrical systems immediately, following industry best practices.

How to Spot & Prevent Common Caravan Faults

Exterior and interior maintenance tips:

• Check doors, windows & doors and roof seals regularly for cracks

• Use lavender sachets to deter pests from damaging

• Use quality conduit and secure mounting for wiring

• Check electrical connections for corrosion regularly

• Fix moisture issues straight away to prevent mould

• Use Thetford Seal Lubricant Spray on seals for optimal function

• Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers as safety equipment

• Make sure safety gear is easily accessible

Critter damage to wiring is common. Secure all loose wires and use proper covering.

Keep Your Caravan Road-Ready All Year Round

Maintenance turns caravan ownership from stressful to enjoyable. Following checklists ensures safety, preserves value and prevents breakdowns.

Do weekly DIY checks, monthly inspections and annual services. Proper maintenance protects your investment and means reliable adventures. 

Get advice from your local caravan shop for motorhome maintenance or specific requirements for registration, insurance & servicing.

Start with basic weekly tasks, move to monthly mechanical checks then annual services for optimal caravan performance in all Australian conditions.

Originally Published: https://www.caravansforsale.com.au/caravan-maintenance-checklist/