A Guide to Repairing Your Caravan
Here in the UK, we are a nation of caravan lovers. In fact, it is estimated that there are approximately 550,000 caravans in use with over 2 million people taking holidays in them or motorhomes every single year. There’s something about taking to the open road and finding a charming location to spend the night that calls to us, especially seeing as we live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. As with any moving vehicle, caravans require regular servicing and maintenance to keep them working at full capacity. And repairs should also be undertaken swiftly to prevent them from escalating and becoming more costly in the future. In this guide, our experts at Sealant & Tools Direct have brought together everything you need to know about caring for and repairing your caravan.
What Are Your Legal Requirements?
Here in the UK, we have specific laws that govern the maintenance and use of caravans safely. Following these won’t just prevent you from getting pulled over during your next journey, but will also make it safer to enjoy your touring holiday with loved ones. Some laws govern the ownership, insurance, towing and safe parking but the ones we’ll focus on here are those surrounding maintenance.
Unlike cars and other vehicles, caravans do not need to have an in-date MOT to be road legal. However, as the owner, it is your responsibility to make sure they are safe at all times by following the general rules surrounding roadworthiness. For example, you need to:
- Make sure the tyres have a minimum tread of 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tread breadth around the circumference of the tyre.
- Ensure the wheels are securely fixed to the axel at all times.
- The brake lights, indicators and other necessary lights are in working order.
Many caravan owners undertake an annual safety check to make sure their moving homes are suitable for use on the roads - both when they are being towed or when driving on their own. Outside of this, it is advisable to have your own set of checks and assessments to make sure the caravan is in full working order.
Are Repairs Covered by My Insurance?
In the UK, there is also no legal requirement to have your caravan insured. However, if you are towing it, you will need to have 3rd party cover on the car you are using to cover potential damage to other people’s vehicles during transit. For the most conscious caravan owners, tailored insurance can offer a level of security and peace of mind every time you use it. It will cover things like theft, damage during towing and accidents related to harsh weather conditions.
As with most levels of insurance, you can tailor caravan insurance to cover your needs. For example, it can be used to pay out for:
- Loss of damage related to fire, theft, floods of storms.
- Contents cover for the belongings stored inside.
- Accidental damage cover during towing.
For smaller-scale repairs, it is normally cheaper to undertake them yourselves or pay a professional rather than claiming on your insurance. Not only is this likely to increase your monthly premium, but you may also have to pay an initial fee before the claim is processed. Most common repairs can be easily undertaken by even the most under qualified individuals - especially when you have the right tools and equipment to hand.
What Repairs Can I Do Myself?
It is entirely possible to undertake many repairs yourself or with the support of different professionals. When it comes to issues with your gas system, water systems, suspension or electrical system, it pays to find a suitable technician or plumber to help. This will ensure that you get the issue identified quickly, the repair completed to a high standard and you don’t risk accentuating the problem either. However, issues with the external bodywork and internal fixtures are easily repaired by you.
It’s not uncommon to find small dents, scratches or damage to the external body of your caravan. While they are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, they are still temporary structures with less strength than a fixed building.
Dents
In many cases, you can pop out small dents with suction tools that safely move the metal back into place. If the dent is in a fibreglass panel, these can be filled in with specialist resin before being sanded down and repainted.
Scratches
Again, it’s not uncommon to find scratches in the paintwork. But light ones are unlikely to make their way through the many layers of paint used to finish a caravan. Using a lambswool polisher head, the right sanding pads and a specialist eye, you’ll be able to smooth these dents over before using a specialist spray paint, such as those from 151, to replace the colour lost. Deeper scratches may need to be filled in with a resin beforehand.
You may also want to consider a medium cutting compound wax, such as this one from 3M Marine which is suitable for fibreglass repairs while also providing a protective coating to minimise scratches in the future.
Windows
If the existing sealant around your windows become damaged or old, it can break off and increase the chance of leaks. The good news is sealant is very easy to replace. With products such as the Bostik Simson ISR 70-03 caravan sealant, you can seal around seams while the Silverline Silicone Sealant Joint Smoothing Finishing Kit ensures the most professional results.
Choosing the Right Products
The best way to achieve a high-quality finish with any caravan repair is to invest in the right equipment. At Sealant & Tools Direct, we have a wide range of caravan-related products to help you do just that, from toilet fluid treatments to silicone sealants for bonding and sealing. We also have a specialist team on hand to provide advice and recommendations. If you’re dealing with a damaged caravan and need support, please do get in contact with us here today.