Owning a caravan gives you the chance to get out and see the country whenever you like, but as with any other vehicle, you’ll need to repair and maintain your caravan over the years to keep it at its best. Depending on the essentials that were included with your caravan and any upgrades you may have added, you’ll have to deal with both electrical and plumbing caravan problems, similar to what you may deal with in your home.
Here’s a look at some of the most common caravan issues and what you can do to fix them.
Dull or broken Lighting
Over time you may notice that some of the lights in your caravan begin to flicker, become dull or simply stop working. In most cases, it is a simple matter of replacing the bulb to get things back up and running again. New vans will have LEDs, offering long life, but replacement will be the whole light, not a globe.
If none of your lights are working throughout your caravan, you may have a dead battery on your hands, so it is a good idea to have a backup ready to go in case of emergency.
If some lights are working but others are not, your issue could be a bit more complex and might take some trial and error to diagnose. Start by checking that all your circuits are connected. Next, check the fuses.
If you are still having difficulty with your lights, or if they are not staying on consistently, there could be a problem in your wiring. Electrical work can be very dangerous if you are not qualified so speak to an electrician or caravan repair specialist to assist.
Damaged external panels & fabric
As you drive around with your caravan in tow, it will be exposed to the harsh Australian elements, including the sun, rain, road debris, bumpy terrain and more. Over time, these can wreak havoc on the exterior of your caravan. If possible, have your caravan protected with an application such as Paintseal Gen 3 ceramic coating.
Fortunately, most minor damage, like dents and scratches, can be easily repaired without you having to replace the panels. Small scratches and dents that may look unpleasant but do not compromise the integrity of your van aren’t an urgent fix. However, if the damaged panels or fabric could jeopardise the safety of your caravan, it’s important to get it fixed promptly.
For larger external dents and scratches, book a caravan service online and have a specialised team inspect the van to ensure its road safe. For rips and tears in the fabric of your caravan, speak to a local fabric repair workshop who will match your caravans colour scheme and fabric type.
Air conditioner not cooling
Especially during the hot Australian summer months, air conditioning is essential for your caravan, so it can be a major issue when it isn’t blowing cold air (your family is sure to remind you throughout the trip).
If you’re lucky, the problem may be as simple as changing out a dirty air filter, which you can likely do on your own. Your air-con unit may also have run out of refrigerant, another simple repair. So head to your local caravan accessories store to stock up before your holiday.
If neither of those options do the trick, it is best to call in a professional, especially if the unit is still under warranty.
Like most appliances, air conditioners are quite complex, and it is essential that they are installed and maintained properly. It is a good idea to have your air-con serviced once a year. This will help you catch any issues early on so that you can keep that cool air flowing when you need it.
Shower leaks
If you have a caravan with a shower and toilet, the last thing you want is for the shower to start leaking. Not only will this waste water, but it also exposes you to the risk of further damage to your caravan including rusting pipes, buckled flooring, mould and mildew. For leaks underneath the shower, the problem is likely a cracked shower tray. This is usually a relatively easy fix that will just take some waterproof sealant. Alternatively, a fibreglass repairer may be helpful.
Leaks under the shower that are not the result of a cracked tray likely come from the plumbing. Check the pipes for any leaks. If you are handy, you may be able to repair them yourself. Otherwise, call an experienced plumber or caravan repair technician to do the job for you. The same goes for leaks that come from the shower head itself.
Faulty window and door seals
When the doors and windows of your caravan don’t seal properly, outside air will be able to get into your caravan, diminishing the effect of your air conditioning or heating. If the gaps are large enough, insects and other unwanted critters may be able to get inside as well. If that’s not enough to get you to repair them, loose seals can also make your caravan easier to break into, possibly making it a target for thieves.
While you may be able to replace the seals yourself, it is smarter to leave it to a caravan professional. Fixing this type of caravan problem is not as easy as it might seem at first glance, and you’ll likely spend more time trying to figure out how to do it properly than it would take an experienced technician to complete the entire repair. Save yourself some time and just let the caravan professionals handle this one.
Damaged sinks and benchtops
Just like the kitchen in your home, your caravan’s kitchen probably gets a fair bit of use during your travels. This can leave your sink and benchtops worn, scratched, dented or cracked. For older benchtops, it may be as simple as replacing the laminate finish on top of the bench. If the damage goes beyond the surface, though, you’ll likely want to replace the entire top.
If it is your caravan problem is that the sink is damaged, you may be able to repair it yourself as well. For surface cracks and scratches, you can often fix the damage with simple waterproof sealant and acrylic polish. If it is a major caravan problem and it looks like you’re going to have to replace the entire sink, leave the task to a professional.
Bring your caravan to Lewis RV
If you’re experiencing frustrating caravan problems, bring your caravan to Lewis RV in Guildford, WA. Our expert caravan repair technicians can handle all common caravan issues and we’ll get your caravan back up and running in no time. We can also help with all ongoing maintenance and tune-ups, so feel free to reach out on (08) 6555 7755.
