1. Check Tire Pressure
Before every trip, or for long idle times in the garage, make sure your tire pressure is at the recommended level. Properly inflated tires not only ensure a smooth ride, but also prevent unnecessary wear and tear, reducing the risk of blowouts on the road.
The tyre pressure should be around 42psi, depending on the load in your van and your specific RV as some smaller vans can run at a lower psi. The recommended minimum psi is 35psi. To find the optimal pressure for your van, check your tyre placard or caravan book – this should have an indication of correct pressure for weight. Different seasons also affect the tyre pressure.
To keep track of your caravan’s tyres, Tire Linc’s 2.0 AU Bluetooth TPMS Kit, available at The Caravan Toyshop, is a great investment for your van. Integrated with the Lippert’s OneControl App, you can check your tyre pressure and tyre temperature right from your smartphone. Check out this video below that explains how this works.
2. Inspect Bearings and Wheel Nuts
Bearings and wheel nuts are crucial components that need to be checked regularly. Loose or worn-out bearings can lead to serious issues, so ensure they’re in good condition before heading out. The ideal tightness is tight enough that they aren’t going to come lose but lose enough that you can easily undo if you need to change a tyre – this is listed in your Jayco owner’s manual.
3. Test Coupling and Lights
Safety first! Always test your caravan’s coupling and lights before you hit the road. Although couplings are fairly low maintenance, it is important to check that cavity is lightly greased and the mounting bolts are not damaged from excessive vibrations.
Properly functioning lights are always a must – check your indicator, brake, tail and running lights are functional and haven’t faded.
4.Keep it Clean
Washing your caravan might require some effort, but it’s well worth it for extending its lifespan and maintaining its resale value.
When it’s time to give your caravan a clean, choose a shaded area or wash it early in the morning or evening to avoid direct sunlight. Be sure to close all vents and windows to prevent water and cleaning products from seeping inside and causing damage to your interior. Leave the awning and pop-top open until the material is completely dry to avoid any moisture buildup.
If you’re storing your Jayco for an extended period, make sure that after cleaning, all toilets, water systems, and air conditioning unit are fully drained and left uncovered to allow air circulation. This simple step helps reduce the risk of mould, keeping your van fresh and ready for the next adventure.
5. Use the Correct Cleaning Products
Not all cleaning products are suitable for your caravan, especially when it comes to the materials used in your Pop-top or Camper Trailer. To protect your investment, it’s essential to use cleaners specifically designed for your Jayco caravan. For example, Camco Wash & Wax Cleaner and Camco Pro-Strength Awning Cleaner, available at The Caravan Toyshop, are excellent choices that help preserve your caravan’s surfaces and finishes.
6. Opt for a Soft Bristle Brush
Just like a car has certain cleaning brushes, so does your Jayco Caravan. When cleaning the exterior of your van, use a soft bristle brush to gently remove dirt and grime. This prevents scratches and keeps your caravan looking its best.
7. Replace the Water Filter Cartridge Annually
To ensure clean and safe drinking water on your travels, it is essential to replace your water filter cartridge every 12 months. This easy maintenance step guarantees fresh water whenever you need it. The Puretec CR20 Inline Caravan and RV Water Filter Kit, available at The Caravan Toyshop for $120.00, it is a great option. It features carbon filtration combined with SilverPlus Antibacterial Technology to remove taste, odour, and chemicals while inhibiting bacterial growth. This means you’ll always have heathy, great tasting water on the go.
8. Clean the Toilet Cassette
Regularly cleaning your toilet cassette is essential for hygiene and to prevent unpleasant odours. Incorporating this into your routine caravan maintenance ensures a more comfortable experience on the road. To keep your toilet in top condition, consider the Thetford range, available at The Caravan Toyshop. Products like Aqua Rinse Concentrate and Spray are excellent choices for effective and easy maintenance.
9. Flush freshwater tanks every 6-12 months
Over time, stagnant water in your freshwater tanks can lead to the growth of algae, mould and other harmful bacteria. To ensure your water supply remains clean and safe, it is important to flush your tanks every 6-12 months. For better-tasting drinking and cooking water, just add 1 teaspoon of Tank Cleanse Pro for every 5 litres of tank capacity. This product is available at The Caravan Toyshop and is an easy way to maintain the quality and safety of your water.
10. Clean Grey and Black Water Tanks
Grey water tanks can develop unpleasant odours if not cleaned regularly. Using an environmentally friendly drain maintenance fluid is an effective and eco-friendly way to keep them fresh and odour-free. Simply empty out your grey water tank as much as possible. Then pour a cup of solution and around 10 litres of water from your sink to your grey water tank before you head off on your caravanning adventure. While there is no specific time the cleaning agent needs to sit, the longer it stays in the tank, the more likely it will be to remove any bacteria and microorganisms. Most people recommend leaving it in the tank for 24 hours. At this stage, you should take the caravan out for a drive to give the cleaning solution and water a chance to mix together and get into all the crevices. Once the cleaning agent has had a chance to work, it is time to flush the tank out again, leaving it clean and disinfected. Finally, it is important to empty this water out – eliminating any chlorine taste and washing away any leftover residue.
11. Check Fuses
Electrical issues can ruin a good trip. Regularly check the fuses in your caravan to ensure everything is functioning properly and replace any that are blown.
12. Regular Servicing is Must
Finally, ensure your caravan is regularly serviced by Jayco Caravanland or one of Jayco’s nation wide Service Agents. It’s recommended to service your caravan at least once a year, even if it hasn’t seen much use. Additionally, consider scheduling a service before embarking on an extended trip or after returning from a long journey. Routine servicing not only helps catch potential issues early but also keeps your caravan in peak condition, ensuring you’re always ready for the road ahead.
You can request a service with us here.
By following these maintenance tips, you’ll extend the life of your caravan and ensure that every journey is as enjoyable as the last. Happy travels!