Getting your caravan out of storage soon? Read this first!

After months in storage, it’s always exciting to see your caravan again and start planning those first trips of the year. But before you hook up and head off, it’s important to remember that your caravan has been standing still for a long time. Tyres age, seals dry out, damp can creep in, and systems can develop faults without you noticing.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what to check when you first get your caravan out of storage – and why booking a pre-season service with a mobile caravan engineer is one of the best ways to start the season safely.

1. First walk-around: what to look for outside

Start with a simple visual inspection around your caravan:

• Bodywork & panels

  • Look for cracks, dents, or damage that may have appeared over winter.

  • Check all seals around windows, doors and rooflights for splits or gaps.

• Windows & doors

  • Make sure they open and close properly.

  • Check the rubber seals for signs of perishing, shrinkage or damage.

• Lights

  • Test all exterior lights: indicators, brake lights, side lights, fog lights, etc.

  • Ask someone to help while you operate the lights from your tow car.

This quick check can highlight obvious issues – but it’s only the beginning.

2. Tyres and running gear: don’t skip this bit

Your tyres are one of the most important safety items on your caravan.

Look for:

• Cracks or perishing on the sidewalls

• Bulges or flat spots

• The age of the tyres (usually stamped as a 4-digit code, e.g. 2319 = week 23 of 2019)

• Correct tyre pressure for your caravan

Even if the tread looks fine, tyres can still be unsafe due to age or damage. Many caravan organisations recommend changing tyres around 5–7 years old, even if they’re not worn out.

Your caravan’s brakes, hitch, handbrake and suspension also need to be in good working order. During a professional service, these are inspected, cleaned and adjusted to make sure everything is operating safely when you tow.

3. Inside the caravan: damp, soft spots and interior checks

Once you’re happy with the outside, step inside and have a good look and feel around:

• Damp & soft spots

  • Check corners, around windows, rooflights and inside cupboards.

  • Look for staining, mould, bubbling wallpaper or soft walls/ceilings.

  • A musty smell can also be a warning sign.

• Furniture & fittings

  • Make sure seats, beds and tables are secure and in good condition.

  • Check that lockers and cupboards open and close properly.

• Floor

  • Walk around and pay attention to any spongy areas which could indicate delamination or damp issues.

A professional service includes using a damp meter to detect moisture you might not see yet – catching problems early can save you a lot of money in repairs later.

4. Gas, electrics and appliances: safety first

Your caravan’s gas and electrical systems are vital for heating, cooking and comfort – but they must be safe.

Gas system checks include:

• Condition of gas hoses and regulators

• Leak checks and correct operation

• Appliances running safely (hob, oven, heater, fridge, etc.)

Electrical checks include:

• 12v and 230v systems

• Condition of cables, sockets and connections

• Correct operation of appliances and battery charging

If you’re not trained, it’s not recommended to start taking things apart yourself. This is where a qualified mobile caravan engineer is invaluable – they have the tools and knowledge to test everything properly.

5. Water system: clean and ready to use

After winter, your caravan’s water system will need attention:

• Flush through the fresh water system to remove stale water

• Clean the water container, pipes and taps

• Check for leaks and drips

• If you have a water heater, make sure it’s operating correctly

Many owners like to use specific cleaning products designed for caravan water systems to keep everything fresh and hygienic.

6. Why a pre-season mobile service is so important

You can spot a lot yourself with basic checks, but a full pre-season service goes much deeper and gives you peace of mind.

A professional service will typically include:

• Full chassis and running gear inspection

• Brake and hitch checks

• Damp testing using a meter

• Detailed gas and electric safety checks

• Inspection of bodywork, windows, doors and roof

• Checks on appliances and ventilation

For many owners, the benefits are clear:

• Safety – You’re taking your family on the road; safety has to come first.

• Prevention – Catching issues early is usually cheaper than repairing major damage later.

• Paperwork & value – Regular servicing helps maintain your caravan’s value.

• Convenience – With a mobile service, you don’t have to tow your caravan to a workshop. The engineer comes to your home or storage site.

7. Why choose a mobile caravan service?

Using a mobile engineer, like AP Mobile Caravan Services, means:

• No need to tow your caravan to a dealer

• Ideal if your caravan is in storage or on your driveway

• Flexible appointments

• Local contact you can use year after year

Instead of rushing your checks before your first trip, you can get everything done properly and enjoy your holiday with confidence.

Getting your caravan out of storage is an exciting moment – but it’s also the best time to make sure everything is safe, dry and ready to go.

By carrying out some basic visual checks and booking a pre-season service, you can:

• Protect you and your family

• Avoid breakdowns and ruined holidays

• Extend the life of your caravan

If you’re planning your first trips of the year, now is the perfect time to book your service.

Book your pre-season caravan service with AP Mobile Caravan Services