Caravan checklist

Spring Recommissioning

Complete de-winterization and recommissioning procedure for the new season

50 checks in 9 sections, about 120 minutes. Free to read or print — or run it in the app, where it adapts to your exact caravan and the equipment you own.

Marked items cause damage, a fine, or an accident if skipped.

01 Exterior Inspection

Check for damage and deterioration from winter

  • Walk around the entire vehicle checking for damage

    Look for dents, scratches, storm damage

  • Inspect all window seals for cracks or gaps

    Pay close attention to corners and lower edges

  • Inspect door seals for damage or peeling

  • Inspect rooflight and skylight seals

  • Inspect roof for cracks or delamination

  • Check undercarriage for corrosion or rodent damage

    Look for chewed pipes, wiring, or insulation

02 Damp Check

Check for moisture ingress

  • Check around all windows for damp or staining

    Press wall panels; damp areas feel soft or spongy

  • Check around doors for signs of moisture

  • Check roof edge joints where wall meets roof

  • Check floor edges and wheel arch areas

  • Check for musty odour indicating damp or mould

    Use a damp meter for accurate readings if available

03 Water System Flush & Sanitise

Flush and sanitise the entire water system

  • Close all drain-down valves

    Reverse of winterization; turn levers to horizontal

  • Close all taps

  • Fill fresh water tank

  • Switch on water pump

  • Open each tap until water flows, then close

  • Check all connections and fittings for leaks

    Inspect push-fit fittings, pipe joints, under sinks

  • Sanitise water system with Puriclean or similar

    25g per 25L water; run through all outlets; soak 1-12 hours

  • Drain entire system after sanitising

  • Flush 2-3 times with clean water through all taps

    Continue until no sanitiser residue remains

04 Gas System Check

Inspect and test gas system

  • Visually inspect gas regulator for damage Safety-critical

    Check for cracks, dents, corrosion

  • Check gas regulator expiry date Safety-critical

    Cavagna: 5 years; Truma: 10 years

  • Reconnect gas cylinders and regulators

  • Leak test all connections with soapy water Safety-critical

    Bubbles indicate a leak; do not use dishwashing liquid

  • Test all hob burners for steady blue flame

    Yellow flame indicates a problem

  • Test oven ignition and temperature hold

  • Confirm gas drop-out vents are unobstructed Safety-critical

    Check for insect nests and debris

05 Electrical System

Test all electrical systems

  • Reinstall battery if removed; clean terminals

    Apply petroleum jelly to terminals

  • Fully charge leisure battery

  • Test 12V system: lights, pump, control panel

  • Test 230V system: sockets, charger, water heater

  • Clean and test 13-pin plug: all light functions

06 Safety Devices

Verify all safety equipment

  • Test smoke alarm; check battery and expiry date Safety-critical

    Replace after 10 years from manufacture

  • Test CO detector; check expiry date Safety-critical

    CO detectors typically last 5-7 years

  • Check fire extinguisher pressure and service date Safety-critical

    Gauge in green zone; extended service at 5 years

07 Heating Test

Test heating system operation

  • Test heating system on gas mode

  • Test heating system on electric mode

  • Check warm air at all duct outlets

    Check ducting connections under floor for disconnection

  • Test hot water production at each tap

08 Appliance Tests

Test all onboard appliances

  • Test fridge on mains electric

  • Test fridge on 12V

  • Test toilet flush mechanism

    Check for leaks at cassette compartment

09 Tyres & Brakes

Check tyres and braking system before first journey

  • Reduce tyre pressure from storage to road-use level Safety-critical

  • Inspect tyres for cracking, bulging, or flat spots Safety-critical

  • Check tyre age via DOT code Safety-critical

    Replace if over 5 years; do not use if over 7 years

  • Check tread depth meets legal minimum Safety-critical

    1.6mm legal minimum; 3mm+ recommended

  • Check spare tyre condition and pressure

  • Test handbrake moves freely Safety-critical

    Brakes can seize after winter storage in damp conditions

  • Test brakes: move forward slowly and brake Safety-critical

    If seized, rock back and forth; seek professional help if persistent

  • Check wheel nut torque Safety-critical

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All caravan checklists

These lists are maintained alongside the caracheck app and updated whenever the app is.