Spring Recommissioning
Complete de-winterization and recommissioning procedure for the new season
- 50checks
- 9sections
- 120minutes
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
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Walk around the entire vehicle checking for damage
Look for dents, scratches, storm damage
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Inspect all window seals for cracks or gaps
Pay close attention to corners and lower edges
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Inspect door seals for damage or peeling
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Inspect rooflight and skylight seals
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Inspect roof for cracks or delamination
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Check undercarriage for corrosion or rodent damage
Look for chewed pipes, wiring, or insulation
02 Damp Check
Check for moisture ingress
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Check around all windows for damp or staining
Press wall panels; damp areas feel soft or spongy
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Check around doors for signs of moisture
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Check roof edge joints where wall meets roof
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Check floor edges and wheel arch areas
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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
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Close all drain-down valves
Reverse of winterization; turn levers to horizontal
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Close all taps
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Fill fresh water tank
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Switch on water pump
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Open each tap until water flows, then close
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Check all connections and fittings for leaks
Inspect push-fit fittings, pipe joints, under sinks
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Sanitise water system with Puriclean or similar
25g per 25L water; run through all outlets; soak 1-12 hours
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Drain entire system after sanitising
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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
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Visually inspect gas regulator for damage Safety-critical
Check for cracks, dents, corrosion
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Check gas regulator expiry date Safety-critical
Cavagna: 5 years; Truma: 10 years
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Reconnect gas cylinders and regulators
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Leak test all connections with soapy water Safety-critical
Bubbles indicate a leak; do not use dishwashing liquid
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Test all hob burners for steady blue flame
Yellow flame indicates a problem
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Test oven ignition and temperature hold
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Confirm gas drop-out vents are unobstructed Safety-critical
Check for insect nests and debris
05 Electrical System
Test all electrical systems
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Reinstall battery if removed; clean terminals
Apply petroleum jelly to terminals
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Fully charge leisure battery
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Test 12V system: lights, pump, control panel
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Test 230V system: sockets, charger, water heater
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Clean and test 13-pin plug: all light functions
06 Safety Devices
Verify all safety equipment
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Test smoke alarm; check battery and expiry date Safety-critical
Replace after 10 years from manufacture
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Test CO detector; check expiry date Safety-critical
CO detectors typically last 5-7 years
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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
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Test heating system on gas mode
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Test heating system on electric mode
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Check warm air at all duct outlets
Check ducting connections under floor for disconnection
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Test hot water production at each tap
08 Appliance Tests
Test all onboard appliances
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Test fridge on mains electric
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Test fridge on 12V
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Test toilet flush mechanism
Check for leaks at cassette compartment
09 Tyres & Brakes
Check tyres and braking system before first journey
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Reduce tyre pressure from storage to road-use level Safety-critical
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Inspect tyres for cracking, bulging, or flat spots Safety-critical
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Check tyre age via DOT code Safety-critical
Replace if over 5 years; do not use if over 7 years
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Check tread depth meets legal minimum Safety-critical
1.6mm legal minimum; 3mm+ recommended
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Check spare tyre condition and pressure
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Test handbrake moves freely Safety-critical
Brakes can seize after winter storage in damp conditions
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Test brakes: move forward slowly and brake Safety-critical
If seized, rock back and forth; seek professional help if persistent
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Check wheel nut torque Safety-critical
Related checklists
Other moments in the same trip.
- Pre-Trip Preparation Complete pre-trip preparation checklist for towed caravans 18 checks · 45 minutes
- Departure from Campsite Complete pre-departure procedure for towed caravans 46 checks · 30 minutes
- Arrival at Campsite Complete setup procedure for towed caravans at the campsite 42 checks · 25 minutes
- Stepping Out Secure your caravan before heading out for a few hours 21 checks · 10 minutes
These lists are maintained alongside the caracheck app and updated whenever the app is.