READY FOR THE ROAD

THINGS WITH WHEELS are designed to move, but low-season weather, high-season crowds, coronavirus pandemics and more can mean your caravan becomes something of a garden ornament.

Idleness causes things to deteriorate, rather than wear out, but being aware of the potential problems and carrying out some preventive maintenance will help to avoid difficulties later on.

With some simple potions and tools, you can give yourself a great chance of ensuring the first trip out this season is memorable for all the right reasons.

We are taking for granted that your van has been serviced in recent memory, and laid up for an extended period.

Essential tools and kit

We aren’t doing any heavy lifting here. You won’t need loads of tools or specialised kit, but a few items go a long way in ensuring that first trip is a smooth one.

Depending on what you are planning to do, you should get yourself the following:

□ Warm water
□ Car shampoo
□ WD-40 or equivalent
□ Silicone spray
□ White lithium grease
□ Graphite grease
□ Surgical spirit
□ White vinegar
□ Cotton buds
□ Petroleum jelly
□ An old toothbrush
□ Microfibre cloths
□ Cotton cloths
□ A nailbrush

Check and charge batteries

Experienced caravanners know that a neglected battery quickly becomes an