How to Get Your Caravan Ready for Spring

By Anna Jones at Eversure, 13th March 2025, 15 min read

Spring is here, and so now is the perfect time to prepare your caravan for the season ahead. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to freshen up your caravan and get it ready for spring.

After months in storage, your caravan will need some TLC to restore it to its home-away-from-home status. A thorough clean, essential maintenance and a few checks will make sure it's safe and comfortable.

The process of dewinterising your caravan may seem like a daunting task, but the time and effort you put into it now will pay off when you are enjoying caravan trips in the warmer months.

Before you get started, gather these tools and supplies:

Tools

Multi-tip screwdriver
Assorted screws
Adjustable spanners

Pliers

Cleaning Supplies

Sponges and a bucket of warm water
Household cleaning supplies (disinfectant, microfibre cloths, a duster and a vacuum cleaner)
Bleach (for sterilising the water system)

Exterior

The first step in bringing your caravan out of hibernation is tackling the exterior. A clean caravan is not just cosmetic - it helps prevent rust and mould, which can accumulate and cause long-term damage.

When cleaning the exterior of your caravan, it's best to work from the top down as it's likely the top of your caravan has collected the most dirt.

Use cleaning products specifically designed for caravans; regular car cleaning products can be too abrasive and may damage the paintwork and body. Likewise, avoid using a pressure washer, as the high pressure can weaken window seals. Instead, opt for a hose on a gentle setting to loosen dirt before applying a dedicated caravan cleaner.

For added protection, consider applying a protective coating. This helps repel dirt, keeping your caravan looking clean for longer.

Finally, avoid letting your caravan air-dry in the sun, as this can lead to watermarks. Instead, use a soft microfibre cloth to gently dry and polish the surface.

Tyre Maintenance

Your caravan's tyres will need some attention, particularly if you did not rotate the wheels and it's been sitting idle on the tyres all winter. Even if you occasionally rotated the wheels during storage, the tyres can still wear down.

Start by inspecting each tyres for signs of damage. Key things to check for include:

Flat tyres
Cracks
Bulging and warping

If you do notice any of the above, you must replace the tyres as soon as possible.

You also need to check the tyre pressure as it naturally drops over winter.

To do this, use a tyre pressure gauge. Remove the valve cap, press the gauge onto the valve and read the displayed pressure. Compare it with the recommended PSI as indicated on the tyre sidewall. Inflate or deflate the tyres as needed.

For the most accurate tyre pressure reading, check the tyre pressure when they're cold.

Whilst you are checking the tyres, you should also check the wheel nuts and bearings.

Verify the wheel nuts are properly tightened and there are no signs of rust or excessive wear.

Additionally, grease the wheel bearings and confirm they're in good working order to prevent issues when towing.

Running Gear

Once you’ve inspected the tyres, it’s time to check the running gear, including the brakes, lights, and hitch components.

Test the handbrake to check it operates smoothly and isn’t too stiff.

Then check the corner steadies; clean and regrease them as necessary to keep them in good working order.

Inspect the road lights and electrical connection between your tow car and caravan. If you spot any corrosion, you can remove it using wire wool. To protect them, use WD-40.

Replace any broken or dim bulbs so you have full visibility on the road.

Waking Up the Water System

Before storing your caravan for winter, you likely drained the water system to prevent freezing and potential damage. As you're now preparing to use your caravan again, you should follow these steps to restore the system to full working order.

The first thing to do when restoring your caravan’s water supply is to reconnect all the showers and pipes. You should leave cold water taps open but keep hot water taps closed for the time being.

If you disconnected the water inlet from the boiler, this is the time to reconnect it, however, you should not switch the boiler on.

Refit the toilet flush into the cisterns.

Now check that all the pipes are tight and correctly sealed.

Head outside to the drain down taps. If you disassembled them completely, now is the time to refit them. If you only left them open, simply close them again by using the water tap wrench.

If you have an external tap, make sure this is open to reduce the chance of airlocks.

You can now switch on your freshwater supply. If you disconnected it completely, you would need to reconnect the pipework. Otherwise locate your stopwatch and switch it on to allow water to run into your caravan.

If you want to sterilise your water system, which you probably should if your caravan has been sat idle over the whole winter, now is the time to do it. Use a safe chemical sterilising fluid, like Puriclean, as other brands may be corrosive to metals and bleach is quite harsh and has the potential to corrode plastic fittings. The amount of Puriclean you need is in line with your water tank capacity – for a 90 litre tank, they recommend 100g.

If your water system has a filter in it, you need to remove this first, as Puriclean will damage it. Now add Puriclean to your Aquaroll and fill the tank to full capacity. Roll the tank over and shake it before leaving it to sit.

Flush a small amount of sterilised water through all the taps and the shower. Then close them and wait for the Puriclean to sterilise the Aquaroll.

You now need to leave every tap and shower on to completely flush the Aquaroll. In opening every water access point, you are ensuring there’s a good amount of sterilisation across the whole network of piping.

To avoid leaving traces of Puriclean, fill the Aqauroll with water and drain it through the taps and shower again. It’s a good idea to do this twice to make sure all chemicals have left the system.

Now fit a new water filter.

Check for leaks and airlocks. When running water through the taps, you should verify all taps are running as they should and that there are no air locks. Additionally, check that the toilets are filling with fresh water and the shower is also running. Inspect the drain down taps to verify there are no leaks. You might not be able to tell the hot water boiler is filling but you’ll be able to see signs of leaks from incoming water.

Turn off all taps and showers, and then inspect pipes under sinks and in cupboards to check for leaks or dribbling.

With the boiler still switched off, you can turn attention to hot water taps – allow the water to run through. Once you are confident there are no signs of air locks, you can switch on the water heater and the heater.

As you are going through this process, don’t forget to flush away any signs of antifreeze. After completing all these steps, your caravan's water system is fully operational.

Electrical System and Battery

Before using your caravan, you should check the leisure battery has charge in it and is in good condition.

If you removed the battery for winter storage then you need to make sure the clamps are free of rust and are clean before reconnecting. You should also check the battery is fully charged before you reinstall it.

To test the battery, try switching on the interior lights and water pump to see how they function.

If you find your battery isn't holding any charge, then try charging the battery with a dedicated battery charger rather than relying on the internal charging system.

Once you have done these checks, you can reconnect all your electrical appliances. Then confirm all lights, sockets and security systems, if you have them, are working.

Check for any blown fuses, particularly for essential appliances like lights and the fridge.

Gas System

If you removed the gas cylinders during winter storage, you first need to inspect the rubber hose for cracks or damage. Even if it looks fine, you should consider replacing it if it's over 5 years old as rubber degrades over time. Rubber hoses typically last five years and are stamped with its manufacture date.

Before you reconnect the gas cylinders, you need to secure them. You also need to make sure they are properly ventilated before reconnecting.

Once you have reconnected them, you should check for gas leaks by applying a soapy water solution to the connections - if bubbles form, then there is a leak.

Additionally you should smell for any gas - any unusual odour may indicate a leak that needs immediate attention.

Upon reconnecting your gas supply you should test all your appliances. Flames on a gas cooker should burn blue - a yellow or orange flame suggests there is an issue.

Also make sure you test the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors so they are functioning as they should. Also check any security alarms you may have to check they are operational.

Spring Clean

Now you have done all the checks and put everything back as it should be, it's time to clean your caravan. As you are cleaning you should also inspect for any signs of damp as even with the best precautions, moisture can accumulate over winter.

Key areas to check are:

Windows, doors and skylights as these are common points for leaks.
Upholstery - damp will cause discolouration or a clammy feel.

If you smell a musty smell this typically indicates the presence of damp and you should address this immediately to prevent any further damage. If after cleaning, it no longer smells musty, the smell is likely not because of damp.

After checking for damp, you should start the process of cleaning the inside of your caravan. As you do this, leave open windows and doors to get air circulating back through your caravan after it has been shut up for so long.

Any mattresses stored on their sides should be placed back into position and given time to regain their shape. Return pillows and duvets after giving them a shake and a chance to be properly aired.

Close wardrobe doors and check for any signs of dampness and mildew again just to double check before you start storing clothes.

Vacuum and dust the lounge area to refresh the area and remove any accumulated dirt or dust.

Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light.

When it comes to the kitchen, return any food supplies to the cupboard double checking everything is fresh and in date. Don’t forget to also clean the inside of your appliances like your fridge and your freezer.

Wipe down all the surfaces including cupboards, worktops and the cooker.

Plug your fridge and freezer back in and turn them on if you had disconnected them. Make sure you have given them a good clean, so they are odour free.

After you have connected the gas and sorted the water system out, you should test the appliances and check all taps.

Final Thoughts

Allowing time to reorganise the interior of your caravan and get all the systems back up and running will make for a more comfortable caravanning experience this spring.

Even with all the right preparation, problems like unforeseen damage and theft continue to be a risk. Our touring and static caravan insurance provides you with peace of mind, so you know you have every eventuality covered.