Staying on top of caravan maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated — but it does need to be consistent. Most major caravan issues don’t appear overnight; they build slowly when small checks are skipped.
This checklist breaks caravan maintenance down into weekly, monthly, and annual tasks, so you know exactly what to check and when — whether you’re a weekend traveller or doing longer trips.
What You’ll Learn
- What to check before and during trips
- Which maintenance jobs can be done at home
- What should be inspected professionally
- How to prevent common (and expensive) issues
This guide is suitable for new owners, experienced travellers, and anyone running an older or second-hand caravan.
Quick Reference: Maintenance Frequency
- Weekly / Before trips: Safety and function checks
- Monthly: Wear, lubrication, and early issue detection
- Annual: Mechanical, safety, and compliance inspections
Weekly / Before Every Trip Checklist
These checks help catch problems before they become trip-ending issues.
Exterior & Towing
- Tyre pressure (including spare)
- Tyre condition (cracks, bulges, uneven wear)
- Wheel nut tightness
- Hitch, coupling, and safety chains secure
- Jockey wheel operates smoothly
- Breakaway system connected and functional
Lights & Electrics
- Indicators, brake lights, and tail lights
- Anderson plug connection secure
- Battery charge level
- Interior lights working
Gas & Water
- Gas bottles secured and valves closed for travel
- Hoses free from cracks or damage
- Water pump primes correctly
- No visible leaks under the van
⏱ Time required: 15–30 minutes
Monthly Caravan Maintenance Checklist
Monthly checks focus on wear, lubrication, and early fault detection.
Seals & Body
- Inspect seals around windows, doors, and hatches
- Look for cracks, gaps, or signs of water ingress
- Check roof penetrations if accessible
Moving Parts
- Lubricate door hinges and locks
- Lubricate stabiliser legs and jockey wheel
- Check awning arms and latches
Electrical & Appliances
- Test 12V and 240V systems
- Check battery terminals for corrosion
- Run fridge on all available modes
- Test water heater operation
Underside & Chassis (Visual)
- Look for loose bolts or damage
- Inspect suspension components
- Check for oil, grease, or water leaks
Annual Caravan Maintenance Checklist
Annual servicing is critical for safety and long-term reliability and is best handled by a qualified technician.
Mechanical & Safety
- Wheel bearing service or replacement
- Brake inspection and adjustment
- Suspension assessment
- Chassis and drawbar inspection
- Coupling and safety chain inspection
Gas & Electrical
- Gas system pressure and leak test
- Electrical system inspection
- Battery health testing
- Solar system output check
Water Systems
- Pressure test plumbing
- Flush and sanitise water tanks
- Inspect hot water system and anode rod (if fitted)
If your caravan is under warranty, annual servicing is often required to keep it valid.
Extra Checks for Off-Road or Remote Travel
If you travel on corrugated roads, beaches, or remote tracks, shorten your maintenance intervals and add:
- Frequent bolt and fastener checks
- More regular bearing and brake inspections
- Inspection of wiring looms and connections
- Extra attention to suspension and chassis
Signs You’ve Missed a Check
Book a service immediately if you notice:
- Squealing or grabbing brakes
- Excessive wheel or hub heat
- Water stains or mould inside
- Electrical faults or intermittent power
- Appliances not performing as expected
These are warning signs — not inconveniences.
Key Takeaways
- Caravan maintenance works best when it’s routine
- Small, regular checks prevent major repairs
- Not everything needs a professional — but some things do
- Off-road use demands more frequent inspections
Next Steps
Want to understand how often these checks should be done and why they matter?
👉 How Often Should You Service a Caravan?
Not confident handling this yourself or want a full inspection done properly?
👉 Service option: Book a professional caravan service
