Caravan Easter prep the simple checklist owners forget

The Easter Awakening: Preparing Your Caravan for the First Trip of 2026

For many UK caravanners, the Easter bank holiday marks the official end of the winter 'lay-up'. However, months of standing idle in damp British weather can take a toll on even the most premium models, from a Bailey Autograph to a compact Tab Metropolis. Preparing your caravan is not just about aesthetics; it is a critical safety and compliance exercise.

1. The Exterior & Running Gear

Before you even think about hitching up, the exterior needs a safety audit. Tyres are the most critical point; even if they have plenty of tread, caravan tyres often perish from UV damage and standing still. Check the date code on the sidewall—industry guidance from the BTMA generally suggests replacement every 5 years, and they must be replaced by 7 years regardless of tread depth.

• Tyre Pressures: Adjust to the manufacturer's recommended PSI (found in your handbook or on the wheel arch plate). Remember to check the spare tyre too.
• Wheel Bolts: Check they are torqued to the correct setting using a calibrated torque wrench. Do not guess; over-tightening can be as dangerous as under-tightening.
• Road Lights: Connect to your tow car and check indicators, brake lights, and fog lamps. Ensure the 13-pin or twin-7-pin sockets are free of corrosion. A quick spray of contact cleaner can prevent intermittent faults.
• Hitching Mechanism: Clean the towball with brake cleaner (if using a stabiliser hitch like an AL-KO or Winterhoff) and ensure the breakaway cable is correctly routed and undamaged. If you have a friction-pad stabiliser, check the pads aren't contaminated or worn.

2. The 'Damp Sniff' and Interior Health

UK winters are notoriously damp. Open the caravan and use your nose—a musty smell usually indicates a leak. Pay close attention to the corners, inside cupboards, and around window seals. If you suspect an issue, consider a professional damp report from one of the many Find a Dealer locations. Modern models like the Bailey Pegasus Grande GT75 Portofino or Swift Challenger SE 580 feature advanced construction, but seals still require annual inspection.

• Battery Care: If you didn't use a trickle charger, your leisure battery may be flat. Charge it fully and check it holds its voltage (ideally 12.7V+ when rested). If it drops below 12V quickly, it may have suffered permanent cell damage.
• Gas System: Check the expiry date on your gas regulator hose (pigtail). If it feels stiff or shows cracks, replace it immediately. Ensure your gas bottle has enough fuel for the potentially chilly Easter nights.
• Water Flush: Stagnant water in the pipes can host bacteria. Use a dedicated caravan pipe cleaner (like Puriclean) to sterilise the system before your first brew. Check the water heater drain-down valve is closed before filling to avoid flooding your pitch.

3. Legal Compliance & Weight Limits for 2026

It is easy to forget that your driving licence and vehicle weights must be checked annually, especially if you have changed your tow car over the winter. Whether you are towing a lightweight Bailey Discovery D4-4 or a substantial Lunar Quasar 524, you must ensure your MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) does not exceed your car's towing limit.

Use our Caravan Towing Calculator to verify your outfit's stability. Remember, the 85% recommendation for beginners is still the gold standard for safety, even if the legal limit allows for more.

Easter Prep Checklist

Task	Action Required	Status
Alarms	Check smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarm batteries (replace annually)	☐
Window Seals	Inspect for perish/cracking and lubricate with silicone spray	☐
Number Plate	Verify plate matches tow car and is legal (BS AU 145e)	☐
Appliances	Check fridge operates on all power sources (Gas/12V/230V)	☐
Electrical Safety	Test the RCD (Residual Current Device) in the consumer unit	☐
Leisure Battery	Ensure battery is secured and terminals are tight/greased	☐
Torque Check	Tighten wheel bolts to manufacturer specification	☐