Trailer Tent & Folding Camper Pre-Season Checklist
(News archive - January 23rd 2009)
You've been on the road for 4-hours driving to the southwest of England. You don't mind the drive, it's a refreshing change to the 30 minute journey made twice a day, 5-days a week for the last 7-years and anyway you're on holiday! You've arrived at the campsite, which by the way comes highly recommended. The weather is fantastic, the kids well behaved and the wife is smiling. In 30 minutes time you'll be sitting in the "Nags Head" sampling some of the local beverages - oh happy days!
But what's this - you've forgotten to replace essential
cabin polework, which had become terminally damaged
during a fishing trip last year! Try explaining this
one to the nags head!
Help is at Hand
To help avoid any unnecessary disasters this year we have put together some very simple checks for trailer tent and folding camper owners. Most of these checks can be carried out by a competent person, however if unsure or in the event you think that you may have a problem that requires professional assistance, please contact our Service Department on 0161 902 3020.
Our winter trailer tent servicing offer of £79.00 finishes on 10\3\2009. Also if you have any pole work or material repairs call 0161-902-3020 (closed weds) so we can book you in. There can be long delays on repairs once the camping and caravan season gets in full swing as guarantee work and workshop PDI's take priority.
Top 10 Tips
- External Damage - as soon as weather permits open the cabin of the trailer tent and check for signs of damage to the cover and body. Pay particular attention to light lenses as these are easily damaged and fine cracks may not be immediately visible.
- Damp & Mildew - once opened, thoroughly examine all canvas including awning extensions for signs of damp and mildew. If damp leave to air out. If mildew is present it may be possible to reduce the visible effects by rubbing the effected area with a soft brush. Then spray with a jet wash (being careful not to stand too close), allow to dry and then treat with Fabsil waterproofing solution (available from Camperlands). If in doubt take advice from a reputable camping outlet. Camperlands is officially the largest in independent Trailer Tent dealer in the UK with 40-years experience! If you require advice regarding your trailer tent or servicing you can contact us.
- Wear & Tear - Check the canvas for tears or signs of wear and tear. Areas to watch out for include pegging points, seams and any area of the fabric where excessive friction occurs from polework or metal surfaces.
- Polework - check polework for missing components and damage. If you require lost polework please send an email with the year, make and model of trailer tent or folding camper concerned and a daytime contact number.
- Essential Accessories - Check you still have all the tent pegs, guylines and mallet etc. We would also recommend taking spares in case of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances. Spares can be purchased from the online shop - click here for some great prices!
- Pumped Water - If your trailer tent has pumped water there are a few things to consider (see 'Electrical' for pump failure). Purchase some sterilizing fluid or crystals to clean and deodorise your water system such as Puriclean. It's easy to do and prevents bacteria from forming in the pipe work and water tank and prevents nasty smells. Follow the instructions closely and ensure the product you use is non-caustic, particularly if you have a hot water heater. Check you water pump is working properly, submersible pumps can be prone to seizing if not used regularly. Also check for frost damage to pipe work especially joints and tap units. If your water system wasn't drained properly at the end of the last season you may have small cracks in your water system including the water heater and water pump. The only way for you to tell is to put the system under pressure and check for small leaks.
- Gas & Electric - check the condition of your 12v battery, if it hasn't been charged during the winter months there is a good chance that it will need recharging. It is important to remember that if your battery is left in a discharged state for a prolonged period there is a chance that it will loose its ability to recover. Check 12v and 240v sockets if fitted and test your appliances, in particular essential items such as fridges, heaters, lights and water pumps. It is always worth checking your gas appliances before you use them for the first time after long period in storage. Insects frequently venture into supply pipes and gas burners and believe it or not this can cause gas blockages. Gas hose should be checked for cracks and replaced if necessary. Calor recommended that you replace your flexible gas hose every 5-years or earlier if necessary. If you don't know how old the hose is check the manufacturers date stamped on the hose. If you'd like more information regarding gas leaks and what to do should you find one, we have found a a very helpful article on the Practical Caravan website.
- Wheels & Tyres - check tyre walls for cracks and wear and replace as necessary. Ensure that there is sufficient tread on the tyres, currently 1.6 mm. Refer to your manufacturers handbook for correct tyre pressures. Don't forget to check your spare wheel too! If in doubt please take advice from an expert. Also check the condition of the rim. Some older trailers wheels may have signs of metal fatigue, although this is far less likely.
- Brakes & Coupling - check the working operation of your brakes including the handbrake. Check that the coupling head is not worn and make sure that once the coupling is engaged on the towball that it cannot be removed without lifting the coupling handle up. Unless towing with a stabiliser that requires a dry towball make sure the towball is well greased. Visit the NTTA website for some good advice regarding coupling and brake fault finding. The NTTA website includes an easy to understand fault finding guide for braking systems.
- Cleaning - give your trailer tent or folding camper a good clean to prevent degradation and maintain operation. Regular maintenance will also help maintain resale value. Specialist cleaning products are available from our online store.