Camper Trailer Care

We are always kind in this forum.
I own a trailer and always keep it under cover ( A tarp/ Car cover will do)
Get it rust proofed. I did mine with Lanotec Spray. I brought it in a 5litre drum and use a manual spray.
Make sure that you check/ recharge the batteries every month. I do mine on the first weekend of every month.This is usually a good time to air the Canvas also.
Drain the water out of the tank after each trip.
Apart from that just use the bloody thing and don't let it sit there for months on end.

Undercover is a good idea. Can be something as simple as a Cheapo Carport/Gazebo from Supercheap. Anything to keep the direct sun, rain , and hail off it.

Air it out , Yep , good idea also. I try to put mine up every couple of months for a few days (I dont get to use it much : ( ), especially as you probably wont do it over winter , unless getting used.

The general advice seems to be to empty water tanks (if you have them).

I agree with the others. I have found that if you use an el cheepo solar charger it keeps the battries topped up. I got mine from Dick Smith on special for $29.95.
Try to cover it as the temp build up inside the folded camper has warped a few plastic fittings on my reading lights.
Hope this helps. Enjoy the camper
Vince

What brand / type is it ? - makes a difference to incoming advice from forumites ! (we are quite discerning, while gentle :-)

Nah! I'm going to differ in opinion.

My Camper Trailer has an "all weather" heavy duty PVC cover which zips over the top. At worst, the sun may deteriorate the cover over a period of time.
Solution:- Buy a new cover.
Got to be cheaper than a garage/carport, (or should that be camperport) unless you already have one:-)

And if the paintwork fades over time, so what. More damage is caused by normal wear & tear from scratches and stone chipping, etc.

I Agree with the occasional airing and water tank drainage though.

Yep! Bet it's a beauty......(unitl the first strong breeze comes along)

Biggest problem I notice with trailers is the ones on the side of the road with wheel bearing failure which really would ruin ones day. So I check the bearings occaisionally especially after a dip in a muddy creek or a prolonged stay without use.
Checking your lights is also a goodie before you take it out. Takes two people seconds but helps prevent fines and accidents. Electrical contacts in trailers often get corroded especially if the rig is kept on the back lawn.
Enjoy!
Camper

When looking at the camper say monthly its also a good idea to do some personalisation. You will be amazed what can be added to your camper if you look at it long enough. And it is a great motivator (in case you don't have enough already) to take it out and use it - after all you've got to try the mods to see if they work.

Kind regards

We just bought our first camper trailer... ours is a Cavalier. Our "maintenance" plan is as follows:

Step 1) Take it out and use it at least once every two months

Step 2) Clean it when we get home.

I do agree about keeping under cover.... we have a tarp over it till our garage gets built in the back yard.

Also agree about draining the water tank/s, and keep an eye on the wheel bearings... they get forgotten about on almost every trailer!

Most importantly..... Enjoy your camping trips!!!!!!
:-)

It always amazes me that we go on & on about trailer wheel bearings, yet we never worry the ones in our vehicles that do thousands & thousands of kilometers!

I really think the wheel bearings that are most at risk, are on trailers/caravans that rarely get used.
River crossings are a bit of a worry though, because the hub is hot & any air in it will contract & draw water in past the seal. Trailers that do river crossings will benefit greatly from 'bearing buddies'.

PaulK,
Don't use detergent on your canvas, just water if you want to wash dust off.
Cheers,
Bros.

I agree with the cover idea. I would prefer to have it under cover, but not possible.
I got a cover from Trakshak, when I bought it.

Just make sure any cover or tarp you put over it is tied down tightly, and not blown around too much in the wind. They can sand the paint right back to the steel before you know it if you aren't carefull.

Do your wheel bearings EVERY second christmas, regardless of miles done.

We have a 17 year old Campomatic so no fancy stuff like water tanks, but these things are great if you look after them after each trip...
Clean out the fridge with that Vanilla spray each time and jam something in the lid so the air can circulate.
Brush off the canvas (that guano can really make a mess!)
Wash the stove down with Jif.
Sweep out the floor inside.
Car cover over and voila. Ready for next time.
Bearings every second year.
Check lights every day during trip and carry spare globes.

And cover the thing in vinyl stickers of where you've been. It's a great conversation starter...

Hope your camper gives you heaps of enjoyment and satisfaction. Sandy and I sold ours today, very sorry to see it go, but am looking forward to taking delivery of our new Trackabout Safari in a couple of weeks.

Apart from the advice offered previous, here's a couple of other tips ... if you do a lot of coastal camping pay special attention to your zips when cleaning your camper, salt air / spray plays havoc, also clean your screens, they too get a build up of salt and dust. I spray a little WD40 on a rag and wipe the zips, keeps em clean and lubricated.

Bird poo.... get rid of it quickly as the acid could tend to diminish the waterproofing capabilities of the canvass