Keeping your camper van in excellent condition comes with plenty of benefits. Some of them include extending the van’s lifespan, preventing unexpected breakdowns, and reducing maintenance/repair costs.
In this article, we have talked about the seven car maintenance tips for camper vans. So, read on to know what exactly you should be doing for proper camper van maintenance.
Tips on How to Maintain Your Camper Van
Tire Maintenance
According to data released by the Department for Transport, underinflated and defective tires cause over 400 car accidents annually. That being said, maintaining the tires of your camper van cannot be emphasized enough.
Unlike regular vehicles, camper vans have a considerable weight that puts tires under immense pressure.
As such, you will want to carry out a visual inspection to make sure your van’s tires have sufficient pressure in them. Check the pressure in these tires every two weeks to make sure they are in line with the wheelbase and load of your vehicle.
Use a Tarp to Protect the Roof
Even if there are no “known” leaks in your van, protecting the roof is still a worthy car maintenance tip to consider. That is because there is always a possibility of water seeping through the roof, especially when it rains heavily.
But the rain should not be the only reason why you need to protect your van’s roof with a tarp. You see; a tarp also protects a vehicle’s roof from the acidity of decomposing bird poop, pine needles, and the elements.
Moreover, it keeps the roof of the van clean and dry, which means little to no maintenance will be required.
Engine Maintenance
Just because comprehensive engine maintenance should be left for experienced technicians does not mean you cannot carry out some quick, simple checks to know if everything is working fine.
We are talking about checking whether your van’s fluids (such as the windscreen washer, oils, and coolant) are filled to the right level.
Simple engine maintenance also includes checking if any fluids are coming out. Plus, you can go ahead and take the air filter out of the radiator and then check if it is dirty or needs to be replaced.
Ensure the Starting Battery is Healthy
You should always maintain the DoD (depth-of-discharge) of your vehicle’s battery at a safe level, which normally is a 50% charge. That is because the lifespan of the battery can be reduced significantly if you always allow the charge to go beyond this mark.
Well, you can extend the lifespan of your vehicle’s battery by making sure your phone and other electrical devices are unplugged when the camper van is parked and the engine has stopped running.
Also, if you plan to park your van for weeks or months, then make sure you turn on the engine occasionally for around 10 to 20 minutes.
Clean the Chassis of Your Van to Keep Rust at Bay
It is common to drive and park your campervan in all kinds of environments. Now, these different environments may range from salted snowy roads to beaches with a salty ocean and air nearby.
This means rust will build up on the chassis of your van if you do not clean it (the chassis) regularly once you leave these kinds of environments. When cleaning the chassis of your camper van, be keen to use clean water.
You can also use fine-grit sandpaper and anti-rust solution spray, especially if you notice surface rust forming on the chassis.
Windscreen Maintenance
In addition to checking if the windscreen washer is at the right level, you should make sure the wiper mechanism is in good condition and working as imagined. That is because wipers are hardly used in the summer; hence, blades tend to wear out.
Well, driving around with worn-out blades is unthinkable since nothing changes suddenly like the weather. Minute cracks on the windscreen may seem less concerning, but do not be fooled, as even the slightest flying debris can shatter the windscreen.
Maintaining Lights and Brake
We will be lying if we do not advise you to care for your car brakes as well during car maintenance. With that said, be keen to check the brakes of your car periodically so you and your loved ones stay safe during your trips in a camper van.
You should also check the lights of your camper van before leaving.
This is particularly important if you plan to take the van to the woods or have an off-road camping adventure in mind. When it comes to checking the lights, make sure they are all working beautifully and that no dirt is restricting their field of view.
Conclusion
Well, those are the key tips to consider if you want to extend the lifespan of your camper van.
Most of them are simple enough to do on your own. However, should you bump into something more challenging, we advise that you seek the help of highly-skilled technicians, such as BMW mechanics.
They have the technical know-how to carry out complex fixes that may be troubling your camper van.
Autobiography
Eric Reyes is a passionate thought leader having been featured in 50 distinguished online and offline platforms. His passion and knowledge in Finance and Business made him a sought-after contributor providing valuable insights to his readers.