Caravan Maintenance Checklist — Complete Service Guide
A well-maintained caravan doesn't just last longer — it's safer, more reliable, and worth more when you sell. Yet most owners only think about maintenance when something breaks, turning a $200 service into a $2,000 repair.
This comprehensive checklist covers every maintenance task from daily pre-trip checks to annual professional servicing, helping you catch problems early and keep your caravan adventure-ready for years to come.
Before Every Trip — 15-Minute Safety Check
These quick checks take minutes but prevent most common roadside breakdowns:
Tyres and Wheels
- Check tyre pressure including spare (cold pressures only)
- Inspect tread depth — legal minimum is 1.5mm, replace at 3mm
- Look for damage — cuts, bulges, sidewall cracks, uneven wear
- Check wheel nuts — hand-test for looseness, retorque after first 50km
- Verify spare accessibility — ensure you can actually remove it
Lights and Electrical
- Test all lights with helper — indicators, brake, reverse, clearance, number plate
- Check trailer plug — clean contacts, secure connection, no damaged wires
- Test electric brakes using brake controller
- Verify breakaway switch — cable attached, battery charged
Coupling and Safety Chains
- Inspect coupling — proper engagement, locked, safety pin inserted
- Check safety chains — crossed under drawbar, correct length, good condition
- Verify handbrake — releases fully, holds when applied
- Test jockey wheel — raises completely, locked in position
Basic Fluid Levels
- Check brake fluid if you have override brakes
- Verify gas bottles — turned off, secure, no leaks (soapy water test)
- Water tanks — filled to planned level, taps closed
Monthly Maintenance — 1-Hour Prevention
Set a recurring reminder for these monthly tasks:
Brake System
- Adjust electric brakes if wheel lock occurs below 40km/h
- Check brake controller settings match van weight
- Inspect breakaway battery — holds charge, connections clean
- Test handbrake operation — engages smoothly, holds on slope
Water System
- Run all taps for 30 seconds to prevent seal drying
- Check pump operation — steady pressure, no cycling
- Inspect for leaks under van, in cupboards, around toilet
- Clean water tank inlet filters
Gas System
- Test all gas appliances — stove, hot water, fridge on gas
- Check regulator — correct pressure (2.75kPa in Australia)
- Inspect gas lines for damage, kinks, or wear
- Verify drop-down vents are clear (insects love building nests here)
Battery and Charging
- Check battery water levels (AGM/lithium excluded)
- Clean terminals — remove corrosion with baking soda solution
- Test charging from vehicle, solar, and 240V
- Verify battery hold-downs are secure
Seals and Weatherproofing
- Inspect door seals — close properly, no tears or gaps
- Check window rubbers — flexible, no cracks or leaks
- Verify roof hatches close completely, seals intact
- Look for water stains inside indicating leak points
Every 3 Months — Detailed Inspection
Quarter-yearly tasks that catch developing problems:
Chassis and Suspension
- Inspect chassis for rust, cracks, or damage
- Check suspension components — bushes, shackles, U-bolts
- Verify suspension travel — no bottoming out or unusual noises
- Grease suspension points if greasable (many modern vans are sealed)
Exterior Condition
- Wash thoroughly including roof and undercarriage
- Check all sealants — around windows, hatches, joins
- Inspect for stone damage — front, A-frame, lower panels
- Touch up paint chips before rust develops
- Clean and protect rubber seals with appropriate conditioner
Appliance Servicing
- Clean fridge vents — top and bottom, remove debris
- Service air conditioner filters — wash or replace
- Descale hot water system in hard water areas
- Clean rangehood filters and fan blades
- Test smoke/gas detectors — replace batteries annually
Awning and Annexe
- Extend fully and check operation
- Inspect fabric for tears, mould, UV damage
- Lubricate arms and joints with silicone spray
- Check mounting points — no cracks or loose bolts
- Clean fabric with appropriate cleaner, ensure completely dry
Every 6 Months — Deep Service
Bi-annual maintenance for long-term reliability:
Wheel Bearings
- Check for play — jack up wheel, check for movement
- Listen for noise — rumbling indicates bearing wear
- Repack bearings every 20,000km or 2 years
- Inspect seals for leaks or damage
Brake Components
- Remove wheels and inspect brake shoes/pads
- Check drums/discs for scoring or wear
- Adjust brakes properly — slight drag when rotating by hand
- Inspect brake wiring for damage or corrosion
Comprehensive Water System
- Sanitise tanks with appropriate solution
- Replace water filters if fitted
- Service water pump — check pressure switch, clean filter
- Inspect grey/black tanks — clean thoroughly, check valves
Electrical System Check
- Test all 12V circuits with multimeter
- Check all connections for corrosion or looseness
- Inspect inverter if fitted — clean cooling fins
- Load test batteries — should hold 12.4V+ after 24 hours
- Verify solar output matches panel specifications
Annual Professional Service
These tasks typically require professional equipment or expertise:
Mandatory Compliance
- Electrical safety inspection (required in some states)
- Gas compliance certificate — every 2 years typically
- Weigh caravan — verify weights haven't crept up
Specialist Servicing
- Wheel alignment check — prevents tyre wear
- Electronic stability control calibration if fitted
- Air conditioner professional service
- Diesel heater servicing if fitted
- Satellite/antenna systems alignment and service
Major Component Inspection
- Coupling inspection for wear — may need replacement at 50,000km
- Shock absorber test — replace if leaking or worn
- Complete chassis inspection on hoist
- Draw bar straightness check after any impact
Seasonal Preparation
Pre-Summer
- Service air conditioning before hot weather
- Check fridge cooling on hottest setting
- Inspect awning before UV damage worsens
- Verify ventilation — all vents operating
- Add reflective window coverings if needed
Pre-Winter
- Drain water systems if storing in freezing areas
- Service heating systems
- Check/improve insulation around pipes
- Inspect roof before rain season
- Apply rust prevention to chassis
Storage Maintenance
If storing your caravan for extended periods:
Monthly During Storage
- Run engine of stored van (motorhomes) for 15 minutes
- Move caravan slightly to prevent flat-spots on tyres
- Check for pest intrusion
- Ventilate interior on dry days
Pre-Storage Checklist
- Clean thoroughly inside and out
- Empty all water tanks or add stabiliser
- Remove all food and perishables
- Disconnect batteries or install trickle charger
- Cover tyres from UV if stored outside
- Chock wheels and release handbrake
- Use moisture absorbers inside
- Block access points against rodents
Post-Storage Checklist
- Check all fluid levels
- Inspect for pest damage
- Test all systems before travelling
- Re-torque wheel nuts
- Verify tyre pressures
- Check battery condition
Common Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
Over-greasing
Modern sealed bearings don't need greasing. Over-greasing causes seal failure and premature bearing death.
Using Wrong Cleaning Products
- Never use harsh chemicals on acrylic windows (they'll craze)
- Avoid petroleum products on rubber seals (causes deterioration)
- Don't pressure wash seals directly (forces water past them)
Ignoring Weight Creep
Every accessory adds weight. Reweigh annually — you'll be surprised how much you've added.
Skipping "Working" Items
"The brakes work fine" doesn't mean they're adjusted correctly. Progressive wear causes accidents.
DIY Electrical Work
12V seems safe but poor connections cause fires. Use proper crimping tools and marine-grade components.
Maintenance Schedule Template
Print this and keep in your caravan:
Pre-Trip (Every Time)
□ Tyre pressures
□ Lights working
□ Coupling secure
□ Breakaway connected
□ Wheel nuts checked
□ Gas off
Monthly
□ Run all taps
□ Test gas appliances
□ Check battery
□ Inspect seals
□ Brake check
3-Monthly
□ Wash caravan
□ Check sealants
□ Service filters
□ Awning inspection
□ Grease if required
6-Monthly
□ Wheel bearing check
□ Brake inspection
□ Sanitise water
□ Electrical test
□ Battery load test
Annually
□ Professional service
□ Gas certificate
□ Weigh caravan
□ Coupling inspection
□ Replace batteries (smoke detectors)
Cost Guide for Common Services
Typical Australian service costs (2026):
- Basic annual service: $350-$500
- Wheel bearing repack: $150-$250 per pair
- Brake adjustment: $80-$150
- Gas certificate: $120-$180
- Electrical inspection: $150-$250
- Full chassis service: $600-$900
- Sealant renewal: $500-$1,500 depending on size
The Bottom Line
Caravan maintenance isn't complicated — it's just consistency. Spending 15 minutes before each trip and an hour each month prevents 90% of roadside failures and extends your caravan's life by years.
Print this checklist, adapt it to your van's specific needs, and stick to the schedule. Your future self (standing on the roadside in 40-degree heat waiting for a tow truck) will thank you.
For finding reliable service centres, check manufacturer recommendations or ask for referrals in caravan community forums. Keep all service records — they're gold when selling your van.