Having bought a caravan, and enjoyed several holidays and short breaks in it, when was the last time you carried out your Static caravan chassis maintenance?
If your caravan is a new model the manufacturer will have provided a chassis warranty, which differs in length depending on your supplier. As an example, Willerby Caravans supply an anti-corrosion warranty to cover a galvanised chassis for a period of 12 years from the date of manufacture.
Static Caravan Chassis types
The manufacturer of your static caravan will have provided a chassis that is either fully galvanised, part-galvanised or painted. When your holiday home is first sited, we recommend that you check the chassis to ensure that nothing has been damaged during the moving and siting of the caravan. If you notice any paint chips or scratches, notify your park maintenance team or caravan manufacturer. The chassis of a caravan is usually the first part of a caravan that will fail. If your holiday home is located on a seaside park the corrosion process is speeded up by the salty sea air.
Fully Galvanised Chassis
After construction, this type of chassis is fully hot-dipped to provide the highest level of corrosion and rust protection. It is expected to deliver 100% galvanised protection.
Part Galvanised Chassis
This model of chassis is fabricated from pre-coated galvanised steel, with component parts that have been galvanised prior to welding taking place. Machining and cutting of the steel may leave an unprotected or exposed edge.
Painted Steel Chassis
This option of chassis is the most susceptible to corrosion, and will, therefore, require regular maintenance to adhere to manufacturer guidelines. You are most likely to discover this type of chassis on an older caravan.
Static caravan chassis maintenance recommendations
It is recommended that you make, at the very least, an annual check of the caravan chassis for any signs of corrosion or damage. Ensure that you repair or touch up with a special paint coating where necessary. Any damaged areas should first be prepared using abrasive paper or a wire brush to remove any flaking paint and rust. Apply a primer before repainting.
While you are checking and maintaining the caravan chassis, we suggest that you inspect and apply grease or oil to the jockey wheel and each of the four jack stands at the corners of your static caravan. If your holiday home has been cited on wheels, consider fitting wooden or UPVC skirting around the base of your caravan to protect the tyres from direct sunlight. Maintain the tyre pressures as recommended, in case your static caravan needs to be moved or re-sited in the future.
If it is possible to remove the A-frame from the front of your caravan, this should be a consideration if you are able to store it somewhere dry. A decking or a veranda may also provide some protection to the A-frame from the elements.
You may be unsure about carrying out inspections and the static caravan chassis maintenance yourself. If you notice any significant corrosion speak to the Maintenance Team at Sirior Bach regarding repairs. Alternatively, call into the office for help and advice over a cup of coffee.
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