Travel & Product Tips

Camping is a lot of fun, especially when you go out with family and friends. I am sure that you too must have thought about going on a camping trip at least once. Who is stopping you? Plan a trip, get the right gear, ask your friends to join you, and enjoy your first camping experience. Don’t wait for the opportunity to come your way.

Before you go on your first camping adventure, make sure that you consider the following tips to avoid hassles.

Pack The Necessities, Avoid Luxuries

When you are on a camping trip, it is better to avoid carrying large quantities, especially luxuries. The beauty of a camping trip is that it enables people to explore the wilderness and develop the skills to survive amongst the elements by going out of their comfort zone. So leave behind the luxuries and carry only the necessities such as a first aid kit, camping gear, and survival tools.

Learn How to Pitch a Tent

This is the basic requirement for any camping trip. You need to know how to pitch a tent perfectly on any ground. Out in the wild, you should not expect everything to be prepared for you. Plus, no one will come and pitch the tent for you. If you don’t know how to pitch a tent, then you should ask experienced campers and practice it in your backyard.

Keep Realistic Expectations

Camping is not always the picture perfect and pleasant experience that is often advertised in popular media. Keep realistic expectations from the camping trip and be prepared to face unforeseen circumstances. After all, there is usually a surprise at every turn and it will be easier for you to confront the “surprises” if you are mentally prepared for it.

Get Proper Camping Gear

Without proper camping gear, you might have to face problem and discomfort on your camping trip. Being a first timer, you should be extra careful about the supplies and gear that you bring along. Consult with experienced campers to understand which gear is actually required for the trip that you intend to make. There is no use of carrying irrelevant gear as it will only add to your load.

Plan Your Food Supplies

Food and water are really important during a camping trip. You cannot carry bulk amount of food so you need to measure, control and manage the supplies such that it lasts the entire duration of your camping trip. The worst thing that can happen to you during a camping trip is running out of food. If you won’t have the facilities to keep food cold don’t take too much fresh food, instead opt for tinned, powdered and packet foods that won’t need to be chilled.

Enjoy Homely Comfort

Get good quality sleeping bags and tents to enjoy a comfortable sleep during your camping trip. First timers are not accustomed to the hard ground and the conditions in which one has to sleep out in the open. If you are not comfortable with the idea of sleeping inside a tent or sleeping bag, then you should consider planning your trip in a caravan. The caravan awnings allow you to have personal space and you can always bring convertible beds to sleep on. You can even sleep inside the caravan and enjoy the comfort of your home.

Have you thought about renting a caravan? It is a really good option, especially if you do not have the budget to buy a caravan. Budget is not the only constraint in such cases. For a person who travels occasionally, it is a better idea to rent a caravan than investing in one.

Usually, one would consider renting a caravan from a rental service. But did you know that you can rent a caravan from private owners as well?  Here are some simple guidelines for prospective holidaymakers to follow when booking a holiday no matter which caravan portal you use.

• If the quoted rental amount is excessively low, especially during peak periods, then find out the prices that are being asked in the market. Rental from direct owners tends to be cheaper but there should not be a huge margin as this indicates foul play. Make sure you move ahead with caution and if you feel that a particular deal appears too shady, move away from it.

• Before you book, always get the caravan owner’s contact details including their home address and telephone number. Do not release any funds unless you have the details with you. It would be a good idea to do a background check on the owner’s reputation for providing caravan rentals. This will save you from a lot of hassles.

• A genuine caravan owner will make your reservation on receipt of the deposit and state when the balance of the rental has to be paid. The owner will probably ask for the full amount if you are making last minute reservations. If the owner asks for the full amount in other situations, then expect some foul play. Proceed with caution or else you could lose your money and time.

• Always read the terms and conditions carefully before moving ahead with the booking. This will help you to ensure that you are getting exactly what you are paying for. If the owner deflects questions or seems hesitant in answering questions, then proceed with caution as it could be a shady deal.

• If you have doubts about the ownership of the caravan, then ask for the caravan holiday park phone number and the pitch number so that you can verify that they have the right to rent the caravan to you. The absence of details or confirmation should give you adequate reasons to move away from the deal as soon as possible.

• Check the caravan’s conditions and note down all the accessories (and their respective conditions) so that there are no confusions regarding the state of the caravan at the time of returning it. It is better to go with caravans that have proper caravan awnings or caravan annexes as these will have greater durability and provide more comfort.

Remember, renting a caravan is just like renting a home. You should take care of all the components of the caravan because, in the end, you will have to compensate any damages that may have occurred during the rental period. Also, make sure that the caravan is insured as this will save you from a lot of financial distress if any mishap occurs. With vigilance and proper research, you can easily rent a caravan and have the time of your life with your friends and family.

Planning a caravan trip with kids? Well, you need not worry. It is not going to turn out into a nightmare; not if you can manage things accordingly. Children are full of energy and you cannot expect them to sit around doing nothing. It is obvious that they will be fidgety and will do their best to get involved in some activity or the other.

So before you make that trip, check out the following tips which should make caravanning with kids quite pleasant and enjoyable.

Tip #1: Book Ahead, Leave Nothing to Chance

Whether you’re camping or staying in hotels, it pays to book ahead. Don’t leave things to chance. It might seem exciting to enjoy life as it comes, but this is best done when you are not accompanied by children. Trust me, it would make your trip hassle free if you just take the time to plan and book things well in advance.

Tip #2: Be Prepared for the Climate

By dressing children appropriately as per the climate, they will remain happier in the new environment and you will have one less hassle to worry about. Make sure you go shopping for the right gear before embarking on your road trip.

Tip #3: Get Rid of Bugs

Bugs can be quite irritating and they will spoil the mood. Plus, they might cause illness in the children. It is important that you carry bug repellents with you so that the pesky insects can be kept at bay. Maintaining proper hygiene is essential as it will keep the kids (and you) from getting sick on the trip.

Tip #4: Keep Them Entertained

There is nothing worse than a bored child. Make sure you have adequate entertainment with you in the caravan so that they may be kept busy in some activity or the other. The best way to keep them engrossed is to get a TV connection for the caravan. You can also plan some activities, including board games, that you can play with the kids on the trip. The important thing here is to keep the activities going.

Tip #5: Answer the Questions

Although it may seem pretty irritating to you, it is important that you remain patient and answer the questions that the kids ask. They are obviously inquisitive and the experience of the road trip will be new for them. Be prepared to be bombarded with a number of questions. Ignoring them or reacting with anger will not help you to control the situation. Juts answer them and get it over with.

Tip #6: Keep Medicines Handy

Make sure that you have all the required medicines with you. Apart from prescribed medications, you need to keep basic medicines that will help you treat common illnesses such as fever and cold. This will also help you buy some time in case the illness becomes severe and the nearest healthcare facility is miles away from your position.

Tip #7: Introduce Them to Travel Journals

Travel journals are great for keeping the kids busy and also for introducing them to journal writing. If this is their first road trip, then a travel journal will help them to record their experiences. Just imagine the nostalgia that the kids will experience when they are all grown up and they check out the journal written by them.

Tip #8: Give Them a Camera

Now this is a really interesting way to keep the kids busy. Give them a camera or a smartphone and let them click pictures whenever they want. Let it be their personal album. You never know when a child might surprise you by getting a perfectly timed photo that you will definitely cherish for a long time.

Tip #9: Get a Full Sized Caravan Awning

Travelling with kids often requires additional accessories such as full sized caravan awnings to accommodate everyone. A full sized caravan awning will not only offer adequate homely comfort, but it will make it easier for the kids to remain comfortable with their very own personal space.

Tip #10: Let Them Rest Comfortably

An agitated kid will make things very frustrating for you. Make sure that the kids get sufficient sleep. When they are well rested, they will be happier and at ease with the new environment. Don’t make it a compulsion for the kids to sleep in their respective beds. Give them the freedom to lie down on the couch or the bean bag and get some rest.

Summer is an awesome season for hitting the roads and enjoying some quality time with your family. If you are planning a road trip in your caravan, then you will have some of the best times in your life and that too in comfort. This is the benefit of having your very own caravan. You can take it out whenever you want and customize it to get homely comfort on the road.

But a caravan needs proper maintenance and care in order to ensure that its performance is maintained throughout. Now that the summer season is reaching its end, you need to make sure that your caravan is absolutely clean and prepared for future rides.

Check out these important cleaning tips which should help you to get the job done easily.

Use the Best Cleaning Solutions / Detergents

Needless to say, using the best cleaning solutions and detergents will get the best results for your caravan. It will be clean and sparkling in no time at all. With the saved time, you can inspect every nook and cranny for possible faults.

Wash From the Top

More than the sides, it is the roof that takes a lot of beating during the summer. Even if the caravan has been standing for a long time, the roof will have a lot of debris and accumulated dirt that needs to be cleaned before focusing on the other sections of the caravan. It is a good idea to clean the roof first and then work your way down. This also prevents washed areas being covered in dirty run-offs.

Be Careful While Cleaning the Windows

Your caravan is similar to your home, which means you will want streak free windows. Clean it carefully and make sure to look in the edges as well as the rubber seal to remove dirt from hard to reach places. Clean windows not only make the caravan look better, but it also ensures longer performance.

High Pressure Cleaners Should Be Given a Miss

High pressure cleaners will probably lead to water getting into tiny gaps and weak seals. You wouldn’t want that to happen, especially as summer is about to recede and drying out in the air would take a longer time. It is best to give it a miss. Plus, the pressure might damage the accessories.

Clean the Interiors and Accessories as Well

The caravan isn’t just important from the outside. You need to clean the interior and the accessories thoroughly for prolonged performance. Caravan awnings and annexes need to be cleaned with care, especially the fabrics, because these are considerable investments which you wouldn’t want damaged before their expected expiry. Check out this really useful blog on cleaning caravan awnings.

In the world of caravanning, Fiamma awnings have earned a reputation for being really durable and fit enough to be used all year round. The company produces some of the finest caravan awnings in the market they have carved a niche for themselves with their range of top notch awning products.

However, these awnings won’t deliver quality performance if they are not maintained properly. It is not rocket science. You just need to know what you need to check and how you need to performance basic maintenance. That’s all there is to it.

Check out these simple tips to keep your Fiamma awning working perfectly throughout the year.

Roll Away the Awning at Night

You should always roll up the awning at night when it is not in use or when you are away from the vehicle. This is especially important for the F45ti model without the privacy enclosure and the zip model without the zip enclosure. The reason for rolling it up when not in use is that a sudden gust of strong wind can damage the awning fabric. This will rid you of the comfort that you are supposed to get from the awning.

Put a Tie-Down Strap Over the Awning

Make sure that you always use tie down straps when using awnings. By tying it down, you can make the most out of awnings that do not have enclosures. In this case, you need to put the strap over the arms by the front lead bar. Don’t let it go under the canvas though. This will prevent the canvas from being stretched beyond its limit. For awnings with enclosures, place the straps over the canvas but near the front lead bar.

Don’t Use the Curved Tension Rafter When the Sun is Out

The curved tension rafter is designed to prevent rainwater from accumulating on the canvas causing the material to stretch. Never use it when the sun is out as the heat will cause the canvas to stretch. Keep the rafter inside when not in use.

Use Tension and Magic Rafters to Strengthen Your Awning

Tension and magic rafters are great for strengthen your Fiamma awning and ensuring longer periods of quality usage. These accessories prevent the canvas from stretching and getting damaged due to the accumulated water.

Don’t Leave the Awnings Out in Bad Weather

The Fiamma caravan awnings may be strong and really durable, but that does not mean you should leave it out in the open, especially in bad weather. These awnings need to be managed carefully just like any other awning.

Summer is just around the corner and its time to hit the roads again in your caravan. The weather will be hot but there is no need to skip a road trip just because of the heat. There are ways in which you can keep the caravan cool even in summer. Life on the road is not always tough and thanks to modern technology, you can indulge in personal comforts easily. For example, just setup a rollout awning and you get your personal space and shade right where you park the vehicle. All it takes is a little preparation and some research to keep your caravan cool in summer.

We have compiled this list of simple yet effective tips that will help you to enjoy summer road trips in a cool and comfortable caravan.

Add Wall Insulation

Most caravans will have roof insulation so you need not worry about that. For proper insulation, make sure that you get wall insulation as well. And if you are really looking for the hard-to-penetrate insulation for your caravan, then it is better to apply an insulating paint on the roof.

Go for Pop-Top Caravans

Pop-Top caravans are ideal for summer road trips as they hardly need any insulation. The vents in the retractable skirts allow air to move in easily and this helps in getting the heat out. This is a good option for those who do not want to invest in insulation at the moment.

Install a Good Caravan Awning or Annexe

This makes a lot of difference in terms of personal comfort and convenience. Get yourself a caravan awning or caravan annexe and forget about your troubles. The awnings and annexes can be set up in no time. Motorized awnings and annexes are also available which can be setup in seconds with the flick of a switch. Not only do you get your very own personal space, but also get to enjoy some much needed privacy which can be a luxury when travelling.

Change Your Caravan’s Lighting

Did you know that your caravan’s lighting can actually heat up the space? Incandescent bulbs and halogens give off a lot of heat which is obviously not desirable. Replace such lighting with LEDs as they are cooler and are comparatively energy efficient.

Park The Caravan in Shade

What better way to escape the heat than finding a good shade. Search for the perfect spot for parking your vehicle and you will be able to avoid heat. Trust me, this can make a lot of difference.

Get Proper Air Conditioning

Air conditioning may be an expensive affair, but it offers effective cooling inside the caravan. It will increase your energy consumption, but you can be assured of peaceful sleep and comfort even during the hottest hours of the day. If you have checked into a caravan park, then check whether powered sites are available. It will cost you more, but at the end of the day, it will be money well spent.

Do you have any other tips that can help in keeping the caravan cool? Share your tips and suggestions in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.

It’s one thing to set up camp, but while leaving, we often tend to forget some important things that need to be done. As a camper, it is our responsibility to ensure that the place is left clean and in proper condition – just like it was presented to you. Don’t wait for the last minute to check the things that need to be done. Create a check list and keep it with you at all times to make sure that nothing is left out. You can even get your checklist laminated to avoid getting it smudgy or damaged.

If you haven’t prepared a checklist till now, then use the following pointers to help you in highlighting the most important things that need to be done.

• Put out the campfire with water or sand before leaving. Double check to see that no splinters are left as dry wood or grass can catch fire and spread to other areas.
• Empty the fresh- and waste-water containers and clean out any toilet cassette in an appropriate place
• If you have brought a cylinder, then turn it off and keep it at a safe place till the time you begin loading all of your stuff in the caravan.
• Lower the jockey wheel and lock it in place. If you are planning on leaving the campsite with your caravan, then this might not be needed.
• Make sure that you roll up the awning and make sure that everything is in place.
• Don’t forget to pick up and store the pegs that are used for tying down the awning.
• Connect the electrical plug(s) and the stabiliser system.
• Check whether the towing vehicle and the caravan are in proper working condition.

Do you have a dog? I am sure you love your pet and would like to take him on road trips as well. After all, it is also part of your family. Camping with dogs can be fun but if you are not prepared for it, then you could run into major problems. You need to take the necessary precautions for ensuring that your pet is taken care of and has all the necessities.

Keep the following points in mind before heading out on a road trip with your 4 legged buddy.

• Make sure that you have ID-tagged your dog. If a permanent ID is not there, then ask the campsite’s management for a temporary one. This will help you to locate the dog in case it gets lost.
• No one likes to camp in a dirty site. So make sure you pick up your dog’s droppings and dispose it properly. Do not let it remain on the site.
• Make arrangements to keep your dog warm in cold weather. This is an essential requirement for dogs that have less fur.
• Dogs need water too. Make sure that you have plenty of drinking water so that your dog doesn’t get dehydrated. Don’t rely on the water at the campsite because it may not be fresh water. You wouldn’t want bacteria infested water to be consumed by the pet.
• Control your dog at all times. If it isn’t comfortable with meeting strangers or around other dogs, then it would be a good idea to invest in a good leash.
• Get a proper full wall awning for your caravan so that you and your dog can enjoy some privacy and personal space at the camp site.
• Keep a first aids kit handy. You never know when your dog could get injured. Relying on last minute assistance can be a big mistake.
• Find out whether campsites and caravan parks are pet friendly. This will save you a lot of hassles as you can mark the places that allow dogs and have the required facilities for accommodating dogs at the site.

With a little preparation and some planning, you can have a fun trip without having to leave your canine at home. Make the most of your holiday and reduce the hassles while traveling with your pet.

Have you ever attended a caravan show? If not, then you are definitely missing out on a lot of amazing things related to caravanning, outdoors, camping and leisure. These shows are not only about checking out the latest products and offerings from different manufacturers, this is a great opportunity to get firsthand information and to test the products before buying them. With a huge range of products put up on exhibition, you can easily compare them and make up your mind accordingly. Plus, you get to enjoy some mouthwatering food, refreshing beverages and a whole lot of fun activities.

Here are 5 reasons why you should check out caravan shows if you have not done so already.

New Product Launches

Every show witnesses the participation of several manufacturers who put their wares on display. You get to check out the latest caravan awnings, accessories, outdoor and leisure equipment, caravan accessories and much more. The best thing about these shows is that you can physically inspect the products and see them in action before making up your mind.

Direct Interaction with Exhibitors and Company Representatives

Caravan shows offer the best opportunities to interact with manufacturers, exhibitors and company representatives directly. This is the best way to understand the product and get accurate information about the product’s usage, care and maintenance. If you go to a regular store, then you might not get the opportunity to get direct consultation with company representatives. This is why you should never miss out on caravan shows at any cost.

Firsthand Information

There is nothing better than getting firsthand information. The biggest benefit is that you get accurate and precise details without any information being left out. You also get to ask questions to the representatives and other caravanners for gaining a proper understanding of the product(s) from multiple perspectives.

Food & Beverages

When you are at a caravan show, you can definitely expect some mouthwatering delicacies and refreshing beverages. After all, checking out the huge range of products and enjoying the demonstrations would make anyone hungry. What could be better than snacking on delicious food and downing it with a nice beverage?

Fun Activities and Demonstrations

Every caravan show has its own set of fun activities, competitions and live demonstrations that offer a spectacular visual treat. The range of activities depends on the theme of the show which usually relates to the outdoors, camping, caravanning, fishing and leisure. Make sure you enquire about the activities to plan ahead accordingly. If a particular activity interests you or your family, then you wouldn’t want to miss out on it.

A Fun-Filled Weekend with the Family

Apart from the products that are put up on display and the wide range of fun filled activities, caravan shows offer a great weekend escapade that you can enjoy with your friends and family. The shows have everything that you could possibly want for spending some quality time with your loved ones. I am sure that they would love to get a much needed break from their busy daily schedule. Stay updated with the latest caravan shows and plan your visit accordingly.

Caravan trips usually require a lot of preparation which includes getting all the necessary items as well as checking the vehicle for proper functioning. This could prove to be a hassle if you are planning a long trip. You need to get the finances lined up and also mark important milestones so that you may reload your resources and also get the vehicle checked. If this is your first caravan trip, then I can only imagine how daunting it might appear to you.

Before you head out on your long distance trip, make sure that you follow these suggestions to steer clear of problems and have an enjoyable journey.

Always Keep a Fire Extinguisher in the Caravan

This is a basic necessity for caravans. Fire is one of the most common risks that a caravan is subjected to. There can be a lot of reasons for a fire to break out. By keeping a fire extinguisher handy, you can reduce the harm that would be inflicted in the event of a fire.

Choose Your Caravan Carefully

Caravans come in various types and sizes. You need to make sure that your caravan suits your lifestyle and is spacious enough to accommodate your family members. There is no point in getting an excessively large caravan or a small caravan if it does not fulfill its purpose. Consult with manufacturers and caravan experts to find out exactly what you need.

Get a New Oil Cooler for Automatic Vehicles

Those who prefer automatic vehicles seldom undertake the required measures to ensure the smooth functioning of their vehicles. People have run into problems with their automatic vehicles just hours after starting their trip. This is why it is better to get a new oil cooler for such vehicles. Trust me, this is a cheaper option than getting your vehicle’s gearbox changed due to the damage caused by the lack of proper coolant.

Distribute the Load Properly in the Caravan

Caravans are not independent vehicles that can be maneuvered on their own. They are towed with the help of a separate vehicle. Due to this, it is important for the load to be distributed properly in the caravan. Uneven distribution of load can cause the caravan to sway, making it difficult for the driver to control it on the road. Make sure that the heaviest items are packed on the bottom of the van, in the middle, above the wheels. Medium weighted items need to be kept in the middle and both ends evenly. Light items can be stored at the top. Make the most of the entire length of the caravan while storing the light items. This will ensure that the center of gravity for the caravan is maintained at appropriate levels.

Check the Capabilities of the Towing Vehicle

This is one of the most important aspects to be checked before embarking on a caravan holiday. You need to be sure that the towing vehicle is capable of handling the caravan easily. Don’t just assume the base weight of the caravan while evaluating the capabilities of the towing vehicle. Keep a buffer of approximately 300kg which would be added due to stocking of necessary resources and the presence of family members in the caravan itself. Plus, you need to practice towing the caravan before hitting the road on your own. It can be a tough task for the uninitiated.

Get Levelers or Blocks of Wood to Provide Even Surface for the Caravan

You might have to park the caravan anywhere. This means you wont always have leveled ground to park it. Keep levelers or blocks of wood and a measuring tool to ensure that the caravan is positioned at the correct level. Ask any accessory retail outlet for levelers and you should be able to get one that is best suited for your caravan.

Get the Best Caravan Awning and Other Accessories for a Comfortable Trip

Caravan awnings and annexes provide personal spaces and homely comfort even on the road. No matter where you are parked, you would be able to get some much needed shade and shelter by simply setting up the awning or the annexe. Make sure that you get the best caravan awning in the market to avoid unnecessary hassles and enjoy the road rather than spending a good portion of your time trying to fix the issues that crop up.

Maintain a Checklist

A checklist is always helpful in ensuring that all the required items are accounted for. This way, you don’t forget anything and your trip won’t be affected at all. Don’t make the mistake of preparing the checklist in the last minute. It should be done well ahead of time as this will help you to identify all the things that need to be done before embarking on the road trip.

Dometic awnings offer superior comfort, better ease of usage, and toughness as against most other awnings available in the market today, thus gaining popularity. However, even Dometic awnings might need replacing if they are subjected to severe wear and tear. Although, Dometic awnings replacement is not a difficult job to do all by yourself, as long as you know how to replace the Dometic awning.

Before you start, don’t hesitate to ask your friends and neighbors for help as the task at hand will require more than one person. Ensure you have all the accessories and the replacement parts of the new Dometic awning before you start.

Follow these steps for a hassle-free RV awning replacement procedure-

• The very first step to install a Dometic replacement caravan awning is to unscrew the existing, worn-out awning. Make sure that you do this carefully on both sides to ensure the entire frame comes off easily.
• Snap the bottom bracket off from the side of the coach. Again, this needs to be done for both sides.
• To begin with how to replace the Dometic awning fabric you can start sliding them out of the roller tube. If you are wondering where the extra help would be of use, you would realize now is the best time to get them involved.
• Remove the old mounting brackets from the caravan and install the new ones for the Dometic awning that you will be installing.
• Slide the two supporting arms into the fabric roller tube assembly.
• Once this structure is ready, it is good to be installed on the caravan. Note, you need to follow the removal procedure exactly backward to install the new Dometic awning.
• Start by sliding the poly cord into the Dometic awning rail located towards the top of the caravan.
• Slide it gently across, till it is fully placed in the Dometic awning rail.
• Make sure that you line up the support arms with the newly installed brackets. This will allow the arms to be attached to the brackets properly.
• Place the arms on the brackets once they have been properly aligned.
• Use a drill and/or a socket wrench to tighten the screws on the top of the mounting bracket.
• Remove the travel pin from each side of the roller tube. The travel pin prevents the torsion springs from unwinding until the awning is ready for use.
• The last step of the replacement is, to check whether the Dometic awnings fabric can be fully extended and retracted without any problem.

Hope it was an easy-to-understand how to install a roll-out awning on your caravan. It doesn’t take a lot of effort. Just make sure you have the right stuff, sufficient help, and some food and beverages to thank your friends for helping you out.

Caravan awnings offer great convenience and comfort on the road with your very own personal shade. You can escape the heat or rain by simply putting up the awning wherever you park the caravan. It can be set up easily without a lot of effort. An awning may seem to be a significant part of the caravan, but it offers much more than mere shade. Did you know that your caravan awning can actually help in keeping the caravan cool? There are several benefits of getting an awning for your caravan.

Follow these quick caravan awning tips for ensuring proper health of your caravan awnings and keeping them in proper working condition throughout.

Tip #1: Use a Mild Detergent for Cleaning the Awnings Regularly

It is advisable to use a mild detergent for cleaning the awnings regularly as it will prevent accumulated debris and dirt from damaging the fabric. Make sure you get a bleach-free cleaner as bleach tends to reduce the life of the stitching. You should be careful about accumulated bird droppings as these can be corrosive and can bake into the fabric, thereby making it difficult to remove safely.

Tip #2: Get the Caravan Awning Serviced Annually

Even if you don’t use your caravan frequently, it is suggested to get the caravan awning serviced annually. This includes lubricating the sliding arms, checking the spring tension, making necessary repairs, and checking the overall functioning of the awning. Never miss out on the annual maintenance as it could help in detecting as well as repairing flaws that might have appeared.

Tip #3: Rub caravan wax Over the Stitching to Prevent Rain Water From Dripping

The stitching on the awning, located in the place where the awning slides into the sail rack, needs to be coated with wax to prevent rain water from dripping inside. The stitching is vulnerable as it may not offer a completely water proof layer. Make sure that the wax coating is applied on the area that is hidden after the awning is rolled up. This will prevent sun damage. Several awnings have actually deteriorated a lot just because certain parts were left exposed to the sun for a long time. It is best to take the necessary steps to protect the awning from all things that could cause damage in any form.

Tip #4: Tie Down the Awnings to Keep Them Steady

Sudden gusts of wind can destroy the awning if it has not been tied down properly. A good way to make sure that you are aware of the pegs would be to paint them white. This will keep them visible and you can always check if they have come out from their position. Trust me, this will save you a lot of unnecessary hassle.

Tip #5: Don’t Allow Water to Accumulate

The awning fabric tends to weight down if a lot of water has accumulated causing the awning to collapse. Even if a little amount of water is left on the awning, the fabric tends to stretch. This causes unwanted flapping which loosens the awning’s stitching. A good way to prevent this would be to use anti-flappers and to remove the water from the awning’s surface by allowing the water to run off from one of the sides.

Get a Good Awning to Avoid Problems

You need to get a good quality awning for your caravan so that you don’t have to make frequent repairs on it. It should have a perfect fit with the caravan and the fabric should be good enough to withstand regular usage without the need for frequent servicing. No caravan awning is completely maintenance-free, but a good quality awning will help you to save up on unnecessary expenses and also save time that would have otherwise been spent in getting it checked by professionals. Check out some really good caravan awnings here.