Is your van ready for Autumn?
Whether it’ll be sat on the driveway or you’re planning on hitting the road, there’s a bit of preparation you can do to keep the van in tip top shape this season.
Have a good clear out
Whilst it’s definitely not the most exciting job, clearing the camper out will give you more storage space for cold weather supplies. Also because you won’t necessarily be able to open the windows as often, you want it the van to be clean and fresh, not dusty and dirty!
Whilst cleaning out the vehicle, it’s good to open the pop-up roof (if you have one) to air it out. If you’re not planning on using it for a while, you should also clean the tanks and drain them as much as you can.
Check the van over
Cold, wet and windy weather can all play havoc with your camper van. Before you go on any trips this season, check your tyres, oil and coolant and test all of your appliances to make sure they’re all working properly.
You should also make sure that your van is well heated and insulated properly and that all of the windows and doors are fully sealed with no leaks. To prevent condensation building up, you could also install some dehumidifiers. Regular services with your VW dealer are really important too - book one if necessary!
Stock up on supplies
In Autumn and Winter, you might need some extra supplies in the van.
Food and water are pretty obvious ones, but it’s also worth remembering things like:
· Blankets
· Hot water bottles
· Extra clothes including hats, gloves, scarves and socks (for warmth)
· Torches (or other light sources)
· Wellies/spare shoes
· Umbrellas/ waterproofs
· Things to do in bad weather e.g projector, games, books, electronic devices
· Batteries and chargers
Plan for every situation
Once you’re all stocked up and ready to go, make sure you plan your route carefully and be aware of any environmental risks e.g areas prone to flooding. It’s always a good idea to invest in some accessories like wind breakers and grip mats, just in case you get stuck in some really adverse weather conditions. Breakdown cover doesn’t go amiss either!
Have we missed any Autumn maintenance tips? Join in the conversation on our Facebook and Instagram and let us know yours!