Get a caravan service owners told

Award winning caravan dealership Salop Leisure, which has bases in Shrewsbury, Machynlleth and Stourport-on-Severn, stresses the importance of carrying out a series of safety checks before touring caravans, which have been stored away during the winter months, are hitched up to vehicles.

The company’s Approved Workshops in Shrewsbury are busy servicing touring caravans as owners prepare to venture out onto the roads following the Covid-19 lockdown.

“We are concerned that some people put away their touring caravan in the winter and then expect to hitch it up to the back of their car in the spring without carrying out basic safety checks,” said Salop Leisure’s marketing manager Ed Glover.

“They often don’t give their caravans a thought until the day before they want to use it. Our advice is to prepare for your caravan holiday well in advance.”

Over the years, the company has come across a range of common problems relating to the storage of touring caravans, including issues with the leisure batteries and spiders and other insects blocking gas and water pipes.

Tyres can also become unsafe if they are placed under specific pressure due to the way a caravan has been stored. Caravan tyres may not wear the same as those on a car, but cracks can sometimes appear between the treads, causing potential problems during towing.

Another frequent problem is the owner forgetting to change the caravan numberplate when he or she changes their car.

“They give so much pleasure to families but it’s essential that touring caravans are serviced every year before they are used,” stressed Mr Glover. “We service thousands of caravans in our Shrewsbury workshops and our staff are always on hand to offer advice.”

Anyone needing advice about servicing their touring caravan or motorhome can contact Salop Leisure’s service team on Tel: 01743 282400.