The temperatures are rising and the holiday season in your own home on four wheels begins. However, owners of mobile homes and camper vans should consider a few points before the first trip. How to get the camping season off to a good start:
The technically perfect condition of the vehicle is particularly important. The ADAC recommends checking before the first trip whether the general inspection or gas test is due. The battery and all electrical systems such as indicators and lights should also be checked on the car. The tire pressure must also be measured, the wheels checked for damage and the level of engine oil and washer fluid checked.
In order for the mobile home to also be able to fulfill its actual purpose, a new gas bottle may have to be connected to the gas system and all devices connected to it, such as cookers, heating or boilers, must be checked for their function. In addition, the water tank must be flushed, filled with fresh water and its operation and tightness checked. When filling, the water should be mixed with a water disinfectant so that it stays fresh and germ-free for a long time.
Vehicles that have spent the winter outdoors in particular need to be thoroughly cleaned before they set off for the first time. In order to work your way from top to bottom, the roof should first be cleaned and attention paid to any moisture damage in the structure. The seals on windows and doors should also be inspected and the glasses cleaned. Paint care and paint sealing products can also be used. Inside the vehicle, the upholstery and mattresses should be vacuumed, all shelves and cupboards wiped, and the kitchenette with stove and refrigerator cleaned.
Next up is the equipment. Are all the utensils that were cleared out for the winter back in their place? This includes pillows, blankets, duvet covers and bed linen as well as the kitchen equipment with pans, pots and dishes or washing-up liquid, tea towels, kitchen rolls and garbage bags. The mobile medicine chest and the set of cosmetics and care products can also be increased. With larger objects such as camping chairs and tables, care should be taken to ensure correct loading: the heavy ones at the bottom, distribute the weight evenly and secure with straps or expanders if necessary. If all things are in place, it is advisable to make a packing list, if not already available, to make the next start of the season easier.
