In this article David answers a question about some of the necessary checks you should perform on your caravan electrics before a caravanning holiday on the open road.
Hi David
Our van is getting a bit old — not having used it for a couple of years — and we are looking at heading off for a couple months over summer. I’m keen to understand what we should do to review our electricals — do you have a checklist?
Mitch,
Rawsonville, NSW
Hey Mitch,
It’s great that you are going to get the opportunity to head off on a big trip. We have put together a DIY caravan checklist of the top electrics in your van to review. Just like checking your wheel bearings and brakes, it is critical to give your electricals a good once over to ensure trouble-free travels and peace of mind.
Battery health inspection
The heart of your caravan’s electrical system is its battery. Start by verifying that the battery can be fully charged. If you can, it is worthwhile checking the state of health of the battery — especially if it’s a bit old.
Examine the battery for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or swelling. These can indicate serious issues that might require a battery replacement. Next, check the battery terminals for corrosion. This is a common issue that can impede the efficiency of your battery. Clean any corrosion using a solution of baking soda and water and secure all connections to ensure they are tight and clean. Applying a corrosion-resistant spray can also help prolong the life of the terminals. As many installations are now outside the caravan and on the side of the chassis, ensure the terminals and relevant areas are in good condition and not fouled with road debris.
Fuse functionality check
While your power management system will have internal fuses that can’t be checked, there will most likely be other fuses such as those near batteries or inverters. Fuses protect your caravan’s electrical circuits, so they need to be in perfect condition. Check each fuse in the circuit for the correct amperage and ensure none are blown. Replace any damaged fuses and keep spare parts on hand for emergencies. Check that fuse holders are not damaged and protect the fuse.
Solar panel installations
Before heading off, it's a good idea to give your solar panels a good wash. While up on top of the van, I’d suggest a thorough check of the wiring and connections is also worthwhile. Always double check you haven’t overloaded your connections with too much solar power. At the same time, it is essential to ensure that your connections — not only between the panels but also with the power management system — are secure and haven’t vibrated loose.
Grounding
Proper grounding is vital for preventing electrical shocks and ensuring overall vehicle safety. Many caravans have a ground point from the negative on the battery. If this is the case, check the grounding wires and make sure they are firmly attached to a non-painted metallic part of the caravan’s frame and these connections are robust and rust-free.
Wiring integrity
Visual inspection of your caravan’s wiring can identify potential problems such as frayed wires or loose connections. Check that all wiring is securely fastened and insulated, with no signs of wear or damage. It is especially worthwhile to get under the caravan and closely inspect the below floor wiring looms. Sometimes these are only attached via cable ties or metal brackets and can become damaged by stones, sticks or debris flicked up. Low hanging wires are a liability for further issues. Ensure the wires have not had their insulation damaged as this can cause short circuits.
Connector and plug safety
Your caravan will normally be connected to two external power sources. The first is the trailer plug that connects to the car. Check regularly for dust buildup or loose connections. It is an easy check to remove the back cover of the trailer plug on the caravan side and ensure all wires are tightly fastened. Secondly, it is worthwhile to double check your 240V cable to the caravan park power pole is in good working order.
Remember, handling some of these tasks, especially those related to the caravan’s internal wiring and grounding system, may require professional skills. If in doubt, do not hesitate to consult with a certified electrician who can ensure that all systems are go for a safe and enjoyable caravan trip.
Safe travels!
12V Guru
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