GENERAL DATA
92
petroleum jelly. The electrolyte level should
be checked and topped up with distilled
water if necessary. Trickle charge from the
mains until you obtain a reading of 12.6v on
a voltmeter or 1.27 on a hydrometer. Store
the battery in a cool, dry place and check the
state every 6-8 weeks. Top up the charge as
required.
Electric clocks, smoke detectors etc, if fitted,
should have their internal battery removed.
Battery powered burglar alarms may benefit
from a new set of batteries for the winter.
6. Awning
The awning should be spread out on dry
grass or concrete and brushed with a broom
to remove any mud. If the canvas is stained
try removing the marks with a stiff brush and
plain water. If this fails pure soap flakes can
be tried, which will mean re-proofing is
necessary afterwards, but never use
detergents. If stains are stubborn there are
proprietary cleaners such as Fabsil Universal
Cleaner, available from caravan accessory
shops, or contact Grangers International Tel:
01773 521521. Any mildew spots can be
treated with a weak solution of hydrogen
peroxide – scrub into the affected area and
allow to dry before re-proofing (spot test a
hidden area in case colour is affected). Such
severe treatment will weaken the awning
material so live with stains if you can! Clear
windows can be cleaned with methylated
spirits if water doesn’t work, but nothing
stronger. Examine seams and repair any
broken stitching and replace perished rubber
tensioners. Give the awning a good shake
and pack it when completely dry, trying not to
put too many creases in the window. Store in
a dry, vermin free area.
Awning poles need little attention other than
a wipe down with a damp cloth. Don’t oil or
grease them as this may get onto the
canvas. Pegs can be cleaned and
straightened and any badly damaged ones
can be replaced ready for the next season.
7. Exterior
Look over the rubber window seals and
replace any that look perished. Coat
serviceable rubbers with olive oil. If you have
a damp meter check around the inside for
any trouble spots and re-seal suspect joints.
Any major damp penetration problems
should be resolved before storage. Minor
leaks might be cured using Captain Tolley’s
Creeping Crack Cure. Major leaks require
complete renewal of the sealant; both
products should be available from caravan
accessory shops.
The caravan body will benefit from a
thorough clean using a car shampoo
(household detergents are corrosive) and a
coating of good quality polish. Take care
when washing the windows as they scratch
quite easily. Small scratches can be removed
using a liquid metal polish such as Brasso.
Duraglit wadding may also prove successful,
and Farecla Products make a polish
especially for use on acrylic windows –
telephone Farecla Products Ltd on 01920
465041 for nearest stockist. Door locks and
hinges can be squirted with WD40, wiping off
any excess. Fenwick’s Overwintering
Caravan Storage Fluid protects against
algae, mould, airborne pollutants, acid rain
and bird lime, available from selected
caravan accessory shops or contact
Fenwicks Tel: 01270 610161.
8. Chassis
The chassis should be brushed off, or if
exposed to corrosive elements, eg road salt,
thoroughly washed down. Any surface rust
can be removed with a wire brush or
sandpaper and the chassis and axle tube
can be painted with a rust inhibitor, suitable
paint (eg Hammerite) or Finnigan’s Waxoyl.
The coupling and all winding mechanisms
should be degreased, examined for wear
then re-greased.
9. LPG cylinders
LPG cylinders should be removed and stored
in a cool, ventilated location. Some storage
compounds will insist they are removed to
comply with fire safety regulations. The
regulator and/or pipe end can be covered
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