So as the world starts to recover from this latest pandemic COVID19 and new normality begins. It’s time to start thinking about getting out and enjoying the outdoors and our vans again. How hard this virus has hit you would be dependent on each of our locations and how our national and local governments have dealt with the situation. For me personally, it has had a huge impact. Lockdown has been severe in Spain with movement restricted to only essential needs so my beloved campervan hasn’t seen the light of day for quite some time. I didn’t prepare my van for being stored. I just parked up, locked the door, and haven’t touched her since.
Before I hit the road again there are going to be a few things that should be done to ensure my first trip after it’s been sat a while goes well without any issues.
Air it out. yep, I imagen it’s going to be smelling musty and funky. Goes without saying that all the bedding and such are going to need a good wash. So before I tackle anything mechanical I will be emptying her out completely and giving the living quarters a good clean. Great time to sort out all those bits and bobs that have been accumulating in the back of the cupboard and bottom of the drawers, that are either broken or don’t have use for anymore.
Batteries. I probably won’t have a flat battery but I will test it anyway and just to ensure it’s of good health use my intelligent maintenance and repair charger to top it up before turning the key.
Tyre pressure. Something that should be done regularly on any account. I usually do it each time I fill the tank at the petrol station but this time I’ll be using the mini compressor that I keep in the van for emergencies. Realy I have it to blow up the kids’ beach and pool toys but it works great for its intended purpose too.
Fluids and lubricants. Check all the levels, Oil, coolants, hydraulic liquid, and even the screen wash and top up as necessary. A good idea to have a little squeeze of the hoses and belts to make sure there is no cracking in the rubber.
Evict new tenants. While the bonnet is open I will be sure to have a good rummage around and make sure wildlife hasn’t decided to move in and make its nest in the engine bay. Rodents can do some serious damage to the wiring for example. Air filter boxes are a place to look at and while there check the air filter doesn’t need replacing.
Start her up. If all goes well she should start up first try. However, she isn’t ready to hit the road just yet. Need to let run idle for a good 10 minutes to give the engine a chance to warm up a little and let the lubricant run through the system. While the engine idles I’ll be keeping an eye on the dash for any warning lights or messages popping up that could hint to something being wrong. All the while listening carefully for any strange sounds. Or should I say sounds that she didn’t make before?
Lights. If you back up close to a wall you can use the mirrors to check the rear light are working yourself. But checking the lights are working and replacing blown bulbs is a regular general observation and something to do after being sat for a while also even if all was working before.
Take it slow and don’t go far. The first time driving in a while will need to be slow and local. I don’t want to be jumping straight on the motorway only to notice 50km down the road that the breaks aren’t working properly. That wouldn’t be a nice experience. So keep it slow and local. Test the breaks and steering making sure that all feel as it should. Still on the lookout for any engine warning lights and if all is well then it’s time for one last thing.
A good wash. Show some love and wash off the weeks and months of dust, grim, fallen leaves, and pollen. I start with a gentle power wash followed by a good shampooing and finish off with waxing to keep it shining and protect the paint.
Now ready for the next adventure.
Ginger Camper 