There are three main types of static caravan chassis – painted, fully galvanised chassis or part galvanised.
Whatever the type of chassis you have underneath your static caravan, it’s important to look after it regularly. It’s really important to inspect the chassis when your caravan is first sited, or even moved, for any scratches, and then periodically when leaving your caravan for the winter or when opening up for the new season.
If you have a chassis with a protective painted coating, make sure you check this every year for any signs of damage or corrosion.
The paint helps to prevent rust but any scratches or missing coating should be touched up or sprayed over, using a specialist coating which conforms to ISO: 12944. Ask your park operator or manufacturer for help or contact chassis manufacturer Bankside Patterson as they supply chassis paint. They recommend removing any rust or flaking paint first, with a wire brush or abrasive paper, before applying the paint.
For any type of caravan chassis, carry out an annual check and if you spot any significant signs of corrosion, make sure your speak to your park operator about options for repair, before serious damage sets in. This is particularly important if your caravan is sited near the coast as the sea air can corrode your caravan chassis over time.
Remember, your pride and joy is sitting on the chassis, so it pays to keep it in tip-top condition!
Bankside Patterson also recommends periodically cleaning, greasing and winding each of the four corner steadies or jack stands on your caravan chassis to prevent them from going stiff and to protect them from corrosion.
Similarly, clean and oil all moving parts on the jockey wheel, as well as the hitch handle.
You can protect your caravan’s tyres from direct sunlight by adding a tyre cover and regularly make sure you check that the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure . If the wheels have been removed then apply grease to the wheel stub once a year.
Over to you…
Got any caravan chassis maintenance tips to share with fellow owners? Feel free to post them in the comments box below.
As we are coming into the damp and cold weather and near the end of the season, I think I will check the chassis next year. Thanks for the remainder but in the spring next time
Used waxoil on our caravan chassis
I have a 44 ft 2007 Heritage park home which I am very happy with. It was positioned in 2007 with 16 jacks beneath…. 4 across at each end and 2 x 4 across on two more chassis points nearer the middle of the van which I believe is standard. However some people have been told they should have another 8 jacks installed. This seems a lot to me as I am sure the Omar people would have installed the correct amount at installation.
I have had my existing ones checked and all are tight, but I am getting a bit of a creak in part of the lounge when stepping on the floor around the table and chairs area and I have noticed a slight cracking of the outside Staccato on the same side of the lounge. Can you advise please on 1) Is 16 jacks sufficient ?……2) Can I use a standard mastic on the outside cracks……I would be very grateful for your aadvice…….Thank you…..Peter Davies…Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.
Hi Peter, we would suggest contacting Omar for advice on the jacks and application of mastic. Here are their contact details: https://www.omar.co.uk/buying-guide/ownership-warranty/