13 Top Tips For Outdoor Accessory Maintenance

You certainly don’t want to arrive at your holiday destination only to find your gas bottles are empty, the tent has been chewed to heavenly holiness by marauding mice, and you left grandma napping in the caravan when you put it out to pasture at your local Storage Land for the winter season.

- Walter Ellis

Not only will she be very, very angry that her whisky has run out, but your holiday will be spoiled by the fact that you did not get your gear … into gear, so to speak. Don’t put off giving your gear, caravans, and trailers a good once-over and a quick refurbish where needed before you venture on your adventure.

Here are our 13 top tips to keep your outdoor gear right and ready

Service your caravan and off-road trailer so you have peace of mind when towing. An unstable caravan or trailer that has not been serviced can cause havoc on the roads. If your tow car needs a service, do that too.

Check your tent from top to bottom. Look for canvas tears, broken guide ropes, rusted tent pegs, and zips that need lubrication and repair. Air the tent out well and then pack away when completely free of any moisture.

Air out all sleeping bags and, if they are washable, shove them in the washing machine. Dry the sleeping bags out completely before rolling up and storing in a dry place. Ensure the zips are functioning properly.

If you own an air mattress, check it for punctures as there is nothing worse than sleeping uncomfortably. Good rest is critical for resetting your battery as you commune with nature.