Every caravan owner runs into problems eventually. The good news is that most caravan issues are predictable, common, and fixable without spending a fortune. Here are the problems we see most often at Caravan Center, along with what you can do about them.
1. Water Leaks and Damp
The problem: Water getting into the walls through failed seals around windows, the roof, or joints. Left unchecked, it rots the wooden frame.
Signs: Musty smell, soft spots on walls, discolouration, mould.
The fix:
- Identify the entry point (usually a cracked seal)
- Remove the old sealant and clean the area
- Apply fresh caravan-grade sealant
- If the wood behind is soft, the damaged section needs replacing
Prevention: Reseal your caravan every 1-2 years. A R200 tube of sealant can prevent a R10,000 repair.
2. Fridge Not Cooling
The problem: The caravan fridge doesn’t get cold, or only works on one power source (gas or electric but not both).
Common causes:
- The caravan isn’t level. Absorption fridges (which most caravan fridges are) need to be reasonably level to work properly.
- The gas jet is blocked or dirty
- The thermocouple is faulty
- The electric element has burned out
- The flue or chimney is blocked
The fix:
- Level the caravan first and give the fridge time to cool (it takes hours, not minutes)
- Clean the gas jet with compressed air
- Check the flue for bird nests or spider webs
- If the element is gone, replace it (R300-R800 for most models)
Tip: Turn the fridge on at home the day before your trip so it’s cold before you load it.
3. Gas System Issues
The problem: Burners won’t light, flames are yellow instead of blue, or you can smell gas.
Common causes:
- Empty gas bottle (always the first thing to check)
- Faulty or expired regulator
- Perished gas lines
- Blocked burner jets
- Loose connections
The fix:
- Replace old gas lines (they perish over time, especially in the sun)
- Replace the regulator every 3-5 years
- Clean burner jets with a pin or compressed air
- Tighten all connections and test with soapy water (bubbles = leak)
Important: If you smell gas, turn everything off, ventilate the caravan, and don’t use any ignition sources. Get it checked by a qualified gas installer.
4. 12V Electrical Problems
The problem: Interior lights dim or don’t work, water pump is weak, or the battery goes flat quickly.
Common causes:
- Flat or old leisure battery
- Corroded or loose connections
- Blown fuses
- Faulty charger not topping up the battery
The fix:
- Check the battery voltage (should be above 12.4V when charged)
- Clean and tighten all battery terminal connections
- Check the fuse box for blown fuses (keep spares on hand)
- If the battery is more than 3-4 years old and doesn’t hold charge, replace it
- Check the charger is actually charging when connected to mains power
5. Water Pump Issues
The problem: The water pump runs but no water comes out, or it runs continuously even when taps are closed.
Common causes:
- Empty water tank
- Air lock in the lines
- Failed pump diaphragm
- Leaking tap or fitting causing the pump to cycle
The fix:
- Check the tank isn’t empty (obvious but often the answer)
- Open all taps to bleed air from the system
- If the pump cycles on and off with no taps open, check all fittings for drips
- Replace the pump if the diaphragm has failed (R400-R1,000 for most 12V caravan pumps)
6. Soft or Rotten Floor
The problem: The floor feels spongy or bouncy in certain areas, especially around the bathroom, kitchen, or under windows.
Common causes:
- Water ingress from above (leak through a seal)
- Condensation buildup from poor ventilation
- Splash-back from the road soaking up through the underside
The fix:
- Find and fix the water source first
- Cut out the damaged section of floor ply
- Replace with marine-grade plywood
- Re-lay the vinyl or carpet
This is a bigger job but very doable for someone with basic handyman skills. Or bring it to a workshop.
7. Brakes Sticking or Not Working
The problem: The caravan pulls to one side, the brakes drag, or the handbrake doesn’t hold.
Common causes:
- Brake shoes seized to drums from sitting too long
- Stretched or frayed brake cables
- Adjuster needs resetting
- Corroded brake components
The fix:
- Have the brake drums pulled and inspected
- Replace worn shoes and adjust properly
- Lubricate cables and pivots
- Replace cables if frayed
If your caravan has been standing for a year or more, the brakes almost certainly need attention.
8. Window Leaks
The problem: Water comes in around windows during rain or when washing the caravan.
Common causes:
- Perished rubber window seals
- Cracked or damaged window frames
- Missing or failed sealant
The fix:
- Replace the rubber seal (available from caravan spares suppliers)
- Apply sealant around the window frame exterior
- If the window frame itself is cracked, the whole window may need replacing
9. Awning Rail Damage
The problem: The awning rail (the track that holds the tent or awning to the caravan) is bent, blocked, or damaged.
The fix:
- Clean out dirt and debris from the rail channel
- Straighten minor bends carefully
- If badly damaged, the rail can be replaced but it’s a workshop job
10. Jockey Wheel Problems
The problem: The jockey wheel won’t wind up or down, the clamp doesn’t hold, or the wheel is flat.
The fix:
- Lubricate the winding mechanism with spray grease
- Tighten or replace the clamp bolt
- Replace a flat solid rubber wheel (R150-R400)
Can’t Fix It Yourself?
At Caravan Center in Vereeniging, we handle all common caravan repairs from damp and electrical work to gas systems and floor replacements. Bring yours in for a diagnosis.
Contact us at caravancenter.co.za/contact.
