There is a lot to discuss under the topic of caravan care and maintenance. The number one rule is always to be prepared and apply common sense. Whilst we will provide a few basic tips we suggest that you carefully read the manufacturer's information supplied for all appliances and also invest in a reputable, commercial caravan owner's manual. Use the experience of others to assist build your own knowledge and skills.

Before you Move
It is advisable to create a personal checklist of items to check prior to moving the van.
Some items to include on this list may include;
• TV antenna stowed.
• Electrical cords detached and stowed.
• Cupboards secure.
• Gas appliances turned off.
• Water connections disconnected.
• Vehicle hitch secure, electrical connected..
• Jockey wheel stowed, stabiliser jacks raised.
• Roof vents and hatches closed.
• Fridges turned over to 12 volt.
• Awnings stowed and locked into travel position.
• Release hand brake.
• Carry Out a full visual inspection.

External Cleaning
The fibre glass or aluminium sheeting on the outside of your van should only be cleaned with warm soapy water. Pressure cleaners can be used with care but never use abrasive materials. Awnings can only be safely cleaned with warm soapy water which should be rinsed off straight away.
Diluted solutions of mineral turps or pre tested commercial cleaners can be used on persistent marks such as road tar.

Battery packs and associated equipment.
Batteries should be kept charged and need to be checked during storage periods. Maintenance is generally the same as for your motor vehicle.

Servicing
All new vans experience some settling of frame & structure. We stand by our workmanship and value customer satisfaction. We encourage our new van buyers to maintain contact with us and to return their vans to us at least twice within the 12 month warranty period.

During these services we will check;
• Wheel bearings
• Overall structure for movement, cracks or distortion
• That all fixtures are secure
• Doors, windows and hatches for leaks
• Plumbing (including gas fittings)
• Any areas of concern raised by owner.

Certain maintenance items come under the heading of servicing and are not included in our warranty. Just like your motor vehicle you should arrange for a regular service check with a qualified person.
Important: After approximately the first 2000km brakes should be checked, tested and adjusted to suit your vehicle.
Items including wheel bearings, wheel nut tension, tyre pressure, coupling devices, gas fittings and so on are part of the regular servicing schedule that you should create. A good rule of thumb is that if something changes or seems out of the ordinary ...check it!...

Load Terminology
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) The total laden weight of a trailer, which includes the tow ball mass and whatever you add as payload (eg. water, gas, luggage). The ATM is specified by the trailer manufacturer and must not be exceeded.

GCM (Gross Combination Mass) GCM is the rating provided by the manufacturer of the tow vehicle. The
maximum laden mass of a motor vehicle plus the maximum laden weight
of an attached trailer is not permitted to exceed the GCM rating.

GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) The total permissible mass which includes whatever you add as payload (eg. water, gas and luggage) that can be supported by the wheels of a trailer. This does not include the mass supported by the tow ball.

Tare Mass The unladen weight of the trailer.

Tow Ball Mass The weight imposed on the rear of the tow vehicle's tow ball from the coupling of a trailer or caravan.

Payload Payload is specified by the manufacturer. It must not be exceeded under any circumstances. Safety, insurance & warranty may be affected if the specified payload is exceeded.

Spare Parts
Echuca Moama Caravans have a wide range of spare parts and access to all major suppliers in Melbourne and interstate. These suppliers include Camec Caravan Supplies, Coast to Coast, Hume Caravan Supplies, Dometic etc. We have almost daily orders being shipped to our display yard and factory.

We are also able to arrange CIL insurance for your van and we are agents for Tebbs canvas supplies.
We are accredited repairers and offer a range of upgrades and repairs, including insurance claims, for our customers.

Warranty
Echuca Moama Caravans offer a 12 month warranty to the original purchaser from the date of signing. An Australia wide extended warranty of up to 4 years is also available on both new and second hand vans. Feel free to discuss this option with us.