As the days start to stretch out and spring rolls in, now is the ideal time to get your caravan or motorhome ready for the touring season. After months of winter storage or minimal use, it’s important to give your vehicle a thorough check to make sure everything’s in good working order before your next trip. A bit of early maintenance can save you time, money, and stress once you're back out on the road.
From fresh water systems and electrical connections to interior fittings, door catches, and mains leads, there are plenty of small but essential parts that might need replacing or refreshing. Whether you're a full-season tourer or just planning weekend breaks, this spring is the perfect time to stock up on caravan and motorhome spares, check your setup, and make sure your touring equipment is up to the job. To help you out, we’ve put together a practical checklist of what to look for — all with easy-to-replace items available right here on ThomasTouring.co.uk.
✅ 1. Check Doors, Catches & Retainers
Over time, doors and locker catches can loosen or break — especially after winter storage.
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Check for wear and tear on cupboard doors, storage lockers, and external compartments.
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Replace any damaged parts with items like the W4 Roller Catch or W4 Nylon Door Retainer to keep everything secure while towing.
💧 2. Reconnect and Test Water Supply
If you've drained down your system over winter, now’s the time to reconnect it:
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Inspect your hoses, tap tails, and fittings for any signs of cracking or stiffness.
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Consider replacing worn items like the Caraflo 15mm Push Fit Nylon Tap Tails SP230 or 12mm Push Fit Collet Clips for a watertight seal.
🔌 3. Check Your Electrics
Electrical issues can creep in during colder months or while your vehicle’s been parked up.
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Inspect your fuses and connections — a spare W4 Blade Fuse Holder is always worth having on hand.
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Test sockets using a device or mains tester, and check your mains hookup lead — if it’s looking tired, upgrade to a reliable Vechline 25m Mains Lead.
🛏️ 4. Check Living Comfort Accessories
Small things can make a big difference on the road.
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Missing airbed plugs or damaged tie-downs? Stock up on items like W4 Airbed Plugs – Pack of 3 or Polco Kwiklok Tie-Down Straps for camping gear.
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Look over seat straps and brackets — the W4 Battery Strap Retaining Brackets also work well for securing heavier items inside storage areas.
🧽 5. Give It a Good Clean
Even if it’s been under cover, a clean helps spot any issues and makes it feel fresh again.
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Look out for cracked seals or signs of damp as you clean.
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If you're stocking up on cleaning gear, keep an eye on our cleaning accessories (especially the Fenwicks range).
🎯 Final Tip: Don’t Leave It Too Late to Prepare
As the touring season kicks off, demand for caravan and motorhome essentials quickly picks up — and some of the most useful items often sell out early. Things like water hose fittings, mains hookup leads, door catches, tap tails, and electrical connectors are small but vital, and it’s frustrating to be caught short just before a trip.
Now’s the perfect time to check your setup and replace any worn or missing parts with trusted spares from Thomas Touring. We stock a wide range of replacement parts, touring accessories, and practical caravan supplies, so you can travel confidently knowing your setup is sorted.
And if you're not quite sure what part you need — whether it’s a push-fit fitting, a fuse holder, or a specific awning bracket — just get in touch. You can reach us by phone, email, or social media, and we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction. We’re always happy to help fellow tourers stay safe and ready for the road.
