WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CARAVAN GETS WATER DAMAGED IN A STORM

What to do if your caravan gets water damaged in a storm

What do you need to do if your caravan suffers severe water damage?

n early February 2022 severe rain caused by tropical cyclone, Batsirai hit the camping areas to the North of Tshwane and caused at least one camping resort to flood.

When you camp you do not have the luxury of a garage or carport to protect your caravan from the elements and you just have to bear the storm and the damage it causes.

Klaus-Dieter Henning of Caravan Guy (Pty) Ltd (better known as the Caravan Man) in Centurion, says repairs depend on how high the water reached. If the water reached up to or above the axle but does not reach the wooden floor, the caravan will only need a good service.

A Caravan Man service includes:

• Bearings
• Caravan jacks
• Coupler shocks
• Wiring on caravan
• Check brake cables/
• Check brake shoes
• A-Frame (Coupler Unit) regrease/service
• Check all bolts and nuts
• Chassis re-black (new rubberising)
• Check for sand in wheel valves (if there are no valve caps)

What do I do if the wooden floor of my caravan gets water damaged in a storm?

If the stormwater reached the wooden floor or any wood in the caravan, there is little to do than to have it inspected by a reputable caravan repairer.

Steps to take after your caravan suffered storm damage

If you have insurance:

• Immediately report it to your insurer.
• Provide them with as many photos and videos of the damage.
• The insurance company will arrange for inspection if they want to.
• They will require a quotation for repairs from a repairer allowed to do insurance repairs.
• They will arrange for the repairs to be done.

If you do not have insurance:

Arrange an appointment with a caravan repairer who will give you a quotation for the repairs.

Be careful of repair quotations given on the strength of your photos or videos. A responsible and experienced caravan restorer will know that there could be loads of things wrong with the wood structure that cannot be seen in a photo or video.

I personally used Klaus for involved repairs to our Scout, so I can recommend him.

I arranged with him that you can quick-email him directly for an appointment if you need water damage repairs done, a caravan service, an insurance quotation or advice.