Owning a caravan comes with a unique set of challenges. Here are the most frequently asked questions about caravan ownership, maintenance, and legalities for the 2026 season, with expert insights relevant to the services provided by KND Caravans.

Legal & Towing

Q: Do I need a special license to tow a caravan in 2026? A: In the UK, if you passed your car driving test after January 1, 1997, you can generally tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass). However, you should always check your specific license categories on the GOV.UK website to ensure your car and caravan combination doesn't exceed your legal limit.

Q: Are towing mirrors legally required? A: Yes. If your caravan is wider than the rear of your towing vehicle, you must fit towing mirrors. Failing to do so can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and 3 penalty points on your license.

Q: What are the speed limits for towing? A: Even if the road sign says 60 or 70, towing a caravan reduces your legal limit:

• Single Carriageway: 50 mph
• Dual Carriageway / Motorway: 60 mph

Damp & Maintenance

Q: How do I know if my caravan has damp? A: Look for the "Big Three" signs:

1. Smell: A musty, earthy odour when you first enter.
2. Touch: Soft or "spongy" spots on the walls, especially around windows.
3. Sight: Black mould or "pimpliness" (bubbling) on the wallboards. KND Caravans uses professional moisture meters to detect this long before it becomes visible to the naked eye.

Q: Can I use bleach to clean mould inside my caravan? A: No. Avoid bleach as it can damage the delicate wallboard finishes and seals. Instead, use a specialized caravan anti-mould spray or a mild solution of white vinegar and water.

Q: How often should I service my caravan? A: At least once a year. Even if you don't use it frequently, components like tyres, gas hoses, and seals can degrade over time. An annual "Habitation Check" is also often a requirement to keep your manufacturer's warranty valid.

Power & Utilities

Q: My leisure battery keeps dying. Why? A: Leisure batteries aren't designed to be drained completely. If a battery drops below 12.2V, it can suffer permanent damage (sulphation). Ensure you use a trickle charger during the off-season or disconnect the battery entirely if storing the van without power.

Q: Why is my water pump "pulsing" when I turn on the tap? A: This usually means there is air in the system or a slight leak on the inlet side. Ensure your AquaRoll is full and the submersible pump is fully submerged. If it persists, the pressure switch may need a simple adjustment—something KND can handle during a routine service.

Winter & Storage

Q: Should I leave my blinds closed during winter storage? A: No. It is better to leave spring-loaded blinds open (up). Keeping them closed for months puts constant tension on the springs, which can lead to them failing or becoming "saggy" when you want to use them in the spring.

Q: How do I prevent pipes from bursting in the frost? A: The "Drain Down" is essential. Open all taps to the middle position, open the yellow safety drain valve (usually near the water heater), and run the pump for a few seconds to clear any remaining pockets of water.