![[Translate to International:] Camping-Tipps für den Frühling im Dethleffs Wohnwagen](/fileadmin/templates/gfx/background/blank.gif "[Translate to International:] Camping-Tipps für den Frühling im Dethleffs Wohnwagen")
Check the underslung and doors
Checking the floor, windows and doors in the caravan
The body of a caravan mainly consists of three core elements: the floor, windows and doors. These elements need to be checked before you take your first trip in spring or summer, especially as the vehicle has been sat unused in its parking space for a long period of time. Damage should be fixed straight away to prevent any depreciation in the value of the vehicle and to stop any damage from worsening.
Doors
Check whether all doors, storage space hatches and drawers can be easily opened and closed. If this is not the case, the locking cylinders can be treated with graphite powder. Acid-free, resin-free grease is perfect for maintaining hinges and will help them to stay well lubricated.
Windows
At the beginning of spring, simply open all the windows in your caravan. This will let in fresh air, and you will be able to see whether all window latches are still working properly. Silicone spray is perfect for maintenance and repairs because it is water-repellent, so it protects against humidity and prevents the catch levers from blocking and jamming. It is also suitable for all seasons, as it can withstand cold temperatures of up to -35 °C and hot temperatures of up to 200 °C in summer. It is best to treat the window catch levers before winter hibernation, before the spring season and during the summer season.
Almost all caravan windows are made of acrylic glass. They should be cleaned with lots of hot water and a dash of washing-up liquid to protect them from being scratched by dust particles. Use a soft cloth here, not a sponge or even a floor cloth. You also should not use glass cleaners containing chemicals, alcohol or abrasive substances when cleaning caravan windows, as this may make the acrylic glass dull or brittle. In the worst-case scenario, it will lead to the material cracking or the window breaking faster, which means it will need to be replaced sooner than usual.
![[Translate to International:] Wohnwagen Fenster richtig überprüfen und pflegen](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/6/csm_dethleffs_roadtrip_2017_eye5_danielzangerl__297_von_684__9b652c2924.jpg "[Translate to International:] Wohnwagen Fenster richtig überprüfen und pflegen")
Flooring
Check the underslung for damage and fix this. Important: If part or all of your underslung features underslung protection, please do not use spray oil on it. It would be better to regularly check the underslung protection and replace it if necessary or to treat it with wax or an appropriate paint to help it last longer. After all, regular maintenance is the best protection out there for the underslung, no matter whether it’s made of wood or GRP (glass reinforced plastic). If it is made of the latter, we recommend using only a gel coat cleaner to clean it. This will avoid a yellow tarnish to the flooring or parts. It will also preserve the surface sealing. If you want, it can also be treated with a special polish.
