Motorhome maintenance checklist: Get yours ready for an upcoming road trip
Completing your motorhome maintenance tasks is essential. By doing so, you keep everything operating smoothly and ensure your motorhome always looks its best.
From cleaning the exterior to testing gas appliances and checking your tyres, there’s a lot to consider before starting any road trip. And don’t forget to stay on top of your annual policies to make sure your vehicle is roadworthy.
Our guide has a motorhome maintenance checklist to help you keep your vehicle in pristine condition, so take a look below.
How to maintain your motorhome
Check for damp
Damp is avoidable and catching it early can stop issues from getting worse. Some easy ways to prevent damp include keeping your motorhome clean, airing it and wiping away condensation. Inspect the vehicle every month for signs of damp, even if you haven’t been using it. A dehumidifier can help or consider contacting a professional if any damage caused by dampness is present.
Look for leaks
Leaks can occur in windows, door frames and other seals. Even the slightest bit of water damage can create a gap for rain to fall through, and that could lead to long-term damage to your motorhome interior.
Keep an eye out for water stains on walls and look for puddles on floors or surfaces to spot a leak before it’s too late.
Flush the water
Replace the water in your tank if you’re getting your motorhome ready for a weekend away and haven’t used it for several months. Flush out and clean/sterilise the tank so you can drink and bathe in fresh water.
Test gas appliances
Check that gas-operated appliances such as cookers are in top condition. Give each appliance a clean then test that it’s working as expected. Contact an expert if anything is broken to promptly repair it. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector fitted in your motorhome.
Check electrical appliances
Ensure all electrical items are still in working order. Whether it’s a fridge, freezer or something else, you can live more efficiently when everything runs smoothly. Appliances are typically assessed when you have a hab check for your motorhome.
Give it a clean
A spotless space makes life easier and is more hygienic, so give your motorhome a good clean from top to bottom. Small amounts of dirt can build over time and become tough to clean, which makes it a real headache if you decide to sell your motorhome. Ensure you declutter too so you get the most out of your space during a road trip.
Inspect the tyres
Your tyres are essential for a smooth journey and can improve driving efficiency and fuel economy when filled to the correct pressure. You can find the recommended PSI in your vehicle handbook or on the tyre wall.
Take time to measure your tread depths while going through the motorhome maintenance checklist as well. The legal tread depth for tyres on vehicles under 3,500kg is 1.6mm but it’s recommended to change yours when they drop below 3mm.
Test the battery
Your motorhome battery needs to be charged if you haven’t used it for a while or it might not perform correctly. We recommend charging it if it hasn’t been turned on for about six weeks.
Measure your fluids
Checking the oil, coolant and screen wash levels is basic maintenance. This should be done before any long trip to prevent visual and mechanical issues. Top up levels yourself if required.
How often should I go through the motorhome maintenance checklist?
Be proactive and regularly go through the motorhome maintenance checklist. Also consider the rest of your vehicle. Chassis and suspension should be checked every six months or before a long journey. Brakes should be checked every three months. Check tyres monthly. And you should perform checks on lights and signals before every journey.
What else do I need to do for my motorhome?
MOT/Servicing
A motorhome MOT is a legal requirement to make your vehicle roadworthy. This test follows a checklist set by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), including features such as lights, steering, safety features and much more. MOT tests should be completed annually for vehicles over three years old. Failure to complete yours could lead to a £1,000 fine.
Getting your vehicle serviced can make you aware of problems missed during your ==. Servicing after winter is a good idea as the motorhome probably hasn’t been used for a while.
Habitation check
A hab check for your motorhome is where a professional inspects the living area within the vehicle. They’ll test appliances and safety features, window locks, wastewater outlets and more.
These inspections aren’t a legal requirement but problems identified early are easier and less costly to fix. Habitation checks for motorhomes can take several hours to complete but should help you keep on top of any issues. Make sure your motorhome is topped up with electricity before the inspector arrives so they can do a full test.
Get your documents in order
Ensuring your V5C document is easy to find is a must. This shows who is the registered keeper of the vehicle and is needed if you sell it. You can get a replacement VC5 if you no longer have it.
Tax
Your motorhome needs to be taxed annually to legally operate on UK & European roads. This can be paid in one lump sum, every six months, or monthly instalments and the payment amount depends on the vehicle’s weight. Check vehicle tax rates to ensure you’ve taxed yours properly.
Warranty
- Make sure you are keeping up with requirements to keep your vehicle warranties valid.
- Many new vehicles will come with a body warranty, these warranties can last up to 10 years.
- To keep this warranty valid manufacturers will require you to have an annual service of the habitation part of your vehicle by a specific time each year.
Breakdown cover
While it isn’t a legal requirement, having breakdown cover can give you essential peace of mind during road trips. These policies typically mean your vehicle can be recovered and taken to a garage for repairs. ARAG offers motorhome breakdown cover as an optional extra on our motorhome and campervan insurance policies. This cover gets you emergency roadside repairs, European breakdown cover as standard, and will transport you to your destination if required. All breakdown services will require a valid road fund license
Insurance
Motorhome insurance is another mandatory requirement that needs to be updated annually. If you need a new provider, we offer bespoke insurance policies that work for you.
You can depend on us for your new policy We have over 30 years’ experience, are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and are rated ‘Excellent’ by thousands of customers on Trustpilot.
Discuss your options with our friendly team today by calling 0208 984 0666 or get a quote online now.
Disclaimer: At the date of publication all information within this article was factually accurate. However, changes in circumstances over time may impact the accuracy of the information.
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We’re a family run business with over 30 years' experience in the provision of specialist motorhome and campervan insurance. With a wealth of awards under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing a friendly and professional service, offering you the most comprehensive cover money can buy - starting from just £220!
We’re a family run business with over 30 years' experience in the provision of specialist motorhome and campervan insurance. With a wealth of awards under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing a friendly and professional service, offering you the most comprehensive cover money can buy - starting from just £200!
