Essential Maintenance for Motorhome Owners

Owning a motorhome allows you the complete freedom to travel and explore the UK at your own pace. Like all vehicles, motorhomes require regular care and maintenance to keep them in good working order. Establishing a maintenance routine can help prevent issues and breakdowns during your adventures, let’s be honest, that’s the last thing you want!

Here’s a checklist of important maintenance tasks for motorhome owners that you can do yourself without the hassle of taking it to a service centre.

Exterior Care

 
Wash and Wax Exterior - Dirt, debris, bird droppings and other elements can damage your motorhome's exterior over time. Every few months, give the outside a good wash from top to bottom using a good quality cleaner. Follow up with a fresh coat of wax to protect the finish. 

Inspect Sealants and Caulking - Regularly check the sealants around windows, doors, roof fixtures and seams to ensure they are intact. Reapply sealant or caulk if you notice any cracks, peeling or gaps that could allow moisture or pests to enter. Proper seals prevent leaks and damage.

Lubricate Locks and Hinges - Keep locks and door hinges working smoothly by applying a bit of WD40 or lubricating spray every 6 months. This prevents sticking and corrosion.

Check Wheels and Tyres - Improperly inflated tyres and loose wheel nuts can lead to catastrophic failures or accidents when driving. Once a month when the motorhome hasn't been driven recently, check and adjust tyre pressure. Inspect the tyre tread depth and look for signs of cracking. We would recommend you check the wheel nut torque annually.

Inspect Steps and Ladders - Steps and ladders take a lot of wear and tear over time. Check all connections are secure and operational at least twice per year or immediately if you notice any looseness. This helps avoid falls and injuries when accessing the motorhome.

Interior Care

Monitor Water System - To keep water fresh and prevent leaks, sanitise and flush all water lines and tanks at least once per year. Also, have the water pump and filtration system serviced annually. Check sink and shower connections for drips or leaks regularly as well. Over time these drips can cause even more damage inside your motorhome.

Inspect Propane System - Your propane system must be properly sealed and connections are tight. Annually have a qualified technician inspect tanks, gauges, piping and fittings for leaks. They can also clean or replace parts as needed for safety.

Lubricate Doors and Drawers - To prevent sticking and tearing, keep interior doors, drawers and slide-outs operating smoothly by lubricating with a silicone spray. This can be done once a year.

Inspect Roof Components - On a ladder, carefully inspect roof vents, air conditioners, antennae and seals twice per year. Reapply sealants if cracked or peeling and have technicians service appliances if needed. Watch for any water damage or soft spots.

Check Safety Equipment - Test all smoke, carbon monoxide and LP gas detectors to ensure they are operational. Replace batteries in alarms and fire extinguishers annually or according to expiration dates.

Maintenance While Driving/Extended Trips

Check Fluid Levels Regularly - When on extended trips, inspect engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid and coolant levels every 500 miles. Top up as needed to maintain a safe operation.

Monitor Electrical System - Use a multimeter or voltmeter to periodically check the voltage of motorhome and chassis batteries. Always keep the batteries fully charged. Watch the gauge to ensure the alternator is charging as you drive.

Inspect Fixtures and Furnishings - To prevent costly water damage, regularly check the plumbing connections under the sinks for leaks. Ensure the ceiling vents are close properly. Inspect the underside of fridge, windows and furnace exhaust for moisture.

Check Generator - If your motorhome is equipped with an onboard generator, run it for at least 30 minutes under load weekly to circulate fluids and maintain consistent voltage. Have it serviced annually or every 250 hours.

Practice Maintenance On Short Trips - Use brief weekend outings to refresh grey and black water tanks, cycle slide-outs and jacks, run awnings in and out and other basic functionality checks. Perform a thorough inspection upon return to catch issues immediately. This will help when you’re planning your big trips.

Taking the time to follow manufacturer recommendations can really help you in the long run. Neglecting basic upkeep makes you susceptible to dangerous breakdowns at inconvenient times. 

Investing a few hours in your motorhome each month goes a long way towards avoiding holiday-ruining catastrophes and gives you peace of mind that everything is in good working order before embarking on your next adventure. 

By following this checklist you can feel confident your motorhome will provide reliable transportation and comfortable lodging all across the beautiful countryside across the the UK and Europe. 

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