16 Easy Jobs to Get Your Motorhome Ready for Trouble-Free Touring
As the touring season approaches, spending a little time on motorhome maintenance can save a lot of frustration once you're out on the road. Whether your motorhome has spent the winter in storage or you've continued touring throughout the colder months, carrying out a few simple checks now can help ensure a safe and trouble-free adventure.
Assuming your annual habitation service and MOT are up to date, here are 16 straightforward jobs every motorhome owner should consider before setting off on their next trip.
1. Check Your Vehicle Battery
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A healthy starter battery is essential. Inspect it for any signs of damage, swelling or corrosion and check that it is holding a full charge. If necessary, recharge the battery according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
2. Inspect Your Leisure Battery
Your leisure battery powers many of your onboard systems when you're off-grid. Make sure it is fully charged and capable of holding that charge. Older batteries may benefit from a conditioning charge using a dedicated battery charger.
3. Clean Corroded Battery Terminals
White powdery deposits on battery terminals indicate corrosion. Carefully clean these away and protect the terminals with a light coating of petroleum jelly to help prevent future oxidation.
4. Check Tyre Pressures
Tyres are one of the most important safety items on any motorhome. Verify that all tyre pressures match the manufacturer's recommendations, including the spare wheel if you carry one.
5. Inspect Tyre Condition
Look closely for cracks, cuts, bulges, uneven wear or other signs of damage. Motorhome tyres often age before they wear out, so condition is just as important as tread depth.
6. Give the Tyres a Thorough Clean
Cleaning tyres isn't just about appearance. Washing away dirt and grime makes it easier to spot any defects that could otherwise go unnoticed.
7. Test the Brakes
After a period of storage, brake discs can develop surface rust. Take the motorhome for a short drive and check that braking performance feels normal and consistent.
8. Check the Handbrake
A handbrake can become sticky when a motorhome has been parked for extended periods. Ensure it applies and releases smoothly without hesitation.
9. Inspect Brake Discs
Following a short drive, inspect the brake discs. They should appear clean and shiny. Any excessive rust, scoring or poor braking performance should be investigated by a qualified technician.
10. Check All Exterior Lights
Confirm that headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, reversing lights and fog lights are all working correctly. Don't forget to ask someone to help if needed.
11. Test Interior Lighting
Check every interior light fitting, replacing failed bulbs where necessary and ensuring all connections remain secure.
12. Test Habitation Appliances
Run each appliance, including the fridge, heating, water heater and cooker. Identifying faults at home is far better than discovering them on your first night away.
13. Inspect Windows and Rooflights
Open and close all windows, roof vents and skylights. Check seals for signs of wear and ensure all catches operate correctly. Spay all the seals lightly with silicone lubricant to keep them soft and subtle.
14. Lubricate Door Locks
Locks that sit unused can become stiff and difficult to operate. Applying a suitable dry lubricant helps keep lock mechanisms working smoothly and prevents costly damage.
15. Lubricate Locker Hinges and Latches
External lockers are exposed to the elements and can seize if neglected. A suitable silicone-based lubricant can help keep hinges and catches operating freely.
16. Clean and Sanitise the Water System
Fresh water tanks and pipework should be thoroughly cleaned before the touring season begins. Use a dedicated tank-cleaning product, flush the entire system and rinse thoroughly with clean water. This not only freshens the water supply but also helps eliminate unwanted odours from the grey-water system.
Essential Supplies for the Job
Most of these maintenance tasks require only basic equipment, including:
- Car shampoo and warm water
- Microfibre cloths
Keeping these items in your motorhome maintenance kit will make regular checks quicker and easier throughout the year.
A Little Effort Goes a Long Way
None of these jobs require specialist mechanical knowledge, yet together they can significantly improve reliability, safety and comfort on tour. Spending a few hours carrying out these simple checks before the season starts can help prevent breakdowns, avoid costly repairs and give you peace of mind wherever your travels take you.
We hope this checklist helps you get your motorhome prepped and ready for many miles of trouble-free touring. For more advice, community discussions, and shared experiences on all things motorhome, come and join the conversation! You can connect with us in our Facebook groups: Motorhome touring Scotland and Motorhome Touring The UK and Europe. Subscribe to the
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