Pre-Touring Motorhome Checklist: 16 Steps to Success

Getting your motorhome ready is more than just a task; it's the start of your holiday. By investing time now, you’re saving yourself headaches on the road. Here is an expanded look at those 16 essential jobs.

1. The Full Visual Inspection

Don’t just look at the vehicle—examine it. Start with a slow walkaround.

Seals & Mastic: Run a finger along the external sealant lines around windows and rooflights. Look for "crazing" (tiny cracks) or peeling. If you spot gaps, don't ignore them; water ingress is the silent killer of motorhomes.
Vents: Check your fridge and heater vents. Debris, spider webs, or even bird nests can build up over winter and restrict airflow, which stops your fridge from cooling and your heater from firing up.
Rodent Check: Look under the bonnet and in storage lockers for signs of mice—droppings, shredded paper, or insulation damage. If you find signs, investigate the wiring loom immediately.

2. A Proper Exterior Clean

A clean 'van is a well-maintained 'van. **Muk Junkie (see discount below)

The "No Pressure" Rule: Avoid power washers. They force water into joints and seals that weren't designed to withstand high pressure. A hose and a long-handled soft brush are safer.
Black Streaks: Use a dedicated "Black Streak Remover" or the Muc-Off cleaner mentioned previously. Apply, let it sit for a minute, and gently agitate with a soft brush before rinsing.
Roof Maintenance: Use a stable, high-quality ladder. Never step on the roof unless you know the manufacturer specs say it can take your weight. While up there, inspect the satellite dish and solar panels to ensure they are secure and clean.

3. Interior Spring Clean

Dust and stale air are common after storage.

Deep Airing: Open every cupboard, drawer, and under-seat locker. Let the air circulate.
Moisture Check: As you clean, run your hand along the inside of the cupboards. If you feel any dampness or smell mildew, find the source immediately. It might be a small leak in a seal, or just poor ventilation.
Upholstery: If you stored your cushions in the house, give them a good vacuum and a spritz of fabric refresher before putting them back.

4. Leisure Battery Health

If your battery voltage is low, it’s going to struggle all season.

The Multimeter Test: Always measure the voltage after the battery has been sitting for a few hours (not immediately after charging).
- 12.7V+: Fully charged and healthy.
- 12.4V - 12.6V: Needs a good charge.
- Below 12.4V: Your battery has likely suffered from "sulfation" (damage due to being left empty). It may still work, but it won't hold power well.
Terminal Care: Ensure the battery terminals are clean and tight. A loose connection can cause flickering lights and erratic fridge behavior.

5. Gas Supply & Hoses

Gas is essential, so treat it with respect.

The "Five-Year" Rule: Check the printed date on the rubber hose. If it’s over five years old, replace it. Rubber perishes, and a microscopic crack can leak gas in an enclosed space.
Regulator Check: If your regulator is built into the bulkhead, check that it’s mounted securely.
Leak Testing: If you smell gas, don't guess. Use a soapy water solution on connections to see if any bubbles form (if they do, you have a leak).

6. The Water System Flush

Old water in the pipes is a breeding ground for bacteria.

The Process: After filling with a sterilizing solution, open every tap (hot and cold). Let it run until you smell the cleaner coming out of the tap. Close it, then do the next one.
The Grey Tank: Don't forget to drain the cleaning solution into the grey water tank. This helps sterilize the tank and pipework, which keeps those nasty "sink smells" away.
The "Flush" Step: After soaking for the recommended time (check the bottle instructions), flush twice with fresh, clean water.

7. Recommission the Fridge

The fridge is the hardest working appliance in your 'van.

Tri-Power Test: Test it on 230V (mains), 12V (while the engine is running—you may need to start the vehicle), and Gas.
Gas Mode: Listen for the "click-click-click" of the igniter. If it clicks but doesn't light, it might just need a blast of air to clear the burner jet.
Seal Check: Check the door seal. If it’s cracked or loose, the fridge will struggle to stay cold on hot summer days.

8. Brake Assessment

Safety first!

Rust Removal: It’s normal to have surface rust on discs after storage. A gentle drive with a few controlled braking applications (in a safe, quiet area) will clean the surface.
The Handbrake: If the handbrake feels "sticky" or doesn't hold the vehicle on an incline, the cables may have seized during storage. Have a pro look at this; it's a critical safety component.

9. Wiper Blade Care

Don't wait for a downpour to realize your wipers are shot.

Vinegar Trick: The vinegar/water mix (50/50) removes the "road film" that causes smearing. If the rubber is cracked, split, or feels "hard" to the touch, just replace them. It’s a cheap upgrade that drastically improves visibility.

10. Test Appliances & Safety Gear

Don't assume it works just because it worked last year.

CO & Smoke Alarms: Use the "Test" button. If they don't beep, change the batteries. If they are over 5–7 years old, the unit itself has expired and must be replaced.

Fire Extinguisher: Check the pressure gauge (if it has one). If the needle is in the red, replace it.

11. Awning & Outdoor Kit

The last thing you want on your first trip is a mildew-smelling awning.

Check the Fabric: Unroll it. Look for tiny pinholes in the fabric (light coming through) or signs of dampness.
Clean and Dry: If you find mildew, use a mild, dedicated awning cleaner and water proofing. Make sure it is bone-dry before you roll it back up, or the mold will return.

12. Stock Up on Essentials

Avoid the "campsite tax."

The "Top-Up" Kit: Before you leave, create a box with: Toilet chemical, toilet paper (specifically for chemical toilets), grey water additives, and a basic tool kit (screwdrivers, fuses, cable ties, duct tape).

Fuses: Always carry a pack of spare fuses for your 12V system. When a light or pump stops working, 9 times out of 10, it’s just a blown fuse.

13. Documentation & Servicing

Paperwork matters.

Digital Copies: Take photos of your V5C, insurance certificate, and breakdown cover documents. Store them in a folder on your phone so you have them offline, even if you lose signal.
Service History: Ensure your habitation service is up to date. This is often a requirement for your insurance to be valid in the event of a claim.

14. Pumps & Heating

Don't wait for a cold night to realize the heat isn't working.

Water Pump: Listen to the pump. If it keeps running even when the taps are off, you have a leak or an airlock in the system.
Glycol Check (Alde Systems): If you have a wet heating system, check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be a few centimeters above the "min" mark. If it's low, use the correct glycol fluid (check your manual).

15. The Final Road Test

A "shake-down" drive is essential.

The Listen Test: With the radio off, drive over a few bumps. Listen for rattles. Usually, it's just a cupboard door that needs tightening or a rogue tin of beans in the pantry!
Performance: Does the steering feel straight? Do the brakes bite? Does the engine sound smooth? It’s better to find an issue now than on the motorway.

16. The Value of Early Preparation

This isn't just about cleaning; it’s about confidence. When you set off, you want your mind to be on the destination and the view, not on a leaking tap or a flickering light. Doing these jobs turns your motorhome from a vehicle into a reliable home-from-home, ready for whatever the road throws at you.

** Muk Junkie. Use code Motorhome Touring at checkout for 10% off

Got a tip of your own for the pre-season check? Head over to our Motorhome Touring Discord or the Facebook group and let us know!
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If you’re looking for more tips, honest gear reviews, or just a place to share your latest trip photos, come and join the conversation! You can catch me over on my YouTube channel Johnny Burr, or join one of our active Facebook groups, Motorhome Touring Scotland and Motorhome Touring The UK and Europe. We’ve also got a buzzing community over on our Motorhome Touring Discord server, where we share real-time updates and advice. And of course, keep an eye and an ear out for my content on Caravan Radio. Let’s get out there and enjoy the journey together!

Motorhome Touring the UK and Europe

Monday, June 29, 2026