The Ultimate Motorhome Maintenance Checklist Before You Hit the Road
Are you thinking about taking your motorhome on a vacation this year? Whether you’re concerned about overseas travel or you’ve been dreaming of visiting one of the most beautiful motorhome destinations in the UK, a staycation is a great idea!
Before you hit the road, you’ll want to make sure that your motorhome is in the best possible condition. This will help keep you safe and avoid any annoying mishaps.
Follow the motorhome maintenance checklist below so you don’t miss a thing!
1. Examine Your Tyres
Having a tyre blow while you’re driving your motorhome is both dangerous and scary. This is why checking your tyre pressure is the number one item on our preventive maintenance checklist. If you’ve noticed they’re soft, make sure you inflate them to the proper tyre pressure.
It’s also a good idea to inspect your tyres for wear and tear. If you notice any areas that are excessively worn or showing other signs of damage, replace them before you head out on your trip.
2. Check Your Headlights and Brake Lights
Your headlights and brake lights are also critical safety features. Check them to make sure they work. If you’re going on a long trip, also consider putting some extra bulbs in your glove box just in case you need them.
3. Inspect Your Fluids
Next, you’ll want to pop the hood and take a look at your fluids. If anything looks low, top it off. Some of the things you’ll want to check include motor oil, brake fluid, coolant, and wiper fluids.
If you’re not sure how to check your fluids, take a look at your owner’s manual. It will tell you which fluids your vehicle needs, how to check them, and what types of fluid you need when it’s time to top them off.
4. Check the Electrical System
A dead battery will surely put a dent in your holiday plans. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you by checking to ensure that it’s holding a charge and that it doesn’t have a buildup of corrosion.
You’ll also want to check your motorhome’s disconnect switch to make sure it’s working properly. This switch allows you to power off your appliances without removing the batteries or unplugging your motorhome.
Some common problems include finding that the switch sticks or makes clicking noises. If you notice either of these issues, consider replacing the switch.
5. Lubricate Slides and Hinges
If your motorhome has slides that expand the space, take some time to spray some lubricant along the tracks. Make sure you move it back and forth so that it coats the entire track.
While you’re performing this task, take a look at the rubber seals around the unit. If you see any damage or dry rot, you’ll want to replace them as soon as possible. Since the seals keep water out of your motorhome, failing to do this could result in an uncomfortable trip and could eventually lead to mould building up inside.
6. Clear Off the Roof
When a motorhome sits outdoors for a while, it’s common for debris to buildup on the roof. Not only can this cause damage to your roof but debris falling off while you’re driving can cause a safety hazard. Clear it off before you leave and you’ll avoid these issues.
7. Perform Routine Maintenance
Whether you’ve purchased a used motorhome or a brand new model, it’s still critical to keep up with your monthly, quarterly, and annual maintenance tasks. If it’s been a while since you’ve done the following tasks, make sure you take care of them before you hit the road:
- Run your generator
- Clean your AC vents and intake
- Replace the air filter
- Top off the batteries
- Check under the hood for leaks
- Secure all clamps and hoses
- Test your safety equipment
- Inspect your propane system
- Service your brakes
- Clean your water system
- Reseal the exterior of your motorhome
It’s also a great idea to deep clean the inside of your motorhome and wash and wax the exterior. Twice a year, you’ll want to weigh your motorhome to ensure it’s not overweight as this can create a safety issue. This is particularly important if you’ve added new cargo, equipment or accessories.
If it’s been some time since you’ve scheduled a professional inspection, you may consider doing this as well. Having an experienced mechanic check all of your motorhome’s components can help ensure that you enjoy a fun and safe holiday, whilst ensuring that you’re motorhome is in tip-top condition for years to come.
The Only Motorhome Maintenance Checklist You’ll Ever Need
There you have it, all of the critical items you need to check before you hit the road.
When you’re preparing your motorhome for a holiday, don’t make the mistake of trying to rely on your memory! Following a motorhome maintenance checklist, is the best way to make sure that you cover all the important points. We suggest bookmarking this article or printing it out, so you always have it handy.
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payments of
Cash price £15,000, deposit £0, total amount of credit £15,000, term 7 years, 84 monthly payments of £244.99, on a hire purchase agreement, option to purchase fee £1, total amount payable £20,578.77, representative APR 9.9%, rate of interest 9.9% fixed.
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