How Regular Maintenance Can Extend the Life of Your Motorhome

Buying a motorhome is a significant financial investment. Taking care of it is really important, whether you’re using your new home-from-home for weekend getaways or extended trips. Keeping it in good condition will ensure it stays reliable and that you can enjoy it for years to come. In this edition of our blog, we look at practical tips for maintenance, and how a consistent routine can extend the life of your motorhome.

1. The Importance of Exterior Maintenance

Maintaining the outside of your motorhome is important. The exterior is exposed to the elements at almost all times – whether that’s rain, wind, UV rays and even dust and road debris. Regularly cleaning its exterior is the first step towards protecting your vehicle as a mid- to long-term build-up of dirt and grime can lead to corrosion and paint damage. Give your motorhome a thorough wash – ideally once a month or after every long trip. Doing this will help maintain its appearance and prevent long-term damage.

Don’t forget often-overlooked areas. The roof, wheel arches and underside should all be cleaned as they’re more susceptible to gathering grime and moisture, leading to rust if left. While you can carry out basic cleaning yourself with a bucket of soapy water and some elbow grease, it’s also worth investing in a professional valet service every so often, as this will tackle really stubborn areas and offer a deeper clean.

2. The Importance of Interior Maintenance

Inside your motorhome should be treated with exactly the same level of care and attention you’d lavish on your living room at home. Regularly running the hoover around the carpet, wiping down all surfaces and keeping the upholstery clean makes for a pleasant environment and reduces wear and tear on your furniture. Once or twice a year it’s recommended to do a more thorough deep clean.

High-use areas such as the kitchen and bathroom should also get plenty of attention. Over time grease and food splatters accumulate in the kitchen, while limescale and soap scum builds up in the bathroom. Using the appropriate products to keep these areas clean means they’ll be hygienic, and you’ll prevent damage. Emptying out cupboards and drawers and cleaning them every so often will help you avoid any unpleasant odours and will keep belongings fresh.

3. Leaks

One of the most common issues around motorhome damage is water ingress. Leaks can lead to mould and damp, which can cause extensive damage to both the structure and furnishings of your vehicle. The first signs of a leak include musty smells, water stains or even visible mould spots. You should inspect seals around windows, doors, roof lights and joints on a regular basis to see if there are any signs of wear or cracks.

Installing moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers can help control the humidity inside the motorhome, especially if it’s stored up during winter months.

4. Smooth Running

Systems (i.e. water, gas and electrical) are crucial to the smooth running of your motorhome, in terms of comfort and safety. Making regular checks of them is essential to ensure that everything is working just as it should be.

• Electrical: Start by inspecting your electrical system. Make sure that appliances, lights and outlets are in good working order. Any frayed wires or flickering lights should be addressed immediately, as they can be signs of more serious underlying issues.
• Gas: For the gas system, safety is absolutely paramount. Test your gas appliances regularly and ensure vents are clear of obstructions. Your gas system should be inspected annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, particularly if you notice any unusual smells or performance issues.
• Water: Your water system also requires attention. Every so often you should flush out the pipes and clean water tanks using sterilising solutions as this will prevent bacteria build-up.

5. Tyres

Tyres are the only contact your motorhome has with the road, which means that keeping them in good working order through maintenance is absolutely critical. Before any trip you go on, check your tyre pressure and make sure they’re inflated to the manufacturer’s correct levels. Tyres that are under-inflated will lead to poor handling and increased fuel consumption, and over-inflated tyres are at risk of blowouts, especially on longer drives.

It’s also important to regularly inspect the condition of your motorhome tyres for any signs of wear, cracks or bulges. Even if the tread appears to be fine, tyres do naturally degrade over time. They should be replaced every four to five years regardless of mileage.

Note: Don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well (presuming there is one), as this may also deteriorate from lack of use.

6. Moving Parts

Motorhomes have several moving parts which require lubricating on a regular basis to ensure smooth operation. Things like awning sliders, door hinges and anything extendable should be lubricated at least once a year. This very simple maintenance task could prevent jams and ensures that parts operate quietly and efficiently. Awnings should be cleaned and checked for signs of mildew or tears in the fabric. A damaged awning can be quite expensive to replace, but if you have regularly cleaned and properly stored it, you can help extend its life.

7. Seasonal Storage

When your motorhome is not in use, especially during winter, proper storage is really important. Ideally, you should keep it in a covered area to protect it from harsh weather – but if that’s not possible it’s worth investing in a high-quality cover that’s breathable and waterproof. Before you put your motorhome into storage, clean it thoroughly (inside and out) and make sure you’ve drained out the water system to prevent pipes from cracking or splitting when frozen. Completely empty the fridge and remove any food items from the cupboards to avoid attracting pests.

Also, you should think about disconnecting the battery (or using a trickle charger to maintain it) during extended periods when you’re not using the motorhome. To prevent flat spots on the tyres, every couple of weeks you should start the engine and move the vehicle slightly.

8. Professional Servicing

While regular do it yourself maintenance is essential, there are some aspects of motorhome care that you’re best off leaving to professionals. Taking the vehicle for a routine service by a qualified mechanic will keep your engine and mechanical systems in top condition. In addition, during a service, professional technicians, engineers and mechanics can identify any issues you might not have noticed yourself, and therefore carry out necessary repairs before they escalate into more serious problems.

Regular servicing also keeps your motorhome in line with the legal road safety regulations, so that your vehicle passes its MOT and therefore remains insured to be driven on the road. If your motorhome has been in storage for a long period of time, consider having it serviced before taking it out for a trip – especially if that storage has been the period of winterisation.

9. Servicing by Dicksons

Motorhome servicing is, as we’ve described in the previous section, an essential for the safety, reliability and efficiency of your motorhome. At Dicksons, our fantastic team of fully trained vehicle mechanics and habitation engineers can put your vehicle through various tests. These check-ups include engine maintenance, brake systems and electrical systems and appliances.

We also offer Motorhome Habitation tests, akin to an MOT for motorhomes, which ensure the safety and functionality of things like water and electricity. In addition, motorhome damp checks can identify moisture accumulation in areas prone to leaks (windows, doors and seals, etc) using specialised tools.

Keeping a regular schedule of maintenance is the key to extending the life of your motorhome. In turn this means you’ll get the maximum enjoyment from it as it’ll last you longer and be in nicer condition during that time. Address minor issues before they become major problems and you’ll ensure that your much-prized home-from-home stays a valuable asset – not just in terms of providing comfort, but also in any potential resale value.