A motorhome is a van with a house on top. So you have two things to maintain: the base vehicle, which does the driving, and the habitation area, where you live. Here are the specifics that many owners discover too late.
The base vehicle: like a van
The chassis, engine and transmission are maintained like those of the original van: oil changes, filters, timing belt if the engine has one, brakes, fluids. Follow the base vehicle manufacturer’s schedule, not the habitation builder’s.
Watch the time-based intervals: a motorhome is often driven little, but oil, brake fluid and belts age even when it is parked. It is often the time-based interval that comes up first.
Tyres: the critical point
- Weight, long periods parked up and sunlight age them even if they cover few miles: age matters as much as wear.
- The age is shown on the sidewall, in the four-digit code: “2219” means the 22nd week of 2019. Have them checked regularly by a professional as they get older, and replace them at the slightest sign of cracking.
- Check the pressure before every trip, when cold, at the value specified for the load: an under-inflated tyre is dangerous on such a heavy vehicle.
The habitation area and water system
- Drain and disinfect the water system (tank, pump, water heater) regularly, at least at the start and end of the season.
- Before winter, drain the system completely: water that freezes bursts the pipes and the water heater.
- Check the habitation area’s water-tightness at least once a year (seals on the roof, windows and rooflights): an invisible leak can damage the structure. Habitation builders’ water-tightness warranties are often conditional on a periodic check: find out whether yours requires one.
- Have the gas installation checked by a professional.
The two batteries
The base vehicle’s battery is used for starting; the leisure battery powers the lighting, the pump and the fridge. The latter, often AGM, gel or lithium, needs a suitable charger and does not cope well with being fully drained. While the motorhome is laid up for winter, leave a suitable maintenance charger connected, or disconnect the battery.
Keep a record
Note all maintenance on the base vehicle and the habitation area, with the invoices: a well-documented motorhome reassures buyers when you sell. You can keep this log in our online motorhome maintenance log.
