Motorhomes, campervans, RVs, – you say potato, I say, erm…slightly larger potato?
Whether you’re driving a larger motorhome, a smaller campervan, or you’re using the umbrella term RV (phew, that’s enough semantics for one day), you’ll need to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and properly equipped for long journeys of adventure. Because there’s no bigger buzzkill on a freewheelin’ road trip than being stuck at the side of the road for hours waiting for help.
Anyway, it needn’t have to end like that. There are so many motorhomes for sale, both new and used, that it can be hard to know where to find the most reliable model.
If you’re thinking about buying a new motorhome, VW, Ford, Fiat and Mercedes are reliable models and ideal for British Holiday. However, when it comes to secondhand models, as Paul from Classic Motor Home Owner points out, “How reliable a motorhome is really depends on how well it has been looked after in the past and how well it is being looked after right now.”
Best to give any potential RV a thorough once over before signing on the dotted line, then.
Regardless of whether yours is brand new or second hand, or whether you purchased it from a local specialist or via a multi dealer, it’s essential that you carry out maintenance checks before your departure. Here are some tips on checking your motorhome is reliable, IDEAL for ensuring a smooth road trip.
CHECK FOR SIGNS OF EXTERNAL DAMAGE, DEGRADATION & LEAKS
An RV, caravan or motorhome should be able to move, sure, but first and foremost, your vehicle should provide you with shelter. We all know that the risk of weather jeopardising a holiday in the Great British Outdoors is ever present, so it’s essential that you carry out some cursory checks on your vehicle’s roof, doors and body for signs of damage, degradation and the possibility of leaks.
Start by inspecting the roof for any leakage, with both an interior and exterior examination. You may well have to give it a good clean, removing grit, dirt and debris accumulated on previous excursions, but the entry point of a leak is almost always a broken seal or the motorhome’s skylight. Don’t ignore the rooftop HVAC systems, either.
Keep an eye out for black mold spots on the ceiling, doors, and windows of your motorhome, too. If you observe any apparent traces of damp, you should use a dehumidifier for a few hours…you don’t want your rest and relaxation disturbed by mold and damp, after all. Neither does your vehicle; these are issues that can lead to lasting, sometimes irreversible damage.
CHECK THE ELECTRICS, TOILETS & WATER SYSTEM
It’s also a good time to double-check all of the fixtures and installations inside your motorhome, such as the light bulbs and stovetop. Ensure that the electrics aren’t sparking, as this could indicate that they’ve been damaged and cause a fire hazard.
If the water supply has been switched off, reconnect the line. However, be sure that all taps are turned off before doing so. If your campervan or motorhome has been unoccupied for some time, flush the toilet (if you’re lucky enough to have one!) and turn on any faucets for a few minutes to allow both hot and cold water to pass through. This will allow water to flow freely through the RV and allow any airlocks to be released.
Read: The best UK road trips to do with the kids before they grow up
TYRES
Tyres are one of the first things that you should look at prior to embarking on an adventure, especially if you haven’t driven your campervan for a while, as the pressure might have changed without your noticing.
With the considerable weight of such vehicles, the tyres of motorhomes and caravans are even more prone to wear and tear than cars. Because of the load of RVs (the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass is 3500 kg, or 3.5 tonnes) they need to withstand higher pressure, typically inflated to 80psi compared to 40 psi for a car.
First, test the pressure either with a home gauge or a pressure machine at a garage or petrol station, and add more if necessary. Then, look at the tread. If your tyres are noticeably bald, bulging or otherwise deformed, they need to be replaced as a matter of urgency. Currently, a motorhome below 3.5 tonnes should have a legal minimum tread of 1.6mm. It should be noted, however, that once that tread falls below 3mm, handling and braking will be significantly affected.
If you’re not yet tired of tyre talk, then check out our deep dive into wheel health for more tips and tricks.
TAKE A LOOK AT FLUID LEVELS
A quick look under the hood will tell you if you have enough oil, brake fluid and screen wash. If not, top up now before you start your journey. You should also check the anti-freeze mixture, since this tends to accumulate silt over time, impacting on the efficiency of the cooling components.
The engine oil, gearbox and differential also require a quick assessment; consider an update of oil before embarking on a road trip, particularly for the engine. Fluid perishes the rubber components within the system, so you should make sure you are regularly checking this, too.
Also be sure to inspect your fuel filter, making sure it’s clean; should the petrol have sat for a lengthy period, it could need changing. While you’re down there rooting around with your clipboard out, have a look for signs of unexplained fluid; there’s always a reason for it and, if left, it could get much worse.
CHECK & TEST YOUR BRAKES
Motorhomes usually come with two RV brake systems; hydraulic and air brake. You’ll need to check both visually, ensuring the cartridge used to absorb excess moisture isn’t damaged in the latter, and that the master cylinder’s fluid levels are topped up in the former.
The best assessment of any vehicle’s brakes, of course, comes from sitting in the driver’s seat, and the easiest way to test your brakes is by using them. Before moving off, press your foot down gently on the pedal; any sense of sponginess or of them being loose should alert you.
When you’re driving, pay attention to how well your campervan brakes, even trying an emergency stop in a quiet area; your RV should feel firm and pull up without veering drastically to one side or the other. You should also listen for any scraping or squeaking which could be signs that your pads are wearing out.
CHECK THE LIGHTS
Again, the best way to check your lights is to look at them. Park up, put the hazards and lights on and walk around your campervan to check each light, or ask someone else to help you. You could also use reflections in shop windows. If in doubt, stock up on some spare bulbs. We hope you have a fantastic road trip in your motorhome, campervan, RV, or whatever you want to call it!