Getting your motorhome ready for summer

It’s very nearly that time of year once again! The days are getting longer, warmer, and the sun more reliably appears. It’s time for getting ready for summer with your motorhome.

You might not have been using it so much during the winter months, so it’s worth pausing to think about what might need doing to take to the roads once again in a motorhome that is clean, orderly and comfortable.

Servicing and maintenance

Have you given your motorhome its annual inspection and service yet?

As you’ll see from our webpage, at Derby Motorhomes we offer a wide range of mechanical and habitation services, tailored to your particular make and model, MOT tests, repairs, accessory fitting, and warranty work – just let us know what you need doing and book it in.

MOT and insurance

If your motorhome has passed its third birthday since first registration, you must hold a valid and up to date MOT certificate – that is the law and you may be fined up to £1,000 if you do not have one.

Find out how to check your MOT expiry date.

You must also make sure that your motor insurance is fully up to date, since it is illegal to drive your motorhome on the roads or in any public space without a minimum of third party insurance – and may again face stiff penalties, including the suspension of your driving licence if you fail to have the cover.

Re-familiarise yourself

If it’s been a while since you had your motorhome out on the road it may be worthwhile just spending a moment or two sitting at the wheel and familiarising yourself with all the controls once again.

It’s unlikely to take so very long – and you may be better prepared to react to the controls almost instinctively when something needs to be done.

Quick checklist

Next, follow these tips for making sure your motorhome is safe, clean and roadworthy …

Check your tyres: make sure the tyres are in good condition and are properly inflated to the correct pressure.
Change your oil: it is important to change your motorhome’s oil regularly. This helps to keep your engine running efficiently.
Check all lights: ensure all lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators, etc) are in working order and replace any bulbs that need to be.
Check for leaks: look for any water or oil leaks coming from the engine. If you find any, get them fixed as soon as possible.
Clean the exterior: using a mild detergent and water, wipe down the exterior of your motorhome to remove any dirt and grime.
Clean the interior: vacuum the interior of your motorhome and make sure all surfaces are wiped down and any mould or mildew is removed.
Check the battery: make sure the battery is fully charged and all connections are clean and tight.
Test the brakes: to ensure your brakes are working properly, take your motorhome for a test drive and check the brakes at various speeds.
Check the gas: make sure the gas is topped up and all connections are secure.
Check the coolant: check the coolant levels and top up as necessary.
Check the awning: make sure the awning is in good condition, with no tears or rips, and all poles and fittings are secure.
Check the windows: ensure all windows are clean and functioning properly.
Check the seals: inspect all seals around the windows, doors, and any other openings to make sure they are in good condition.
Check the generator: make sure the generator is in good working order and all connections are secure.
Check the water system: inspect the water system for any leaks or blockages.
Check the chassis: check the chassis for any rust or corrosion, and inspect all nuts and bolts for security.
Check the filters: make sure all air, oil and fuel filters are clean and in good working order.
Check the hitch: inspect the hitch for any damage and make sure it is securely attached to the motorhome.

Cleaning your water system

It’s not only a good spring cleaning that your motorhome is likely to need, but a thorough flushing of the water system to rid it of any lingering and potentially unhealthy bacteria – even if you had remembered to drain down the system before over-wintering.

first, close off all the taps – including the drain cock – pour in some proprietary antibacterial cleaner and fill up your system with fresh clean water. While it’s filling, also turn on the heating system to your hot water supply too;
next, run the cold taps until the water runs perfectly clear and do the same with the hot water taps. Refill the water tank and flush the entire system through once again until you have drained it down. Refill with clean water;
check that the gas and electricity supplies are connected and that the appliances work. Replenish gas cylinders – including any you keep as spare or in reserve;
check for water penetration and any areas of ingress and damp. You might want to consider further waterproofing on the exterior of your motorhome;
the supplementary battery is unlikely to have been used much, if at all, over the winter, so will almost certainly need re-charging. Check that the battery is still capable of holding its charge and, if not, replace it.

Finally, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary supplies for your journey, including emergency supplies, first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. With the right preparation, you can make sure your motorhome is ready to take on the British summer.