Motorhome maintenance: complete checklist before traveling

Going on a trip with the motorhome is one of the best feelings there is. But a breakdown in the middle of the road can turn a dream into an expensive and frustrating problem. The good news: most breakdowns on the road are avoidable with a prior inspection of 1-2 hours.

We leave you here a practical checklist of 30 points organized by systems. It is the same type of inspection that we do in our own workshop before putting each vehicle on sale. If you check all the points, you leave with the peace of mind that you have covered everything.

Before you start: when to do this checklist

This review makes sense in these situations:

• Before a long trip (more than 5 days or more than 500 km)
• After a period of inactivity (if you have had it stopped for 2+ months)
• Change of season (winter ↔ summer: fluids, tires, batteries)
• Before passing the MOT (many points coincide with those checked by Traffic)

If you are not sure about any specific point, it is better to have it checked by a specialized motorhome mechanic in your area than to take the risk. A punctual workshop check usually costs between €80 and €150 — much less than a tow truck or an emergency repair on the road.

1. Mechanics and engine (8 points)

1. Engine oil level: check when cold on a flat surface. If it is low, refill with the same type (usually 5W30 or 5W40). If it has more than 15,000 km since the last change, change it.
2. Cooling liquid: it must be between min/max when cold. Uniform pink/green color. If there are brown stains, go to the workshop.
3. Brake fluid: correct level and light amber color. If it is dark or below the minimum, it is a sign of pad wear.
4. Windshield washer fluid: always have it full, especially in summer with insects or winter with mud.
5. Straps: accessories and distribution. If you have more than 120,000 km or 5 years since the last timing belt change, do it before the trip. It is cheap preventative, very expensive if it breaks en route.
6. Motor battery: measures voltage at rest (should be 12.4-12.7 V). If it drops below 12 V, change.
7. Filters: air and pollen (last 15,000-20,000 km). Dirty air filter increases consumption by up to 10%.
8. Exhaust: no strange noises, no visible holes. If you smell burning inside the passenger compartment, defective and dangerous exhaust (monoxide).

2. Tires and brakes (4 points)

9. Pressure of the 4 tires + spare wheel. The correct pressure is in the manual (and is usually around 4.5-5 bar loaded). Low pressure = overheating = blowout.
10. Dread depth: legal minimum 1.6 mm, but for safety it changes below 3 mm. Tires that are more than 6-7 years old even if they have tread → change (the rubber ages).
11. Nut tightening: correct tightening torque (usually 140-180 Nm). If you have recently changed a wheel, check after 100 km.
12. Brakes: if you notice vibration, jerking or noises when braking, go to the workshop. The handbrake must hold the vehicle on a slope.

3. Water system (5 points)

13. Fill clean water tank: always with drinking water. If you have had the motorhome stopped, empty it completely and refill it.
14. Anti-bacteria treatment: water purification tablets every 3-6 months or before long trips. Especially in summer.
15. Water pump: turn on the pump and open taps. Normal flow rate and no strange noises.
16. Truma/Alde heater: test on electric and gas. Hot water in 30-60 min. If it does not heat on gas but does heat on electric, check the gas supply.
17. Shower and drains: taps close well, drain flows quickly. Empty gray water tank before leaving.

4. Gas system (4 points)

⚠️ Important: if you smell gas, DO NOT use sparks or light anything. Go to the specialized workshop immediately.

18. Gas cylinder full and well connected: check the regulator's expiration date (normally 10 years).
19. Test for tightness: with soapy water on the connections. If it bubbles, there is a leak.
20. Light the stove: stable blue flame. If it is yellow or loses strength, clean or check.
21. Gas detector: if you have it, try the test. If you don't have one, install one — it costs €30-50 and can save your life.

5. Electrical system (5 points)

22. Auxiliary passenger compartment battery: standby voltage 12.4-12.7 V (if lead) or 13.0-13.2 V (if lithium). If it has dropped a lot, fully charge it before leaving.
23. Solar panels: surface cleaning (dust and leaves reduce performance by up to 30%). Verify that the MPPT/PWM regulator works and charges.
24. Interior lighting: all the lights turn on. Change burned out LEDs (they are cheap).
25. Fridge: turn it on 24 hours before the trip so that it is cold. Test on 12V, 230V and gas if it is trivalent.
26. 230V connection (compressed air or camping): cable in good condition, wall socket without knocks, passenger compartment differential works.

6. Cabin, bodywork and safety (4 points)

27. Doors, windows and skylights: they close perfectly, joints without cracks. Water leaks are the number 1 enemy of a motorhome.
28. Fire extinguisher: within the review date (they are reviewed every 5 years, replaced every 20). Mandatory to carry in the motorhome.
29. Belts and seat restraints: all belts work. If you travel with children, approved child restraint systems.
30. Documentation: technical sheet, up-to-date insurance, current ITV, driving license, ID and driving license. If you go abroad, European health card and insurance with assistance at destination.

The value of buying from a dealership with its own workshop

The majority of breakdowns en route are detected in a prior exhaustive check. Therefore, when you buy a motorhome from an individual with no maintenance history, you assume all the risk. On the other hand, when you buy from a dealer who checks each vehicle in its own workshop before selling it, a good part of this checklist is already done.

At TTCamper, each motorhome and camper that we put up for sale goes through our own workshop in Totana (Murcia): inspection of more than 100 points, necessary repairs and complete preparation before delivering it. All vehicles are delivered with warranty included.

Looking for a revised motorhome?

If you are looking for a second-hand motorhome or camper with the peace of mind that it has been reviewed by professionals, visit our catalogue. We have profiled, integral, nasturtiums and campers from the main European brands, with financing up to 14 years without entry.

Call us at 606 074 116 or visit us at C. El Naranjo, 26 — Polígono Industrial El Saladar, Totana (Murcia). Personalized attention Monday-Friday 9:00-14:00 / 16:00-19:00 and Saturdays 10:00-13:00.