Motorhome maintenance and servicing tips
Technical advice
Motorhome maintenance: a complete servicing checklist
Motorhomes are very complicated vehicles with a combination of domestic systems, leisure vehicle-specific appliances and automotive and safety components, all fitted in a vehicle that will be driven at relatively high speeds over many, many years. Staying on top of motorhome maintenance with an easy-to-use checklist is the best idea.
But getting the bigger, more involved checks done by an expert is also important. That’s why an annual service or a habitation check is such a good idea. This will help you pick up on small problems before they become bigger ones.
This article is sponsored by HabCheck
Rachel Scholes Content Editor: Motorhomes
Rachel Scholes Content Editor: Motorhomes
Who is HabCheck
HabCheck is an AWS-approved mobile workshop service that can accommodate both motorhomes and campervans.
The founders established it in 2019 after struggling to get convenient and timely habitation services booked in. The hassle of logistics to get the vehicle to the relevant service centre was also a factor.
Now, it has a network of 20 AWS mobile workshops, carrying out habitation checks at a location and time convenient to the customer, covering the whole of the UK, from Scotland to Cornwall. These engineers are also not linked to a repair business, so can offer impartial advice if an issue is encountered.
There is a free membership scheme, which supplies a video with the habitation report as well as the option to spread the cost of this over the year. Usefully, members will also get a reminder when their next check is due and membership can be transferred when members change their motorhome.
All HabCheck engineers are trained and qualified to Approved Workshop Scheme standards and follow a professionally developed procedure for a habitation service. Each check lasts three to four hours and includes things like water ingress, electrical and gas safety, security and more.
Motorhome habitation checks
If you have a new vehicle, the annual motorhome habitation check will be an important part of maintaining the validity of your warranty. If you bought secondhand, then it will either be a requirement of the dealer warranty, or up to you.
If it’s the latter, our advice is to always have your motorhome or campervan checked at least annually by a qualified professional, with experience of all the different motorhome systems.
That’s why the Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS), run by the National Caravan Council, in conjunction with the Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan and Motorhome Club, is such a useful resource, with over 550 mobile and fixed workshops signed up.
These are all assessed annually to check standards, insurances and customer service levels, following a set code of practice.
The AWS says its members will “...normally guarantee all service-related repairs for a minimum of six months and take all reasonable steps to protect the validity of any unexpired warranties”.
What many people don’t realise is that most UK and some European motorhome manufacturers allow AWS engineers to carry out warranty services. The service carried out by an AWS mobile engineer will be exactly the same service you would receive at a main dealer.
With its national network of AWS mobile engineers, this means that wherever you live in the UK, if your motorhome is on HabCheck’s approved list, you can get your warranty service done at home by HabCheck without having to travel to a main dealer.
At the end of the motorhome habitation check, owners will get a report covering what has been checked and highlighting any items of concern. Workshops will not carry out any remedial work unless discussed prior to the check or the customer has been contacted during the process.
Motorhome habitation check
Electrical system checks
Essentially, this is likely to be one of the simplest parts of a motorhome habitation check. Using the switches, the engineer will check lights, and that the fridge works on both 12V and on a mains supply, as well as any other electrical appliance.
Also, the RCD (residual current device) will be checked – this is what cuts off the power if it detects something is wrong with the electrical system.
You can also get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out as an optional extra. General advice recommends having this test done every three years, but it is not a compulsory test. At around £200, many people would discount this, but good motorhome maintenance is all about prevention not cure.
It is worth mentioning that it is easy for wiring to become worn and strained, especially if cable runs are visible in cupboards – the simple act of loading and unloading said cupboards can cause issues.
Motorhome habitation checks
Gas system checks
Possibly the most important part of a motorhome habitation check is the safety aspects of the gas system, which will look at flame colour on the hob and soot on the flue.
Sometimes appliances will need a full service, which is more involved, so dig out the paperwork for each gas appliance – hot water boilers and heaters, fridges and cookers. We do know that a fridge does need to be removed from its housing to have a full service.
The habitation check will also look at hoses and regulators – these have an expiry date so a quick condition check is also important.
Motorhome water systems
Water system checks cover the main pump as well as any microswitches in the system, including taps. Sometimes this can be as simple as switching on the tap and checking the sound the pump makes and that water flows through the system smoothly. There is a check of the underslung tanks as well as the water aspects of the toilet system.
Motorhome ventilation
Like at home, proper ventilation in a motorhome is important. The habitation check makes sure the rooflights and vent holes are not obstructed and it should also be pointing out any vents that need covers to prevent pesky vermin from getting into the motorhome and nesting, etc. Rooflights should be crack free and operating smoothly if they open.
Motorhome habitation checks
Fire and safety checks
While rare, motorhome fires are to be avoided at all costs – if a fire takes hold it can spread incredibly quickly so the key bit of advice is to make sure everyone gets out of the vehicle as quickly as possible.
The habitation service checks that all the fitted equipment is working as it should. Is the smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm working? If a fire extinguisher is fitted, is it in date? And is the fire blanket properly housed?
Remember carbon monoxide alarms have a finite life – around 10 years – as the sensor will degrade over time.
Motorhome damp checks
Damp checks are incredibly vital, as the construction techniques of most motorhomes mean that if sealant degrades or window and door seals fail, then water may be able to make its way into the bodywork and the interior.
Wood-free construction helps with this, but even then, damp can affect interior surfaces. And repairs can be very costly.
In warranty cases, the damp check needs to be carried out to meet the terms, and it is worth noting that the timeframes for this can be very specific, so check your paperwork and book the annual check well in advance.
Out of warranty, while there is no set timeframe to follow, a lot can happen in a year, so an annual check is equally as important.
In general terms, moisture readings up to 15% are normal, but a figure over 20% should be investigated. Note that low-priced damp meters often sold on the internet have been known to be much less accurate than properly calibrated devices.
Base vehicles
Motorhome servicing
The engine and chassis of a motorhome needs regular monitoring, and this is not included as part of the habitation check.
As with motorhome habitation checks, those still under warranty will need to follow a schedule for servicing to maintain the warranty on the mechanical items and running gear. This is what is commonly referred to as base vehicle servicing.
And, while the service interval is quoted in mileages and years, motorhomes that spend longer periods parked up on driveways or in secure storage facilities are more likely to suffer from problems due to this. So we would always recommend an annual service at the least, even if the motorhome warranty has lapsed.
Regular annual and pre-trip checks will help prevent possible issues causing a motorhome breakdown while away on holiday.
The sort of things that sometimes turn up on motorhomes that are used irregularly are corroded brakes and vermin nesting in the engine bay and chewing through pipes and cables.
The importance of a motorhome habitation check
As well as warranty schedules, regular habitation checks are recommended for a number of other reasons, with one being the maintenance record.
Like a car, a full service history means a decent amount to a buyer when a seller chooses to trade it in or sell on. It shows the seller has been a conscientious owner and provides confidence to the buyer.
Habitation checks will highlight any potential issues that need to be resolved. That means no unpleasant surprises that could put a stop to your travels.
If you intend to hire your motorhome out, using a peer-to-peer rental service, then an annual habitation check is vital, but there will also be gas and electrical certificates needed, which need to be carried out by qualified leisure industry technicians.
And, while some might not think so, habitation checks are just as important for older vehicles, which are more likely to suffer from damp and other age-related issues.
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