Maintenance » AboutMotorhomes.com - All you need to know about Motorhomes / Campervans

AboutMotorhomes.com

All you need to know about Motorhomes / Campervans

Motorhome Maintenance

Looking after a campervan involves more than just keeping the engine tuned - appliances in the living area also need to be cleaned, serviced and kept in a good state of repair. The exterior motorhome bodywork needs regular attention too. Like any vehicle a motorhome needs regular mechanical servicing and most owners have this performed by a qualified mechanic. This is not too difficult a task as it's essentially like servicing a regular vehicle.
However servicing work is also required in the living area also, in addition to ensuring the area is damp free. A surprising number of motorhome owners ignore the habitation servicing aspect of good motorhome care, much of which can be carried out by an owner with just minimal skills and equipment. The listing below, which will vary in what is applicable depending on motorhome type and model, is a good starting point on what an owner should consider for servicing.

An annual servicing schedule should include the following :

Section 1 - Undergear
1. Visually inspect body-mounting fixings
2. Visually inspect cab-to-body joints
3. Check mounting of underfloor tanks
4. Check spare wheel cradle operation and tyre
5. Examine wheel boxes for corrosion and damage
6. Check and lubricate corner steadies (if fitted)
7. Check step operation (if fitted) and lubricate
8. Lubricate axle tube on AL-KO chassis
9. Inspect non-original suspension additions

Section 2 - External Bodywork & General Condition
1. Inspect sealant ; check potential leak points
2. Check and oil door locks; oil hinges
3. Check body attachments, vents, roof lights, racks
4. Confirm window operation, lubricate hinges/stays
5. Inspect rising roof mechanism (where fitted)

Section 3 - Internal Elements
1. Perform damp testing
2. Verify cab seat movement
3. Check furniture; lubricate catches and hinges
4. Confirm blind and curtain operation
5. Check vents and drop out holes
6. Check floor and wall for delamination

Section 4 - Fire Warning Systems
1. Smoke alarm - check operation and battery
2. Check expiry date on extinguisher
3. Check operation and notices on any DIY additions

Section 5 - Gas and gas appliances
1. Carry out pressure test on system
2. Replace washer on butane regulator
3. Replace flexible hose, use new hoseclips
4. Fridge - light and test for cooling
5. Light and verify operation of cooking appliances
6. Check space heater operation, clean burners
7. Check water heater operation, clean burners

Section 6 - Electrical
1. Check RCD and MCB's on central unit
2. Test 13amp mains sockets
3. Test 12v sockets
4. Check integrity of all wiring and fuses
5. Check operation of all interior lights
6. Check awning lights and outside pump socket
7. Check auxiliary battery

Section 7 - Water Systems
1. Check operation of water pump
2. Check waste and fresh water system for leaks
3. Flush through with purifying cleaner
4. Inspect tanks and empying system
5. Change charcoal water filter (if fitted)
6. Check toilet flush and blade operation