7 Tips to Keep Your Motorhome in Great Shape

7 Tips to Keep Your Motorhome in Great Shape - Here We Tow
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Whether you live in your motorhome full-time or just use it for holidays, it is likely to be one of your most prized possessions, and as such, you will want to take as good care of it as possible.

It’s not always possible to prevent damage and breakdowns from happening, but these hacks will make campervan issues less likely to be a problem for you so read on…

1. Make swift repairs

When you own a motorhome, one of the worst things you can do is ignore those problems that crop up from time to time. Even if you have to take time out from travelling or use Buddy Loans to finance them, making swift repairs is the best thing you can do to ensure that your motorhome stays on the road and stays reliable. Problems that are left to languish become bigger and more expensive over time, and that is the last thing you need. It’s also why it’s a really good idea to read the user manual and maybe take a basic class in vehicle repairs if you can – that way if you end up with a problem when you’re miles away from a good mechanic, you can at least patch the problem up until you get to a garage and get it sorted.

2. Get it serviced regularly

It can be tempting to skip regular services in order to save money, but if you want to ensure that your campervan is in good shape, you really shouldn’t. A good motorhome service provided by someone who understands campervans well will ensure that your engine is working well and that your water, gas and electricity systems are safe and functional too. It will also ensure your transmission is in the regular nick, and hopefully, detect any issues before they become big problems so you can stay on the road and stay exploring, which is the most important thing really.

3. Do what you can to avoid damp

One of the worst things that can happen to a caravan or motorhome is damp. Damp can quickly spread and leave your motorhome uninhabitable and often unsafe, so it is important that you do whatever you can to avoid a damp issue. Measures you can take include:

  • Keeping windows open for ventilation
  • Using a dehumidifier to keep the van dry
  • Keeping the door of the shower shut so steam cannot escape
  • Drying laundry outside your campervan on a line or at a laundrette
  • Checking for and maintaining leaks

If you do all of the above, chances are you will be able to avoid a damp problem, which will mean that you don’t have to worry about damp, mould and corrosion. However, you may want to invest in a damp metre, which you can pick up for a round £10, to alert you to any hidden damp, just in case you do end up with a problem., After all, the sooner you are made aware, the faster and more effectively you can deal with the issue.

4. Keep it polished

When it comes to your motorhome’s exterior, adding a fresh layer of polish once in a while is a great way to protect the bodywork and keep it looking good. Motorhomes are often prone to wearing out faster than cars and other vehicles, especially if they are exposed to harsh conditions, but by regularly polishing, you can preserve their integrity, and their look, for a bit longer, which will not only help you in terms of having an attractive, functional motorhome for your travel but also in terms of preserving the vehicle’s value too.

5. Check the battery regularly

Motorhome batteries need to be carefully monitored so that they do not fail and you do not end up stranded lord knows where while you’re travelling. As a result, you should perform daily checks on your battery, and all connected power controls and charging systems to avoid any mishaps and ensure that you can follow your itinerary without any unexpected interruptions.

6. Avoid harsh conditions where possible

It’s not always possible, especially if you love visiting the wilds of the Scottish Highlands or you live in your motorhome full-time, for example, but when it is possible to do so, avoiding exposing your campervans to harsh conditions is a great way to maintain its integrity.

Conditions that are best avoided include:

  • Spending lots of time on salty roads
  • Adding excess weight
  • Driving on heavily damaged roads
  • Having fires too close
  • Extreme weather conditions

Basically, anything that could corrode, puncture or cause wear and tear to your motorhome should be avoided as often as possible. This is far easier said than done, but some clever planning can reduce your risks of being exposed to various factors such as these more often than you might think.

7. Keep it covered

When you are not using your motor vehicle, it is a really good idea to keep it covered. This will help to keep it in great shape by minimising its exposure to the elements. However, it is really important that you find a high-quality cover that fits snuggly, is highly waterproof and made by a well-respected manufacturer. You will also need to ensure that every inch of your motorhome is covered if you want to avoid the issues that arise when dust, harsh sunlight, frost, ice and dirt get into contact with your home. Do your research and find the best possible cover for your specific motorhome and you won’t go far wrong.

As you can see, keeping your motorhome in great shape will take some time and effort, and from time to time, a bit of money, but it is so worth it because it will help to keep you safely motoring on, and in the long term, you should expect your maintenance bills to be considerably lower than they would be if you were to neglect your van or not spend as much time and effort on it.

Your camper deserves your TLC, so look after it and have fun out there!