If you want to get the most out of your motorhome, you need to take good care of it. The best way to accomplish this is to have a regular schedule of maintenance. This should include steps to take every year, preventative measures to take before winter, and maintenance checks to undertake before starting the motorhome up again after winter.
Yearly Maintenance
The recommended yearly maintenance consists in a number of checks to be carried out. Firstly, once the vehicle is over 3 years old, it will need an MOT check annually. In order to test the household aspects of the vehicle, such as the gas boiler and water system, an Annual Habitation Service Check should be performed. Finally, a base vehicle service check should also be carried out.
Spring Checks
Firstly, you will need to start up the water system again. To begin with, close the drain taps for the water boiler, the fresh and waste water tanks, and the toilet flush tanks. Then, refill the fresh water tank and the toilet flush tank. The water boiler should refill automatically once the pump is turned on. The taps should be left on while refilling the water system, in order to push air out of the pipes. Finally, turn the water pump on and leave it running until water is flowing steadily.
Next, you will want to recharge the engine and the leisure batteries, which will take about 24 hours each. Once the batteries are recharged, the general appliances need to be checked. This will include the fridge, the water heating and any cooking appliances. To check them, simply let them run until you are sure they are working correctly.
The final stage is to check for any mechanical issues. Check the brakes and the handbrakes are functioning correctly, check the pressure and the condition of the tyres, and check the oil, lights and levels.
Preparing for Winter
Firstly, you will want to make sure the pipes are empty of water. To do this, run the water system, turn the taps on and leave them on, and then turn off the pump. This should allow all the water to drain out of the pipes. The next step is to drain any other water stored in the motorhome, including:
- the fresh and waste water tanks
- the water boiler
- the toilet flush tank.
Once these have been drained, leave open the drain taps.
Once the water system is taken care of, you will want to make sure that:
- all windows and doors remain locked
- all bedding and clothing is removed in order to avoid mildew
- all ventilation holes are kept free and that the heating is run periodically.
In addition, make sure that all gas bottles are turned off and stored upright.
To avoid mechanical deterioration over winter, it is advisable that the motorhome is not just left parked the entire time; instead, it should be driven for at least 30 minutes each week. The levels of anti-freeze in the engine coolant should also be checked in preparation for the winter.
Finally, it’s worth checking the vehicle handbook as this may have additional guidance for engine maintenance during winter.
If you are searching for first class motorhome servicing and repairs in the Nottingham area, look no further than Glenns Motorhomes. With a wealth of experience in the industry, we provide a personal and attentive service, offering thorough, reliable servicing and repairs services so your vehicle is back on the road in no time. All motorhome repairs are carried out at our purpose-built workshop using specialist equipment for total precision.
So, whether your motorhome needs maintenance work or you require a full parts replacement or repair service, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team at Glenns Motorhomes today!
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