The sun is out, lockdown is easing and we’re all starting to look forward and plan our holidays. If you are a motorhome owner (and because you’re reading this, we think you most likely are!), then there are a few pre-summer checks that we recommend you carry out before setting off on your summer motorhome adventures.
We’re working on the premise that you’re a responsible motorhome owner and that your motorhome has been packed away all winter but has had any necessary servicing required. If it hasn’t, a service is your first port of call.
External motorhome checks
Tyres:
Starting with the outside one of the first things you need to do is check your wheels and tyres. The tyre tread should be 1.6mm depth at least and your air pressure should be at the minimum noted in your manual.
Check for cracks on your tyres which can deteriorate when your motorhome is left standing and if any have appeared, your tyres will need to be changed.
Your tyres, regardless of their appearance, should be changed every seven years. Check the date stamp on them, if they are older than 7 years, new tyres are needed.
Engine:
If you’re fully serviced, there should be no issues here, but check your fluid levels, just to make sure.
Lights:
Again, check all indicators and brake lights, just to be sure that nothing has gone wrong since they were last checked.
Windscreen:
Give your windscreen a once over to check for tiny cracks or chips. We all know that a chip is likely to progress into a crack, or worse still may result in your windscreen shattering. It’s just not worth the risk and most insurance policies will have a windscreen repair clause.
Equipment:
Check any tech or equipment that you have installed. If you have a vehicle tracker installed, check with your tracking company from a specific location so that the accuracy of your motorhome tracker can be checked. You’ll be able to do this via an app (or by an old school telephone call!)
Book an appointment with your local motorhome accessories installation company to install any additional features that you found yourself wanting last year. This could be a 360 Camera, Cruise Control, Cycle Carrier, Parking Sensors or even Solar Panels – take a look at what’s available here.
Internal motorhome checks
First of all check for any leaks or dampness. If you smell damp it’s worth leaving the windows open for a couple of hours and also bringing in a dehumidifier. Insurance companies rarely cover mildew and mould.
Water:
Check your taps and drain points are all closed (you may have left them opening when draining the systems) and clean your water system. You should also check to see if your water filter needs to be replaced.
Electrics and Gas:
Connect your motorhome to an electric hookup and check that the Residual Current Device (RCD) test button is working. Pressing the button will simulate a fault, therefore, indicating whether the device is working.
Now check your gas by connecting up your tanks and turning on gas appliances. It should feed through with a clear blue frame.
Finally, check that you haven’t had any unwanted furry visitors during the winter months. Small rodents will look for somewhere warm to sleep during the winter months – if there is any sign of them, you may need to check any wiring!
Our team is available to provide advice and source your motorhome accessories, plus we’ll install them at a time and location across south Wales that is convenient to you! Email sales@kits-n-bits.com