How to Prepare your Motorhome for Summer: advice and tips.
STEP 1: preparation. STEP 2: Make the most of caravanning the way you most like to! You already know that travelling by motorhome allows you to personalise your adventures by adapting them to your tastes, needs and time.
In this post, we stop at STEP 1 to make you a list of all those tasks that we recommend you to carry out before your summer motorhome trip. STEP 2 is left to you. It's the best!
TIPS AND ADVICE FOR PREPARING YOUR MOTORHOME IN SUMMER
Checking the motorhome BEFORE going on holiday
You know what is said: “prevention is better than cure”. So let's get on with it! Everything you need to check on your motorhome before your summer trip will take about 4 to 5 hours. That's done!
However, if you discover any irregularities or problems, you should contact your dealer and/or trusted workshop so that they can sort them out before you leave.
Review of the brakes and tyre system
Time: 30-45 minutes.
Visually inspect the brakes for wear and verify that they respond well when the pedal is depressed. For tyres, check that they have the correct tyre pressure and that the tread is not excessively worn
Review of the electrical system
Time: 30-60 minutes.
Inspect all fuses, cables and connections to make sure they are in good condition. Check that all appliances and lights are working properly.
Review of the air conditioning system
Time: 30-60 minutes.
Turn on the air conditioning system and check that it cools efficiently. Check if the air filter needs to be replaced and make sure there are no leaks.
Engine oil level
Time: 5-10 minutes.
With the engine cold, remove the oil dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it and remove it again to check the oil level. It must be between the minimum and maximum marks.
Battery status
Time: 10-15 minutes.
Connect the battery terminals and check that everything is working properly. Also, make sure they are charged. For this, you can connect the 230 V power supply of the motor home.
Windscreen washer fluid and antifreeze level
Time: 10-15 minutes.
Check that the windscreen washer reservoir is full. For antifreeze, make sure the level is between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir.
Windscreen wiper blades
Time: 10-15 minutes.
Check the condition of the wiper blades for cracks or wear. If they do not clean efficiently, they should be replaced.
Lights
Time: 10-15 minutes.
Turn on all lights (front, rear, indicators, brake lights) to check that they all work. If one is fused, replace the bulb.
Clean water tank
Time: 10-15 minutes.
Check the fill level, bearing in mind that it must be in accordance with the maximum authorised mass of the vehicle and its load.
Motorhome maintenance during the summer
Is everything OK? Yes? In that case your adventure starts here! Now it's time for STEP 2: enjoy it to the fullest. And to do this safely and stress-free, here is another list of things to bear in mind when it comes to keeping your motorhome in good condition during your summer trips.
Checking the tyres
High temperatures can affect tyre pressure. Regularly check their pressure and condition to ensure safe driving.
Cleaning and maintenance of the grey water and sewage system
In order to clean and maintain the grey water and sewage system, empty the tanks regularly in designated areas Clean the tanks with specific products to avoid odours and accumulation of residue. Finally, rinse well and refill the tanks with fresh water.
If you want to know more about emptying the sewage from your motorhome, see our post: “Sewage from motorhomes”
Black-out blinds and Skylights
We recommend that you keep the black-out blinds folded down and the skylight open during the day. Direct and strong summer sun can damage them over time.
Protect the outside of the motorhome
Warning! It should never be covered with plastic as this will only increase the temperature inside. It is best to use a breathable tarpaulin to prevent condensation and not to touch the windows of the motorhome when fitting the tarpaulin.
And with this, our list of tasks to prepare your motorhome for summer trips is complete, is there anything else you would like to add? If so, you can write to us through our social networks. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Enjoy the journey and have fun in a motorhome this summer!