1. Water Systems
The fresh water, waste water, and boiler systems in a motorhome are among the most frequently used components — and also among the most likely to develop issues if not properly maintained.
Fresh Water Tank and Lines
Over time, water sitting in a fresh water tank can develop bacteria or algae, particularly if the vehicle has been stored without being fully drained. Before putting the vehicle back into use after a period of storage, it's worth flushing the fresh water system thoroughly and using an appropriate water tank cleaner if there are any signs of discolouration or smell.
The lines themselves can develop small cracks or splits, especially after a cold winter. Check connections and joints under sinks and around the water pump for any signs of weeping or moisture. A small drip that goes unnoticed can cause significant damage to cabinetry and flooring over time.
Waste Water System
Grey water tanks and the associated waste pipes need to be emptied and cleaned regularly to prevent blockages and odours. If the motorhome is used for extended periods without access to suitable disposal points, this can become a practical concern quickly. Ensure all drain valves are functioning correctly and that seals are intact — failed seals are a common cause of water getting into floor structures.
Boiler and Hot Water
Gas-powered water boilers require annual safety checks as part of a habitation service. If the boiler is slow to heat or the pilot light struggles to stay lit, this should be investigated by a qualified engineer rather than left as a minor inconvenience. In some cases, it's a simple maintenance issue; in others, it points to a component that needs replacement.
2. Gas Systems
Gas is used in most motorhomes for cooking and heating, and in some models for the refrigerator. The gas system requires careful annual inspection by a qualified LPG engineer — this is not something to attempt without appropriate training and certification.
Annual Gas Safety Inspection
An annual habitation service should include a full gas check: pressure testing the pipework, inspecting the regulator, checking all appliance connections, verifying that the gas locker is ventilated correctly, and testing each appliance for correct operation. Some motorhomes also have carbon monoxide detectors and gas alarms — these should be tested and batteries replaced as needed.
Signs to Watch For
If you smell gas at any point, do not use the vehicle until the source has been identified and resolved. Other warning signs include a gas appliance that doesn't ignite cleanly, a yellow or orange flame where there should be blue, or appliances that seem to be using more gas than usual.
LPG vs Cassette Gas
Most UK motorhomes use either propane or butane cylinders. Propane performs better in cold temperatures and is generally the preferred option for year-round or winter use. Ensure the regulator is matched to the cylinder type you're using — using a propane regulator on a butane cylinder (or vice versa) can cause pressure issues.
3. Engine and Chassis
The mechanical side of a motorhome follows similar servicing requirements to a commercial vehicle, though many owners — particularly those coming from a car background — underestimate how frequently checks should happen given the weight and workload involved.
Engine Oil
Check engine oil at least every 1,000 miles or before any significant journey. Motorhomes are heavy vehicles and the engine works considerably harder than in a typical car — oil consumption can be higher than expected. Low oil can cause serious and expensive engine damage that develops gradually and without obvious early warning signs.
Coolant
Coolant levels should be checked regularly. If you find yourself topping up coolant frequently, this is worth investigating — it may indicate a slow leak in a hose, the radiator, or a head gasket. Overheating is a significant risk on motorhomes, especially when towing or driving in warm weather on motorways.
Brakes
Brake pad and disc condition should be inspected as part of every annual service, and brake fluid should be replaced every two years regardless of apparent condition. Given the weight of a laden motorhome, brake performance is critical — a vehicle that stops adequately when empty may feel noticeably different fully loaded.
Tyres
Tyre pressure should be checked weekly when in regular use, and certainly before any long trip. The correct pressures for a laden and unladen motorhome differ — check your handbook. Tyre condition also matters: motorhomes that spend long periods on one spot can develop flat spots or cracking, particularly in older rubber. Tyres older than five to six years should be considered for replacement even if there is visible tread remaining, as the structure degrades with age.
4. Seasonal Preparation
Winter Storage
If the motorhome is being stored over winter, the water system should be fully drained to prevent frost damage to pipes, pumps, and the boiler. Remove or fully charge leisure batteries and trickle-charge them to avoid deep discharge. Disconnect the main battery if the vehicle will be stationary for an extended period.
It's also worth checking the roof seals, window rubbers, and any external vents before storage — winter frost can work its way into small cracks and worsen them significantly.
Spring Recommissioning
Before the first trip of the season, run through the following: water system flush, gas check, tyre condition and pressure, all lights (interior and exterior), habitation fans and vents, and a test of the gas appliances. If the vehicle has been in storage for more than three months, it's worth considering a habitation service before relying on it for a longer trip.
5. Habitation Electrics
The habitation electrical system in a motorhome — 12V DC and 230V AC — is separate from the vehicle chassis electrics and requires its own maintenance and periodic checking.
Leisure Battery
The leisure battery powers lights, water pump, ventilation fans, and in some setups the refrigerator when the engine is off. A leisure battery that doesn't hold charge well will cause problems in everyday use, and a deeply discharged battery that hasn't been properly conditioned can suffer permanent capacity loss.
Have the leisure battery tested as part of your annual habitation service. If the battery is more than four to five years old and shows signs of reduced capacity, replacement is usually the most practical solution.
240V Shore Power
If your motorhome includes a 230V hookup system, the wiring, connectors, and consumer unit should be checked periodically for condition. Damp conditions inside an RV can cause problems with electrical connections over time — corroded connectors or loose terminals can lead to intermittent faults that are difficult to trace without proper diagnostic equipment.
Solar Panels
If fitted, solar panels are relatively low maintenance but their wiring connections should be inspected periodically. Ensure the charge controller is functioning correctly and that it's set to the appropriate battery type. Clean the panel surfaces if they've become covered in debris.
6. Damp and Bodywork
Damp is one of the most common and costly problems in motorhomes and caravans. It typically enters through failed seals around windows, roof vents, skylights, and external attachments such as aerials or bike racks.
A damp meter test should form part of every annual habitation service. Pay particular attention to areas around windows, the front and rear walls, and the floor around any external lockers. Damp that has been present for a period can compromise the structural integrity of panel sandwich construction — a problem that becomes progressively more expensive to address the longer it's left.
Visually inspect all roof seals at least once a year. Most manufacturers recommend resealing external joints every year or two with a suitable product. This is a task that many owners can do themselves and it's one of the more effective preventive steps available.
Summary
Motorhome maintenance doesn't need to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent. The main principle is that small issues — a dripping joint, a slightly underperforming seal, a battery that doesn't quite hold charge — rarely stay small if they're not addressed. The cost of a habitation service or a brake inspection is considerably less than the cost of the problems that develop when these things are put off.
If you're unsure about the condition of any system in your motorhome, a qualified technician can give you a straightforward assessment. Regular servicing isn't just about the immediate state of the vehicle — it also gives you a clearer picture of what to plan for in the coming seasons.
