The perfect motorhome checklist. Includes a downloadable PDF schedule.
Practical Guide to Pre-journey Checks from Caravan Information Services
From cupboards flying open and items damaging work surfaces to breakdowns caused by low coolant levels and blowouts caused by underinflated tyres, there are plenty of things to catch you out on the road, but a motorhome checklist can save the day.
Spending twenty or thirty minutes checking everything off before you depart means you should get to your destination without incident.
Use the following guide to help you. You can also download a PDF checklist on your phone or keep a printed version in the locker.
Top Tip! Start from the outside and work your way. We’ve ordered the checklist to make this easier.
Mechanical checks
1. Fluids (oil/water/screenwash)
Overheating, stopping to investigate oil pressure warning lights or losing visibility due to a dirty windscreen are all avoidable. So, check your oil, water, and screenwash levels and top up where necessary.
Use the correct viscosity oil, and avoid mixing synthetic and non-synthetic oils.
Likewise, never mix different types of antifreeze and coolant such as IAT, OAT and HOAT. These are typically colour-coded for convenience, and mixing green with orange or orange with blue/yellow causes a chemical reaction that may block the entire system with brown, gelatinous sludge. If in doubt, check your vehicle’s handbook.
Lastly, top the windscreen washer fluid reservoir with a pre-mix solution or water and concentrate.
2. Wiper blades
Wiper blades take a hammering in the winter, especially if used on an icy windscreen. Run the windscreen washers and ensure the blades run smoothly with no streaks or chatter.
3. Tyres
Check your tyre pressures and inspect for signs of nicks, nails, or foreign objects. Also, check for perishing on the sidewall or flat spots after laying your motorhome up for a while. Lastly, double-check the tread depth and remember to inspect the spare. You can read all about motorhome tyres and wheel safety here.
4. Wheel bolts
Use a torque wrench to check your wheel bolt tightness. If you stored your motorhome over the winter, loosen the bolts and retighten them to ensure none have seized. It’s easier to deal with a seized wheel bolt off the road than when you are stuck on a busy carriageway needing to deal with a puncture.
5. Mirrors, cameras and sensors
Ensure your wing mirrors are clean and correctly adjusted. If fitted, check that your parking sensors work, and give your rearview camera a quick wipe before you set off.
6. Lights
Double-check that all lights work and that the lenses are clean, in good condition, and free from cracks. Also, check that you have a complete set of spare bulbs onboard.
7. TV aerial
Make sure you’ve retracted the TV aerial.
8. Gas
Turn the gas off at the cylinder and ensure it’s safely secured inside the locker.
9. Water and waste tanks
Empty the water and waste tanks to lighten the load on the handling and help reduce fuel consumption. If you plan to drive off-grid, you can always refill the water tanks nearer your destination.
10. Toilet cassette
Empty the toilet cassette, flush it through and retreat with blue or green fluid.
11. External lockers
Securely lock all external lockers to prevent doors from opening in transit.
12. Windows and vents
Shut and secure the side windows and roof lights.
13. Fridge, cupboards and doors
Ensure that everything inside the cupboards is secure and the doors are closed. Remember to lock the fridge door.
14. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Test the smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors’ functionality. A slow periodic beep may indicate a low battery, and changing the batteries at least twice a year is best.
15. 12V master switch
Set the switch to the ‘car’ or ‘off’ setting.
Item Checks
In addition to mechanical checks, here are five item checks that you may find helpful:
16. Wheel chocks
Remove the wheel chocks and store them safely inside your motorhome.
17. Fire extinguisher and blanket
Double-check that your fire extinguisher test certificate is valid and ensure the extinguisher and a fire blanket are within easy reach.
18. High-viz vests and warning triangle
Ensure everyone travelling has a high-viz vest. You’ll also need an easily accessible warning triangle. It’s also worth taking a waterproof jacket in case you break down in a downpour.
19. Mains cable
Remember to pack your mains cable away on the vehicle after disconnecting
20. Cycles
Securely fasten your cycles to the bike racks. Ensure you’ve packed a puncture repair kit or spare inner tube. If you carry a battery-powered air pump, ensure you have the correct adapter for your bicycle wheels. If not, remember the bicycle pump.