Getting Your Motorhome Ready for the Season
The sun is back, the days are getting longer, and the urge to hit the road is hard to resist. But after several months in storage, your motorhome won't simply wake up on its own. Here's the complete checklist to set off with peace of mind.
Your motorhome has spent the winter parked up, often for months on end without moving. Cold, damp and long periods of standing still take their toll on the mechanics, the water system, the batteries and the seals. Before you set out on your first trip of the year, a methodical recommissioning is well worth the effort: it spares you nasty surprises in the middle of the season and protects the value of your vehicle.
At Garage Pepin in Ingeldorf, our certified Volkswagen technicians know exactly what leisure vehicles demand. Here are the essentials to check before your first outing.
Mechanics & engine: waking up the chassis
A motorhome that has stood all winter needs a thorough mechanical check before going back on the road. Start with the engine oil level and condition: old oil or an overdue service puts strain on the engine from the very first miles. Check the coolant, brake fluid and power steering too.
The brakes deserve particular attention. After a long lay-up, the discs may show a thin film of surface rust that clears after the first few stops, but a persistent squeal or a spongy pedal should set off alarm bells. On a heavy, often heavily loaded vehicle like a motorhome, the braking system leaves no room for guesswork.
💡 At Garage Pepin, we carry out a full mechanical check tailored to the weight and use of leisure vehicles. A single visit to the workshop is enough to get you back on the road with confidence.
Tires: a critical safety point
Motorhome tires age even while standing still. Long periods parked can cause flat spots, and air escapes naturally over time. Check the pressures cold, following the values specified for your vehicle's load — often higher than those for an ordinary car.
Inspect the sidewalls carefully for cracks, splits or bulges. Check the manufacturing date (DOT code) as well: beyond five or six years, a tyre should be watched closely or replaced, even if the tread still looks good. On a vehicle that has been parked for a long time, the ageing of the rubber often matters more than tread wear.
Batteries: engine and habitation
A motorhome usually has two electrical circuits: the engine battery and the habitation (leisure) battery or batteries that power the lighting, the fridge, the water pump and the sockets. Cold and inactivity reduce their capacity significantly.
Have both circuits tested for charge. A battery more than four or five years old that struggles to hold its charge is often a sign of imminent failure — far better to replace it before you leave than halfway through a trip. Check the terminals and connections too, as these are prone to corrosion after winter.
💡 Remember to check that the habitation charger/converter is working properly — it's what recharges the leisure batteries while you drive or when you're hooked up to mains power.
Water system: drain, flush, disinfect
This is the point most specific to leisure vehicles. The water system is usually drained before winter to prevent freezing, but residual water and months of inactivity encourage bacteria to build up in the tanks and pipework.
Before using it for the first time, flush the fresh-water tank thoroughly, then disinfect the entire system with a suitable product. Check that the water pump works, that there are no leaks at the connections, and that the water heater is in good condition. Also check that the grey water drains freely and that the dump valve works properly.
Gas: safety first
The gas system (cooking, heating and sometimes the fridge) must be checked with the greatest care after a long lay-up. Check the expiry date on the regulator and hoses: a cracked or out-of-date hose must be replaced without delay.
Check the connections for leaks and make sure the cylinders are securely fastened and still in date. If you have any doubt about the system's integrity, don't attempt anything yourself — call in a professional. With gas, there's no room for "near enough".
⚠️ An annual gas-tightness check is strongly recommended. If in doubt, have the system inspected by a specialist before use.
Bodywork, seals & water-tightness: hunting down leaks
Winter damp is the motorhome's silent enemy. Inspect every seal carefully: roof edges, skylights, windows, doors and the fixing points of any accessories. A seal that is dry, cracked or lifting lets water in and can cause expensive damage to the structure.
Inside, look for any sign of damp, water staining or a musty smell — tell-tale signs of a leak. While you're at it, clean the bodywork and the rooflights, and check the condition of the body shell, particularly at joints and corners.
Living area & equipment: everything must work
Run through all the living equipment before you leave. Test the fridge on each of its modes (gas, 12 V, mains), the heating, the interior and exterior lighting, and the blinds and electric step where fitted.
Check the alarms too (smoke, gas, carbon monoxide) and replace the batteries if needed — these are essential safety devices. Air out the interior thoroughly to drive out any built-up damp, and check for signs of rodents, which are common after a long spell parked up.
Documents & paperwork: don't forget a thing
Before setting off, check that your roadworthiness certificate (MOT) and insurance are valid, and — if you're travelling abroad — that you have any vignettes or specific documents required in the countries you'll be crossing. Don't forget your safety kit (warning triangle, hi-vis vest, fire extinguisher) and your first-aid kit.
Don't let winter spoil your season
Together, these checks add up to a complete recommissioning of your motorhome. Some you can do yourself; others — mechanics, brakes, gas, electrics — call for a professional's expertise and the right equipment. The good news? A single visit to the workshop is usually enough to cover everything.