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Motorhome Service and Repairs
As with any other vehicle, motor homes need regular maintenance. Finding a reliable service centre is probably a new owner’s first priority.
In the mean time there are plenty of things a motorhome owner can do to ensure nasty surprises don’t foul up the next trip out, especially if it is a motor home club meeting.
Ensure the van is moved regularly – due to the sheer weight of vans tyres can become warped if let in a single position to long.
Make sure all usual checks are made regularly – for instance oil, water, brake fluid, tyre pressure.
Run your van at least once a week and ensure that the wheel of industry a running fine.
Always carry spare bulbs and emergency signs. In many countries it is actually an offence not to! In fact it is an excellent idea, before a continental trip to check the local regulations for the countirs you are travelling to or through to save being caught out.
The same applies to any other engine components that have the potential to perish especially pipes and hoses.
Book the MOT in well before the next trip. This can create a real disappointment when you have worked all year only to fine that major works are required which will take a week to complete!
Below are listed the most common reason for MOT failure, it’s well worth checking through the list on a regular basis just so that you don’t get caught out:
Handbrake – check it stops a slowly rolling van and that it holds the van when on a slope.
Footbrake – Ensure that the pedal doesn’t travel all the way to the floor and that when it is pressed it doesn’t continue to travel (this would suggest that there is a leak in the system and needs attention).
Steering Wheel – Check that this is complete and undamaged. Also ensure that there is immediate response from the wheels to any turning of the steering wheel, if not there is an issue like a worn steering mechanism which needs immediate attention.
Windscreen/Mirrors – Chip free will make for a happy motor homer but very small chips can be acceptable – they will still need repairing though before they become a problem later on.
Seat Belts – Make sure they are firm and undamaged and that they lock when pulled sharply.
Doors – It is really common sense that door should shut firmly and are able to be secured, hinges can be a problem on older vans as the doors are seldom used as much as car doors and tend to seize up if no protected by a lubricant.
Electrical systems need plenty of attention and can often be an experts domain but these straight forward checks are both worry and money saving.
Horn - a quick press will tell you all is OK
Windscreen Washers and Wipers - ensure they work and that the wiper blades are undamaged and clear the screen when it’s wet
Side Lights & Headlights indicator lights - ensure all your light work and make sure you always have a spare set of bulbs.
Brake lights - check that these do illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed and that no other
Fog Lights - Check the operation and also the indicator on the instrument panel.
Instrument Panel - Take note of any warning lights that don’t go out once the engine has started. It’s also an idea to carry a warning light crib sheet. Modern vans have computerised management systems which will scream at you from the dashboard if anything is untoward.
Brakes - check the brake fluid level regularly and ensure pipe and hoses are free from corrosion and splits.
Shock Absorbers - a serious problem with shock absorbers can be self evident and testing is a little challenging on a large van. But it is well worth turning the wheel so that you can inspect them for signs of corrosion or leaking.
Wheels/Tyres - Check more than the tyre pressure. Older vans may have perfectly adequate tread but unfortunately farther time may not have been kind to the rubber. Check the tyre walls for cracks and damage. Anyone who has had a blow out on the motorway will tell you that it’s an experience best missed.
Bodywork - Oxygen and water are the enemy of body work and sadly no exceptions are made with motor homes. Most Motor home clubs will have resident expert who can advise on what will rot and not, seeking out this advice can be incredibly useful.
Exhaust Systems – again, a serious problem will make itself known. A quick inspection to check general condition is a good idea. Given the size and heat of a vans exhaust it can be wiser to let the expert check for leaks (they get paid to get burnt!).
Drive Shafts – Unless you are a proficient mechanic these can be difficult to access – but it is worth ensuring that any rubber boots (or covers) for joints are intact, a split boot is an MOT fail.
Fuel/Exhaust – Difficult to check unless you are familiar with such systems – but there is no harm in visually inspecting all engine pipes and hoses for signs of corrosion or splitting.
Petrol Emissions & Diesel Emissions – Blue to black smoke being emitted from you van’s exhaust is a sure sign that there are engine issues. Often this might mean a worn seal which is allowing oil in to the cylinder. Specialist equipment is needed to test emission but if your van is ‘smoking’ after 20 seconds idle time then it needs get to the service centre.
Reg Plates/VIN – These needs to be in good order, secure and they must conform to the latest regulations which can be checked via the DVLA.
Be aware that the above is for guidance only – in all cases you must seek the advice of a qualified mechanic when accessing the road worthiness of a vehicle.
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