A motorhome can be a tremendous boon to anyone looking to go on holiday. If you have one available, you’ll be able to travel to any location reachable via road. This will throw open your options, and vastly cut the cost and hassle of your trip.
At the same time, it’s worth remembering that these advantages can only come about when your vehicle is in good condition. But how do you keep a motorhome in good condition, and what essential checks are worth taking before you hit the road?
Neglecting Pre-Trip Inspections
There are a number of steps to perform, as a matter of habit, in the build-up to your trip. Inflate your tyres, top up your fluids, and test your brakes. Think about the most common causes of breakdown, and work to anticipate them. You might put together a checklist that will help you to do exactly that.
Ignoring Weight Limits and Load Distribution
If your vehicle is carrying more weight than it can safely support, then you’re almost certain to run into difficulty. But perhaps less obvious is the need for weight to be evenly distributed. If your vehicle is excessively burdened on one side, then you might find that the handling begins to suffer. In some cases, this can be extremely dangerous and even illegal.
Forgetting to Test Appliances and Systems
The average motorhome is equipped with a variety of internal systems, which should be tested in the same way as the engine and tyres. If your heating or electrical systems should fail while you’re on the road, then your trip will be severely impacted. This applies especially during winter, when a failure of your heating systems can cut your break short.
If you’ve been away on a summer break, or even on many breaks over successive summers, then you might easily fail to notice a problem with the heating. After all, you haven’t been using it. Getting into the habit of checking everything – again, with the help of a checklist – will help you to avoid oversights of this kind.
Underestimating the Importance of Insurance
Like any other road vehicle, a motorhome will need to be insured. Make sure that your level of coverage is appropriate to your needs before you travel. It’s also worth double-checking that your policy is in date. Specialised motorhome insurance will protect not just the vehicle, but the contents of the motorhome, too.
Overlooking Legal Requirements and Documentation
You’ll need to be legally entitled to drive the motorhome. You’ll also need to be able to demonstrate this entitlement through essential documents like MOT certificates and driving licences. Keep these in the vehicle, especially if you intend to travel overseas.
