Ensuring Your RV Safety: Crucial Inspections to Perform
Preparing for a Safe and Enjoyable Motorhome Road Trip
As the summer season approaches, many motorhome owners are gearing up for their next adventure. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a newcomer to motorhome life, it's essential to perform thorough pre-trip checks to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
The following checklist focuses on essential areas that should be given attention before hitting the road:
- Electrical System: Test the house battery voltage (should be around 12.7 volts or higher when fully charged), check battery water levels and terminals for corrosion, ensure shore power connections and generator work properly, and verify all interior and exterior lights function correctly.
- Air Conditioning and Ventilation: Clean or replace AC filters, inspect coils, test thermostat and cooling performance, and ensure roof vents, fans, and ductwork are clean and working.
- Propane System: Check propane tanks for leaks, test appliances, and verify system pressure and safety devices function correctly.
- Plumbing and Water Systems: Inspect water pumps, fresh water tanks, drains, and grey/black water tanks for leaks or blockages and verify all faucets and toilets operate properly.
- Tires and Chassis: Inspect tires for wear and correct pressure, check brakes, suspension, and wheel bearings, and ensure chassis components are in good condition.
- Roof, Seals, and Exterior: Examine the roof for cracks, inspect seals around windows, doors, and slide-outs for leaks, and check for physical damage to exterior panels.
- Engine and Mechanical Systems: Conduct oil changes, brake checks, tire rotations, and coolant level inspections; test engine functions, lights, wipers, and battery status.
In addition to these checks, it's advisable to have an emergency kit including jumper cables, flashlights, basic tools, tire inflator, and first aid supplies. For a thorough inspection, use tools like a tire pressure gauge, a flashlight, and a mirror to check hard-to-see areas.
If a trailer or bike rack is being used, it should also be given attention. Check tread on trailer tyres, examine straps on bike racks for fraying, and ensure trailer brakes are functioning correctly. Additionally, ensure the trailer has a proper number plate and GB sticker.
Remember to check bolts on bike racks for loosening and ensure they are securely fastened.
Lastly, don't forget to start the engine to ensure it's running smoothly, check brakes and brake fluid, tyre tread, motorhome-approved tyres, tyre pressure, windscreen for chips, cracks or other imperfections, lights, washer fluid, oil, water levels in radiator (for older motorhomes/ campervans), Adblue, battery (starter battery and domestic battery), awning, hydraulic legs (if applicable), interior lights, batteries in smoke alarms and CO2 detectors, interior electronics, GB Sticker, headlamp adjustments, and headlight stickers in order to comply with EU law.
With systematic attention to the motorhome’s electrical, mechanical, and safety systems paired with a careful exterior and tire inspection, you'll be well-prepared for a safe and enjoyable road trip. Happy travels!
- If you're planning a road trip that includes a travel phase, consider researching home-and-garden ideas for creating a comfortable and relaxing living space inside your motorhome to enhance your lifestyle during your journey.
- After a long day of exploring new places during your road trip, enhancing your home-and-garden lifestyle by setting up an outdoor dining area in your motorhome's home-and-garden section could help elevate your travel experience, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of your surroundings while enjoying a meal with your family or friends.
