by Stefan Dorner, maut1.de - 26 March 2024
The new camping season is just around the corner - and the boom continues unabated. Many people are now bringing their motorhomes out of their winter break. To ensure a successful start to the new season, however, you should invest a little time in getting your "holiday home on wheels" back in shape. maut1.de reveals what you need to look out for before your first trip.
Cleaning
Even if the motorhome has been "hibernating" under a solid roof or in a barn, dust and dirt cannot be avoided for several months. If the vehicle has been left outside in the wind, rain and snow, this is all the more true.
That's why we start with a thorough exterior cleaning: This can be done in a wash bay that is also designed for lorries: because here you can use the bridge to get at the dirt on the roof with brushes and foam. Be careful with steam jets: Do not spray into the cracks for the refrigerator to avoid damage!
And as a general rule: proceed with caution and take your time. Washing the motorhome at home is not a good idea and is even prohibited because the dirty water seeps into the ground without being cleaned. You could even be fined. The interior should also be wiped clean to remove the last residues from the previous season and to ensure clean air and a fresh odour.
Technical check
Standing around for long periods is poison for any vehicle. That is why it is important to check all of the motorhome's technical systems: This applies to the engine, battery, electrics and the water and waste water systems. Close the valves, fill up with fresh water and flush the pipes!
An important point is the tightness - in two respects: Firstly, the gas pipes should be inspected every two years by an authorised dealer or a certified test centre. As with the main inspection, which is also due every two years (three years for new registrations), a sticker is then affixed to the rear of the vehicle.
In order not to lose the warranty, newer vehicles must also be checked for leaks every year. Certified companies and workshops water down the vehicle and measure whether any moisture is penetrating unnoticed. After all, undetected water damage is one of the worst things that can happen to a campervan. Repairs are costly and the value of the vehicle is permanently reduced.
Tyres and brakes
Due to the long downtime, the tyres must first be re-inflated to the correct pressure. You can find this in the owner's manual or at the entrance to the driver's door. The following also applies: Even if the legally prescribed minimum tread depth is 1.6 millimetres, summer or all-season tyres should have at least 3 millimetres for good grip. And if the tyres are more than eight years old, they should be changed regardless of the number of kilometres driven, as the rubber is then too hard and brittle.
The brakes should definitely be checked before the first journey: slight rust film is normal and will soon come off again. However, if the braking performance is not as good as usual or if there are any noticeable noises, there is only one thing to do: take it to the garage and have it professionally checked!
Prepare the interior
Before travelling, please check all furniture, cupboards and appliances inside the motorhome. Is everything well and safely stowed away? It is also a good idea to put away the most necessary items: laundry, bedding, shower gel, toothpaste and non-perishable food such as pasta or tinned food. So nothing stands in the way of a spontaneous weekend trip without having to pack beforehand.
Ventilation
Please ensure that the motorhome is sufficiently ventilated to prevent mould from forming. It is also worth setting up dehumidifiers in the vehicle, e.g. under the bed, to remove water from the room. After all, a person sweats out around one litre of water per night.
Important: If water has condensed on the windows in the morning while travelling, soak it up with kitchen paper. And otherwise, of course: when the air conditioning is running, keep the windows and doors closed for effective cooling performance.
Heating and air conditioning
To be prepared for any weather, the heating and air conditioning should always be working properly. Under no circumstances should you tamper with these yourself, but consult a specialist if you have any problems. With gas heaters, always check the fill level of the cylinders to make sure you have a sufficient supply. If you don't have a level indicator, simply place the cylinder on the scales: An empty 11 kg gas cylinder weighs 10.1 kg - so when completely full it weighs 21.1 kg.
Tip for all those who want to save space and weight: Especially in summer, the small 5 kg bottle is often sufficient.
Test drive before the first journey
Finally, an important tip: Please take a short test drive before travelling for the first time to make sure that the motorhome works perfectly. This will also help you get used to the size of the vehicle and the steering and braking characteristics, which are quite different from those of a car.
In addition, the spray and radiator water, AdBlue and oil should also be topped up and checked.
The camper service from maut1.de
The toll box for vehicles up to 3.5 t and 3 m high opens the barriers in the preferred T-lanes in Italy, Croatia, France, Spain and Portugal and saves time and nerves on the way to your holiday:
The toll box for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and 3 m high
maut1.de also offers solutions for contactless and electronic travel on motorways in Austria, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal for large motorhomes over 3.5 t and 3 m high:
We wish all campers a good start to the new season!
