Bringing the motorhome out of hibernation

Checklist: Bringing the motorhome out of hibernation

When the campsite operators open their doors again and prepare for the upcoming season, it is also time for all campers to give their motorhome or caravan a check-up. After the last season, the vehicle has only been given a cursory clean to remove the worst of the dirt and brought into its winter quarters. After the long winter break, you may be in for a rude awakening. We can help you check and maintain everything. Using our six-point checklist, you can easily tick off, step by step, what you have already done to make your motorhome ready for spring.

How to get your motorhome ready for spring

Our checklist tells you in 6 steps how to get your motorhome ready for the new season. Once you've ticked everything off, nothing will stand in the way of your next road trip adventure!

1. Check vehicle technology

One of the most important starting points when it comes to bringing the motorhome out of hibernation is a comprehensive technical check. To do this, check the starter and on-board battery, the lighting, the brakes and the brake fluid. This also includes checking the oil level, screenwash, tyre pressure and tyre wear.

The battery should generally have a voltage of 12 volts (otherwise try to charge it) and the tyres should have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. It is also a good idea to check all cables and connections for cracks or damage.

2. Clean the outside of the vehicle

Now it's time for the exterior. Before you start working with a brush and cloth, you should first remove the coarse dirt from your vehicle using a high-pressure cleaner. Start cleaning with the roof and work from top to bottom. At the same time, the roof can be inspected for damage.

Take care with the windows: it is best to keep the water jet away from them and instead wipe them down with a cloth and an acrylic glass cleaner. Don't forget to clean the awning (if present), the underbody and the wheel arches. If you want to clean your motorhome with a high-pressure cleaner, you should keep a minimum distance of 30 cm to avoid any damage. You can then work with cloths and the like for finer cleaning.

3. Clean the inside of the vehicle

Is the outer shell sparkling clean? Great! Then you can get started with the extensive interior cleaning. Spring cleaning a motorhome is similar to cleaning a household. Firstly, you should air out the motorhome and remove any damp, musty air. Moist air tends to collect in and under floor coverings, upholstery and mattresses. We offer a simple, effective solution to prevent the build-up of moisture under mattresses: the mattress underlay from Matnext not only ensures good ventilation under the mattress thanks to its open structure and thus sufficient air circulation, but also greater sleeping comfort thanks to the 3D Air Mesh fabric. It also helps prevent mould growth and unpleasant odours and so protects the materials in your motorhome.

Basic cleaning includes extensive vacuuming. Vacuum the upholstery and mattress and meticulously clean all corners. Dust tends to collect especially on the ventilation grilles of the fridge and in the heating and technical compartments. You should then wipe down all shelves and compartments. This also includes wiping down the fridge.

The sanitary facilities also require meticulous cleaning to remove unpleasant smelling residues. These should also be disinfected and descaled. A little tip: if you want to do something good for yourself and the environment, simply use a vinegar-based cleaner when cleaning the interior. It cleans thoroughly and smells good.

4. Check on-board technology

We have now moved on to the more pleasant steps for getting your motorhome ready. This includes, for example, checking the on-board technology. Are the electronics in the vehicle (e.g. TV connection, kitchen appliances, lights, heating, etc.) working properly? Is the gas cylinder sufficiently full and free of leaks? The burner's automatic switch-off safety device should extinguish the flame within 20 seconds. Also check the hinges of the cupboards, doors and windows. If they are stiff, a little oil will suffice.

5. Check safety

Almost done: If you have followed all the steps, cleaned thoroughly and checked everything carefully, your first motorhome or caravan journey can almost begin. If you want to be on the safe side, take a short test drive. This allows you to check the brakes, engine and steering and test the motorhome's road holding. Safety first, as we all know!

6. Check deadlines

Now it's just a matter of the formalities. Is the general inspection (HU) of your vehicle still valid this year? In Germany, motorhomes up to 3.5 tonnes are first inspected three years after initial registration and then every 24 months; for heavier models, the intervals become shorter as the vehicle gets older. In addition to technical components such as brakes, alternator and axles, the inspection also includes the gas system. Finally, it is also worth taking a look at the maintenance booklet, which contains detailed information on wear and tear and possible replacement of components. Get your motorhome in shape: Check!

Making your motorhome fit again

Especially after a long period in winter storage, moisture may have accumulated in your motorhome. Trapped moisture can lead to mould growth and damage the materials in your vehicle. We provide helpful tips on how to ensure sufficient air circulation in winter storage in our guide Moisture in motorhomes.