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 an unwelcome 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 spring-proof your motorhome

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, wiper fluid and tyre pressure and their 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. We start cleaning with the roof and work from top to bottom. At the same time, the roof can be inspected for damage.

Care should be taken with the windows: It is best to keep the steam jet away from them and instead wipe them down with a cloth and an acrylic glass cleaner. Don’t forget to clean the awning, the underbody and the wheel arch, if present. 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, mouldy 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 base from Matnext not only ensures good ventilation under the mattress base thanks to its extensive cushioning and thus sufficient air circulation, but also greater sleeping comfort thanks to the 3D Air Mesh fabric. It also effectively prevents mould growth and unpleasant odours, making your motorhome more durable.

Basic cleaning includes extensive vacuuming. Vacuum the upholstery and mattress and meticulously clean all corners. Dust tends to collect especially on the suction grilles of the refrigerator or on 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 decolded. A little tip on the side: If you want to do something good for yourself and the environment, simply use vinegar 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 moving out your motorhome. 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 filled and tight? 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. Otherwise, a little oil will suffice.

5. Check security

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. Does your touring vehicle also have an MOT for this year? Has it passed the general inspection (HU)? 3.5 tonne vehicles must be inspected every 24 months three years after initial registration, whereas heavier models must be inspected annually after four years and every 24 months before that. 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 mobile home. Waterlogging 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.