Summary
- Motorhomes and caravans must be properly prepared for the winter to ensure they are in working order for the season
- The necessary checks cover vehicle functionality, cleaning, the gas system, heating, the fridge, the water system and inspection dates
- It’s particularly easy to have a spring inspection carried out at a specialist dealer
Table of Contents
1. | Have the vehicle checked over
2. | Spring cleaning
3. | Check the gas system
4. | Check the heating
5. | Switch on the fridge
Get ready for the new camping season in 7 steps
To ensure you get the new season off to a safe start, it is essential that you carry out a thorough check of your recreational vehicle. This is because a long period of inactivity over the winter can have a negative impact on all aspects of its performance.
Before your first journey, you should make sure that both the vehicle itself and all the interior fittings are working properly.
We have summarised all the relevant points for you in 7 steps!
Step 1: Check the vehicle over
Cold weather, frost and a long period of inactivity can cause damage to your vehicle. You should therefore give your vehicle a thorough check-up well in advance of your first journey (at least 14 days beforehand).
If you haven’t connected your battery to a trickle charger over the winter to prevent deep discharge, you’ll now need to top up both the starter and service batteries. To do this, connect the vehicle to a power source for at least 24 hours, or ideally 48 hours. This will break down any sulphates that have formed. You should then check the oil level, brake fluid, coolant and windscreen washer fluid, and top them up if necessary.
Another point to consider is the tyres: if you increased the pressure to prevent flat spots, you should now reduce it again. Furthermore, it is time to swap the winter tyres for summer tyres. Also check that the tyre tread depth is at least the legally required 1.6 mm – though 3 mm is better.
Then test whether the vehicle is roadworthy by starting the engine and moving it around a bit. A good option for the first drive of the year is to head straight to step 2 – the car wash.
Step 2: spring cleaning
Over the winter, a lot of dirt can build up on your vehicle and cause long-term damage. Ideally, you should prevent this by giving your motorhome or caravan a thorough clean before putting it into storage for the winter.
But even if you’ve done that, your vehicle now deserves a spring clean. Important: avoid using harsh cleaning products and make sure you wash it at a designated washing area.
Start with the exterior: a high-pressure washer can work wonders here. You should also wipe down the windows and their seals with a soft cloth. The underbody and wheel arches should not be overlooked either.
Once the exterior is clean, move on to the interior. Ideally, you will have removed all traces of the previous camping season before storing the vehicle. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to give it a thorough hoovering once more.
If you have neglected the kitchen, fridge and technical area over the winter, a thorough clean is urgently needed here too. Use a soft cloth and a standard household cleaner for this as well.
Step 3: Check the gas system
How full is the gas cylinder? Do the hoses and pipes show any cracks or damage during a visual inspection? And does the ignition on the hob and fridge work? Gas is a major concern when it comes to motorhomes and caravans. This is because it fulfils many important functions, but can quickly pose significant risks if damaged.
It is therefore vital that you check the system thoroughly – at least as far as is possible. Provided you have the gas inspection – which has been mandatory since June 2025 – carried out regularly, you shouldn’t encounter any nasty surprises here.
However, it is always possible that, for example, spiders have made a nest in the pipes. So please check the system to the best of your knowledge and belief. If you discover any potential hazards, please contact a specialist.
Step 4: Check the heating
Once you have checked the gas system, you should now turn your attention to the boiler. Switch it on to check that it is working properly. It may be, for example, that insects have entered the combustion chamber via the flue. You will notice this if the flame is slow to ignite or fails to ignite at all. If you encounter any problems with the boiler, you should definitely consult a professional.
Step 5: Switch on the fridge
Switch on the fridge. The gas function is particularly important. During the winter, the burner may, for example, have become infested with spiders. Remove the lower ventilation grille from the side panel and check for cobwebs – if any are found, the burner should be cleaned.
Please have this done by a professional! If the burner is dirty, it will not operate at full capacity, which may lead to a loss of cooling or further damage to the fridge.
If you did not clean the fridge before putting it into winter storage, now is the right time to give it a thorough clean with a soft cloth and cleaning product to get it ready for the coming season.
Step 6: Check the water function
First, refill the fresh water system. Please note: Do not switch on the pumps for about three hours to allow the seals to acclimatise and any deposits to soften (algae and limescale – the harder the water, the more there is); otherwise, the water pump’s fuse may blow.
Once the pump is operational, you should then check the taps and other connections in the water system for leaks. To do this, open the taps and let them run for at least three minutes once full pressure has been reached, whilst checking that all taps and connections in the vehicle are watertight and have not suffered any frost damage.
Step 7: Plan tests for the season
When is your next MOT due? And what about the gas inspection that will be required from June 2025? When was the last time you had the gas system checked for leaks, which is necessary to maintain the warranty on new vehicles?
You should check all of this again at the start of the season. Ideally, you should always arrange the necessary appointments directly at the time of your visit. If you haven’t done so, now is the right time to arrange the legally required checks.
Checklist: Preparing motorhomes and caravans for the warmer months
- Vehicle check-up:
Battery, tyre pressure, tyre change, tyre tread, oil level, coolant, brake fluid, windscreen washer fluid, roadworthiness - Spring clean:
Thorough cleaning inside and out - Check gas system:
Gas cylinder, pipes & hoses, damage, ignition - Check heating:
Burner, function, ignition - Switch on the fridge:
Gas function, dirt, cobwebs - Check water function:
Top up, leaks, function - Plan checks for the season:
Book appointments for MOT, gas inspection, leak test, etc.
The Winter Preparation Guide: Spring Check-up for Motorhomes & Caravans
You can also simply save yourself all the hassle: let schaffer-mobil get your vehicle ready for a successful season! We offer a comprehensive spring inspection that involves not only a general check-up but also checks on key components such as brakes and mechanical systems.
Many of our customers take their motorhomes and caravans out of winter storage in March and have them thoroughly checked by our experts. Don’t miss the chance to make your holiday trip a carefree experience – book an appointment with us in good time!
