A word as a starting point - once you’ve bought a motorhome your first task should be to grab the manufacturer’s manual. The handbook that comes with the vehicle is a vital source of information and will be a point of reference throughout the time you own it. You might have a set of manuals covering different areas on how to use and look after your motorhome. Keep them in a safe place, and one that’s easy and quick to access.

Should the manufacturer’s guide be missing or you happen to lose it, contact the dealer or person you bought the motorhome from. Alternatively, try an internet search for your model as many of the motorhome manufacturers publish online versions.

Topping up and changing the fluids - keeping the motorhome engine’s oil, power steering fluid and coolant topped up is an important way to maintain its performance. Also, assure yourself that the screenwash tank is filled up regularly. The owner’s handbook will provide instructions on how to do so or you can ask a mechanic, the dealership or the previous owner to show you where the fluids are located. Should you find you need to add fluids regularly it could be a sign of a problem so book the vehicle in for a mechanic to carry out an inspection.

Oil and filter changes - as with all vehicles, a motorhome’s oil will need changing periodically as will the various filters - generally oil, air, coolant, hydraulic and fuel. This will all usually be part of the motorhome’s mechanical service too, which depending on the mileage undertaken should be carried out at least every two years - or at 30k mileage intervals if sooner. It’s also recommended that an oil and filter change is carried out in the years between full servicing and in line with vehicle manufacturers recommendations, due to the relatively low number of miles covered.

To ensure the safety of everyone on board and other road users, a motorhome’s brakes must be properly maintained. A qualified mechanic will be required to undertake work on the vehicle’s braking system due to its safety-critical nature. Ensure attention is paid to these areas:

Brake pads, discs, callipers, shoes and other parts will need to be inspected and replaced in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations or sooner if they develop a problem.

Listen out for unusual braking noises - squealing, grinding, scraping and other sounds coming from the brakes are rarely a good sign so book your motorhome in for a checkup as soon as possible.

Every car owner knows the importance of keeping an eye on tyre pressures to ensure all are inflated correctly and the same is true for motorhomes. Tyre pressure changes with temperature and altitude. Therefore, it’s important to check the pressure when the tyres are cold. Over and under-inflated tyres are equally dangerous. You run the risk of a blowout or having issues handling the vehicle in both scenarios. Increased resistance from incorrect pressure will also affect fuel economy. Check the tyre pressure at least once a month. The owner’s manual will tell you what the correct pressure is or you’ll often find it on a plate inside the driver’s door.

Finally, while you’re checking the tyres, take a few minutes to ensure the wheel lug nuts are correctly tightened. Should they come loose, the potential for an accident markedly increases.

Battery performance can become impaired in cold temperatures. If you’re parking a motorhome up for the winter or an extended period, take the battery out and store it correctly and ideally somewhere relatively warm where there is no possibility of freezing.

If you’re not driving the vehicle for periods of around six weeks, it’s recommended that batteries be charged before you head back out.

Perform a visual inspection of each battery before each trip. Check for cleanliness, and signs of corrosion on wires, terminal connections and metal surfaces. Also, take note of the charge level either via the display on the battery itself or using a hand-held volt meter.

It’s a good idea to examine all motorhome lights every month to save a trip to the stockist just as you’re about to set off on an adventure. Make up a kit containing a set of spare bulbs. It will save a lot of hassle, especially if you’re headed to remote areas. Also, if you’re travelling abroad, bear in mind that in some countries, notably France, the law requires you to have spare bulbs onboard.

Always check that all exterior lights - headlamps, indicators, brake lights, fog lights, daylight running lamps - are fully operational before every trip.

Test other types of exterior lights too - those that illuminate for practical, safety and security purposes.

For peace of mind, also check that all interior lights are working. Modern motorhomes have LED lighting as standard which is great when you’re off-grid due to the low power consumption of each unit.

Hot water tanks - some motorhomes have a combi-style system that heats water as you go but many use a storage tank with a heating element that you turn on and off or pre-programme. Drain the hot water tank before putting your motorhome away for a period. Flush and disinfect with a recommended additive at least annually.

Black tanks - some motorhomes have cassette toilets and some have a flush system that deposits waste into a tank. You’ll likely follow the same steps to clean out for. Empty and flush out this so-called ‘black tank’ or cassette using chemicals approved for cleaning toilet systems.

Grey water tank - this holds all the wastewater from sinks and showers. Grey water tanks don’t require a great deal of maintenance but a flush-out helps prevent unpleasant smells. You can also buy specially formulated additives to prevent odours while you’re on your travels.

Take a look around the hot water tank from time to time for signs of leaks, particularly around the fittings.

Check around the control panel to assure yourself that all electrical connections are secure and free from rust and corrosion.

Take care to inspect around the pressure relief valve in particular for signs of leaks.

Have a look at the condition of the anode rods that heat water for signs of rust and corrosion and have them replaced if necessary. Depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines, it’s often recommended that anodes are replaced on an annual basis.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on when to change the oil and filter and the air filter. This will usually be on an annual basis. Be sure to top up the coolant if required.

Check the fuel lines as part of your yearly checks for any sign of damage or wear and have them replaced if necessary.

Depending on the type of generator you have, change the spark plugs if necessary and you may need to drain condensation and water to prevent rust.

If you’re not planning to use the generator for a while, run it at regular intervals to prevent parts from seizing up.

Before you hit the road, to ensure you enjoy all the home-away-from-home comfort that your motorhome has to offer, pay attention to all of its appliances. A hob or oven that isn’t working will be as frustrating as a faulty fridge or freezer. It will almost always be cheaper and more convenient to have appliances that fail to work fixed when you’re at home rather than sited at your chosen destination.

The seams and seals on a motorhome roof require particular attention, for example around skylights, vents, fixtures and fittings. Left unchecked, neglecting these areas could lead to leaks and water damage which will prove costly in the long run. If you do detect or suspect a leak, you can buy a suitable sealant product. It’s usually best to limit DIY repairs to smaller areas and call upon a professional for repairing larger problem seams, seals and other roof damage.

Clean the roof regularly with a suitable product mixed with water. A long-handled soft brush and a hosepipe are a good idea to do this. Cleaning the roof will remove mould, dirt, grime and dust and ensure any buildup doesn’t result in longer-term problems. A pressure washer is rarely a good idea as it can damage the roof. You can also consider treating the roof with a specialist wax product to protect the top from harsh conditions.

An annual service of slideouts will ensure all of the moving parts - rollers, tracks, connection joints and so forth - are properly lubricated and aligned to keep everything working smoothly.

To keep the interior weatherproofed and dry, taking care of slideout seals is essential. When you use the slideout, keep an eye on the seals to make sure they’re not pulling, squeezing or moving out of position. Clear the slides of debris regularly so that muck doesn’t interfere with seals. Also, maintain lubrication to keep the rubber flexible and prevent it from drying out and cracking. Slideout seals typically need to be replaced every five years or so.

Having your motorhome serviced regularly by a trusted, qualified mechanic is an essential part of owning one. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of problems developing as you clock up the miles. Also, schedule an annual ‘habitation service’ by a specialist motorhome workshop. This will include a full inspection and repair process, including safety and performance aspects related to your motorhome as a vehicle designed to live in.

Finally, you’ll understand the importance of cleaning your motorhome inside and out regularly as being one of the best ways to keep your motorhome in the best possible condition and retain its value. Staying on top of this plus regular maintenance checks and repairs when required will keep it running efficiently, ensure safety and increase the enjoyment you get from using your motorhome. Happy adventuring!