The birds have started singing and the spring flowers are raising their pretty heads. These are all signs that, contrary to popular belief, winter is ending and spring is on its way. Spring is a great time to be a motorhome owner, with nights that are still too long and chilly for tent camping, a motorhome is a great way to get away for your spring break. Hopefully, if you have had your home-from-home on wheels tucked safely away for the winter, it shouldn't be too dirty but even so, there are some important jobs you need to take care of before you set off on the road again.
It makes sense to have your motorhome professionally serviced at the start of the touring season. Make sure you leave plenty of time for this as mechanics can get booked up and you don't want to miss an opportunity to get away.
Before you take your motorhome to the mechanic you should check your oil and water yourself. While you are doing this, have a look at your filter, how often you change this will depend on what type of roads you use but failing to do so can adversely affect your fuel economy.
There are some key visual checks that you can make on your motorhome. Check underneath the vehicle for any signs of fuel leaks, do a visual check of the tyres before you drive anywhere, check that your lights are working and look at your wheels for any signs of rust.
Whilst you are checking your batteries, it makes good sense to also check any devices that run off them. These might include lighting systems or power points.
Just as in the home, all motorhome gas appliances should be checked by a qualified specialist. The risks surrounding carbon monoxide poisoning are too great to miss this one out.
Ask a professional to check all of your fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and CO monitors. If you have an emergency, you will be glad that you have done this.
Check that your fresh, waste and any other water connections are secure and not corroded. It is a good idea to carry spares for these.
Clean your fresh water system thoroughly using a proprietary cleaning product.
It wouldn't be great to find mice or any other mammals in your motorhome with you on that first spring night. Droppings and chewed furnishings are sure signs that something has been making themselves at home over the winter.
Your motorhome may well smell a bit musty after being closed up all winter. Check the furnishings for mildew and then choose a fine day to leave the windows and doors open for a few hours.
Wherever your spring motorhome adventure takes you, we hope that you have a happy and safe time. Plan ahead, make sure you get all of your checks done and you will feel the benefit as you settle down for your first night in that perfect location.
