Buying a motorhome can be an expensive business so you’ll want to protect that investment and keep your ‘pride and joy’ in the best possible condition.

After all, the longer you keep and use your home, the more you’ll save year on year on hotel and other accommodation fees.

A second hand motorhome in good condition is also easier to sell if you decide to upgrade or update.

Regular servicing is essential. You can undertake a brief self-service check but a full check will give you the ‘peace of mind motoring’ you will need, so book your vehicle in for a full service at an approved workshop.

Basic home servicing should include:

• Exterior clean – Jet wash your vehicle. This will also help you see any damage to bodywork and on doors and windows
• Underneath check – Look out for signs of significant wear and tear and corrosion 
• Engine check – As you would with a car or van, check the oil, water, antifreeze, tyre pressure and tyre condition, windscreen wipers, windscreen wash, etc.
• Battery – Check that it is not flat and re-charge as required
• Gas – Check all gas supply units are working correctly and that your gas pipes are in good condition (but most importantly, this is not a substitute for an essential, fully-certificated safety check of your gas supply and systems) 
• Water systems including shower and toilet – Flush through any stale water and ensure you are using the right chemicals
• Windows and doors - Check all seals and replace any perished rubber to stop potentially damaging leaks Interior – Clean and check for any damage or wear and tear. Ensure everything still works and folds out and down and slots into place as it should. Tighten any screws or fittings that may have worked loose. Undertake a ‘test drive’ to see if any rattles or squeaks have developed.

A good home check will highlight anything you are unsure about and that you’d particularly like the professionals to look at. However, it is never a substitute for having a full professional service prior to your holiday or short-break.