Motorhome, panel van and caravan: ready for the new season
It's now time to wake your recreational vehicle from its winter break. We've compiled a checklist of key inspections, cleaning and maintenance tasks for the perfect start to the new camping season!
The essentials at a glance
- Full inspection for visible damage to the interior and exterior.
- Functional checks, maintenance, and care of the technology in caravan and motorhome.
- Cleaning, packing, getting organised – the new camping season is ready to begin!
First all-round check at the winter storage location
When you visit your recreational vehicle after winter, you should first give it a thorough once-over – inside and out.
Exterior check
- Are there any visible damages on the vehicle (scratches, dents, dirt deposits, etc.)?
- Are there any damp or mouldy spots on the vehicle?
- What is the condition of the tyres: Is the air pressure sufficient? Are there any obvious damages due to the long period of standing? Is the tread depth okay?
- Are the technical inspections (such as MOT roadworthiness test) and gas inspection up to date?
- Do the steadies/support legs of the caravan move in and out easily?
- Can the drawbar on the caravan be smoothly slid in and out?
- Are all locks on the service flaps and doors working smoothly?
Interior check
- Is there a damp or musty smell? Is the indoor climate okay?
- Are there any damp spots, for example in the washroom, in cupboards or on the floor?
- Are seat cushions and mattresses (if left inside over winter) dry? Is it dry in the cupboards?
- Are there any traces of mice in the recreational vehicle?
- Visual check of the water tanks: Are there any residues or traces?
Is everything working? Inspect and care for your vehicle!
If everything looks (hopefully) good at first glance, the next step involves getting hands on and checking individual functions. Depending on what you disconnected or removed for winter storage – for example, the onboard batteries or gas bottle(s) – the first step is to reinstall this equipment so you can test all functions.
Our top 10 inspection checklist
- Does all vehicle lighting work: front and rear lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lamp, reversing lights?
- Are fluid levels such as engine oil and coolant correct?
- Does the handbrake release and reapply smoothly?
- Are the electrics and mechanics of the towing connection on the caravan in good order?
- Power circuit: Are the auxiliary (habitation) batteries charging properly via mains or solar? Does the interior lighting work? Do all sockets (12 V and 230 V) have power?
- Water system: Do water pump, taps, toilet flush, and water heater work correctly?
- Gas supply: Do gas hobs, heating and fridge light easily?
- Fridge: Does the fridge (depending on type) work on gas, 12 V and 230 V?
- Are additional items such as satellite system, manoeuvring aid & co. functioning?
- Does the awning wind in and out? Is it damaged or does it need repair?
In addition to these function checks, your recreational vehicle will also appreciate a few minor care jobs:
- Treat rubber seals with a care product (such as silicone-based spray) (windows, doors, toilet cassette)
- Maintain locks and hinges with resin- and acid-free oil spray
- Clean and ideally flush through both fresh and waste water tanks
- Treat the winding steadies on the caravan with spray grease.
Maintenance and care of additional equipment
Give special attention to the technical extra equipment on your vehicle when de-winterising.
AL-KO VT suspension systems for motorhomes are generally maintenance-free – you do not usually need to carry out any special work. However, if you notice that something is not functioning, please visit a specialist workshop!
For hydraulic support systems for motorhomes such as the LevelM Pro or HY4, you will find information on maintenance intervals in the operating manual, which should be carried out by a qualified specialist. The same applies to panel vans. Maintenance usually involves cleaning and a visual inspection, and if necessary, a change of hydraulic oil. With mechanical support systems, maintenance and care differ according to the respective models. In general, bearings and deflection points should be cleaned and then lubricated with spray grease. However, if the whole steady is dirty, clean it completely.
For hydraulic support systems for caravans such as the Level C, it is also important to comply with the maintenance intervals in the operating manual to ensure flawless function. The winding steadies on the caravan also appreciate a bit of grease or oil to ensure they run smoothly in and out. In addition, the spindle should be cleaned at regular intervals and fresh grease (for example, dry lubricant based on Teflon) should be applied.
Special care is required – if present – for the stabiliser coupling (AKS) on your caravan, as well as the corresponding towball on the towing vehicle. The coupling head on the car should be cleaned, but not greased – otherwise the function of the AKS will be impaired. The best way is to use fine sandpaper until everything shines again. For new towbars, remove the paint completely before the first trip; otherwise, it can build up on the friction linings.
If the wear indicator on the AKS shows green, everything is fine. If it shows red or makes a creaking noise during travel, the towbar on the car, the AKS and the friction linings of the stabiliser coupling must be checked and, if necessary, replaced. You can have this done by a specialist or do it yourself: Replacement parts are available from AL-KO VT or from camping equipment retailers. Towbars on the towing vehicle that do not have an AKS are cleaned and lubricated as usual.
Not an extra accessory, but an important basic feature is the overrun brake on the caravan. This must move freely; you will find the lever for this on the drawbar. The self-adjusting drum brake is, as the name suggests, self-adjusting when the play between brake shoes and drum becomes too great due to wear. However, this requires observing the prescribed maintenance intervals and the necessary care at a specialist workshop.
The AL-KO VT torsion-bar rear axle should also be regreased at least once a year. A good rule of thumb is about every 20,000 km driven or after long periods of inactivity, such as at the start of the season. For this, a high-temperature lubricant is suitable.
Spring clean for your home on four wheels
After all the technical systems have been checked, maintained and cared for, it's time for the next step: cleaning. No matter where your camper spent the winter, there will always be some dirt and dust deposits, so a thorough exterior wash is always a good idea.
The exterior can be washed at an official washing station (self-service) for motorhomes, caravans, panel vans or even HGVs; there are also special car washes for these larger vehicles. The first step is to hose down the exterior shell and carefully scrub it with a brush and cleaning agent – ideally, also get an underbody wash to remove dirt from the chassis. Remember the wheel arches, too. Windows and roof hatches are usually made of acrylic, so these should be left out. There are special cleaners and cloths available here to avoid scratches. Afterwards, let everything dry. Don't forget the awning: wind it out, check for damp spots and dirt deposits, and clean if necessary.
Depending on how thoroughly you cleaned your camper inside before putting it into winter storage, your spring clean may be brief or more comprehensive. Letting in fresh air and dusting thoroughly are always a good idea – everything else as needed. The same applies to any awning you have. In any case, we recommend laying it out completely on a dry surface, checking it for damage and brushing it with a hand brush or wiping it down with a damp cloth if necessary. Afterwards, impregnate seams and surfaces.
Pack your recreational vehicle … and you're ready to go!
Depending on how much you removed from your recreational vehicle for the winter, you can now put these items back in – from camping furniture and kitchen equipment to books, games and toiletries.
Checking your basic equipment for condition and completeness will give you peace of mind and a good overview of what you might want to renew. This includes, for example:
- Adapters, extension cables and power leads
- Levelling chocks
- Camping furniture
- Watering can and hose
- Pegs for awning or tent
- Sun canopy
- Bases for steadies/support legs
- Awning/tent
- Warning signs
- Water canisters
You can find a comprehensive checklist for complete camping equipment here: Camping Checklist.
Are you and your motorhome or caravan ready to go?
We wish you a safe journey and a fantastic camping season!
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