Owning a motorhome means having the freedom to travel on your terms. But like any vehicle, it needs a bit of love and attention to stay reliable, comfortable, and safe. Whether you’ve just purchased a small motorhome for the occasional weekend escape or are touring Australia in a luxury motorhome, keeping on top of servicing is one of the best ways to protect your investment and your holiday plans.
So how often should you service your motorhome, and what needs to be checked? We’ve got a few motorhome maintenance tips to help guide you.
Regular Motorhome Servicing: What to Expect
The golden rule of RV maintenance is not to wait until something goes wrong, and instead have it serviced regularly. The standard measure most people use is either once a year.
At Avida, we suggest servicing your motorhome at least once a year, even if your motorhome has been parked in the driveway that entire time. A good service can help prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs.
Regular servicing is also key if you want to save money in the long run and maintain your resale value, and many manufacturers (including Avida) require regular servicing to maintain your warranty. It’s also important to note that both the ‘home’ part of your motorhome and the mechanical side of it will need to be serviced separately, rather than in one appointment.
If you’re clocking up a lot of kilometres or planning a big trip, it’s worth getting your motorhome checked more often. Before a long journey, book in a service or, at the very least, do a thorough pre-trip check of your engine, brakes, tyres, suspension, battery, water system and appliances.
For campervans, the servicing schedule is much the same. Whether you own a small campervan for quick getaways or a campervan with a shower and toilet that takes you off-grid, regular servicing ensures everything works when you need it most.
If you’re used to caravan servicing, you’ll find many of the same principles apply to motorhomes, though there’s a greater focus on the mechanical side, since the vehicle and living quarters are all-in-one.
Chassis and Mechanical Servicing
Think of this like you would any regular car service. Your motorhome’s base vehicle – whether it’s a van, truck, or something in between – needs regular checks to stay roadworthy. From oil changes and brake inspections to battery tests and tyre pressure checks, this is the foundation of safe travel, especially if you’ve got a tow bar fitted and are using your motorhome as a tow vehicle for a trailer or small car.
Your technician will also check the wheel nuts for tightness, especially after long trips. If you’re travelling through regional areas with uneven surfaces, it’s a good idea to check them yourself every few thousand kilometres too.
No matter what motorhome you’ve bought, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommended intervals for mechanical servicing. These usually align with either time (every 12 months) or distance (e.g. every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres), depending on which comes first, but always follow the chassis manufacturer’s guidance.
House System Checks
Unlike regular vehicles, motorhomes come with their own set of electrical, plumbing and gas systems. These need checking too. When you book your service, make sure your technician inspects:
- Water tanks and plumbing for leaks or blockages
- Appliances like your fridge, stove, air con, and hot water system for loose connections or worn seals.
- Gas systems for gas leaks, faulty fittings, or compliance issues
- 12V and 240V electrical systems. Qualified 240V technicians are required for any repairs or to sign off any changes to your 240V systems.
- The solar setup, if you’re in a solar motorhome
Even if you haven’t used these systems much lately, seals can degrade over time, and components can stop working. Keeping everything in good shape means fewer surprises when you’re on the road.
Seals, Roofs and Slide-Outs
Leaks are the enemy of every motorhome owner. Over time, seals around windows, doors and roof vents can perish, especially if your motorhome is stored outside. During your service, make sure the technician checks these seals, especially around the roof and any slide-outs (like you’ll find on larger or drop down bed motorhomes).
It’s also a good idea to inspect the roof regularly yourself. Leaves, dirt and general wear can build up unnoticed and wear down seals and joins in the roof. Additionally, if your roof has any depressions that cause water to pool on it, these can lead to leaks over time. If your motorhome has been parked under trees for a while, a quick wash and inspection before your next trip is a smart move.
Tyres and Brakes
Motorhome tyres often wear differently to regular vehicles, especially if your motorhome is parked for long periods between trips. Check for cracks in the sidewalls, uneven tread wear and signs of ageing. Even if your tyres haven’t done many kilometres, they should be replaced regularly. You should check with the tyre manufacturer on what they recommend, as this will vary from brand to brand. Additionally, the tyre pressure should be set as per the Vehicle (Chassis) Manufacturer specifications. You can find this information on the tyre placard and the owner’s manual.
Brakes can also wear faster on heavier vehicles, especially if you’re towing. A good service will assess brake pads, discs and the handbrake. Finally, ask the service technician to check the wheel alignment and perform a realignment if necessary, especially if you’ve been on rough roads recently.
Seasonal Servicing Tips
If you’re planning a big trip, whether it’s chasing the sun up north or heading off for the school holidays, it’s worth getting ahead on your service schedule. Summer heat, long highway stretches, or even rougher outback tracks can all put extra demand on your vehicle, so a seasonal check-up can go a long way in preventing issues before they arise.
And if your motorhome will be parked up over the cooler months, a quick winter service helps keep batteries topped up, seals intact and systems in good working order. Sticking to the guidance in your owner’s manual is the best way to time your checks and avoid unnecessary wear.
Why Regular Servicing Matters
If you’re travelling with loved ones, regular servicing helps keep your passengers safe, especially on longer journeys. But it’s not just about safety, it’s about making sure your motorhome is always ready to go when you are. Nothing puts a damper on your trip like discovering your hot water system won’t work or your fridge has failed mid-journey.
With consistent servicing, you’re far less likely to run into issues on the road. That means more time enjoying the views, and less time waiting on repairs. And if you’re looking for a trusted service centre, our national dealer network ensures you’re never far from a friendly team to keep your motorhome running smoothly.
Keen to Hit the Road? Start Your Search With Avida
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or gearing up for a longer adventure, keeping your motorhome in top shape is one of the best ways to ensure every trip goes smoothly. And if you’re still dreaming about your first road trip, trust Avida to carry you on it. From compact models built for quick getaways to luxury motorhomes designed for long-haul adventures, our range of motorhomes for sale and campervans has something to suit your travel style, whether you’re chasing weekends away or the trip of a lifetime.
