A motorhome is often left unused for several months, then suddenly expected to handle long journeys while heavily loaded — that's why it requires more attention than a regular car. Every inspection, easily done using our klavkarr Car Diagnostics Scanners, helps prevent breakdowns, ensures safe travel, and extends your motorhome’s lifespan.
What essential checks should be done before heading out on a motorhome trip?
How can you properly prepare your motorhome for winter storage?
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Why properly preparing your motorhome before a holiday or winter storage is crucial
A motorhome isn’t your everyday car. It spends much of the year idle, then is suddenly expected to drive 2,000 km, in +35 °C or -10 °C conditions, fully loaded. This seasonal rhythm is a real challenge for the mechanics.
Before heading out for a few weeks or putting it away for winter, a few simple checks can save you a lot of hassle. Two key moments require special attention:
- Before your holiday: to drive with peace of mind.
- Before winter storage: to protect the mechanical components during long inactivity.
In both cases, proper preparation helps avoid many issues.
Motorhome dashboard warning lights: understanding and interpreting the signals
Check dashboard warning lights before your motorhome holiday
Start with a quick test by switching on the ignition without starting the engine. All warning lights should briefly light up, then turn off.
- Red light: immediate stop required (brakes, overheating, oil pressure).
- Orange light: check as soon as possible (oil change, AdBlue, sensor alert).
Check engine warning lights before storing your motorhome for winter
Same test as before. If any warning light stays on and you're planning long-term storage, address the issue first. Unresolved faults can worsen while the vehicle is stationary.
Motorhome engine oil change: why and when?
In both scenarios, if you handle maintenance yourself, you can use our klavkarr scanner to reset the service interval and turn off the oil change light — no garage visit needed.
Oil change before going on holiday
If it’s been over a year since the last oil change or if you’re planning to drive more than 2,000 km, it's highly recommended to do it before departure.
Even when unused, engine oil gradually loses its protective and lubricating properties, potentially leading to premature engine wear.
Also watch for the service indicator or wrench icon, which often signals an overdue oil change.
Oil change before winter storage
Changing the oil before a long idle period helps protect your engine. This prevents wear particles from sitting in the sump for months, which could cause corrosion or hard starts in spring.
Check and top up AdBlue in Euro 6 diesel motorhomes
AdBlue is an anti-pollution additive used in Euro 6 diesel engines. It reduces nitrogen oxide emissions and is essential for engine operation. If the tank is empty, some vehicles will not restart.
Check AdBlue level before your trip
Make sure the AdBlue level is sufficient (ideally over 70% of tank capacity) before you hit the road. A low level can trigger a warning light or even a “No start in XXX km” message.
This check is especially critical for models like the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper BlueHDi, Ford Transit, and Mercedes Sprinter.
If the AdBlue tank has been refilled but the warning light or countdown message persists, you can use our klavkarr Car Diagnostics Scanner to clear the warning and reset the countdown — no workshop needed.
AdBlue and winter storage: avoid crystallisation issues
Before prolonged parking, especially in cold climates, avoid leaving the AdBlue tank nearly empty.
A low AdBlue level can lead to fluid crystallisation in the system, causing problems at startup.
Don't hesitate to top up the AdBlue tank.
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Motorhome battery: testing, maintenance, and failure prevention
The starter battery is often overlooked, yet it’s crucial — especially after long inactivity.
A weakening battery might not trigger a warning light but can prevent startup or cause random electronic alerts (engine, ABS, ESP lights), especially in modern vehicles like the Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter, where electronics are voltage-sensitive.
Check battery condition before going on holiday
Before you leave, make sure your battery is in good condition. The battery warning light should not stay on while driving.
If you see unusual warning lights appear randomly, a weak battery could be the cause.
With our klavkarr diagnostics tool, you can test your battery voltage, confirm any voltage drop, and clear warning lights after recharging or replacing the battery.
Protect your motorhome battery during winter
To prevent slow discharge during long-term storage:
- Disconnect the battery, or install a cut-off switch.
- Use a solar trickle charger if parked outdoors.
This ensures easy starting in spring and avoids having to replace a nearly new battery drained by onboard electronics.
Tire pressure and TPMS: motorhome road safety
Tyres are a critical safety element — even more so on a motorhome, which is often heavily loaded and driven long distances.
Under-inflated tyres or faulty sensors can affect handling and trigger dashboard warnings, sometimes with a chime or alert message.
Check tire pressure and wear before travel
Before departure, be sure to:
- Check cold tire pressure, using the values shown on the driver's door label.
- Inspect the tread for wear, cuts, or bulges.
- Make sure TPMS sensors (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) are working properly.
Prepare tyres for long-term storage
To reduce wear during prolonged inactivity:
- Inflate tyres slightly above recommended pressure (without exceeding the maximum pressure stated by the manufacturer).
- Move the vehicle monthly if possible, or raise the wheels slightly to prevent flat spots on cold or uneven ground.
Essential fluid checks on a motorhome
Whether you're about to travel or store your motorhome, it’s crucial to check all fluid levels.
Fluid checks before travel
- Coolant: prevents overheating, especially in summer or mountain routes.
- Brake fluid: loses effectiveness if old or low — replace regularly, even with low mileage.
- Windshield washer fluid: useful for bugs and dirt on the road. Also check the spray jets.
Fluids and winter storage: checks and draining
- Washer fluid: top up and use anti-freeze product if stored outdoors.
- Brake fluid: consider a flush if it hasn't been changed in a while.
- Water tanks: drain fresh, grey, and black water tanks to prevent stagnation, bad smells or freezing.
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Motorhome emergency kit: essential gear to keep onboard
Must-have items before heading out in your motorhome
To travel with peace of mind, it’s smart to keep basic technical supplies onboard. This helps you handle minor issues without needing a workshop.
- A can of AdBlue to refill if needed
- A tire repair kit
- Engine oil compatible with your engine
- An OBD reader such as our klavkarr scanner to read fault codes, test the battery, or clear warning lights
FAQ – Preparing your motorhome before travel or storage
What checks are essential before a motorhome trip?
Before a long journey, check warning lights, engine oil, battery, tyres, AdBlue level, and fluids. Our klavkarr Car Diagnostics Scanner lets you detect and clear warning lights easily.
How do you prepare a motorhome for winter storage?
Drain fluids, preserve the battery, protect the tyres, and clear any remaining warning lights. With a klavkarr scanner, you can check the electronics before storing your vehicle.
What should I do if a check engine light stays on in my motorhome?
Red or orange lights must be checked immediately. The klavkarr scanner lets you read the fault code, identify the issue, and clear the warning once resolved.
How can I easily test my motorhome battery?
Use a multimeter or a klavkarr OBD scanner to measure voltage and prevent unexpected failure before your trip.
Why use an OBD Car Diagnostics Scanner on your motorhome?
Our klavkarr scanners read fault codes, test batteries, reset the oil service light, and clear AdBlue alerts. It’s a handy tool to travel worry-free without always relying on a mechanic.