Planning a long-distance trip in your motorhome is exciting, but before you hit the road, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey. Whether you’re touring the UK or heading abroad, proper preparation helps you avoid breakdowns, ensures safety, and gives you peace of mind.
From your MOT to mechanical checks and comfort essentials, here’s how to get your motorhome road-trip ready.
Before anything else, make sure your motorhome has a valid MOT. This is a legal requirement if your vehicle is over three years old, and it ensures your vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards. Adderley Green Garage offers MOT testing for motorhomes, including same-day appointments for added convenience.
Even if your MOT is due in a few months, it’s worth getting it done early so you’re not caught short while travelling.
An MOT only checks for roadworthiness; it doesn’t cover all the wear and tear that comes with regular use. Booking a full motorhome service before a long trip will help identify any issues with brakes, suspension, steering, and the engine. You can also request additional checks on key systems like electrics, heating, and water supply.
If you own a larger motorhome, make sure your garage is equipped to handle MOT Class 4, 5 or 7, which cover minibuses, large campervans, and light commercial vehicles.
Tyre safety is vital for long journeys. Check that your tyres are in good condition, have the correct pressure, and meet the legal tread depth of at least 1.6mm - though 3mm is recommended for long-distance travel.
Don’t forget to check your spare tyre too. If you’re carrying a heavy load, adjust tyre pressure accordingly to match your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
Brakes that squeal, vibrate, or feel spongy need attention. Have your pads and discs checked, especially if your motorhome has been parked for a while. The same goes for suspension - if the ride feels uneven or you hear unusual knocking sounds, it’s worth having a mechanic investigate.
Before setting off, double-check that all your lights are working, including brake lights, indicators, fog lights and reversing lights. This is especially important for driving at night or in poor weather.
It’s also a good idea to carry spare bulbs in case one fails while you’re on the road.
Make sure all your fluids are at the correct levels, including engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, screen wash, and power steering fluid. Look underneath the motorhome for any signs of leaks and address them before your trip.
Coolant is especially important in both hot and cold conditions, as it helps regulate the engine temperature and prevent overheating.
If you’re relying on the leisure battery for lighting, phone charging, or powering appliances, check that it’s holding charge properly. Ensure all 12V and 240V sockets are working, and test any solar panels or charging systems you may have fitted.
You may also want to bring a portable power bank as a backup option.
If your motorhome includes a kitchen or bathroom, inspect the water system for leaks, stale water, or faulty pumps. Clean and flush the water tanks if they’ve not been used recently.
For gas-powered appliances, make sure you have a full gas cylinder and that all hoses and regulators are in good condition. If in doubt, get a Gas Safe engineer to check your setup.
Even with the best preparation, breakdowns can still happen. Make sure you have a breakdown cover policy that includes motorhomes and covers the areas you’ll be travelling in. Keep emergency numbers handy and pack an emergency kit with essentials like jump leads, a warning triangle, a high-vis vest, and a basic tool kit.
Once the technical checks are done, focus on comfort and organisation. Make sure your seats, bedding, curtains and ventilation are in good condition. Check cupboards are secure and won’t fly open when driving.
Store heavier items low down and spread weight evenly to avoid affecting your balance on the road.
Preparing your motorhome properly ensures a smooth, safe and enjoyable trip without unexpected repairs spoiling your journey. From booking an MOT to checking tyres, brakes, and electrics, a bit of planning goes a long way.
If you’re based in Stoke-on-Trent, why not book your motorhome MOT or service with Adderley Green Garage? We’re fully equipped to handle MOT Classes 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7, and we offer trusted servicing and repairs for all types of vehicles, including motorhomes and campervans.
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