How Often Should You Service Your Motorhome? A Comprehensive Maintenance Timeline

You’ve owned your motorhome for a while now, so you know it’s more than just a vehicle. It’s your mobile sanctuary, your ticket to freedom, your gateway to discovering new and interesting places… Whether you’re travelling along the winding roads of the Lake District or the Highlands of Scotland, chasing the sunshine down in Devon and Cornwall or simply enjoying spontaneous weekends away much closer to home, your motorhome is your cherished companion.

Like any trusted travel partner, your motorhome needs care and attention for it to perform at its best. Maintenance isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns – it’s about ensuring your safety, giving yourself peace of mind every time you turn the key, and safeguarding your investment.

Whether it’s a used or new motorhome model, how often should you service it? The answer isn’t always that straightforward – but in this edition of our blog we’ll provide you with a clear, comprehensive servicing timeline so that you can stay ahead. We’ll also explain why booking your checks with an Approved Workshop Scheme provider like Go European is one of the best decisions you can make for your motorhome’s long-term health.

A motorhome is a hybrid. It’s a complex piece of machinery and a functioning living space, so it needs attention on two fronts. Neglecting either side of your motorhome’s care routine can lead to frustrating and expensive problems. Worse still, overlooking key annual checks could mean you risk voiding warranties or leave yourself exposed to potentially dangerous issues with gas, water and electrical systems.

In recent years the popularity of motorhome holidays has soared, in part due to the rise of ‘staycations’ during the Covid pandemic. This trend, fuelled by a desire for freedom, flexibility and self-contained travel, highlights just how essential it is to understand the responsibilities that come with motorhome ownership, including servicing.

To help make things clear, it’s important to understand the key service points throughout the year.

Mechanical service: This should be done annually (or every 10,000–15,000 miles). At its core, your motorhome is still a vehicle. Like any car or van, it requires routine mechanical servicing. Typically, this should be done once a year or in line with the manufacturer’s mileage recommendations. A standard mechanical service will include:

• Engine oil and filter changes
• Brake inspection
• Suspension and steering check
• Tyre pressure and condition checks
• Lights, fluids, belts and battery health

Skipping these mechanical checks not only increases the risk of a motorhome breakdown but can also cause long-term damage to critical components, which in turn can potentially lead to costly repairs and MOT failures.

Habitation check: This should be undertaken every 12 months. This is the service that looks after the ‘home’ part of your motorhome. Performed by qualified technicians, a habitation check is designed to ensure all domestic systems are functioning correctly and safely. Expect a thorough inspection of:

• Electrical systems (12V and 230V)
• Gas supply and appliances
• Water systems (both fresh and waste)
• Heating and ventilation
• Windows, roof lights and seals
• Safety equipment (ie. smoke / CO2 alarms, fire extinguisher)

Many motorhome warranties, especially regarding water ingress, are only valid if this check is performed annually at an AWS-approved centre. Habitation checks should never be overlooked.

Damp check: This should also be undertaken every 12 months (though is usually included in a habitation check). Damp is one of the most feared problems among motorhome owners. Once moisture enters the structure, it can rot floors, bloat cabinetry and spread unseen behind the panelling, potentially causing structural issues. The earlier damp issues are caught, the easier and less expensive they are to put right. The technician will use a moisture meter to scan the walls, floor and roof for hidden damp before it becomes a major issue in your motorhome.

Gas system check: This should be undertaken on a yearly basis. Gas plays a central role in most motorhomes, powering everything from the cooker hob to the heating system. Regular testing is vital to ensure all components are working correctly and, most importantly, safely. Leaks, poor combustion or incorrect fittings can lead to carbon monoxide risks or even fire hazards. As part of an AWS habitation check, your gas system will be examined by qualified professionals for peace of mind.

Tyres and brakes checks: Again, these should be done every 12 months. Even if your motorhome spends much of the year stationary, on your drive or in storage, its tyres are under constant stress due to weight and exposure to the elements. Motorhome tyres can degrade well before the tread wears out – especially if not rotated or shielded from sunlight. It’s wise to replace tyres every 5 to 6 years, regardless of mileage. During your mechanical service, brakes will also be checked and maintained.

Battery health check: This should be done every six months. Your motorhome is likely to have at least two batteries – one for the engine and another for the living area. Both of them should be tested twice a year, ideally before major trips and prior to winter storage. A failing leisure battery can result in lighting, water pumps or heating that doesn’t work – even when parked.

Winterisation and de-winterisation: Before the cold weather sets in, it’s vital to prepare your motorhome for storage. This involves:

• Draining all water tanks and pipework
• Adding antifreeze where appropriate
• Disconnecting or trickle-charging the leisure battery
• Sealing vents and covering tyres

When spring comes around, your motorhome will need a careful reawakening. Water systems should be flushed, safety equipment tested, and all moving and mechanical parts inspected. Many motorhome owners opt for a seasonal service package to handle this.

It’s easy to put off servicing, especially if your motorhome doesn’t see that much use each year – but the reality is that problems can develop quietly over time, and be very expensive to rectify ponce they’ve been discovered.

At Go European’s service centre, we often see issues that could have been prevented with routine servicing. Damp damage often goes unnoticed until it’s too late, brake faults and tyre degradation can compromise safety and fail MOT tests, gas leaks may require full system overhauls costing hundreds of pounds. Servicing is an investment -not a chore or an unnecessary spend.

Having your motorhome serviced by an Approved Workshop Scheme centre brings several benefits.

• Manufacturer warranty compliance: Essential for upholding brand warranties.
• Qualified technicians: AWS members follow strict guidelines and undergo regular inspections.
• Peace of mind: You know the job’s being done to a national standard.
• Higher resale value: A fully documented service history can increase your motorhome’s value when compared to one without.

At Go European, our in-house AWS-accredited workshop is built with motorhome owners in mind. We offer expertise and tailored maintenance for both new and used vehicles, from annual checks to winterisation and pre-holiday inspections.

Not every owner uses their motorhome the same way. Your usage might affect your servicing routine.

Full-time motorhomers should actually consider more frequent checks (particularly for gas, water and electrical systems). They should also rotate tyres and test batteries more often, and book two habitation checks per year if touring continuously.

Seasonal motorhome users should always book in a service before the main touring season, fully winterise if storing the vehicle for over 2 months during off-peak season, and test smoke and CO2 detectors after periods of disuse.

If you’re travelling to Europe, you should make sure your tyres are within age limits, fit beam deflectors (if required) for continental driving, and check emission zones, fuel types and gas adapter compatibility.

Book your mechanical and/or habitation service with Go European’s Approved Workshop Scheme team now – or get in touch for friendly advice on your existing maintenance schedule. With us, you’re not just booking a service, you’re protecting your home-on-wheels for the many happy adventures to come.

I hardly ever use my motorhome so do I still need annual servicing?

Yes, you do. Damp, gas and electrical issues can arise even in stored vehicles. Regular servicing maintains warranty and safety.

Is a habitation check the same as an MOT?

No, it’s not. An MOT is a legal requirement which covers road safety. A habitation check looks after the living area and its systems.

Can I do any servicing myself?

Basic checks such as tyre pressure and battery voltage are simple enough to do yourself – but official habitation checks must be done by an AWS-approved workshop to protect vehicle warranties.

Does a missed service affect resale value?

Absolutely! Being able to access a full service history can make your motorhome more attractive and increase its value when the time comes to sell.