In case you are planning a countryside escape, a coastal adventure, or a European road trip, the main thing that is going to make your trip run smoothly is preparation. Before you leave, there are plenty of checks that every motorhome owner should complete to make sure a trip goes well.

12 Things To Check For A Safe, Comfortable & Stress-Free Holiday 

1. Engine Oil and Vehicle Fluids

First things, first. It is a wise decision to pre-trip inspect your vehicle or motorhome, particularly if you are not sure when the last service was done. Have a look at the engine oil level, coolant, brake fluid, and window washer fluid. One of the major causes of car breakdown during long distance travels is the stress put on the vehicle and therefore, the best way to avoid this risk is to ensure that all the fluids are at the correct levels.

If you are not sure about the last service of the motorhome, a pre-trip check might be a good idea.

2. Tyre Condition and Pressure

Since motorhomes weigh more than standard cars, tyres should be in an excellent state. So, check:

• Tyre pressure (including the spare)
• Tread depth (legal minimum in the UK is 1.6mm)
• Look out for cracks and bulges
• Underinflated tyres can drastically decrease the fuel economy of a car and this effect may be seen in the handling as well, in particular when driving on twisty country roads.

3. Battery Condition

A motorhome is equipped with two batteries - one for the engine and the other for the recreational battery. You need to keep a check on whether both are charged fully and if they are able to retain their charge. Possibly, you can do the test by switching on the interior lights, charging ports, and appliances so that you will be sure that all are working.

4. Brakes and Lights

It is very important to have a look at all the lights, such as the brake lights, indicators, headlights, and interior lights. In case you hear any strange noise when applying the brakes and also ensure that the handbrake is working fine by giving it a test.

At nighttime or when the weather conditions are bad, make sure you get good visibility and are safe.

5. Gas Supply and Appliances

In case your motorhome has a gas system for cooking or heating:, Check the gas bottle levels, Look for cracks on the hoses, Run the hob, heater, and fridge tests, Ventilate properly and make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working 

6. Water System 

Just before the start, you should give your fresh water tank a refill and look out for leaks in the pipes or connections. Also, you should empty and clean the wastewater tank if it is necessary. Check if the taps, shower, and toilet flushing systems are in perfect working condition.

Having an adequate supply of drinking water is a very sensible thing to do, especially when you are going for a road trip to some off-grid campsites.

7. Insurance and Documentation

Amongst the most important pre-trip checks is documentation. Vehicle tax, MOT (if applicable), and driving license are required to be valid. 

Above all, check that your motorhome insurance policy is valid and eligible to cover your itinerary. Quality motorhome insurance will cover you not only against damage, theft, and vehicle breakdown, but also on-road liabilities. When going overseas, make sure to see if your policy allows for European coverage or if you will have to purchase extra cover.

Comprehensive motorhome insurance helps you travel stress-free and so you can really enjoy your trip rather than worrying about unexpected expenses.

8. Emergency Kit and Safety Equipment

Each motorhome should have a basic emergency kit which includes:

• First-aid kit 
• Warning triangle
• High-visibility torch
• Spare batteries
• Fire extinguisher
• Breakdown contact detail

Being equipped for minor emergencies can make your trip more efficient and pleasant.

9. Interior Security

Check that you have tightened all the windows, roof windows, and doors of your car and locked them without leaving any gaps. In case you want, you may also use wheel locks or alarm systems as an additional security measure.

In such places, there are so many tourists that the crowd gets very dense and at the same time, thieves find it very easy to steal motorhomes. This is why you cannot and should not be indifferent about the matter and in fact, you must take every possible step to guard against the contingency of a theft.

10. Kitchen and Food Supplies

Before heading out, have a last look at everything that you will definitely need later on. Also, be sure that the kitchen cabinets are shut so tightly that they won't open by themselves on the road.

Carry dry foods, water in bottles and just a few cooking utensils. The packing should be done in such a way that the things do not get shifted during the vehicle movement.

11. Route Planning and Campsite Bookings

Pre-planning of your route is essential, particularly if the motorhome in use is a big one. It could be that some country roads, bridges or city centers have height or width limitations.

Make an effort to pre- book your camping sites if you can, especially if it is during the busy season. Also, for remote areas with a poor signal, download offline maps on your device.

12. Weight Limits and Load Distribution

On top of being illegal and dangerous, overloading a vehicle can cause your vehicle to become unstable and you might have an accident as a result. Find out the maximum authorized mass (MAM) of your vehicle and make sure that the total weight of your load, including passengers, baggage and supplies, does not go over it.

While packing the car, you should arrange the weight in such a way that it helps keep the car balanced and stable when moving.

Why Checking Proper Insurance Deserves a Special Check

Although a mechanical check and safety checks are equally important, you should pay special attention to your insurance. A tailored motorhome insurance policy will certainly cover the vehicle but might also include personal belongings, awnings, fixtures, and even liability for the campsite.

Car accidents, storms, theft, and other unforeseen events can very quickly change an exciting trip into a costly one. One of the smartest pre-trip decisions you can make is to ensure that your motorhome insurance is comprehensive and tailored to your travel requirements.

Conclusion

There is nothing quite like a motorhome to symbolize freedom and adventure and getting a motorhome for your holiday is one great way of showing that. Yet, you still have to make good preparations if you want everything to run without a hitch. Reviewing these 12 vital areas before you set off will spare you from vehicle malfunctions, dangerous situations, and unexpected holdups.

It doesn't matter how small the thing is, whether it's tyre pressure, gas system, route planning, or even motorhome insurance. When you do a thorough preparation, all you have to do is enjoy the beautiful landscapes, peaceful campsites, and good times on the road with a feeling of safety.