Useful Checklists for Motorhomes and Campervans

When you first own a motorhome or campervan there seems to be a thousand things to do – though after a couple of trips most of it comes naturally. Use the checklists below to get you started.

In the meantime, here are some checklists to help you avoid missing out something vital.

Setting off checklist

You can print out this checklist or the summarised guide at the bottom of the page to use when you next venture out with your motorhome.

Here we list some of the things you may need to do when you head off with your motorhome. You might even consider laminating your checklist if there’s a chance of rain...

When you leave home the first couple of points may already be covered, but you’ll need to remember them when you leave a campsite. Don’t forget to check the vehicle fluids, tyre pressures and wheel bolt/nuts torque.

1. Turn off the gas at the cylinder, switch off and disconnect electrics (bollard first)
2. Retract/disconnect awning as required
3. Securely stow all loose items evenly around vehicle, check windows, roof lights, internal doors and cupboards are closed and the habitation door is locked, retract/stow step if fitted
4. Rotate and lock front seats facing forward, put handbrake on
5. Raise the corner steadies or levelling system, if fitted
6. Remove and stow chocks and EHU cable
7. Switch fridge to 12v if applicable
8. Pull clear of the pitch and check the area for anything left behind
9. Empty the fresh- and waste-water tanks and clean out any toilet cassette at service stop-off point.

On the move

• If your vehicle is high sided take care in high winds and drive to the weather conditions
• Be considerate to other traffic and pull over when safe to do so if travelling more slower
• Take note of your vehicle dimensions and overhangs
• Take frequent breaks to avoid driving while tired, if your motorhome is large you may need to plan these stops before you set off

Remember it’s very easy to overload a motorhome especially when full of passengers, if in doubt check its weight at a public weighbridge

Setting up

Once you’ve reached your destination you’ll probably want to set up a few things to make life comfortable. Again, you can print this out to take with you on holiday or the summarised guide at the bottom of the page.

• When you first arrive on site, ask whether there’s a motorhome service stop-off point. If so, you can fill up with fresh water before you reach your pitch
• Once on your pitch, use ramps or levelling system to level your vehicle as necessary
• Consider chocking the wheels, especially with vehicles that require the handbrake to be taken off to allow the driver’s seat to be rotated
• Wind down the corner steadies if you have any
• Connect electric cable, to vehicle first, then to the Electrical bollard, test your RCD (residual current device).

You’re now ready to use your motorhome, but there are some final preparations you may want to make before you can really relax.

Depending on the complexity of your unit, they may include:

-  Switch the fridge to mains electric or gas (as necessary)
-  Positioning the grey waste-water collector if no grey waste tank onboard
-  Adding toilet fluids
-  Turning on the gas
-  Turning on the water heater when you’re sure it’s full of water
-  Set up cassette or drive away awning as required

Download and print this summarised safety checklist for motorhomes and campervans.