How to Care for Your Motorhome
To ensure many road trips and amazing adventures in your motorhome, taking good care of it is important. A clean and well-looked-after motorhome is more comfortable and enjoyable to travel in. A well-serviced and well-maintained motorhome is going to be a reliable companion on those fantastic road trips ahead.
To help you take the best care of your motorhome, here is a complete guide to looking after your motorhome, from cleaning and storage tips to servicing and beyond.
1. Storing Your Motorhome
When your motorhome is not in use, we recommend having proper storage to protect it from weather, wear and theft.
First things first, where to store your motorhome?
If space allows at home, you can park your motorhome in your driveway, backyard or inside a shed or garage. If you have fences around the property, it’s even better. If you’re planning a holiday elsewhere, we recommend covering the motorhome by leaving it on an open storage compound where it will be more secure (they might have cameras, etc).
Need a little bit more security? Check out our article about how to keep your motorhome safe!
Our tips for better protection
- Use a breathable cover to protect from the UV rays, the rain, hail, and dust.
- If stored outside, use a cover and choose a shaded area to prevent interior fading and heat damage.
- Run the engine and move the vehicle occasionally to prevent flat spots on tyres and to prevent draining the battery.
- Disconnect the battery if you know you won’t use the vehicle long-term.
- Before storing, clean the vehicle entirely, empty all water tanks and the greywater tank. Open the fridge door slightly to prevent any mould or condensation.
- Check out our best tips to prevent condensation in your motorhome.
Image: Brisbane dealership – 42 Vauxhall Street in Virginia QLD
2. Cleaning Your Motorhome
To ensure endless adventures and in the best conditions, treat your motorhome like your home. Here is a quick guide to keep your motorhome clean and ready:
Interior cleaning
- Kitchen: Empty perishables, clean fridge shelves, wipe cabinets and stovetops. Leave the fridge and freezer slightly open to prevent moisture.
- Shower: Scrub corners to prevent mildew; check seals for leaks.
- Toilet: Clean regularly and use RV-safe chemicals.
- Bedding: Wash frequently and air out mattresses if stored long-term. Keep your doonas and pillows in plastic bags to prevent moisture and dust.
- Seats: Vacuum and wipe.
Exterior cleaning
- Take your motorhome to a carwash, use soap and high-pressure water to make it nice and shiny. They usually have ladders for big vehicles to clean the roof.
- If you can clean it at home, use a soft brush and mild detergent, avoiding harsh chemicals.
- If you’re driving in the outback, you’ll notice that the red dust will get everywhere… It’s important to be thorough when cleaning it out.
- Polish every two years to maintain shine and protect resale value.
Water & Waste Systems cleaning
Make sure you clean your fresh, grey and black water tanks at least between every trip. And if your motorhome isn’t being used for a long period, make sure all tanks are clean before storing it.
- Empty and rinse all tanks thoroughly
- Use specialised RV chemicals to prevent odours and buildup
- Check for leaks, cracked hoses or any damage
Image: Make your home on wheels feel like home
3. Regular Servicing & Preventive Maintenance
Knowing your motorhome and when it needs servicing is the best way to avoid breakdowns and costly repairs.
What to schedule regularly
- Engine oil and filter changes
- Brake checks and fluid top-ups
- Air conditioning servicing
- Electrical and battery testing
- Tyre rotation and alignment (here are some essential tips to keep them in great condition)
Cruisin’ RV Sales motorhomes are built on reliable Fiat Ducato chassis, so ensure you use a service centre familiar with Fiat’s specifications.
DIY maintenance between services
- Check oil and coolant levels
- Monitor tyre pressure before each trip
- Inspect wipers and replace if streaking
- Examine roof seals and seams for cracks or leaks
- Test all lights and indicators
- Check underneath for anything that might be loose or hanging down
- Check awnings are functioning correctly and smoothly
Image: Ex-rental motorhome – Avida 6-berth
4. Insurance, Registration & Stamp Duty
Owning a motorhome comes with some paperwork, but we make it simple.
At Cruisin’ RV Sales, we make sure that the motorhome you’re buying is road-ready for you.
What we offer
- Our vehicles are very well-maintained during their rental time
- Each vehicle goes through a comprehensive inspection
- We’ll provide anIndependent Roadworthy Certificate
- We offer FREE 5-Year Warranties with our 2-berth and Avida motorhomes
- Our prices exclude stamp duty, as it is different for each state
- Free motorhome tips on our blog
What you’ll need to do
- Transfer vehicle registration into your name
- Choose comprehensive insurance that covers road accidents and storage damage (storms, hail, theft)
- Do regular maintenance and check-ups
- Get to know your new home on wheels
- Read our full guide about post-purchase & what to expect
Every state has its own laws, so spend some time going through your state’s official transportation and service websites so you know what to do when it’s time to renew the registration.
Any questions about our vehicles? Check out our FAQs or give us a call on 1300 124 329.
Image: 2-berth Fiat Ducato, back door
5. Get Ready To Plan Your Adventures
To make the most of each road trip, preparation is key! Once you know your motorhome well and how everything works, here is a quick checklist before hitting the road:
- Test all appliances (fridge, stove, water pump)
- Check gas bottles and hoses for wear
- Make sure you have your spare tyre
- Carry your toolbox or at least those 5 essentials
Start Your Own Adventure Today!
Thinking of buying your own motorhome? Answer those 5 questions and discover how buying from us is a smart move!
Cruisin’ RV Sales is here to support all your motorhome adventures. If you’re considering upgrading your vehicle or making your first purchase, our range of ex-rental motorhomes offers reliable, comfortable options for every traveller. Let’s make this year filled with incredible journeys, cherished memories, and the freedom of the open road! 🧡
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Ready to hit the road? Explore our fantastic range of motorhomes and campervans for sale! Got a question? Feel free to call us at 1300 124 329!
Did you purchase a motorhome from us? We’d love to hear about your adventures! Share your journey with #cruisinrvsales! Happy and safe travels!
Renting is perfect if you want to occasionally dip your toes into van life. Organise your motorhome rental in Australia by calling our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our Cruisin’ Motorhomes and GoCheap Campervans vehicle pages to see what motorhomes are available to hire at our branches.
*The deals and offers mentioned in this article might be withdrawn at any point. Please contact our sales team to learn about current offers.