10 Things to Check When Taking Your Motorhome Out of Winter Storage

When you take your motorhome out of winter storage, a careful check now can save a lot of frustration later. Cold temperatures, damp conditions, and long periods of inactivity can all cause issues, particularly for motorhomes stored around Guildford and the wider Surrey area, where winter moisture is a common problem.

Use this simple checklist to get your motorhome ready for the season and avoid problems that could affect your next hab check.

1. Check the Water System

Fill the fresh water tank and make sure any dump valves left open over winter are fully closed. Run water through all taps, including hot and cold, the shower, and the toilet.

Turn on the heating and hot water system and allow it to pressurise. If the water pump pulsates when no taps are open, this often points to a leak caused by frost damage.

Carry out a visual check on any visible water connections around your pump, taps and boiler for leaks.

2. Wash the Motorhome and Check for Leaks

Give the exterior a proper wash, paying close attention to algae around windows, rooflights, and seals. Algae can hide cracked sealant, especially after a damp Surrey winter.

Once clean, check inside around windows and rooflights for damp patches, staining, or soft wall panels.

3. Carry Out Basic Mechanical Checks

Before driving, check:

• Engine oil

• Coolant

• Brake fluid

• Washer fluid

• Tyre pressures, including the spare

Tyres commonly lose pressure while in storage and should always be checked before the first trip.

4. Check the Leisure Battery Voltage

Check the leisure battery voltage to confirm it’s healthy and holding charge. A weak battery can affect lighting, water pumps, heating controls, and appliances. a healthy battery should not drop below 12V and charge at round 13.6V to 14.2V when on hook-up.

5. Check the Solar Panel Is Charging

Inspect the solar charge controller to make sure the panel is charging correctly. After winter, panels can be dirty or connections may have loosened, reducing charging efficiency.

6. Check Mains Hook-Up and Plug Sockets

Connect the motorhome to mains hook-up and confirm:

• The leisure battery charges on 230V

• The RCD and consumer unit operate correctly

• All internal 230V plug sockets are working

This is a key part of any thorough hab inspection.

7. Test All Appliances

Check all appliances on their correct power sources:

• Fridge on gas, 12V, and 230V

• Hob, oven, and grill

• Heating and hot water system

• Toilet operation

• Interior and exterior lights

8. Check CO and Fire Alarms

Test your carbon monoxide and fire alarms, replace batteries if required, and check the expiry dates. Alarms that are out of date should be replaced, even if they still appear to work.

9. Check Your MOT Date

Before setting off, make sure your MOT is valid for the duration of your trip. It’s an easy thing to forget after winter storage and can quickly bring plans to a halt.

10. Book Your Annual Hab Check

A hab check should be carried out every 12 months after the previous inspection. Most importantly, it ensures your gas safety check is less than a year old, which is essential for safety, insurance, and peace of mind.

If your motorhome is based in Guildford, Surrey, or the surrounding areas, you can book a mobile hab check with Van Life Upgrades, carried out at your home or storage location. It’s a convenient way to make sure your motorhome is safe, compliant, and ready for the season without the hassle of travelling to a workshop.