The complete motorhome checklist

01 Interior Preparation

Secure interior for travel

• Secure all loose items in cupboards and on surfaces Safety-critical

  Heavy items at floor level near axle; light items in overhead lockers

• Close and latch all cupboard doors and drawers Safety-critical

• Lock fridge door; switch to 12V mode

• Close toilet cassette blade valve

• Close and latch all windows Safety-critical

• Close and lock all rooflights and skylights Safety-critical

• Secure blinds and roller blinds

• Retract TV antenna to travel position Safety-critical

• Lock table in travel position or stow

• Close and latch internal doors

• Lock habitation door Safety-critical

02 Waste Disposal

Empty tanks and manage water

• Empty toilet cassette at disposal point

  Rinse and add fresh chemical before replacing

• Drain grey water tank

• Top up fresh water if continuing to next site

• Turn off water pump

• Disconnect and stow external water hose

03 Utility Disconnection

Safely disconnect power and gas

• Turn off gas at the cylinder valve Safety-critical

  Then turn off interior gas controls

• Switch off consumer unit / RCD Safety-critical

• Disconnect EHU cable from site bollard first Safety-critical

  Always disconnect supply end first

• Disconnect EHU cable from motorhome inlet

• Coil and stow EHU cable

  Ensure cable is dry before coiling

04 Exterior Preparation

Pack away external equipment

• Pack away outdoor furniture and accessories

• Retract or stow the entry step Safety-critical

• Raise corner steadies or retract levelling jacks Safety-critical

• Remove wheel chocks and levelling ramps Safety-critical

• Close and lock all external compartments Safety-critical

  Check gas locker and service hatches

• Walk pitch perimeter for forgotten items

05 Cab Preparation

Prepare the cab for driving

• Lock cab seats in forward-facing position Safety-critical

  Swivel seats must be locked before driving

• Clear dashboard of loose items Safety-critical

• Verify seatbelts for all passengers Safety-critical

• Close and secure cab-to-habitation opening Safety-critical

  Ensure nothing can fall forward into the cab

• Check windscreen is clean and wipers operational

• Confirm awareness of vehicle height and weight Safety-critical

  Bridge strikes are among the most common motorhome accidents

06 Vehicle & Engine Checks

Pre-drive vehicle checks

• Check engine oil level Safety-critical

• Check coolant level in expansion tank Safety-critical

  Check when engine is cold

• Check tyre pressures on all wheels Safety-critical

  Use manufacturer pressures for laden weight

• Visual tyre inspection for damage Safety-critical

  Look for cuts, bulges, cracks, minimum 1.6mm tread

• Verify wheel nuts are tight Safety-critical

• Check fuel level for planned journey

  Check AdBlue level if applicable

• Test all external lights Safety-critical

  Headlights, indicators, brake lights, fog, reverse

• Check and adjust both wing mirrors Safety-critical

• Start engine and verify no warning lights Safety-critical

07 Final Safety Check

Last verification before departure

• Walk around entire motorhome for final check Safety-critical

  Steadies up, step retracted, all doors locked, nothing trailing

• Check underneath for trailing cables or hoses Safety-critical

• Final scan of pitch for forgotten items

• Ensure all passengers seated with seatbelts Safety-critical

  No one may be in the habitation area while driving

01 Documents & Insurance

• Check vehicle registration document

  Keep registration document accessible in the motorhome at all times

• Check insurance documents and policy number

• Locate breakdown cover card and emergency number

  Note any international cover restrictions before crossing borders

• Check driving licence is valid and in date

  Check if your licence category covers motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes

02 Vehicle Preparation

• Check engine oil level Safety-critical

  Top up to the correct level using the manufacturer's recommended oil grade

• Check coolant level Safety-critical

  Check when engine is cold; never open the cap when engine is hot

• Check windscreen washer fluid level

  Use a suitable screenwash additive especially in winter temperatures

• Check all tyre pressures including spare Safety-critical

  Check pressures for the loaded weight; motorhome tyres often require higher pressures

• Charge leisure battery to full before departure

• Fill fresh water tank

  Consider whether campsite hookup will suffice instead

• Check gas supply level

  Carry a spare cylinder if touring in remote areas

• Test all lights: indicators, brake lights, running lights Safety-critical

  Walk around the vehicle to confirm all lights are working before departure

03 Route & Booking

• Plan route and check road restrictions for motorhomes

  Check height, width and weight restrictions — motorhomes can be up to 4m high

• Confirm campsite booking and check arrival time

• Check ferry or tunnel booking if applicable

  Arrive at the terminal at least 45 minutes before departure

• Download offline maps for the journey

  Download maps covering your full route in case of poor mobile signal

04 Packing Essentials

• Pack bedding and towels

• Pack kitchen essentials and food supplies

• Load outdoor furniture: chairs, table, awning mat

• Pack levelling blocks and wheel chocks

  Place chocks at wheels as soon as you park on any slope