September 2024 Poll Reveal - Motorhomes/Campervans

In the last Club Safety and Security newsletter we asked you to tell us about your ‘must do’ items at the end of the season - and the beginning of the next.

Here’s a summary of the responses we received, which we hope will help you and your fellow motorhomers and campervanners be better prepared for the winter and the following season.

We received responses from both ‘coachbuilt’ motorhome owners and campervan owners, and we’re delighted to see that well over 50% of those who responded told us there is no ‘end of season’ for them, and that touring is a year-round pleasure. As one respondent noted:

“Seasons are just a case of changing your clothing choices to deal with heat, cold, rain, sun, snow and that way, everyday is an opportunity to get out and enjoy motorhoming freedom.”

For those who were more likely to store their vans over winter, the overwhelming pieces of advice were to give the van a good clean - inside and out - and to remember to drain down all the water - pipes, heaters, toilet flush etc.

Other key considerations that received multiple mentions were:

• Empty the van of all perishable items, checking fridges and cupboards - many of you also removed other items such as kitchen utensils, soft fabrics etc.
• Deep clean and sanitise all surfaces, especially in kitchen areas, showers and toilets.
• If your van’s in storage, don’t ignore it for the winter. Pop back and check everything’s OK at least once a month, particularly in freezing weather - but also, take advantage of a nice day to open some doors and ‘air out’ the van.
• If you can, take the van for a short run from time to time.

Get your outfit ready for the new season

We also asked for your hints and tips for when you wish to get your outfit 'season-ready' again. Some of the more popular and interesting responses were:

• Check all the serviceable items - oil, fluids, tyre pressures (and while you’re down there, check the wheel nuts too!).
• ‘Air out’ the inside and sanitise everything.
• Cleanse the water system with steriliser and refill; check the operation of all appliances and utilities both on electricity and gas where appropriate.
• Consider a single-night stay at a nearby site, so that any issues that may arise don’t do so when you’re two days - and 200 miles - away from home.

And perhaps the most obvious - but often not mentioned - item: make sure you have your vehicle serviced once a year, including a gas/hab check where appropriate.

Finally, don’t forget there’s heaps of helpful info about taking care of your outfit on the Advice and training section of our website.