Looking to make the most of your motorhome investment? Whether you're hiring out your beloved campervan on Goboony or simply want to ensure it stays in pristine condition, regular maintenance is absolutely crucial. In this comprehensive guide to motorhome service and maintenance, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your motorhome in top shape throughout the year, and how to get more bookings while you’re at it!
Why regular maintenance is extra important when you're hiring out
When you share your motorhome with other adventurers, it's going to clock up more miles than usual. While most motorhomes do about 5,000 miles a year, hired vehicles often hit double that! With all those extra miles under the wheels, staying on top of your motorhome servicing isn't just a good idea, it's absolutely essential.
The money side of things — it's all good news!
Sure, servicing costs money, but think of it as an investment that pays off in loads of ways:
- More bookings (because your motorhome is always ready to go)
- No surprise repair bills
- Better fuel economy (who doesn't want that?)
- Better resale value down the line
- Possibly lower insurance costs
- Content hirers leaving loving reviews
Timing is everything
Want to make the most money from your hire business? It's all about getting the timing right. Most Goboony bookings happen in summer, so winter and early spring is the best time to giving your motorhome the attention it deserves. This way, you can:
- Say yes to all those peak-season booking requests
- Avoid turning down summer bookings because of unexpected maintenance
- Take your pick of service appointment times
- Sort out any issues before they impact someone's holiday
When to service what
Every motorhome is different, but here's a handy guide to keep you on track with your motorhome service:
Start-of-season checks
Before the booking requests start rolling in, give these a good once-over:
Power stuff
- Main battery (is it charged?)
- Leisure battery (same deal)
- Hook-up connections (safety first!)
- Solar panels (if you've got them)
Moving parts
- Clutch (how's it feeling?)
- Handbrake (nice and solid?)
- Suspension (no weird noises?)
- Wheel bearings (all good?)
- Brake pads (plenty left?)
Living space
- Gas system (safety check - super important!)
- Water system (nice and clean?)
- Heating (toasty?)
- Fridge (keeping things cool?)
- Windows and doors (all sealed tight?)
Before each handover
Quick checks before your hirers hit the road:
Under the hood
- Coolant (topped up?)
- Brake fluid (where it should be?)
- Engine oil (clean and full?)
- Power steering fluid (good level?)
- Hoses (no sneaky leaks?)
Outside checks
- Tires (pressures good, tread okay?)
- Lights (all working?)
- Wipers and screen wash (ready for rain?)
- Doors and lockers (opening and closing nicely?)
- Awning (if you've got one - all working?)
Inside bits
- Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms (working properly?)
- Gas detector (doing its job?)
- Appliances (all up and running?)
- Water systems (fresh and grey - all good?)
- Heating and hot water (ready to go?)
Model-specific campervan service requirements
Different campervans require specific attention. Here are some key points for popular models:
Remember that every campervan model needs slightly different care. Check your manual for the specifics, or better yet, chat with a garage or campervan specialist.
Show off your good work!
Being proud of your motorhome servicing routine can help you get more bookings:
- Be open about your service history when asked about it
- Take photos of your service records
- Highlight recent major services or improvements
Regular maintenance isn't just about keeping your motorhome running – it's about protecting your investment and ensuring your hirers have the best possible experience in it for their holiday. By following these guidelines and staying proactive with maintenance, you'll maximise your hire income potential while minimising the risk of breakdowns.
Remember, a well-maintained motorhome benefits you and your hirers and is more likely to receive positive reviews. If you're ever uncertain about any aspect of maintenance, don't hesitate to consult with a professional mechanic who specialises in motorhomes.
