There's nothing quite like that first trip of the season — the open road, a campsite by the water, the smell of coffee brewed on a gas stove. But before you get there, your motorhome or caravan needs a proper once-over. And when autumn rolls around, a solid winterising routine means you won't be greeted by nasty surprises next spring.

Here's a practical checklist you can share with your co-owners. Print it, bookmark it, or better yet — put it somewhere everyone can tick things off.

Season start: Getting ready to roll

Exterior checks

Walk around the vehicle and check for any damage from winter storage — cracks, dents, loose trim
Check all seals around windows, doors, and roof hatches for cracks or gaps
Inspect the roof for damage and clear any debris
Check tyre pressure and look for cracks, flat spots, or uneven wear
Test all exterior lights — headlights, indicators, brake lights, reversing lights
Clean the exterior thoroughly, including the undercarriage if accessible
Lubricate locks, hinges, and the jockey wheel (caravan) or entry step mechanism
Check the awning for mould or damage — air it out before packing away

Interior checks

Air out the vehicle thoroughly — open all windows and doors for a good while
Check for damp, mould, or musty smells — especially in cupboards and under mattresses
Clean all surfaces, upholstery, and curtains
Check that all cupboard doors, drawers, and latches work properly
Test the fridge on both gas and electric — make sure it cools down
Test the cooker, oven, and heating system
Check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers
Make sure the first aid kit is stocked and nothing has expired

Technical checks

Check the leisure battery — charge it fully and test it holds charge
Test all 12V and 230V sockets
Run water through the entire system — flush the tank, check all taps, check the water heater
Inspect gas hoses and connections for wear — replace if older than 5 years
Check the gas regulator and test all gas appliances
For motorhomes: check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid
For motorhomes: test the engine battery and check the MOT/service date
For caravans: check the hitch, breakaway cable, and jockey wheel
For caravans: test the electric brakes and handbrake

During the season: After each trip

If you're sharing the vehicle, a quick post-trip routine makes a world of difference for the next person. It takes ten minutes and prevents most "who left it like this?" arguments.

Empty and flush the waste water tank
Empty the toilet cassette and rinse it out
Clean the fridge and leave the door ajar
Wipe down all surfaces and sweep the floor
Take out all rubbish and leftover food
Note the fuel level and gas bottle level
Report any damage or issues — don't leave it for the next person to discover
Restock anything you used up (toilet chemicals, cleaning supplies, etc.)

Season end: Putting it to bed

Water system

Drain the fresh water tank completely
Open all taps and run the water pump until it's dry
Drain the water heater
Add food-safe antifreeze to the system if stored in a location that freezes
Empty and clean the toilet cassette thoroughly
Leave all taps in the open position

Interior

Remove all food, drinks, and perishables
Clean the fridge thoroughly and leave the door propped open
Clean all surfaces, upholstery, and soft furnishings
Leave cupboard doors and drawers slightly open for air circulation
Place moisture absorbers in key spots (under beds, in wardrobes, in the bathroom)
Remove valuable items and anything that could freeze (batteries, liquids, electronics)

Exterior and technical

Clean the exterior and apply any protective treatments
Cover the vehicle or use breathable covers on exposed areas
Disconnect and charge the leisure battery — store it indoors if possible
Turn off the gas at the bottle and disconnect if storing for a long time
Inflate tyres to the upper recommended pressure (they lose air over winter)
If possible, move the vehicle occasionally to prevent flat spots on the tyres
For motorhomes: consider a trickle charger for the engine battery
For caravans: apply the handbrake and use wheel chocks. Consider levelling the caravan slightly to prevent water pooling on the roof
Close all vents but leave a small gap for air circulation to prevent condensation

Share the list with your co-owners

A checklist is only useful if everyone uses it. If you're sharing a motorhome or caravan, send this list to everyone — or better yet, put it somewhere everyone can access and tick things off as they go.

In Bungaflow, you can set up shared checklists for season start, season end, and post-trip handover. Everyone sees what's been done and what still needs doing — no guessing, no finger-pointing. Just a well-maintained vehicle ready for the next adventure.

Motorhome & Caravan Season Checklist: Before and After