Small Motorhome Maintenance Tips Every Owner Should Know

Brought to you by Vanish Campers – Your Small Motorhome Experts in Brisbane & the Sunshine Coast

Owning a small motorhome offers unmatched freedom and adventure—but to keep your journey smooth, regular maintenance is a must. At Vanish Campers, with locations in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, we’ve helped hundreds of Aussie travelers maintain and enjoy their compact campers to the fullest.

Whether you’re a weekend explorer or a full-time vanlifer, here are the essential small motorhome maintenance tips every owner should know.

Small motorhomes need just as much attention under the hood as a car or full-sized RV.

Key Checks:

• Oil changes: Stick to a regular schedule—every 3,000–5,000 km is a safe bet.

• Brake system: Listen for unusual noises and inspect for wear.

• Fluid levels: Don’t forget coolant, brake, transmission, and washer fluids.

• Tyres: Check for even wear, maintain the correct pressure, and rotate regularly.

• Battery care: Check both vehicle and leisure batteries for charge and corrosion.

Tip from Vanish Campers: Book a full engine and safety inspection at our Brisbane or Sunshine Coast location before long road trips to avoid roadside surprises.

Water damage can spell disaster for any motorhome, especially compact ones where space is limited.

 Maintenance Musts:

• Roof inspection: Check for cracks, soft spots, or bubbling sealant.

• Window seals: Ensure they’re tight and not deteriorating.

• Resealing: Use quality RV sealant to close any gaps around vents, skylights, and joins.

A small plumbing issue can cause major headaches in a confined space.

Key Tips:

• Winterising: If you’re not using your camper during cooler Sunshine Coast months, flush the lines and add RV-safe antifreeze.

• Tank sanitising: Clean your freshwater system every few months.

Leak watch: Routinely check under sinks, toilets, and near the water heater

Propane systems in small motorhomes need regular checks to keep you safe and your appliances working properly.

Safety Checklist:

• Check for leaks: Use soapy water on fittings to detect bubbling (a sign of a leak).

• Inspect regulators and hoses: Replace cracked or worn parts.

• Test appliances: Ensure your fridge, cooktop, and heater run smoothly.

In a small motorhome, cleanliness and airflow are key to comfort and health.

Regular To-Dos:

• Ventilate: Use roof fans or open windows to reduce moisture buildup.

• Clean appliances: Descale water heaters, vacuum heater vents, and clean fridge coils.

• Declutter: Keep the interior tidy to avoid feeling cramped or overstuffed.

Small motorhomes typically use both 12V and 240V systems. Regular checks can prevent outages or malfunctions.

Electrical Care:

• Battery check: Test charge levels and monitor for signs of failure.

• Fuses & breakers: Replace blown fuses promptly and reset tripped breakers safely.

• Solar setup: If you have solar, clean the panels and monitor output regularly.

Track all your work: oil changes, brake checks, LPG refills, tyre replacements—you name it. This helps you plan future maintenance and boosts resale value.

Pro Tip: Vanish Campers provides full service history documentation to make future selling easier.

Proper maintenance is what keeps your small motorhome reliable, comfortable, and road-ready. At Vanish Campers, we’re passionate about helping adventurers across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast stay safe and stress-free on the road.

 Whether you need a tune-up, resealing, or just some honest advice—call us today on 0412 870 132 or visit vanishcampers.com.au to schedule your next service.