The Annual Campervan Maintenance Checklist

If you only look at your campervan when something breaks, you'll spend every season fixing rather than enjoying it. A little structure — one afternoon, twice a year, following a list — catches problems early while they're cheap. Here's the annual checklist that covers everything that matters.

Every trip

• Tyre pressures, tread depth and sidewall condition.
• Lights, indicators, brake lights and number plate illumination.
• Engine oil, coolant and windscreen washer levels.
• A quick look at the ceiling and window seals for new staining.

Twice a year — spring and autumn

• Run a full damp survey with a moisture meter, paying attention to corners and under the bed.
• Check the leisure battery voltage and charge it fully.
• Inspect the gas hose for its date stamp and replace it if it's five years old.
• Sanitise the water system and flush every outlet.
• Clean the fridge, check the seals and leave the doors open when parked up.
• Test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Once a year — the professional services

• Base vehicle service: oil, filters, brakes, suspension and fluid check — around £200-£350.
• Habitation service: gas tightness, 230V electrics, appliances and damp — around £150-£250. See our habitation checks guide for exactly what's inspected.
• MOT if the van is due — see our MOT guide for what's tested and how to prepare.
• Brake fluid change every two years.

Seasonal extras

• Autumn: winterise — drain the water system, protect the batteries and crack a vent. Follow the full winterising guide.
• Spring: de-winterise — refill and sanitise the water, charge the batteries, and check the tyres after winter storage.

Keep records

File every service invoice, habitation certificate and MOT pass in one folder. Not only does it help you track what's been done, it adds real value at sale time — buyers pay more for documented history, and it takes minutes to put together if you do it as you go.

Tip: put reminders in your phone for the two big seasonal checks, and your van will effectively look after itself.

Follow the list and you'll catch the vast majority of problems before they cost you. When the time does come to sell, a full service history is your strongest advert — browse campervans for sale to see how maintained vans are presented.