Care Tips and Advice

If you want to get your motorhome off-grid for longer, you need three things working together: a lithium leisure battery that lets you use far more of its power, solar panels to top it up while you’re parked, and a DC-to-DC charger that refills it properly while you drive. Fitted as one matched system, this can turn one nervous night away from hook-up into a long weekend or more. I’m Oakleigh, Director at Bristol Caravans. We’ve been looking after caravans, motorhomes and campervans since 2012, and we’ve been fitting lithium systems since 2021. In this guide I’ll explain, in plain […]

If your motorhome or campervan has an underslung LPG gas tank, do you know how old it is? It’s not something most owners think about. After all, if your gas appliances are working and everything seems fine, it’s easy to assume your LPG tank is in good condition. But there’s something important you should know: underslung LPG tanks have a limited service life and need regular inspection to make sure they remain safe. In many cases, the 10-year mark is an important point for inspection, testing or replacement, depending on the tank manufacturer’s guidance and the applicable requirements. Leaving it […]

You’ve arrived. The pitch looked fairly level when you pulled on, but now you’re parked up, it’s a different story. The shower tray isn’t draining properly. Water is sitting in the sink. You can feel the slope when you walk around inside. So out come the ramps. A little further forward. Check it. Back again. Try another ramp. Eventually, you get there, but you’ve spent the first part of your stay getting the vehicle level. Sound familiar? For regular tourers, there’s another option: an automatic levelling system. But choosing one isn’t simply a case of finding a system that fits […]

“Is that everything?” “Just a couple more things!” You know how it goes… You’ve packed the bags, filled the cupboards, loaded the garage and, despite promising yourself you’d pack light this time, it still seems like an awful lot of stuff. Then you remember you’ve not even strapped the bikes on yet. You get them on, stand back and take a look. Suddenly, the motorhome doesn’t quite look (or feel) like it normally does. The rear is sitting a little lower. There’s a fair bit of weight over the back axle, and you’re wondering how it’s going to feel once […]

A motorhome’s rear suspension works hard. Heavy leisure loads, water tanks, bike racks, tow bars and extended rear overhangs can place significant demands on the rear axle and springs. If your motorhome is sitting low at the rear, feels unsettled under load or is regularly reaching the limits of its suspension travel, it could be time to look at the condition of the original suspension and whether rear-air suspension is the right upgrade. Why Does a Motorhome Rear Suspension Sag? Most motorhomes use a commercial-vehicle chassis with rear leaf springs. These are designed to carry a range of loads, but […]

Written by Oakleigh Wood There is nothing quite like the excitement of arriving at your campsite, pitching your caravan, motorhome or campervan, and looking forward to a cold drink or a freshly prepared meal. But for many owners of modern caravans, particularly those built from 2020 onwards, that arrival ritual can come with an unpleasant surprise: a warm fridge, melted ice blocks, spoiled food or, heaven forbid, warm beer! If you have noticed that your Thetford 3-way fridge works perfectly on gas and 230V mains electric hook-up, but completely fails to keep your food cold while you are towing, you […]

If you own a motorhome and enjoy taking bikes or e-bikes away with you, adding extra equipment to the rear of your vehicle can create some important challenges. A towbar-mounted bike rack, several e-bikes, a scooter or another rear-mounted carrier can add significant weight behind the rear axle. This can cause the rear suspension to sag, reduce ground clearance and affect the way your motorhome handles on the road. So, can rear air suspension help you carry more bikes or a heavier towbar-mounted load? It can provide additional support for a rear-mounted load, but it does not increase your motorhome’s […]

Written by Oakleigh Wood Adding an awning to your motorhome, campervan or caravan can be a fantastic way to enjoy more outdoor space, have somewhere to sit in the shade and benefit from extra shelter when the British weather does what it does best. But there’s one part of the process that can quickly become much more complicated than expected: fitting the awning. Choosing the right brackets and working out exactly how – and where – your awning can be mounted is where a seemingly straightforward upgrade can turn into a headache. “Surely I just need an awning that fits?” […]

Having problems with the 12V electrics in your motorhome or caravan? Electrical issues can be frustrating, particularly when everything appears to work normally on mains electricity or gas. The good news is that many common 12V problems can be traced back to a small number of causes. In this guide, we’ll look at three of the most common motorhome and caravan 12V electrical problems, along with some simple checks that can help you identify what’s going wrong and when it’s time to get professional help. Problem 1: The Fridge Isn’t Working Properly on 12V One of the most common complaints is […]

If you’re considering rear air suspension for your campervan or motorhome, you’ll generally come across two options: manual air suspension and compressor-based, fully adjustable air suspension. How each system works Both systems use airbags to provide additional support to the rear of the vehicle, helping to improve ride height, stability and handling. The main difference is how you control the air pressure. For many motorhome owners, the convenience and adjustability of a compressor system can make a noticeable difference, particularly when travelling with different loads. Manual system: Best for someone who sets their preferred pressure once and generally drives with a similar load. […]

One of the most common questions new motorhome owners ask is, “How long does a motorhome water tank last?” The answer depends on several factors, including the size of your fresh water tank, how many people are travelling, and how carefully you use your water. In this guide, we’ll explain what affects your water supply, how long you can expect it to last, and share some simple tips to make it go further when you’re touring or camping off-grid. The Short Answer For most motorhomes, a full fresh water tank will last: These estimates assume sensible water usage for washing […]

If you’re considering upgrading your motorhome with rear air suspension, you may be wondering whether it’s a DIY job or something best left to the professionals. While some air suspension kits are marketed as suitable for competent home mechanics, professional installation is strongly recommended for motorhomes. Given the weight of these vehicles and the importance of the suspension system to safe handling and braking, having the work carried out by an experienced installer is the safest and most reliable option. Why Professional Installation Matters Rear air suspension is a safety-critical modification. The system must be fitted correctly to ensure it […]

There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving at your destination, flicking on the lights, and… nothing. No lights, no water pump, no heating controls, and perhaps even a blank control panel. If your motorhome’s 12V system has suddenly stopped working, don’t panic. In many cases, the problem is something relatively simple that can be identified before you assume the worst. Here’s a guide to the most common causes and what you can check yourself. What Does the 12V System Power? Your motorhome has two separate electrical systems: The 12V system typically powers: If none of these are working, it’s time to […]

A reliable electrical system is essential for a safe and comfortable caravanning experience. From powering lights and appliances to charging batteries and running safety equipment, caravan electrics play a vital role in everyday use. However, electrical problems can occur over time due to wear, corrosion, loose connections, or faulty components. This guide explains common caravan electrical issues and the steps you can take to prevent them. Understanding Your Caravan Electrical System Most caravans have two electrical systems: 1. 12-Volt DC System The 12V system is powered by the leisure battery and typically runs: 2. 230-Volt AC System The 230V system […]

One of the most common questions we get asked is, “How much does a lithium system weigh?” The answer is simple: the total weight of a lithium system is the combined weight of all the individual components. While the battery is the heaviest single item, a complete off-grid power system also includes charging equipment, an inverter, solar panels, wiring, and installation hardware. Knowing the overall system weight is particularly important for caravans, motorhomes, campervans and 4WD touring vehicles, where payload limits can make a significant difference. Below is an example of a typical Renogy-based lithium power system. Renogy Under Seat […]