General

Spring is one of the best times to tour in a motorhome. The roads are quieter, campsites start reopening and everything feels a bit lighter after winter but before you turn the key and roll off, your motorhome needs a proper wake-up call. If your van’s been parked up over winter, jumping straight into a trip can lead to annoying (and avoidable) problems. This checklist walks you through what to check so your first spring tour is smooth, safe and stress-free. 1. Exterior Checks: Start from the Outside In Winter can be tough on a motorhome, even when it’s been […]

Modern motorhomes are packed with technology designed to keep you safe and informed and warning lights are a key part of that system. While seeing a light appear on the dashboard can be unsettling, not every warning means something serious is wrong. In this guide, we explain some of the most common motorhome warning lights, what they typically indicate and why it’s important to understand them. Engine Management Light Often shown as an outline of an engine, this light indicates that the engine management system has detected a fault. It could relate to emissions, sensors, fuel delivery or airflow. In […]

If your motorhome feels rough when idling or starts to misfire while driving, it’s a sign something isn’t quite right. While it might seem like a minor annoyance at first these symptoms can point to underlying issues that are best addressed early. In this blog, we explain what a lumpy idle and a misfire actually are, what commonly causes them in motorhomes and why timely attention matters. What Is a Lumpy Idle? A lumpy (or rough) idle is when your motorhome engine doesn’t run smoothly while stationary. You might notice: At idle, the engine is running at low speed so […]

The Adria Twin is one of the most popular campervans on the road, praised for its clever use of space, solid build quality and comfortable touring layout. Built on the Fiat Ducato chassis, it’s a capable and compact vehicle but like all campervans, it can still benefit from levelling when parked. This raises a common question among owners: is a levelling system worth fitting to an Adria Twin? Why Levelling Matters in a Campervan Even though the Adria Twin is smaller than a full motorhome, levelling still plays an important role in day-to-day comfort and practicality: Many owners manage this […]

By Bristol Caravans If you own a motorhome or are thinking about buying one, you’ve probably heard the term payload. But what does it actually mean, why does it matter and how can misunderstanding it cost you money, safety or even your holiday? Payload is one of the most common areas of confusion for motorhome owners. In this guide, we break it down so you can travel safely, legally and with confidence. What Is Payload? Payload is the amount of weight your motorhome is legally allowed to carry in addition to its empty weight. This includes everything you add to […]

Motorhome ownership is a dream come true for many, the freedom to travel anywhere, anytime, with all the comforts of home. However, along with that freedom comes a host of myths and misconceptions that can cost you money, time and even your safety. Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or a first-time buyer, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. In this blog, we’ll debunk some of the most common motorhome myths that could put a dent in your wallet. 1. “Motorhomes Are Expensive to Maintain” It’s true that motorhomes can have higher maintenance costs compared to traditional cars but […]

For many motorhome enthusiasts, the joy of travel doesn’t end when the weather turns colder. Touring earlier in the year can offer quieter roads, less crowded campsites and beautiful scenic views in the crisp winter air. However, colder temperatures bring unique challenges, especially when it comes to cold starts. If you plan on hitting the road in the early spring or autumn months, your motorhome needs to be fully prepared to handle these colder starts. Here’s a guide to get you ready: 1. Battery Performance: Cold Weather’s Worst Enemy One of the most significant challenges for your motorhome in cold […]

It’s common for motorhomes to sit unused for weeks or even months, particularly over winter. While motorhomes are built for travel, long periods of inactivity can lead to unexpected issues if they’re not prepared properly. Understanding how long a motorhome can sit unused and what problems may arise, helps you avoid costly repairs and start the season with confidence. So, how long is too long? The answer depends on how the vehicle is stored and maintained. The Short Answer Most motorhomes can safely sit unused for 4–6 weeks without issue. Beyond that, especially after 2–3 months, the risk of problems […]

When it comes to motorhome safety, tyers are often overlooked especially if the tread still looks good. Unlike cars, motorhome tyers can deteriorate over time even if the vehicle isn’t driven very often. Understanding when tyers really need replacing is essential for safety, performance and peace of mind on the road. The truth is, tyre age and condition matter just as much as tread depth. Why Motorhome Tyres Wear Differently Motorhomes are heavier than cars and often spend long periods parked up. This extra weight, combined with inactivity, can place stress on tyres even when the vehicle isn’t moving. Exposure […]

LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) plays a vital role in everyday motorhome life. From cooking meals to heating your living space and providing hot water, it’s one of the most relied-upon systems in your vehicle. Yet, it’s also one of the least understood. Knowing how your LPG system works and how to keep it safe can make all the difference to your comfort, safety and peace of mind on the road. Here’s what every motorhome owner should know about LPG gas systems. What Does LPG Power in a Motorhome? In most motorhomes, LPG is used to run essential appliances such as […]

The start of a new year is the perfect time to plan exciting motorhome adventures but before you hit the road, it’s important to make sure your motorhome is ready for the journey. A few simple checks now can prevent costly problems later, help your trips run smoothly, and give you peace of mind. Here are 7 essential motorhome checks to do before your first trip of the year. 1. Check for Damp and Water Leaks Winter can take a toll on your motorhome and damp is one of the most common problems owners face. Inspect around windows, roof seams […]

Few things put a damper on a trip faster than a flat leisure battery. From losing lights and heating to fridges cutting out, battery issues are one of the most common problems motorhome and caravan owners face and in most cases, they’re completely avoidable. Here are some top tips to help keep your leisure battery healthy, charged and ready for every adventure. 1. Understand What’s Draining Your Battery Many appliances continue to draw power even when you think they’re switched off. Control panels, alarms, trackers and USB sockets can all slowly drain your battery over time. If your battery keeps […]

Choosing the right motorhome battery is essential for reliable power on the road. The battery you select impacts how long you can run appliances, charging times and the lifespan of your electrical system. In this guide, we compare AGM, lithium and lead-acid batteries, helping you find the best option for your motorhome or campervan. What Are the Main Types of Motorhome Batteries? The three main types of motorhome batteries are: Each type has unique benefits and drawbacks depending on your travel style, power needs and budget. 1. Lead Acid Motorhome Batteries Lead-acid batteries are the classic choice for motorhomes. They […]

Motorhome bike racks are essential for travellers who want the freedom to explore by bicycle once they arrive at their destination. However, choosing the right bike rack for a motorhome can be confusing, especially with concerns about weight limits, safety and legal requirements. Here we will answer the top five most frequently asked questions about bike racks for motorhomes, helping you make an informed and safe choice. 1. Can My Motorhome Safely Carry a Bike Rack? One of the most searched questions by motorhome owners is whether their vehicle can safely support a bike rack. Before installing a motorhome bike […]

While most people dream of shiny gadgets or cosy slippers, those who love life on the road start imagining ways to make future adventures smoother, easier and even more enjoyable. At Bristol Caravans, we meet motorhome owners every day who light up when talking about travel plans and clever upgrades so we’ve rounded up the ultimate festive wishlist full of hopeful, positive wishes for the year ahead. 🎁 1. Levelling Ramps That Create the Perfect Pitch First Time There’s something deeply satisfying about stepping inside and finding everything perfectly level. A great start to any stay, and a little victory […]

Motorhomes are incredible machines- part vehicle, part holiday home and capable of carrying you to some of the most beautiful places in the UK and beyond.But because they combine driving systems and habitation features, they naturally experience faults from time to time. At Bristol Caravans, our workshop sees hundreds of motorhomes each year. While every model is different, many of the issues we diagnose fall into the same familiar patterns. The good news? Most are easily prevented with simple checks and routine maintenance. Here are the most common motorhome faults we see and how you can avoid them. 1. Damp […]

Owning a motorhome opens the door to a whole new world of travel, the freedom to explore at your own pace, the comfort of taking your home with you and the excitement of discovering beautiful places across the UK and beyond but the first year of ownership can also feel overwhelming. There’s plenty to learn, a few things to get used to and lots of little discoveries along the way. At Bristol Caravans, we work with new owners every day, so we’ve put together a guide to help you understand what the first year really looks like: the good, the […]

Caravan windows face the elements all year round-rain, dust, road grit, and even careless handling can leave them scratched or scuffed. One of the most common causes of damage to side windows is travelling along narrow lanes, where thorns and overhanging branches can easily scrape the surface. While scratches may not always affect visibility, they can spoil the look of your caravan and even reduce its resale value. So, what’s the best way to deal with them: DIY fixes or professional help? Let’s explore your options. Why Caravan Windows Scratch Easily Most caravan windows are made from acrylic or polycarbonate, […]

If you own a motorhome, you’ll already know it’s not quite like any other vehicle. It’s your transport and your home- all rolled into one. That’s why it needs two types of servicing to stay in top condition: an engine service and a habitation service. Many owners are unsure what each service covers so let’s break it down and explain why both are essential for keeping your motorhome safe, reliable and comfortable. What Is included in an Habitation Service? A habitation service focuses on the living area of your motorhome, the “home” part. It’s designed to make sure everything inside […]

If your motorhome feels a bit bouncy on rough roads, sags at the back when loaded or struggles to stay level on uneven ground, you’re not alone. Many owners experience these issues- especially with heavier or older vehicles. That’s where rear air suspension comes in. It’s one of the most popular upgrades for improving ride comfort, stability and control in a motorhome. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what it is, how it works, the benefits, costs and whether it’s right for your setup. What Is Rear Air Suspension? Rear air suspension is a […]

If you own a motorhome, one of the most important (yet often overlooked) aspects of maintenance is checking for damp and water ingress. Left unchecked, damp can quietly cause structural damage, reduce resale value and compromise your comfort and safety. So the question is: how often should you have a damp check done? Let’s dive into everything you need to know. Why Damp Checks Matter Water ingress is widely regarded as one of the worst issues for a motorhome’s habitation area. According to industry guidance: In short: damp checks aren’t just optional. They’re vital for preservation, safety, and warranty compliance. […]