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 & Water Ingress
The fault:
Damp is one of the most common (and potentially costly) issues. It often starts with a tiny leak from a window seal, rooflight, rear panel, or external fitting.
Warning signs:
- Musty smell
- Soft wall panels
- Discoloured patches
- Condensation in unusual places
How to prevent it:
- Have an annual habitation check, technicians use moisture meters to catch issues early.
- Keep seals clean and visually inspect them after heavy rain.
- Air your motorhome regularly, even in winter.
Early detection is key. Left too long, damp spreads quickly and becomes far more expensive to repair.
2. Battery Failure (Leisure & Vehicle)
The fault:
A flat or underperforming battery is a problem we see week after week. Many leisure batteries decline because they are not charged correctly or are left discharged for long periods.
Warning signs:
- Lights dimming
- Power cutting out
- Appliances behaving unpredictably
- Engine struggling to start (vehicle battery)
How to prevent it:
- Keep your leisure battery fully charged when not in use.
- Avoid letting it drop below 50% where possible.
- Consider a solar panel for a steady top-up (great for storage and off-grid touring).
- Replace expired or low-capacity batteries promptly.
Good battery care can massively improve reliability.
3. Water Pump Issues
The fault:
Pumps can fail due to wear, incorrect winterisation or debris entering the system.
Warning signs:
- Pump running continuously
- Low water pressure
- No flow from taps
How to prevent it:
- Drain down fully before winter to avoid freezing damage.
- Clean the water system regularly.
- Have seals and filters checked during servicing.
Proper winterisation alone can prevent more than half of the pump failures we see.
4. Gas System Problems
The fault:
Gas issues can range from faulty regulators to leaks or appliances failing to ignite.
Warning signs:
- Smell of gas
- Hob burners going out
- Heating not firing
- No hot water
How to prevent it:
- Have a yearly gas safety check.
- Use a CO alarm and test it regularly.
- Store and handle gas bottles correctly.
Gas systems are safe when maintained but always leave repairs to a professional.
5. Electrical Faults & Blown Fuses
The fault:
Faulty wiring, old connections or overloaded circuits can cause lights or appliances to fail.
Warning signs:
- Fuses repeatedly blowing
- Intermittent power to lights or sockets
- Appliances cutting out
How to prevent it:
- Get your electrical system checked annually.
- Use hook-up cables rated for motorhome use.
- Avoid plugging in high-load household appliances.
Electrical issues can escalate quickly, don’t ignore them.
6. Fridge Failures
The fault:
Motorhome fridges can be temperamental, especially absorption fridges used on gas and 12V/230V.
Warning signs:
- Poor cooling
- Strange smells
- Failure on one power source
How to prevent it:
- Keep fridge vents clear.
- Defrost regularly.
- Have your gas system checked annually.
- Ensure your motorhome is level for optimal performance.
A level fridge is a happy fridge!
Final Thoughts: Prevention Is Always Cheaper Than Repair
Motorhomes may develop faults over time but most issues can be avoidable with regular maintenance and the right care.
Your best defence is simple:
- Annual servicing
- A yearly habitation check
- Keeping systems clean
- Learning a few basic owner checks
At Bristol Caravans, our technicians are trained to spot small issues before they turn into expensive repairs and we’re always here to help you keep your motorhome safe, reliable and ready for adventure.
If you are having any faults with your motorhome or just need peace of mind, give us a call!
