MAINTENANCE
201
Appliances
Check the battery expiry date on the smoke
alarm and CO detector and replace or remove
as required.
• Ensure the fridge is turned off.
• Clean the inside of the fridge.
• Prop the fridge door open, and if possible,
the internal freezer compartment door for
ventilation.
• Fit fridge vent winter covers (if available).
• Ensure all hob / oven / microwave surfaces
are clean.
• If the motorhome is going to be left
connected to 230v supply while not in use,
ensure the microwave is unplugged.
• Clean the toilet and empty the cassette and
lubricate the seals with an acid free lubricant
such as Thetford High Grade Seal Lubricant.
See Thetford toilet Users manual
Exterior (Body / Chassis)
• Ensure that all windows, skylights and
access doors are closed and secured.
• Ensure all fixed ventilation points (high and
low) are clear from debris and obstructions.
• Ensure the vehicle is not parked where falling
debris (i.e. leaves, tree sap) could cause
damage.
• Avoid leaving the vehicle parked in soft
ground, long grass or a potential area where
standing water may form.
• Lubricate relevant points on the chassis.
Wheels and Tyres
• Do not store in one position with partially
deflated tyres. The tyre walls will suffer
and do present a real danger of blow outs,
especially when travelling at faster speeds
than are allowed in the UK.
The wheels should be turned every couple of
weeks. If you are removing the wheels, follow
the jacking procedure for changing a wheel.
Check your tyres regularly for signs of age
and deterioration, particularly wear, cracking
and blistering. If in doubt consult a reputable
tyre fitter.
• A purpose made cover maybe used, but
please ensure the cover is a good fit,
breathable and securely fitted.
Note: A poorly fitted cover can rub and
damage the bodywork. Non-breathable
covers will encourage mould to grow.
Interior (Furniture / furnishings)
• Open all lockers and internal doors, to
ensure good circulation.
• Remove cushions and store them in a dry
location or ensure all cushions are placed in
a well ventilated area.
• Close all blinds and curtains. Customers are
reminded to check the tension on blinds after
storage if left closed for long periods.
• Thoroughly ventilate the motorhome by
opening doors or windows periodically.
• Placing water absorbent crystals in the van
during the winter months, will help reduce
moisture levels and mould growth.
• We do not recommend leaving portable
heaters in the van unattended.
Recomissioning the water system
Re-connect the water pump by positioning
the pipe connectors into the pump housing
and pushing the blue tabs into position. It is
advisable, after a period on non-use, to flush
the water system with a sterilising fluid such as
Milton 2. Fill the fresh water tank with water
and sterilising fluid (Refer to sterilising fluid
instructions for the amount to use). Turn the
pump on and open all the taps, ensuring that
the water drains away safely to the waste tank.
When the waste tank is full empty the fluid into
a designated waste water area. Re-fill the tank
with fresh water and flush through the system
as described above; repeat this until all traces
of the sterilising fluid have been flushed out.
(See "priming the Water System" and "Waste
Tank" sections on page 44/46)
Prepare the toilet system by adding water and
Thetford fluid to the toilet waste tank. See
"Preparing the Thetford Cassette Toilet for
Use" on page 170.