Motorhome Longevity: Understanding Lifespan and Maintenance

The lifespan of your motorhome largely depends on how well you maintain it. As a responsible motorhome owner, you have the power to keep your vehicle in top condition, ensuring it serves you well for many years to come.

What is the average life of a motorhome?

A well-maintained motorhome can last 20 years or more, with many still going strong after 200,000 miles. The key word here is ‘maintained’ – regular servicing and prompt repairs make all the difference. By staying on top of these tasks, you can proactively prevent potential issues and extend the life of your motorhome.

The chassis and engine typically outlast the habitation area. While your engine might run perfectly at 15 years old, you might face damp seals or interior fittings issues. These are usually fixable but can be costly if left unattended.

Most motorhome owners tend to replace their vehicles after 10-15 years, not because they’ve stopped working, but because they want newer features or different layouts. Modern motorhomes also tend to be more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Which Class A motorhome is the most reliable?

In the UK, we rarely use the American Class A, B, and C categorisation, but several manufacturers stand out for reliability when it comes to larger motorhomes.

Hymer consistently ranks among the most reliable, particularly its B-Class models. Its build quality and attention to detail have earned it a strong reputation in the European market. Bürstner and Carthago also demonstrate excellent reliability records.

Among British manufacturers, Bailey’s Autograph range has proven exceptionally dependable. Their Alu-Tech construction system, which uses a unique interlocking aluminium framework, helps prevent common issues like water ingress by providing a robust and durable structure that is less prone to leaks.

However, reliability isn’t just about the brand. Even the most reliable manufacturer can produce a problematic unit; conversely, less prestigious brands can produce excellent vehicles. Regular maintenance matters more than the badge on the front.

How often should a motorhome be started?

Your motorhome should be started at least once a month, even in storage. This keeps the engine components lubricated and the battery charged. Simply starting isn’t enough, though – you must warm the engine properly by allowing it to run for a few minutes at idle before driving. This ensures that the oil is circulated throughout the engine, reducing wear and tear.

A good routine looks like this:

1. Run the engine for at least 15-20 minutes
2. Allow it to reach full operating temperature
3. Run all electrical systems briefly
4. Move the vehicle if possible to prevent flat spots on the tyres

During winter storage, this becomes even more crucial. Cold weather can affect battery performance and diesel engines can suffer from condensation build-up if left unused. Remember to run your generator too, if you have one. These need regular exercise to prevent fuel system issues and keep the internal components lubricated.

What is high mileage for a motorhome?

High mileage for a motorhome differs significantly from that of a car. While 100,000 miles might seem high for a car, it’s not necessarily concerning for a motorhome, especially if it’s been well-maintained.

Most motorhomes cover between 5,000 and 8,000 miles annually. By this measure, a 10-year-old motorhome may have 50,000-80,000 miles on the clock. Anything significantly above this could be considered high mileage.

However, mileage alone doesn’t tell the whole story. A 15-year-old motorhome with 120,000 well-maintained miles might be a better buy than a 5-year-old one with 60,000 hard miles and poor servicing history.

When assessing mileage, consider:

1. The age of the vehicle relative to its mileage
2. Service history completeness
3. Types of journeys (long motorway runs are easier on engines than lots of short trips)
4. Storage conditions between uses

Annual maintenance becomes even more critical as mileage increases; it should include:

1. Engine servicing
2. Habitation checks
3. Damp testing
4. Tyre inspection
5. Brake system checks

With proper care, many motorhomes can comfortably reach 200,000 miles or more. The base vehicle (chassis and engine) is typically designed for commercial use, so it’s built to last. Often, the living area determines a motorhome’s practical lifespan rather than the mechanical components.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Regular checks and maintenance might seem expensive, but they are far cheaper than major repairs or replacements such as engine overhauls, chassis repairs, or complete habitation area refurbishments. A well-maintained high-mileage motorhome often provides better value than a neglected low-mileage one.

Whether your motorhome is new or has considerable miles on the clock, establishing a regular maintenance routine will help ensure many more years of reliable service. After all, the best motorhome is ready to go whenever adventure calls.