RV Go is a practical readiness check for the whole motorhome, not just the engine. A vehicle can start and still have worn tyres, overdue servicing, a weak house battery, a plumbing leak or equipment that is unsafe to use. Before setting off, review the vehicle’s maintenance history, inspect its main systems and confirm that its load and travel plans suit the motorhome. Fix straightforward issues before departure; arrange professional help for problems involving brakes, steering, gas or electrical safety. A consistent check helps you spot trouble while you still have time to deal with it.
Use RV Go as a repeatable process rather than a last-minute glance around the vehicle. It has four parts: review what maintenance is due, inspect the exterior and running gear, test the onboard systems, then secure and load the motorhome for the trip. If the motorhome has been stored for a while, give extra attention to tyres, batteries, fluids, seals and appliances that may not have been used recently.
The check is not a substitute for scheduled servicing or a qualified inspection. It is designed to help you notice changes and deal with known maintenance needs before they become travel problems. If you find a safety-critical fault, do not assume a short drive will be harmless. Ask a suitably qualified mechanic or technician to assess it.
Find the owner’s manual, service records and any notes from previous repairs. Check when the next service is due, whether work was recommended but postponed, and whether a warning light or unusual noise has been mentioned before. If records are incomplete, ask a motorhome mechanic to help establish a suitable maintenance baseline, particularly if you have recently bought the vehicle.
Do not rely on a clean dashboard alone. A warning light that appears during the start-up sequence may be part of a normal check, but a light that remains on or appears while driving needs attention. Consult the manual for its meaning; if the cause is unclear or the warning relates to a safety-critical system, contact a repairer before travelling.
Tyres are easy to overlook when a motorhome has been parked, but they carry a heavy vehicle and may deteriorate even when the tread looks usable. Check the tyres fitted to the vehicle and the spare for damage, bulges, cracking and uneven wear. Use the pressure specified for the vehicle or tyre setup, as directed by the manufacturer. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on a tyre as a substitute for the correct operating pressure.
If pressure keeps dropping, a tyre is damaged, or wear is uneven, have it assessed before departure. A tyre professional can advise whether it is suitable for continued use. Do not assume that adding air solves the problem.
Walk around the motorhome and check that the headlights, indicators, brake lights and other exterior lights work. Look for fresh drips or stains under the vehicle, damaged hoses that are visible without dismantling anything, and signs of a fluid leak. Check oil and coolant only as described in the manual, with the vehicle in the specified condition. Never open a hot cooling system.
Listen for new noises when starting, and pay attention to changes in braking, steering or handling during a safe, cautious test drive. If the brakes feel abnormal, the steering pulls or feels loose, or a serious warning appears, stop the test and seek professional advice. Avoid working beneath a motorhome unless it is properly supported using suitable equipment; a jack alone is not safe support.
A road-ready motorhome also needs its habitation systems to work as intended. Test them before the trip, while parked in a suitable place, and follow the operating instructions for the specific vehicle. A fault may not prevent the engine from running, but it can leave you without lighting, refrigeration, water or heating at your destination.
Check that the starter battery and house battery are secure and show no obvious damage, corrosion or leakage. Confirm that interior lights and other 12-volt equipment operate as expected. If the batteries discharge quickly, fail to charge or show damage, have the system checked rather than relying on a brief top-up.
If you plan to connect to an external mains supply, inspect the lead and connectors for damage and use the setup specified by the motorhome maker and campground. Do not use damaged equipment or open electrical panels to investigate a fault. Have suspected wiring, charging or protection-device problems assessed by a qualified technician.
Fill the fresh-water tank only if you need it, then check taps, the pump, visible pipework and fittings for leaks. Make sure waste tanks are closed and secure, and that any caps or connections are in place. If the vehicle has been stored with water in its system, check for stale water or signs of freezing damage before relying on it.
Inspect roof vents and accessible seals for visible damage or water staining inside. A damp patch, musty smell or soft surface can indicate a leak that needs investigation. Do not climb onto a roof without the right access and fall protection. If there is evidence of water ingress, find the source before it spreads or damages hidden areas.
Check that cylinders or other gas supplies are secured and that appliances appear undamaged. Operate equipment only as its manufacturer instructs, with the required ventilation. Never use a flame to look for a gas leak. If you smell gas, suspect a leak or find a damaged connection, shut off the supply if it is safe to do so, ventilate the area, avoid ignition sources and get qualified help before using the system.
Test the fridge, cooker, water heater and heating system only if they are fitted and needed for the trip. If an appliance fails, produces an unusual smell or behaves unpredictably, stop using it and consult its manual or a technician. A working engine does not make a faulty onboard appliance safe.
Some checks are suitable for a careful owner; others require tools, training or a proper inspection. Use the distinction below to decide what to do yourself and when to book a repairer.
| Area | Owner can check | Seek professional help when |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres and exterior | Look for visible damage, uneven wear, loose fittings and lights that do not work. | A tyre is damaged, pressure will not hold, or a wheel or body fitting seems insecure. |
| Engine and fluids | Review service records and check levels as instructed in the manual. | A warning persists, a leak appears, the engine overheats or a new noise develops. |
| Brakes and steering | Notice changes in pedal feel, stopping behaviour, steering or handling. | Anything feels abnormal; do not attempt to diagnose or adjust safety-critical parts yourself. |
| Electrical system | Test normal lights and appliances; inspect accessible leads and connectors. | There is damaged wiring, repeated battery failure, a burning smell or a protection-device fault. |
| Gas system | Check that the supply is secured and appliances look undamaged. | You suspect a leak, smell gas or find a damaged fitting or malfunctioning appliance. |
| Water system | Run taps and the pump, then look for visible leaks and secure waste connections. | A leak is hidden, recurring or accompanied by dampness or damage to the motorhome structure. |
The table is a boundary, not a full diagnostic guide. If you are unsure whether an issue is safe, stop using the affected system and ask a qualified repairer. Repairs to brakes, steering, gas equipment and fixed wiring should not be improvised on the basis of a pre-trip checklist.
Water, food, clothing, tools, outdoor gear and passengers all contribute to the vehicle’s load. Check the motorhome’s weight information and any manufacturer guidance before packing. Pay attention to the permitted total weight and axle limits; staying below one limit does not necessarily mean every axle is within its own limit. If the load is close to a stated limit or you cannot work out the figures, seek advice or arrange a suitable weighing check.
Place heavy items low and secure them so they cannot shift during braking or a turn. Stow breakable and loose objects, close cupboards and drawers, and make sure nothing can roll into the driving area. Check that doors, hatches, steps, roof equipment and any external storage compartments are closed and latched before moving off.
Do not assume a motorhome has spare capacity just because it has storage space. A full fresh-water tank, additional passengers or equipment can change the load significantly. Pack for the trip rather than filling every compartment, and keep access to safety equipment clear.
Complete the final walk-around after loading, because packing can cover access panels, add weight or leave a compartment unsecured. Then make sure the driver can see clearly, the mirrors are set and the cab is free of loose objects. If the motorhome has an unfamiliar size or layout, allow time to get comfortable with its visibility and controls before entering busy traffic.
Keep a short record of what you checked and any issue that needs follow-up. This helps you avoid repeating guesswork before the next trip and gives a repairer useful context if a fault returns.
Read the motorhome’s insurance documents and confirm that the planned use is covered, including any relevant drivers and travel arrangements. Check that required vehicle documents are current. In New Zealand, owners should verify which inspection and registration requirements apply to their particular vehicle and use, using NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) information or a qualified vehicle professional if uncertain. Requirements can depend on the vehicle and how it is operated, so do not assume another motorhome’s paperwork applies to yours.
Plan fuel and overnight stops around the vehicle’s size, range and needs rather than assuming every stop will suit it. If the route includes narrow roads, steep grades or limited services, consider whether the motorhome is appropriate and whether you are comfortable driving it. Check campground rules and facilities before relying on a connection or service, and keep a plan for what you will do if a key system fails.
Review service records and arrange any overdue maintenance as early as practical, especially before a longer trip. Do the physical walk-around and system checks again close to departure, after the motorhome has been loaded. This leaves time to resolve issues without relying on a last-minute repair.
Yes. A scheduled service addresses maintenance according to the vehicle’s requirements, while an RV Go check helps you notice current condition and trip-specific problems. Neither replaces the other: keep to the service schedule and inspect the motorhome before travelling.
It depends on what the light means and whether the vehicle is behaving normally. Consult the owner’s manual, and do not continue if the warning relates to a safety-critical system, the vehicle is overheating or its handling has changed. If the meaning or urgency is unclear, ask a mechanic before driving farther.
Do not operate appliances, smoke or use a flame to find the source. If it is safe, shut off the supply, ventilate the area and keep potential ignition sources away; then seek qualified assistance. Do not use the gas system again until the concern has been resolved.
No. A checklist can reveal visible issues and prompt timely maintenance, but it cannot confirm the condition of components that require specialist inspection or testing. Keep up with servicing and applicable inspection requirements, and have uncertain faults assessed by a qualified professional.
Make RV Go a routine: review maintenance, check the vehicle and onboard systems, load within the stated limits, then complete a final walk-around. If a safety-critical system is uncertain, delay departure until it has been assessed. That approach is more dependable than treating an engine that starts as proof the motorhome is ready.
