Getting Started with Motorhome and Campervan Travel
Discover practical guides and tools tailored to help newcomers enjoy their motorhome adventures.
Beginner Basics
Learn fundamental tips and advice to kickstart your campervan journey with confidence.
Planning Tips
Uncover expert advice on route planning, budgeting, and vehicle maintenance.
Community Support
Connect with fellow travellers and access exclusive member resources to enrich your experience.
Essential Tips for Motorhome Newbies
Discover upcoming meet-ups and workshops designed to connect new motorhome enthusiasts with valuable experiences and community support.
First Timers’ Motorhome Meetup
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Join us for an introductory gathering offering practical advice and networking opportunities.
Scenic Route Campervan Tour
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Explore beautiful routes and share tips with fellow campervan enthusiasts on this guided tour.
Winter Motorhome Workshop
Date:
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Learn essential skills to prepare your motorhome for winter travels in this hands-on session.
Essential Tips for Your First Campervan Journey
Find clear, practical answers to common motorhome questions that help you travel with confidence.
Leisure Battery Keeps Going Flat
One of the most common problems in a motorhome or campervan is a leisure battery that keeps losing charge. The first thing to check is how old the battery is. If it is several years old, it may no longer be holding charge properly. Next, look at how the battery is being charged. If you rely on hook-up, make sure the charger is actually working. If you have solar, check whether the panel is charging at all. If you charge while driving, make sure that system is operating correctly too. Also think about what is draining the battery. Lights, heating fans, water pumps, TV systems, phone chargers and inverters can all take more power than people realise. A good solution is to fully charge the battery, test it properly, reduce unnecessary drain, and replace it if it is clearly failing..
Truma Heater Not Working
When a Truma heater stops working, the cause is often something simple. First check whether you have enough gas, whether the bottle is turned on properly, and whether any crash sensor or regulator needs resetting. If you are trying to run it on electric, make sure you are actually connected to hook-up and that the correct heating mode is selected. A lot of owners accidentally set hot water only instead of room heating, or select the wrong power source. Also check the control panel for error codes. Sometimes low battery voltage can stop the system from operating properly. If the heater fan starts but there is no heat, check gas supply and settings. If nothing happens at all, inspect the fuses and power supply first.
Fridge Not Getting Cold
A motorhome fridge that is not cooling properly can be caused by poor levelling, warm loading, blocked vents or incorrect power source selection. Start by checking whether the fridge is set to gas, 12V or electric, and whether that mode is actually available. For example, 12V often works only while driving. If on electric hook-up, confirm the van is receiving mains power. If on gas, make sure the gas supply is on and working. Avoid overloading the fridge and give air space around food. In hot weather, ventilation behind the fridge matters a lot, so make sure vents are clear. Pre-cooling the fridge before loading it also helps. If the fridge still struggles after checking level, supply and ventilation, it may need inspection.
Water Pump Runs But No Water Comes Out
If you can hear the pump but no water is coming through the taps, start by checking the obvious: is there any water in the fresh tank? Then look at whether the tank selection is correct if your van has more than one source. Airlocks are another common cause, especially after the system has been drained down. Try opening all taps one at a time, including hot and cold, and allow the pump time to push water through. Check whether the pump is primed and whether any inline filter is blocked. Also inspect for kinked pipes or shut-off valves that may have been closed. If the pump sounds strained or keeps running without delivering water, there may be a blockage, leak or failed pump.
No Hot Water in the Van
No hot water usually comes down to settings, supply or time. Check whether the boiler is actually switched on and whether it is set to heat water rather than just the living area. Confirm whether it is meant to run on gas, electric or both, and whether that source is available. Some systems take longer than people expect to heat a full tank, so give it time. If the system worked before storage or drain-down, trapped air can sometimes affect it. Low battery voltage can also stop some systems from firing correctly. If you have heating but no hot water, it is often a settings issue. If you have neither, think supply, fuse or control problem.
Toilet Cassette Smells Bad
A smelly toilet cassette is usually caused by poor cleaning, wrong chemical use or seals that need attention. Start by emptying and rinsing the cassette thoroughly. Make sure you are using the correct toilet fluid and the right amount. Too little will not control odour properly, and some products work better than others depending on conditions. Clean the cassette blade seal and lubricate it with the right seal-friendly product. Also check whether the cassette has been left sitting too long in warm weather. Smells inside the van can also come from a toilet flap not sealing properly. Regular rinsing, good chemical choice and seal maintenance usually make a big difference.