Motorhome problems: 9 common issues & fix solutions

For most people, buying a motorhome is a dream come true! But now and then, you may be set back by the odd complication.

To help you identify and resolve some of the more common issues, our camping experts have compiled this list of potential motorhome problems and how to fix them!

For each issue, we’ve explained what the cause is, how to identify it, how to prevent it and how to fix it. You’ll have your motorhome problems fixed in no time, leaving you with more time to enjoy your holiday and make money by renting it out to hirers when not in use!

Common motorhome problems and how to fix them

1. Cracked water lines and broken water pumps

People often store their motorhome during winter and leave it to sit in the cold for long periods of time. If your motorhome is left in freezing conditions, any water that is left in the lines, pipes or pump will expand and potentially crack or break the fittings.

To prevent this common motorhome problem, always empty the water tanks entirely before storing the vehicle away for winter.

If you’ve noticed a drop in water pressure or leaking water lines , it may already be too late to prevent this problem. In this case, you will have to resolve the issue by removing and replacing the damaged pipes, lines or water pump.

2. Water constantly draining out of the toilet

If you notice that your motorhome's toilet is constantly flowing and water is slowly draining out of the bowl, you may have a damaged valve or rubber seal. You may also notice that the wall behind your motorhome's toilet is damp due to a leak.

This motorhome problem naturally arises after years of usage but may be exacerbated by rough and bumpy road trips. It’s a problem that you’ll want to fix as quickly as possible because a leaky toilet will cause your water supply to drain quickly. It may also cause water damage to the walls and floor of your motorhome bathroom.

How you replace the rubber seals or valve on your motorhome toilet will depend on the design. However, you should always start by shutting off the water in your motorhome. Some toilet bowls may need to be removed completely in order to access the water inlet at the rear. Other designs will allow you to replace the inlet valve and seals without removing the bowl. Refer to the owner manual for guidance.

3. Toilet clogs

You may notice that when you flush your motorhome toilet, there is a backup of dirty water and the bowl does not flush entirely. Other times, you may go to empty your black waste tank into a dump station and notice that not all the waste was emptied. This is indicative of a clog in the toilet, waste hose or black tank.

Toilet clogs are often caused by people flushing too much toilet paper or a l ack of water being fed into the bowl. As such, the easiest way to prevent clogging your motorhome's toilet is to minimise the use of toilet paper and ensure that the water inlet is functioning at full capacity.

If it’s too late to prevent this common motorhome problem, you will have to try and fix the clog yourself or hire someone to do it for you. First, try pouring hot water into the bowl and flushing. If that does not clear the clog, watch this video for a great DIY solution to clearing a clogged black tank and line.

4. Tyre blowouts

It is common for motorhome tyres to blow out whilst travelling down the road. This is often caused by the tyre hitting a large pothole or a sharp object. However, it can also be a result of wear and tear on old tyres.

To prevent tyre blowouts, always ensure that your motorhome's tyres are inflated to the right pressure (refer to user manual), check that tyre tread depth is adequate (more than 1.5mm) and double-check that your spare tyre is pumped and ready to go.

If you do have a tyre blowout whilst travelling, you will feel the steering wheel jerk and the motorhome will become harder to steer. In this case, pull over immediately to a safe spot on the side of the road. You can then attempt to replace the wheel yourself with a spare or you can call for nationwide AA roadside assistance (this is free when the motorhome is hired through Camplify!).

5. A damaged or leaky roof

The roof on your motorhome is constantly exposed to harsh sunlight and may often be struck by low hanging tree branches, hail and other hard objects that you store on the roof (e.g. kayaks). It is no surprise then that a damaged and leaky roof is one of the most common motorhome problems.

You may first become aware of a damaged motorhome roof if you notice water damage to the interior, rust on metal fixtures, flickering lights or a short-circuiting electrical system. In particular, you should keep an eye out for water damage to the seams of the motorhome's interior. Look for these signs of water damage often, especially after pulling the motorhome out of storage.

To prevent damage to the roof of your motorhome, try to store it in a garage or shed. If this is not possible, you should invest in a waterproof and UV-resistant motorhome cover. And at least once a year, when you pull your motorhome out of storage, consider applying a fresh coat of motorhome roof sealant to help create a weatherproof barrier against the elements.

If the roof of your motorhome is already damaged and it’s too late to take preventative measures, you will have to have it fixed by a professional specialising in motorhome repairs.

6. Broken window panes and leaking window seals

One of the most common motorhome problems is broken window panes due to rocks being flicked up off the road. It’s even more common for the window seals to suffer from wear, tear and UV damage, eventually to the point where water and air start to leak into your motorhome.

If you notice that your window seal is letting water or wind seep in, the problem can be fixed rather simply by unscrewing the window frame, popping the window out and replacing the rubber seal. Window panes can be easily replaced at the same time, as long as you can find the right size of replacement window.

7. Condensation in the fuel tank

It is normally ok to leave petrol or diesel in your motorhome's tank whilst storing it away over winter. However, it is likely that condensation will build up inside the tank , which can corrode the tank or damage the fuel filter next time you run your motorhome.

To prevent too much condensation from building up, it is best to fill your tank right to the top before winter storage. You can also use an anti-waxing additive or a fuel stabiliser to prevent the diesel or petrol from becoming waxy.

If possible, take your motorhome for an occasional drive during the winter months. This will give the fuel a chance to be pumped around and will keep it from becoming stagnant.

8. Electrical problems

It’s not uncommon for motorhomes to have the occasional electrical problem. This could be a short-circuiting system, flickering lights, consistently blown fuses or any other number of issues.

If you believe the issue is related to the 230V electrical system in your motorhome, it is always best to have a certified electrician diagnose and repair the problem. This way, you will not invalidate your Warrant of Electrical Fitness , which is required under New Zealand law before you can connect your motorhome to mains power. And most importantly, you won't be putting your life at risk!

If the problem is related to the 12V electrical system in your motorhome, you may be able to resolve it yourself by checking the wiring and connections, testing the health of the batteries or replacing old and broken solar panels with some of the best solar panels for motorhomes.

9. Mechanical problems

You will likely first notice a mechanical problem when a light pops up on your dashboard or you start hearing unusual noises coming from your engine or transmission.

If your motorhome is suffering from mechanical problems, it is best to seek help from a professional mechanic. In particular, it is best to go to a mechanic that specialises in motorhome repairs.

Earn a return on your motorhome

With these potential motorhome problems and solutions, you’re one step closer to taking on a successful rental venture! And if you’re worried about how to finance a motorhome, we’ve got good news for you.

There’s a quick and easy way to start earning a return on your motorhome - rent it out on Camplify when it’s not in use!

Instead of letting your motorhome sit idly in the driveway, hire it out and make money from the comfort of your own home. You can help prevent common motorhome problems such as cracked pipes and condensation in the fuel tank by making sure your motorhome is used over the winter months!

Why Camplify?

Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by renting out their motorhome through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.

And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurance.

• 24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

• Dedicated customer support.

If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year if you rent out your motorhome!