How to load and prepare your motorhome for the journey

How to load and prepare your motorhome for the journey

How to load and prepare your motorhome for the journey

Water, gas, cargo, apps... A complete overview of what to check before you leave

Travelling by caravan or motorhome offers freedom and flexibility. But to make sure you don't get any surprises along the way, it's a good idea to prepare your car carefully before you set off. It's not just about packing clothes and food - a technical check, proper loading and good planning are important.

Here's what you should check, set up and prepare before you set off.

1. Water: clean, waste and bathroom

  • Top up the clean water tank (usually about 100-120 litres)

  • Check that the pump is working and that nothing is leaking

  • Empty and clean the waste tank (grey water)

  • Make sure the toilet is clean, chemistry topped up and tank empty

  • Keep a hose, nozzles and watering can handy for refilling on the go

Tip: If there is an extended downtime before the trip, flush the drinking water tank beforehand or use disinfectant tablets.

2. Gas: check, refill, safety

  • Check how much gas is left in the cylinder

  • Check that all appliances (cooker, heater, fridge) are fully functional

  • Check that the pressure regulator and hoses are not damaged

  • Close the gas valve before driving (some cars have an automatic crash sensor system)

Tip: If you are travelling abroad, check the availability of a cylinder change or reducer.

3. Load and weight distribution

  • Keep heavy items down and as close to the centre of the car as possible

  • Items should be tightly secured - lockers closed, loose items tidy

  • Observe the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle (usually 3,500 kg for a B licence)

  • Remember to ensure even distribution - left and right sides should be balanced

Tip: Really consider what you're taking - an overloaded car is not only dangerous, it's illegal.

4. Batteries, electrics and charging

  • Check the condition of the starter battery and the car battery

  • Test the 12V/230V sockets, USB ports and control panel

  • Recharge power banks, lights, headlamps and electronics

  • Don't forget to connect the charger to the solar system if you have one

Tip: If you're going to be standing for long periods of time without being connected to the mains, monitor battery levels and consumption - especially when using the heating and fridge.

5. Tires, fluids, wipers, lights

  • Measure tyre pressure (including the spare)

  • Top up oil, coolant, washer fluid

  • Check lights, indicators and wipers

  • Pack wheel spanner, warning triangle, first aid kit, reflective vests

Tip: Ideally have your vehicle weighed on a technical scale to make sure you don't overload the axles.

6. App and offline equipment

  • Download ahead:

    • Mapy.cz (offline maps)

    • Park4Night, Campercontact (places to stay)

    • Weather forecast (e.g. Windy or Yr.no)

    • Google Translate, currency converter

  • Prepare paper documents, insurance certificate, technical licence

Tip: Print out some basic info - address of the service station, assistance contacts, map of pickup points.

Conclusion:

Thorough preparation will save you a lot of nerves. Just go through everything point by point, write down any missing equipment and don't leave anything to the last minute. A caravan is a "house on wheels", but there are rules for its operation.

With a well-prepared car, the journey itself is the best experience. No hassle, no stress - just you, the open road and the comforts of home with you.

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