Buyers of used motorhomes are being urged to check the living areas of their vehicles as new data reveals that everyday habitation components, not engines or chassis, are the most likely to fail – leading to repair bills running into the thousands.
Figures from Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) show that fridge elements top the list of habitation claims, accounting for almost one in five (19.3%) and costing an average of £706.80 to fix.
Fresh water pumps (10.5%) and skylight mechanisms (7.0%) are also among the most common faults, with average repair costs of £232.74 and £377.03 respectively.
Other frequent issues include toilet flush mechanisms (£325.70), water taps (£207.52) and cooker ignitors (£297.53). At the higher end, awning motors can cost as much as £2,385.40 to replace, while bed motor repairs average £406.62.
Dave Rogers, Head of Motorhome Products at WSG, said: “Our data shows that habitation claims account for a huge proportion of repair costs.
“Too often, buyers are caught out by the day-to-day components of their motorhome such as the fridge, water systems or toilet facilities.
“These items receive far more wear and tear than chassis components – and as our data shows, repair bills can quickly spiral into hundreds, or even thousands of pounds.”
Motorhome expert and WSG brand ambassador Matt Sims, host of the Motorhome Matt podcast, added: “Habitation faults are often overlooked by buyers, but they can be just as disruptive and costly as chassis issues.
“Something as simple as a fridge element or fresh water pump may seem minor, but if it fails during a trip, it can completely ruin a holiday.
“My advice is to test everything thoroughly before you buy – from appliances to the water systems – and seriously consider warranty cover. It’s the best way to protect yourself against unexpected bills.”
To help buyers avoid costly mistakes, WSG published its top tips for purchasing a used motorhome:
- Check the fridge carefully – ensure it cools properly on all power sources.
- Run the water systems – test taps, pumps, flush mechanisms and gauges for leaks or faults.
- Inspect skylights and awnings – check for smooth operation and signs of damage, as replacements are expensive.
- Test cooking and heating appliances – faulty ignitors and gas valves are common issues that can spoil a trip.
- Consider a warranty – even after thorough checks, hidden problems can appear later.
Rogers said: “Our warranties cover virtually the entire habitation area – from everyday items like taps and pumps to high-value components such as awning and bed motors.
“It’s about recognising the full picture of what can go wrong in a motorhome, not just under the bonnet.”
WSG’s latest motorhome warranties include protection for more than 6,000 mechanical, electrical and electronic parts, with advanced habitation cover, water ingress and delamination protection included as standard.
Rogers added: “Ultimately, our goal is to keep motorhome adventures stress-free. When owners know they’re protected, they can relax and enjoy their travels without worrying about repair bills derailing their plans.”
