Motorhome owners are being urged to check key habitation systems before setting off on summer holidays, after claims data from Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) revealed that faults affecting everyday living equipment are among the most common and expensive repairs.
The warranty provider’s latest habitation claims analysis found that fridge elements account for 19.3% of all motorhome habitation claims, making them the single most common issue. The average repair bill for a fridge element is £706.80.
Fresh water pumps account for 10.5% of claims, followed by skylight mechanisms and water taps, each responsible for 7.0%, while toilet flush mechanisms make up 5.3%.
WSG said some repairs can be significantly more expensive, with awning motor failures costing an average of £2,385.40 to rectify.
Bed motor repairs can exceed £400, while faults affecting cooker ignitors, fresh water gauges and gas control valves can also generate substantial unexpected bills.
The company said many of these issues emerge at the start of the touring season after motorhomes have been unused during winter storage.
To reduce the risk of breakdowns, WSG is encouraging owners to carry out pre-trip inspections, including testing fridges on all power sources, running water systems, checking skylights and roof seals, ensuring awnings operate correctly and confirming leisure batteries are holding charge.
The warranty provider also advised owners to inspect vehicles for signs of water ingress, including damp patches, musty smells and deteriorating seals, warning that untreated water damage can lead to costly structural repairs.
Steph Newbery, group director at Warranty Solutions Group, said: “Summer is the busiest time of year for motorhome owners, but it’s also the time when many hidden faults begin to emerge after months of limited use or winter storage.
“Our claims data shows that it’s often not the engine or chassis components that cause the biggest disruption to a holiday. Instead, it’s the everyday habitation features that owners rely on most, including fridges, water pumps, toilet systems and awnings.
“When a fridge stops working halfway through a family holiday or a water system fails while you’re touring, it can quickly turn an enjoyable trip into a stressful and expensive experience.
“Before setting off, owners should take the time to test all habitation equipment, inspect seals, run water systems and check leisure batteries are performing as expected. A few simple checks before departure can often prevent significant disruption once you’re on the road.
“Modern motorhomes combine advanced vehicle technology with all the comforts of home. While that creates a fantastic ownership experience, it also means there are far more components that can potentially fail.
“The good news is that many issues can be identified through simple pre-trip checks. Testing appliances, running water systems and inspecting habitation equipment before you travel can help avoid unnecessary disruption and unexpected repair bills.”
Alongside the claims analysis, WSG has launched a direct-to-consumer motorhome warranty covering mechanical, electrical, electronic and habitation components. The product is designed to protect owners against rising repair costs as motorhomes become increasingly sophisticated.
Motorhome Matt, who has endorsed the new warranty proposition, said: “Motorhome ownership should be about freedom, adventure and creating memories, not worrying about unexpected repair costs.
“As repair costs continue to rise and vehicles become more complex, more owners are looking for ways to protect themselves against the financial impact of unexpected failures. WSG’s new motorhome warranty has been designed to provide exactly that peace of mind. It’s personally endorsed by me and WSG is Motorhome Matt Approved.
“Whether you’re planning a weekend away in the Lake District or a European tour this summer, having the right protection in place allows owners to focus on enjoying the journey rather than worrying about what might go wrong.”
