21. How to properly maintain a used camper (Mechanical aspects only)
6 major points to keep your home on wheels rollin'!
Alright, so last week, I shared some recs on what to look for when buying a used van / camper. Now that you got it, it’s time to learn how to keeping that thing running smoothly, and hopefully for a long time.
Obviously, no vehicle is perfect, and breakdowns happen. But with some basic maintenance, you can seriously cut down on the chances of getting stranded in the middle of nowhere with a busted engine or a home that won’t move!
Let’s get down to business!
1. General engine maintenance
Oil & filters:
Oil changes: If your van is 4+ years old, change the oil every 15,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Skipping oil changes leads to clogged injectors and engine damage. It’s not worth the risk, really!
Fuel filter: Replace it every second oil change (so every 30,000/40,000 km, around 20k miles).
Air & cabin filters: Change them with the fuel filter or sooner if you drive in dusty conditions. Clogged air filters reduce engine efficiency and increase fuel consumption, but there are no other (major) risks as far as I know. Some people even clean them with a vacuum. To each their own :)
Some key (unsuspected) things to keep an eye on:
Turbocharger: If it goes, it’s gonna cost you. Pay attention to weird noises (whistling) or power loss. Long highway drives are better for longevity.
EGR valve: Helps control emissions, but it can clog up. Regular driving at higher RPMs helps keep it clean. Do that every now and then, although I know it’s not the best in terms of fuel consumption. I usually put mine in 5th gear (instead of 6th) and cruise at 3000RPM for a few minutes.
Diesel particulate filter (DPF): Let me try to make this as easy to understand as possible: A DPF is a filter in diesel engines that traps dirty particles from the exhaust.
Over time, it gets clogged, so the vehicle burns off these particles in a process called "regeneration" (regen). This “cleaning” process takes around 30 minutes, give or take. This means that if you drive your camper for less than 30 minutes at a time (and often), your DPF regen won’t happen enough times to keep it clean, which means the particle buildup (I think it’s called soot) from your driving won’t be burnt off, not efficiently at least.
In other words, if you only drive short trips, your DPF will defo clog faster than you think, so don’t.
2. Gearbox maintenant (Especially for Mercedes vans)
Gearbox stuff
Change transmission fluid every 125,000 km. Do it sooner if need be, or if you feel like your transmission is not transmitting properly anymore. I learned this the hard way after killing my Corolla’s gearbox. Gearbox repairs are insanely expensive, so just do the fluid change.
Also, goes without saying, but try to drive smoothly. Harsh shifts and aggressive driving wear out the gearbox fast. Basically, don’t drive like Dom (Toretto) ^^
Keep your clutch alive
At a stop? Keep it in neutral instead of holding the clutch down.
While driving? Don’t rest your foot on the clutch.
Like I said, shift smoothly. Don’t abuse it.
Avoid only driving short city trips because low-speed stop-and-go driving wears out components faster, much faster.
3. Keep those injectors clean
Injectors are one of the most expensive parts to replace, and trust me, you don’t want to deal with that mess. Best way to avoid clogging them up? Never run your tank dry. The gunk at the bottom of your fuel tank is what clogs injectors most of the time. That and low-quality fuel, of course.
That being said, there are two ways to clean your injectors without removing them:
Injector cleaner: Costs about €10 here. It’s a liquid you throw in your tank 3/4 times a year (depending on how much you drive) and let simmer. For the best results, do it when your tank is about a quarter full, so right before filling up. After refueling, get your van to around 3,000 RPM in 3rd or 4th gear for a bit, it helps clean things out even more.
Hydrogen decarbonization: This one requires a pro. You take your van to a shop, they hook up a hydrogen machine, and it cleans the inside of your engine. Costs under €100, takes about an hour, worth every dollar. If your injectors weren’t in pristine condition, you’ll defo feel the difference on the drive back. Your van will feel punchier and lighter.
If you don’t drive in cities much, you probably only need this every couple of years.
4. Timing & Accessory belts
Timing belt vs. chain: One reason why we chose a Mercedes Sprinter is that it comes with a timing chain. That’s why this model is incredibly durable.
However, if your van has a timing belt, most mechanics will tell you to replace it every 150,000 km (or every 6 years or so). I’d personally suggest changing it right after buying your new van, unless it was done recently. Better safe than sorry, right? (Yes, I have trust issues)
Accessory belt (or alternator belt): This one lasts more and is less of a pain when it breaks. You can go to 200,000 km with the original one without a problem, but don’t push it. Ours snapped at 220,000 km, probably because the van had been sitting for too long. If this thing breaks, you lose power steering, and your water pump could fail. Not fun but a cheap fix (50 bucks give or take).
5. Rust prevention
If your van is parked outside, check for rust spots often. Treat them before they spread because rust is like cancer for vehicles, it can ruin your whole rig in no time!
6. To Idle or Not to Idle?
Last but not least, the big question: To Idle or Not to Idle? Well, there is no final verdict, and trust me, I’ve looked!
Some mechanics say letting your camper idle before driving is pointless. Others swear by it. I still do it just in case, especially when it’s cold. But what’s really important? Never turn off your turbocharged engine immediately after stopping!! Let it run for a minute to cool down the turbo. This helps it last way longer.
Yes, it’s all about the details. I treat my camper like I treat my body, I take care of it as much as I can and hope it holds up.
Keep your van happy, and it’ll keep you rolling!
That’s about it for today. Thanks for reading :)
T_