In our regular Motorhome Maintenance column, industry expert Andrew Tapp (RV Inspections Ltd) shares his top tips and personal observations from 20+ years in the motorhome industry.
Winter in New Zealand can be a magical time to hit the road in your motorhome – quiet campsites, moody landscapes, and crisp southern air. But it also brings a raft of maintenance challenges: soggy seals, drained batteries, and the eternal question of whether your gas bottle will last the weekend.
For those who aren’t naturally inclined towards gadgets and gizmos, ‘tech’ can sound intimidating. But trust us – a few clever tools can take the hassle out of keeping your motorhome in tip-top shape this winter (and beyond).
From monitoring your battery’s health to warning you of leaks before you smell them, these innovations are designed to make life on the road simpler, not harder.
We’ve rounded up some of the smartest, easiest-to-use tools available right here in New Zealand. No IT degree required.
Bluetooth Battery Monitors: Know Before You Go
Cold temperatures can be brutal on batteries – especially if your motorhome sits idle between trips. A Bluetooth battery monitor connects to your house battery and sends live data straight to your smartphone.
Why it’s great:
- Check your charge level without opening a hatch.
- Catch problems early before you find yourself without power on a frosty night.
- Some models show historical data, so you can see if your solar setup is really pulling its weight.
- Popular NZ options: Victron Energy SmartShunt or BMPro BatteryCheck. Available at RV Super Centre, Jaycar, and Burnsco.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS): Safety First
Tyres tend to lose pressure in colder weather, and underinflated tyres are a leading cause of blowouts and poor fuel economy. A TPMS kit replaces your valve caps with smart sensors that continuously send pressure (and temperature) data to a small screen on your dashboard.
Why it’s great:
- Real-time alerts for slow leaks or overheating tyres.
- Avoid costly tyre damage or dangerous driving conditions.
- Great for towing a car or trailer too.
- NZ Pick: Safety Dave TPMS kits are highly rated and easy to install yourself.
Smart Water Tank Gauges: Ditch the Guesswork
Traditional tank monitors can be unreliable, especially as they age. Upgrading to a digital or Bluetooth-enabled water gauge gives you accurate readings of your fresh, grey, and black water levels right on your phone.
Why it’s great:
- Avoid surprises (no more dry dishes or blocked toilets!).
- Better planning for freedom camping trips.
- Some models even alert you when tanks are nearly full or empty.
- Available through: Camec and RV World NZ.
Leak Detectors: Sniff Out Trouble Early
Gas leaks and water leaks are two of the most damaging issues for any motorhome or caravan. Fume detectors are compact devices that alert you to excess gas or CO. The latter is now required to get a gas certificate in New Zealand.
With moisture meters you get what you pay for. Cheap models are renowned for false or incorrect readings, whereas quality models can penetrate up to 40mm giving you a better understanding of what’s happening within the wall/roof structure.
Why it’s great:
- Peace of mind for overnight heating or cooking.
- Early warning of hidden leaks behind walls or under sinks.
Top tools:
- Dometic GasChecker for LPG.
- T660 moisture meter (ranked as the best non-invasive meter available, and the choice of industry professionals).
360-Degree 3D Reversing Camera: Don’t Miss Anything
Right: Choose a unit with built-in air purification, which is energy efficient with capacity suited to your RV size
Okay, it’s not exactly a maintenance tool – but one of the best tech upgrades I’ve ever added to a motorhome is a 360-degree 3D reversing camera. Why? Because it gives you a bird’s-eye view of your camper and everything around it. Four cameras – mounted on the front, back, and both sides – capture footage that’s stitched together into a single, seamless top-down view.
Where to Get It: Digital RV or Audio City
App-Controlled Heating Systems: Warm Up Before You Get In
Feeling bold and ready for a next-level upgrade? Some diesel and LPG heating systems can now be controlled remotely via smartphone apps.
Why it’s great:
- Warm up your motorhome before you return from a hike or ski run.
- Monitor temperature remotely while you’re away.
- Look for: Truma iNet or Webasto ThermoConnect options, installed by RV heating specialists around New Zealand.
All-in-One RV Apps: Your Digital Copilot
While not strictly maintenance, apps like CamperMate, Rankers, and NZMCA’s member app are gold for finding dump stations, petrol stops, and repair shops nearby. A must for winter when daylight is limited and your margin for error is smaller.
Bonus Tip: Set up weather alerts using the Weather Watch or MetService app, so you’re never caught off guard by a cold front or icy road.
Getting Started Without the Stress
If you’re not sure where to start, pick one problem you’ve had in the past and solve it with tech:
- Sick of battery anxiety? Start with a Bluetooth battery monitor.
- Want to be warmer and safer? Look at app-controlled heaters and leak detectors.
- Planning a longer trip? Invest in a tyre pressure system for safety and fuel efficiency.
These tools are designed to work quietly in the background, keeping you informed without overwhelming you. Most can be installed without a specialist, and local RV centres are great at walking you through setup.
Final Thoughts: Tech Doesn’t Replace You – It Supports You
Motorhome travel is about freedom, but that freedom comes with responsibility. Tech tools don’t take away the charm of the road – they give you peace of mind to enjoy it more.
In midwinter, when maintenance stakes are higher, these smart tools can save you from stress, expense, or being stuck in the cold. And if all else fails? There’s always a friendly Kiwi at the next site who’s probably tried the same thing and can help.
So, here’s to travelling smarter – not harder – this winter. Stay warm, stay curious, and see you on the road.
