Your Foolproof Checklist: What Should I Do Before Returning a Rented Motorhome?

The journey’s end is here. Your backpack is full of memories, and the motorhome has witnessed them all. Did you know that the final steps before returning it are as crucial as the first ones when you picked it up? A proper handover isn’t just a formality; it’s the key to ensuring your entire experience ends with the same peace of mind it started with. Forget the stress of unexpected charges and focus on what matters: reliving the good times.

This detailed guide walks you through, point by point, every necessary action to prepare your motorhome. From the most obvious tasks to those small details that often go unnoticed, we provide you with a clear and simple checklist. Follow these steps and ensure a hassle-free return, allowing you to say goodbye to your home on wheels with the certainty that everything is in order.

Your Essential Tool Kit for Preparation

Before diving into the tasks, prepare a small kit. You don’t need much, but having everything at hand will make the process faster and more efficient. Gather trash bags, some microfiber cloths, a mild multi-purpose cleaner, a handheld vacuum (or access to one), and rubber gloves. It’s also helpful to have the rental contract or the checklist provided by the company on hand, as this is your primary reference.

Documentation: Your First Line of Defense

Your journey began with an inspection and photos. That initial documentation is your best guarantee. Before you start cleaning, review the photos or videos you took when you picked up the vehicle. This will help you remember its original condition and identify any new damage that may have occurred during your use, so you can report it transparently.

The Interior: Leaving the “House” as New

The goal is to return the motorhome with the same general level of cleanliness as when you received it. It’s not about a professional deep clean, but a thorough once-over that shows care.

General Cleaning and Common Areas

Start by collecting all personal items. Check every cabinet, drawer, space under the seats, and compartment. Once empty, it’s time to clean:

Vacuum and sweep all floors, paying special attention to corners and under furniture.
Clean all surfaces (tables, countertops, shelves) with a damp cloth.
Wipe the insides of cabinets and drawers to remove crumbs or dust.
Open the windows and ventilate the space well to eliminate odors.

The Kitchen: A Critical Area

This is the most used area and therefore requires the most attention. Follow this order:

Fridge and Cooler: Empty them completely. Disconnect if possible and clean the interior with a cloth and a mild disinfectant. Leave the door open to air out and dry completely.
Countertop and Sink: Clean the stove and cooking surface. If the burners are removable, you can clean them separately for easier access. Rinse and dry the sink.
Utensils and Dishes: Wash, dry, and store all dishes and kitchen utensils in their original place.

The Bathroom and Chemical Toilet

This is undoubtedly one of the most important tasks. A mistake here can lead to additional charges.

Empty the chemical toilet’s waste tank at a designated disposal point (service area). Never do this in an unauthorized location.
Clean the bowl and exterior surface with specific chemical toilet cleaners. Avoid using bleach or chlorine-based products at all costs, as they can damage the tank’s valves and seals.
Clean the sink, shower (if present), and surfaces with a disinfectant product.

Beds and Resting Areas

If the motorhome includes rental bedding, it should generally be piled up for washing. If you used your own bedding, take it with you. In any case:

Disassemble the beds and return the seats to their travel position.
Thoroughly vacuum the mattresses and sofa cushions to remove sand or dust.

The Systems: Empty, Fill, and Check

Beyond cleaning, correctly handling the motorhome’s systems is fundamental. This is where many travelers have doubts.

Grey and Black Water: The Emptying Operation

You must empty all wastewater tanks before returning the vehicle. This includes the black water tank (from the toilet) and the grey water tank (from the sink and shower).

Locate a designated chemical disposal point. Many campsites, motorhome areas, and some gas stations have them. The rental company usually provides recommended locations near the drop-off point.
Follow the site’s instructions. Typically, you connect the hose, open the valves, and let them empty completely.
After emptying, it’s advisable to rinse the grey water tank by adding some clean water mixed with a specific hygienizing product and driving a bit to let it slosh around.

Fresh Water Tank

Do not return the motorhome with the fresh water tank full. The ideal is to empty it completely to prevent water from stagnating and creating bacteria or bad odors. Open the drain valve and let all the water run out.

Fuel and AdBlue

This is one of the points where additional charges are most commonly applied. The almost universal rule is to return the motorhome with a full fuel tank.

Plan your last stop at a gas station near the return point.
Keep the gas station receipt as proof that you refueled just before handover.
Check if the vehicle needs AdBlue or DEF (a diesel exhaust fluid) and, if necessary, refill it as well.

Gas (Propane Cylinder)

Check the terms of your contract. Some companies ask for the cylinder to be disconnected with the valve closed; others may require it to be full. Make sure you know the rule in your case.

The Exterior: A Quick but Necessary Review

It is not necessary to take the motorhome through a car wash. In fact, pressure washing the entire vehicle is not recommended, as high-pressure water could damage the pop-up roof, seals, or bodywork vinyl. The goal is a basic clean:

Clean the windshield, side windows, and mirrors for perfect visibility for the next driver.
Remove visible dirt and insects from the front and bumper. Most gas stations provide free materials for this.
Check that you haven’t left any exterior accessories, such as chairs, tables, or the emptying hose, in their compartments.

The Final Inspection and the Handover Moment

With the vehicle clean and prepared, the key moment arrives. Your attitude here can make a difference.

Your Final Personal Check

Before heading to the drop-off point, do your own final inspection. Mentally go through the list: Is everything emptied? Is everything clean? Is the tank full? Take photos or a quick video of the final state, both interior and exterior. This is additional proof that you left the motorhome in good condition.

The Return Process with the Company

Try to arrive on time for the agreed appointment. The process usually goes as follows:

Check-in: Some companies have a digital system where you scan a QR code or confirm your arrival from your customer account.
Joint Inspection: A staff member will inspect the vehicle with you. This process can take up to 20 minutes. This is the time to point out any damage you’ve noticed. Participate actively in the review.
Key and Documentation Handover: Once reviewed, you’ll hand over the keys and sign the return document. Request a copy or written confirmation that the return was completed without any remarks.

On very busy days there may be waits, so plan for a little extra time.

What If Something Goes Wrong

If during your final check you discover damage (a scratch, a small dent, a technical issue), never try to hide it or repair it yourself. Transparency is always the best policy. Communicate it immediately to the rental company, before or during the joint inspection. Most companies have clear procedures for managing these incidents, usually detailed in your contract or on the help center of their website.

By following this step-by-step guide, what should I do before returning a rented motorhome stops being a question filled with uncertainty and becomes a simple to-do list. Each item you check off brings you closer to a smooth return, getting your deposit back without issues, and, most importantly, closing your adventure with the same peace of mind you started it with. The key lies in preparation and care, showing respect for the vehicle that was your home and for the travelers who will come after you.

Ready to plan your next adventure on wheels? At Autocaravanas Camperdadi, we help make every journey, from pickup to return, a perfect experience. For your next rental, especially if you’re looking for a motorhome rental in Madrid, or to resolve any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us at +34 91 082 06 32, send us a message on WhatsApp at +34 639 266 865, or email us at info@autocaravanascamperdadi.com. We look forward to hearing from you!