MOT Anxiety Unveiled: Our Motorhome's Crunch Moment

As motorhome enthusiasts, we love the open road, but nothing spikes our stress levels quite like an MOT test. This week, we faced the nerve-wracking task of getting our beloved motorhome, William, through its annual check. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t all smooth sailing, but we learned a lot, and we’re here to share the journey with you.

A Dealer Mix-Up Sparks Panic

When we picked up William on November 1st last year, we thought we had a full year’s MOT in the bag. Fast forward to early October, and our plans for a service, cab aircon repair, and a Max Air fan installation were all set for late October. Then, a bombshell: the MOT was due to expire on October 14th, not next year! Cue some choice words for the dealer who misled us and a frantic call to our go-to garage, Reliance.

Reliance, as brilliant as they are, were fully booked. With the clock ticking, they recommended Everyman Garage for the MOT. Never having used them before, we were nervous but hopeful. Would William pass on its own merits, or were we in for a costly surprise?

Pre-MOT Jitters and Prep

Before heading to Everyman Garage, I did my best to channel my inner MOT tester. I checked the lights, tyres, wipers—everything I could think of. William had a pre-delivery service a year ago and an interim check in May, so surely we were fine, right? Still, that nagging doubt lingered. What if something failed? We’d be stuck, unable to drive after the 14th, and potentially facing a hotel stay if repairs were needed.

To ease the nerves, we packed some essentials for the wait. If you’re prepping for your own MOT, we recommend grabbing a few key items to stay calm and prepared. Check out our MOT Survival Kit below for our top picks.

Arriving at Everyman Garage

We set off early from our showroom to Westhampton, arriving at Everyman Garage a solid 45 minutes ahead of our 10:30 AM slot. The place was buzzing, with class 4, 5, and 7 vehicles in for tests and repairs. The staff were warm and welcoming, instantly putting us at ease. After a quick chat, we settled into their reception with a cup of coffee, waiting with bated breath for the verdict.

The Moment of Truth

After what felt like an eternity (but was probably less than an hour), the news came: William passed with flying colours! No advisories, no issues—just a clean bill of health for £54.85. The relief was immense. Everyman Garage proved to be a gem—professional, friendly, and efficient. If you’re in the area, we can’t recommend them enough.

What’s Next for William?

With the MOT behind us, we’re now looking forward to William’s upcoming service, cab aircon repair, and Max Air fan installation later this month. These upgrades will have us ready for our big European adventure to Spain in 2025/2026. We’re already planning routes and dreaming of sunny days ahead, leaving MOT anxiety in the rearview mirror.

MOT Survival Kit (Affiliate Links)

Beat MOT stress with these must-have products to prep your motorhome and stay calm during the wait. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

• RV Repair & Maintenance Manual by Bob Livingston (£20-25) – A comprehensive guide for DIY checks to catch potential MOT fails before the test.
  Buy on Amazon UK

• Pro-Kleen Caravan & Motorhome Cleaner (2L) (£10-15) – Keep your van spotless and MOT-ready with this eco-friendly cleaner.
  Buy on Amazon UK

• VonHaus Caravan Levelling Ramp Set (2.5 Tonne) (£25-30) – Ensure safe and stable parking during maintenance or garage visits.
  Buy on Amazon UK

• Maypole 230V Mobile Mains Power Unit with USB (£20-25) – Stay powered up for gadgets while waiting at the garage or planning your next trip.
  Buy on Amazon UK

Pro Tip: Grab these as a bundle for under £100 to prep like a pro! Search "motorhome MOT kit" on Amazon for more.

Final Thoughts

MOT tests are never fun, but with a bit of prep and a great garage like Everyman, they don’t have to be a nightmare. Have you faced MOT anxiety with your motorhome? Share your stories and tips in the comments on TheHappyTravellers.tv. And if you enjoyed this post, check out our YouTube video for the full story, and subscribe for more vanlife adventures!

Happy travels,
Steve, Wendy and Pippin

#MotorhomeLife #MOTTest #EverymanGarage #VanLife #UKTravel