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Motorhome and Caravan Handover Checklist for Hosts

Written by Marie Rosenborg Moen | Jan 1, 1970, 12:00:00 AM

A safe handover means the vehicle is ready before the renter arrives, its condition is documented in the app, and the renter gets a thorough walkthrough. Allow 30–60 minutes.

Quick overview

  • Before pick-up: clean vehicle, all equipment in place, electricity, water and gas tested
  • Documentation: check-in in the app with damage, fuel level and mileage
  • Motorhome: height, width, weight, mirrors, reversing camera and safety equipment
  • Caravan: hitching, breakaway cable, support legs and lights
  • Time: allow 30–60 minutes for the walkthrough
  • Check-out: report any damage to Campr during check-out – otherwise your claim may be rejected

Why does the handover matter so much?

A thorough handover gives you:

  • More confident renters
  • Fewer support requests
  • Lower risk of damage
  • Better reviews
  • A better experience for both host and renter

Most damage and problems on the road happen because the renter does not know the vehicle well enough. A renter who understands how everything works drives more safely, uses the equipment correctly and gets in touch sooner if something goes wrong.

What should you do before the renter arrives?

  • Make sure the vehicle is clean
  • Check that all equipment is in place
  • Have the documents ready
  • Check that water, electricity and gas work
  • Complete any required checks in the rental app

Tip: Leave a short written guide and the key dimensions (height, width, weight) visible in the cab. International renters in particular appreciate having this in English.

How do you handle check-in and documentation?

Always start by:

  • Completing the check-in or pick-up in the app
  • Documenting existing damage, fuel level and mileage
  • Showing where the registration certificate (vognkort) and user manual are kept
  • Giving the renter emergency numbers and your contact details

Walk around the vehicle together and photograph any scratches or dents. That way you agree on the starting point, and the return is easier.

What should a motorhome handover cover?

Driving and safety

Show the renter the height, width and weight, the mirrors and reversing camera, any driver-assistance systems, the handbrake, warning triangle, high-visibility vest and fire extinguisher. Explain the particular challenges of reversing, parking, narrow roads and low clearance under bridges and in car parks. Visitors may not be used to Norway's narrow roads and passing places (møteplasser).

Electricity, water and gas

Show how to connect to electric hook-up, fill the water tank, empty grey water and the toilet, use the gas, and use the heating and hot water. Explain the control panel and fuses too.

Interior

Go through the beds, fridge, hob, any oven, shower and toilet. Remind the renter never to close the glass lid over the hob while the burners are still hot.

What should a caravan handover cover?

Hitching

Show how to attach the caravan to the car, fasten the breakaway (safety) cable and use the jockey wheel and support legs, and check the lights together. If the renter is unsure, let them hitch it themselves while you watch.

Electricity, water, gas and interior

Go through the electric hook-up, water, gas, heating and control panel, then the beds, fridge, hob, toilet and shower.

Outdoor equipment

Show the awning, camping furniture, cables and hoses, and where everything is stored while driving.

What should renters know about the return?

Agree on this at the handover to avoid misunderstandings later:

  • What needs to be cleaned
  • How to empty the toilet
  • The required fuel level
  • Return time
  • Return location
  • That the check-out must be completed in the app together with you

Why must damage be reported during check-out?

When the vehicle is returned, you complete the check-out (drop-off) in the app together with the renter. Walk around the vehicle, compare it with the check-in and document the condition, mileage, fuel level and equipment.

Important: If you find new damage, it must be recorded and reported to Campr during the check-out. Take photos of the damage and describe what happened. If damage is not reported during the check-out, you risk not being compensated for the costs, and your claim may be rejected.

So take your time with the check-out and complete it before the renter leaves – damage is much harder to document afterwards.

Which common mistakes should you warn about?

  • Driving with the awning out
  • Driving with roof hatches open
  • Forgetting the height at bridges and car parks
  • Waiting to report damage or technical problems

Ask renters to contact you immediately if anything happens – problems can often be solved quickly. You can also share our guide for renters on what to know before picking up a rental motorhome, and renters planning their trip may like our guide to the best campervan routes in Norway.