Caravan Service Date.

[Hutch]

I bought my present caravan, a Coachman on 28th Feb, 2013. And have had it serviced every year as per the warranty manual. Coachman, on my warranty give you 90 days either side of the anniversary date of purchase, great so you have a bit of leaway.
Rang my normal service lad at the start of the month, to get a date for this years service, " sorry, full up until April".
So checking the warranty book I notice that my fifth year service has to be done before the anniversary of the date of purchase, ie 260 weeks . So I have missed that. My fault for not checking the paperwork.
Thankfully the van has only 12% damp , pretty good, and we have no thought about changing it.
I hope this posting will help others as a reminder to check their warranty details.
Hutch.

 

[Raywood]

It is well worth remembering although the date referred to is usually the end of the normal guarantee period and you need to have the service done before that date so that any claim is within that period.
For those of us who bought a caravan early in the year you do have to remember that this is when the workshops are at their busiest and you have to get in early. I tend to book ours in early January to try and beat the rush although this year I did it just before Christmas and even then some dates had gone although I did have plenty of choice.

 

[otherclive]

Swift are similar with the final service to be completed before the anniversary of the original registration date. Had mine done in December just before the New Years trip. I've always booked the services for end of year or early in the year. Get a discount too.

 

[pensioner]

I remember the same topic came up recently and I checked my docs and sure enough my Lunar had to be serviced at a specific point due to the warranties of various items running out. I need to read again in case it applies to the caravan too, but can't for the life of me find the original article.

 

[Buckman]

If you do not have the caravan serviced annually what is the worst that can happen as nowhere in the Consumer Rights Act does it state that an unit has to be serviced regularly? The warranty may become null and void, but that is of no consequence to the customer as the warranty is between the supplier and the manufacturer and not between the consumer and the manufacturer.
The contract is normally between the supplier and the customer so it is the supplier's responsibility to resolve any issues like damp etc under CRA 2015.

 

[otherclive]

If you do not have the caravan serviced annually what is the worst that can happen as nowhere in the Consumer Rights Act does it state that an unit has to be serviced regularly? The warranty may become null and void, but that is of no consequence to the customer as the warranty is between the supplier and the manufacturer and not between the consumer and the manufacturer.
The contract is normally between the supplier and the customer so it is the supplier's responsibility to resolve any issues like damp etc under CRA 2015.

Agreed but it does make things easier if the caravan is in warranty and things go wrong. After all there’s a pretty generous time window either side of the effective date except for the final anniversary date. So if you are going to have it serviced do it within the window. My current van was serviced ahead of time to stay within the dealers insurance warranty and it will be reserviced in May to keep within the makers warranty. Admittedly this is a complication but unavoidable given it was pre owned and my purchase date anniversary was out of synch with the makers warranty and I was keen to keep it aligned with Swifts warranty. I’m glad I did as the main dealer found a cracked rear panel and damp at 30% and the caravan is now waiting a replacement panel etc. Swift and Tilshead Caravans have been excellent in dealing with this and were quick off the mark to authorise repairs when the defect was found. So a big BZ to them.

 

[ProfJohnL]

If you do not have the caravan serviced annually what is the worst that can happen as nowhere in the Consumer Rights Act does it state that an unit has to be serviced regularly? The warranty may become null and void, but that is of no consequence to the customer as the warranty is between the supplier and the manufacturer and not between the consumer and the manufacturer.
The contract is normally between the supplier and the customer so it is the supplier's responsibility to resolve any issues like damp etc under CRA 2015.

The CRA only controls the contract of sale between the customer and the seller (dealer). It is an entirely separate contract to the Manufacturers warranty which is set between the customer and the manufacture. The dealer only acts as the manufacturers agent in setting up the warranty.

Technically all repairs made under the manufacturers warranty are authorised by the manufacture not the dealer, though the manufacturer usually does give some authority to the dealers to initiate some minor repairs without prior authorisation from the manufacture. In the where some dealers have over stepped their authority and had warranty claims declined by the manufactures. In such cases the dealers has had to take the loss or try to claim it back from the customer.

As already stated the warranty is a totally separate matter to the provisions of the CRA, and in no way can the provisions of the manufacturers warranty suppress the rights under the CRA, BUT also the terms and conditions of the manufacturers warranty may offer benefits that simply would not be available through the CRA, for example the right to have a caravan repaired by any participating dealer in the scheme, where as the CRA places the duty on the seller.

It would be wrong to assume that the CRA would still provide full cover if a product has been neglected. A product that is has or requires the replacement of consumables, and the consumer does not maintain it properly may find the courts would take the view that it has been used in an unreasonable manner, and reduce or prevent any compensation or sanctions being levied.

 

[Buckman]

If you do not have the caravan serviced annually what is the worst that can happen as nowhere in the Consumer Rights Act does it state that an unit has to be serviced regularly? The warranty may become null and void, but that is of no consequence to the customer as the warranty is between the supplier and the manufacturer and not between the consumer and the manufacturer.
The contract is normally between the supplier and the customer so it is the supplier's responsibility to resolve any issues like damp etc under CRA 2015.

The CRA only controls the contract of sale between the customer and the seller (dealer). It is an entirely separate contract to the Manufacturers warranty which is set between the customer and the manufacture. The dealer only acts as the manufacturers agent in setting up the warranty.

Technically all repairs made under the manufacturers warranty are authorised by the manufacture not the dealer, though the manufacturer usually does give some authority to the dealers to initiate some minor repairs without prior authorisation from the manufacture. In the where some dealers have over stepped their authority and had warranty claims declined by the manufactures. In such cases the dealers has had to take the loss or try to claim it back from the customer.

As already stated the warranty is a totally separate matter to the provisions of the CRA, and in no way can the provisions of the manufacturers warranty suppress the rights under the CRA, BUT also the terms and conditions of the manufacturers warranty may offer benefits that simply would not be available through the CRA, for example the right to have a caravan repaired by any participating dealer in the scheme, where as the CRA places the duty on the seller.

It would be wrong to assume that the CRA would still provide full cover if a product has been neglected. A product that is has or requires the replacement of consumables, and the consumer does not maintain it properly may find the courts would take the view that it has been used in an unreasonable manner, and reduce or prevent any compensation or sanctions being levied.

I respect your opinion, but I am sorry the information given above conflicts with information given by a well known consumer organisation. A consumer cannot claim from the manufacturer, it has to be the dealer claim from the manufacturer.
If a caravan is based on a seasonal site or is only used for a few outings during the year and is looked after, but does not have an annual service, how can it be deemed to be neglected and how would a dealer be able to prove it was neglected? In addition, the supplier cannot absolve themselves from their responsibility under CRA 2015.
I am not saying don't avoid having an item serviced, I am saying that there is no onus under CRA 2015 or any other legislation that states you must service the unit annually to still have your statutory rights under legislation.

 

[otherclive]

In the case of damp where in line with your scenario you eventually find damaged wall boards and subsequent investigation shows high levels of moisture combined with structural damage. This can happen to any caravan and isn’t necessarily related to usage. Your case would be significantly weakened unless you had had periodic damp checks carried out by a competent caravan technician. I suggest that these would have to be at annual intervals or less. How else could you demonstrate to the court that you had taken all reasonable actions to minimise the consequential damage?

 

[ProfJohnL]

I respect your opinion, but I am sorry the information given above conflicts with information given by a well known consumer organisation. A consumer cannot claim from the manufacturer, it has to be the dealer claim from the manufacturer.

Hello Buckman

I do not claim to have any qualifications in relation to matters of law, hence my footer on my postings, but having reviewed a number of situations and I have given the CRA and various other legalities a lot more than a passing interest. I do find that many of my suggest courses of action have proven to be correct. My suggestions are based on an appreciation of the legalities of different consumer contracts especially warranty matters.

As you don't specify the details of the well known consumer organisation and the verbatim advice they have given, It is impossible for me to comment specifically, but I do wonder if you have misinterpreted the advice.

The stance you suggest the consumer organisation gives, makes sense in regard of the CRA, where the consumers rights and remedy rest solely with the seller. How the seller recovers any funds from the manufacture is of no concern of the customer.

But the manufactures warranty is a contract between the manufacture and the Customer. That would be verified by the wording in the warranty documentation. The role of the dealer is as an agent and subcontractor to the manufacture. If you wish to complain about any problem with a manufactures warranty claim you are advise to contact the manufactures warranty department.

This is a quote from a bailey Warranty Terms and Conditions

https://www.baileyofbristol.co.uk/images/pdfs/1709_Touring Caravan Warranty Document.pdf
"For a period of twenty-four (24) months from the initial date of purchase
Bailey of Bristol offer a comprehensive warranty on all parts and
components as well as full coverage for any manufacturing faults forming
part of the original specification of the vehicle, with the following specified
exceptions: "

It does not mention a dealer or seller thus it is a contract with Bailey and no one else. I'm sure other manufacturers will use similar wording and meaning.

 

[Hutch]

Now apart from all our previous forum lawyers, my caravan was serviced 10 months prior to the 260 week date line anneversary, so am I still in the limit, as it was before the 260 week final service limit. A real technical legality. Nothing in the warranty to say how far ahead the service can be.

 

[otherclive]

Now apart from all our previous forum lawyers, my caravan was serviced 10 months prior to the 260 week date line anneversary, so am I still in the limit, as it was before the 260 week final service limit. A real technical legality. Nothing in the warranty to say how far ahead the service can be.

That’s interesting as Swift give time windows before and after the anniversary of the date of first registration. But for my caravan which has a six year body integrity warranty the final service has to be before the anniversary date. There is a prior time window but no time window after the final anniversary date.

 

[Damian]

Taken from the Coachman warranty T&C's
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Coachman caravan warranties have a requirement that a full annual service is carried out by a competent service centre. This service must be carried out within 90 days either side of the anniversary of the date of the purchase for interim years before the anniversary date of the 3rd year, in accordance with the National Caravan Council’s recommendations as detailed in the service section of the service, warranty and technical data manual
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It seems very clear that there is a 90 day window each side of the anniversary date of purchase apart from the Year 3 service which must be carried out before the anniversary date (to allow for any problems with fitted equipment such as fridge etc having their own warranty period).

 

[Hutch]

AClive, the final 5 year warranty on the Coach man just states 260 weeks befor the initial purchase with no, time limit before the final service, this could be a legal point maybe if taken to court.
But not for me as I have a lovely Coachman 560 vip. Circa 2013.
And Martin Mrs Hutch doesn't want to change it.

 

[Damian]

Looking at the warranty again it states that services 3, 6 and 10 must be done before the anniversary date, all others have the 90 day window.

 

[otherclive]

AClive, the final 5 year warranty on the Coach man just states 260 weeks befor the initial purchase with no, time limit before the final service, this could be a legal point maybe if taken to court.
But not for me as I have a lovely Coachman 560 vip. Circa 2013.
And Martin Mrs Hutch doesn't want to change it.

I wasn’t doubting you. Just stating the difference between our respective makes.

 

[Dustydog]

Slow down Forumites. We have been here before and yet again we are mixing up the CRA with the manufacturers warranty / Guarantee ( they do differ in terminology).
Bailey are clear and I quote being on my third Bailey:-
5. The final annual service in any warranty period must be carried out before the end of that warranty period, but all other annual services may be carried out within six (6) weeks either side of each anniversary of the original purchase date. The original VAT invoices must be retained as proof that these annual inspections have been carried out.

The CRA does not cover water ingress 6 or 10 years on. Latent defects excepted if you can prove it.The Manufacturers warranty / Guarantee is a different proposition to the CRA. The CRA works to very specific time limits and is your Legal Rights with the Seller NOT the manufacturer.
The Profs post cogently set out the position . Hope everyone is now clear the CRA and manufacturers warranty/ Guarantee are not the same.

 

[otherclive]

Slow down Forumites. We have been here before and yet again we are mixing up the CRA with the manufacturers warranty / Guarantee ( they do differ in terminology).
Bailey are clear and I quote being on my third Bailey:-
5. The final annual service in any warranty period must be carried out before the end of that warranty period, but all other annual services may be carried out within six (6) weeks either side of each anniversary of the original purchase date. The original VAT invoices must be retained as proof that these annual inspections have been carried out.

The CRA does not cover water ingress 6 or 10 years on. The Manufacturers warranty / Guarantee
is a different proposition to the CRA. The CRA works to very specific time limits and is your Legal Rights with the Seller NOT the manufacturer.
The Profs post cogently set out the position . Hope everyone is now clear the CRA and manufacturers warranty/ Guarantee are not the same.

Thanks, but I have no problem understanding the difference between the CRA2015 and the manufacturers warranty.

 

[Dustydog]

Slow down Forumites. We have been here before and yet again we are mixing up the CRA with the manufacturers warranty / Guarantee ( they do differ in terminology).
Bailey are clear and I quote being on my third Bailey:-
5. The final annual service in any warranty period must be carried out before the end of that warranty period, but all other annual services may be carried out within six (6) weeks either side of each anniversary of the original purchase date. The original VAT invoices must be retained as proof that these annual inspections have been carried out.

The CRA does not cover water ingress 6 or 10 years on. The Manufacturers warranty / Guarantee
is a different proposition to the CRA. The CRA works to very specific time limits and is your Legal Rights with the Seller NOT the manufacturer.
The Profs post cogently set out the position . Hope everyone is now clear the CRA and manufacturers warranty/ Guarantee are not the same.

Thanks, but I have no problem understanding the difference between the CRA2015 and the manufacturers warranty.

But you know these things Clive. Others appear not so well versed

 

[Hutch]

Damian,the time limits, you quote, do not relate to my 2013 Coachman, the 90 day either side relates until the final 5 year warranty date, which must be done before the 260 week from anniversay, ( 5 ) years but does not stipulate any time before the final date. So if It was done 10 month before, would that stand up for warranty claims.
Not for us to seriously debate here I think, I will ask Coachman and come back with their answer.
I have kept to all the servicing times until my final one, which I missed. My fault.

 

[Damian]

You are right, it does not state a time limit before the service, so therefore it must follow that you could have that service done a week after the previous one and still retain the warranty, after all, it is done before the final date requirement, but I think you are right to ask Coachman, it is something they probably have not thought about.

 

[Hutch]

You are right, it doesc not state a time limit before the service, so therefore it must follow that you could have that service done a week after the previous one and still retain the warranty, after all, it is done before the final date requirement, but I think you are right to ask Coachman, it is something they probably have not thought about.

Thanks Damian, but I bet somewhere in their " Real paperwork " they have it covered.. I know the nice man in Coachman , but I bet the warranty wording gets changed.

 

[otherclive]

Damian,the time limits, you quote, do not relate to my 2013 Coachman, the 90 day either side relates until the final 5 year warranty date, which must be done before the 260 week from anniversay, ( 5 ) years but does not stipulate any time before the final date. So if It was done 10 month before, would that stand up for warranty claims.
Not for us to seriously debate here I think, I will ask Coachman and come back with their answer.
I have kept to all the servicing times until my final one, which I missed. My fault.

Doesn’t your service book show the week numbers before and after for each annual service. Whereas the last service for which it has a warranty has no such week numbers. Therefore de facto your last service say the six yearly one cannot take place until you’ve had the fifth annual service. Therefore the unstated time window is dictated by when you have your fifth year annual service. So if you are 2 months after the anniversary of the fifth annual service you can have your final warranty service 10 months from the due date. But why would you when by delaying it to nearer the final anniversary date your dealer might pick up something that wasn’t present had the caravan been serviced a lot earlier.

 

[Damian]

[

Doesn’t your service book show the week numbers before and after for each annual service. Whereas the last service for which it has a warranty has no such week numbers. Therefore de facto your last service say the six yearly one cannot take place until you’ve had the fifth annual service. Therefore the unstated time window is dictated by when you have your fifth year annual service. So if you are 2 months after the anniversary of the fifth annual service you can have your final warranty service 10 months from the due date. But why would you when by delaying it to nearer the final anniversary date your dealer might pick up something that wasn’t present had the caravan been serviced a lot earlier.

The service book does indeed give week dates for most of the services but for years 3 6 and 10, or in Hutch's case 5 , there is no pre date for the last service, just an end date, ie before the 5th anniversary date.
It is not a question of why do it early, it is a question of IF it is done early will it count,,,which it should,

 

[Hutch]

OC, yes the waranty book does state dates, the date for the final service would be 260 weeks from the initial purchase date of 28th feb 2013, so therefore 28th feb 2018. But in the previous years I could have had the service 90 days prior or after the 28th feb, of each year. So if I had , had the caravan serviced say 1st Jan. 2017. I would be within the service period, but, would this be within the service period for the final warranty date of 28th feb 2018. My actual final service was 10 months before the deadline of feb 2018, as i could not get a service due to unavailable places. But Coachman do not specify how far ahead the final service before warranty expiry , has to be.
This is the question. And as stated i am not wanting to change the caravan, just trying to help others.