Caravan servicing

[Col3691]

Hello

Just wondering what the broad school of thought is in relation to having your caravan serviced regularly (once a year).

I've spoken to a few caravaners when we've been out and about on sites, and the general consensus seems to be in favour of having your pride and joy, home away from home serviced regularly to keep it in good condition and be aware of anything that might need attention.
After all, most of us get our cars serviced regularly, so to me it makes perfect sense.

Cheers
Col

 

[otherclive]

I always had mine serviced annually. Some do two years but we used ours regularly so I felt annually was best.

 

[Steve1962]

Every year without fail, best practice IMHO.

 

[Dustydog]

Every year without fail. Remember a caravan isn’t just about running chassis gear but involves electrical and gas appliances all,of which need specialist examination and testing annually. Carbon Monoxide is a killer🙀

 

[Woodentop]

If the caravan is under warranty it has to be serviced to keep the warranty going. Bailey, for instance, require the caravan under warranty to be serviced +/- 4 weeks from the anniversary of the original sale (not just the sale to you.) IMSMC in the pandemic this was increased to +/- 6 weeks.

 

[Hutch]

Whilst ours was under warranty , I had it serviced every year. But now I have it serviced every 2nd year by a mobile tech. I do my own damp checks, this year It will require new brake shoes, which the mobile tech will do as I don't have a torque wrench with a high enough setting.
I always do a good visual inspection all around the caravan for cracks in the bodywork, and ensure the gas items work correctly ie, cooker, heater and fridge.

 

[Andy Norfolk]

Every year. I tend to think you might save a little by doing it less frequently, but you may also create a bigger more expensive problem by not doing it annually.

 

[Hutch]

Every year. I tend to think you might save a little by doing it less frequently, but you may also create a bigger more expensive problem by not doing it annually.

I think it all depends on how mechanically adept you are, if you have the ear and eye for a fault. And can repair or replace most things that do not require specialist equipment.
When we first had our caravan, we would go to France every 12 weeks for 4 to 5 weeks in one year we would use the caravan more than some people would do in 3 years. I tend to do damp checks on the van after almost every outing especially in wet weather.