Home servicing v Dealer

[Colinn]

Time to think about the annual service again - last year it was such a rigmerole towing it there and back to the main dealer over two weekends, and still having no idea how good a job was done - but at least I got the service book stamped!

This time, I'm thinking of inviting a home service engineer to come along - eg, there's one in Surrey who advertises in CC Mag - but two questions arise: are such people competent on all makes of van (mine for example has a complicated-looking hot water circulation central heating system and an electronic control box), and will his stamp in my book be worth the paper its printed on?

No point in asking him - he's bound to say yes!! What do you guys think??

 

[Lol1]

If the caravan is out of warranty, I would use the mobile engineer. It doesn't matter how complicated your heating system is, he won't be touching it, unless you inform him of some problem with it. They usually are competent, but if you are worried, ask for their credentials. He will stamp your book as the caravan being serviced, and should provide you with a tick sheet/evidence that the work has been done.

However if your van is still under the warranty it might be better to stick with your dealership, if they have served you well in the past.

 

[Colinn]

If the caravan is out of warranty, I would use the mobile engineer. It doesn't matter how complicated your heating system is, he won't be touching it, unless you inform him of some problem with it. They usually are competent, but if you are worried, ask for their credentials. He will stamp your book as the caravan being serviced, and should provide you with a tick sheet/evidence that the work has been done.

However if your van is still under the warranty it might be better to stick with your dealership, if they have served you well in the past.

thanks for that, the van is five years old. the service book suggests the central heating circulation fluid should be checked and topped up regularly and changed every five years. i admit that the dealer told me last year that while it's ok it's probably best to leave well alone - but that seems a cop out!

 

[Guest]

I may get my head shot off but if your van is 5 years old, have you thought about getting a third party service done every 2 or 3 years and doing the intermediate ones yourself. The majority of the service is inspection and yes, if a part has failed it needs to be replaced. The only critical bit to do on the chassis is removal of the brake drums. These are torqued to a very high value so need a specialist wrench. Most dealers do not even do this, unless specifically requested. However brake adjustment is done through a hole in the back. The towhitch has usually only 2 grease points and you are already greasing the steadys, aren't you? You will check your tyres as a matter of course, and replace every 5 years or so?? Most fridges/water heaters etc these days operate on electric as much, if not more than gas so if it is all working fine then there isn't much wrong. If you do use gas a lot, then do get a Corgi engineer to service them. Damp is a potential problem, but you can buy a meter that will give you an idea of where your van stands. If you do get bad readings then get it double checked. Then what would you actually do??

I think if the van is out of warranty then dealer servicing is really not economical. If however, you have never played around with cars in your life, then the above is not relevant.

 

[rayc]

I may get my head shot off but if your van is 5 years old, have you thought about getting a third party service done every 2 or 3 years and doing the intermediate ones yourself. The majority of the service is inspection and yes, if a part has failed it needs to be replaced. The only critical bit to do on the chassis is removal of the brake drums. These are torqued to a very high value so need a specialist wrench. Most dealers do not even do this, unless specifically requested. However brake adjustment is done through a hole in the back. The towhitch has usually only 2 grease points and you are already greasing the steadys, aren't you? You will check your tyres as a matter of course, and replace every 5 years or so?? Most fridges/water heaters etc these days operate on electric as much, if not more than gas so if it is all working fine then there isn't much wrong. If you do use gas a lot, then do get a Corgi engineer to service them. Damp is a potential problem, but you can buy a meter that will give you an idea of where your van stands. If you do get bad readings then get it double checked. Then what would you actually do??

I think if the van is out of warranty then dealer servicing is really not economical. If however, you have never played around with cars in your life, then the above is not relevant.

Scotchlad, I agree with you all the way. I did notice though that the insurance company wanted to know when the van was last serviced when renewal time came around.

 

[Colinn]

I think you must be a lad after my own heart Scotch Lad, I agree with much of what you say. I reckon the annual service routine is a bit over the top - bit like car servicing really. My only concern is that I get the service stamps up to date for when the time comes to sell on. How much adjustment can the brakes lose after about 1,000 miles of travel??

And you're right, steadies are greased, tyres re-newed last spring, fridge/heating all electric, no damp evidence at all, I've got a grease gun in garage - us caravan fools and our money are easily parted!!

 

[Guest]

Cloinn,

Is a service stamp really going to make a difference after 5 years? If you are selling on at that sort of age , then general condition, and an attractive price will probably be sufficient. Also if you are looking at a trade in, then if the dealer is wishing to sell you a new van he will take yours anyway, especially again if it looks good.

 

[Guest]

Cloinn,

Is a service stamp really going to make a difference after 5 years? If you are selling on at that sort of age , then general condition, and an attractive price will probably be sufficient. Also if you are looking at a trade in, then if the dealer is wishing to sell you a new van he will take yours anyway, especially again if it looks good.

apologies for typo in your name Colinn.

 

[Guest]

Also have a look at the ALKO web page. They give details on maintenance for their chassis, including brake adjustment. I haven't actually tried it yet but it is similar to many car types. Just make sure the van is well jacked and secured before going underneath tho'.

 

[Colinn]

Also have a look at the ALKO web page. They give details on maintenance for their chassis, including brake adjustment. I haven't actually tried it yet but it is similar to many car types. Just make sure the van is well jacked and secured before going underneath tho'.

Tks Scotch Lad, I think I'd better roll up my sleeves...