How often does caravan need service?

[jennifer_374227268]

Hello, could someone please advise us on how often should a caravan have a service, we bought our caravan just over a year ago from a dealer and before it left his yard it had a full service. We where planning to leave it back to him before the season starts again for another service but thought we would just check what everyone else does, can we do a check over ourselves at home or is it better to be left into the dealer. It is a secondhand caravan so there is no warrenty on it.

Many regards

Keith & Jenny

 

[Ian341]

Hi Jennifer

It really depends on how much usage the caravan has had. It is advisable to have the gas and undergear checked anually as this can be the most dangerous if anything goes wrong. We had our van checked recently and we just asked the dealer if they could check the brakes and gas. This didnt cost nearly as much as a whole service. You can test most of the stuff yourself for example - do the windows open and close, do the blinds operate correctly, does the fridge go cold, does the water heater heat the water etc.

I would advise a full service every two years and a simple gas and undergear check every year.

Hope this helps

Ian

 

[RayS]

Look at your caravan insurance policy. some require annual service by dealer or approved workshop. with new vans this also applies to maintain the warranty.

 

[RobRoy]

Hi Jennifer,

In forty years of caravanning, always with second-hand vans, I never had a commercial service except in the case of two of them where service was offered prior to collection. One was excellent and the other diabolical! I'd never buy even a wheel barrow from that particular dealer again. The average caravan doesn't cover a huge mileage so that servicing periods can be adjusted accordingly and most tasks can be carried out satisfactorily by anyone reasonably competent in DIY, following the instructions in one of the caravan maintenance manuals now available.

As a personal opinion, the fees charged for servicing are a rip-off.

Rob S.

 

[vernon]

Look at your caravan insurance policy. some require annual service by dealer or approved workshop. with new vans this also applies to maintain the warranty.

The Insurance Companies only insist on regualar servicing if you have a "New for Old" policy

 

[Essexeddie]

I agree with Rob. I do all my own servicing after all its only a trailer.

How many people who insist that it is necessary have all their gas and electrics tested at home every year?

Very few I should imagine!!!!

Edd

 

[jennifer_374227268]

Thanks all for advise, seems to be that general care and repairs can be done at home, which is good to hear as the service costs are quite steep, but think we'll get someone who knows abit about gas to check that bit out don't fancy hubby and caravan exploding. Can anyone suggest a good manual to help hubby get started on the simple stuff.

Thanks

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Jennifer,

Other respondents have I think given some good advice. If the caravan is used a lot then it will need more servicing than if it is used a little.

Typically caravans are used far less than cars, but despite the lack of use something's will continue to deteriorate, and should be checked regularly.

The caravan running gear. Parts of these will corrode and the brakes may not release properly after standing even for only a few weeks. As these can radically affect the safety of your outfit when towing it is good practice to have these checked regularly, so too the tyres, which will begin to go hard and crack.

The water system should be sterilised regularly to minimise unwanted bacterial growths etc.

And the gas systems should be checked for safety and good fame patterns, as during the unused periods, insects have been known to climb into the burners and block airways preventing the gas from burning properly.

Unless you are working with the gas regulations every day and have been assessed as competent, leave all work to a competent fitter for your safety a,d insurance cover.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

If its under warranty it has to be done by an approved dealer every year of the warranty

Mine was "done" today so here's hoping for no snow to get it back home!

 

[ProfJohnL]

If its under warranty it has to be done by an approved dealer every year of the warranty

Mine was "done" today so here's hoping for no snow to get it back home!

For accuracy, it is only the Manufactures guarantee that may require an annual service, Warranty is (Sale of goods) does not specify a fixed period.