service time again

[mat1]

discover chorley have just reminded me that my service is due ... again.
the question is
has anyone used or heard of ECS (essential caravan services ltd) based in leigh lancs ?
as the caravan is now 5 years old i was wondering if a mobile service, at my storage place would be a better option than taking it to discover.
ecs is a memeber of the MCEA (mobile caravan engineers association number 10331)

mat

 

[Damian]

They are not listed on the MCEA website.
I will find out if they are still operating and if they are any good.
Alternatively look here: http://www.mobilecaravanengineers.co.uk/mcea-find-an-engineer.htm

or here for an AWS scheme approved mobile: http://www.approvedworkshops.co.uk/search/

 

[Damian]

As promised, an update .
The person who operates "essential caravan services ltd" completed his basic course in 2009 but has not sent in confirmation of Insurance, ACoPS qualification to work on gas, or agreement to work to certain ethical codes.
Therefore, whilst still being a MCEA member he cannot be listed as an approved engineer by them.
He is also not listed on the Approved Workshop list of engineers.

Whilst he may offer a good service, and cary it out without problems, it cannot be confirmed and therefore cannot be recommended as being suitable to work on your van.
However, as always, th eultimate choice is yours to make.

Hope this helps

 

[mat1]

interesting.....
a flyer was put through the door a few months back.
it clearly says "appliance repairs - gas, water and electrical.

only lives round the corner so may go and have a chat.
thanks

mat

 

[Dustydog]

As promised, an update .
The person who operates "essential caravan services ltd" completed his basic course in 2009 but has not sent in confirmation of Insurance, ACoPS qualification to work on gas, or agreement to work to certain ethical codes.
Therefore, whilst still being a MCEA member he cannot be listed as an approved engineer by them.
He is also not listed on the Approved Workshop list of engineers.

Whilst he may offer a good service, and cary it out without problems, it cannot be confirmed and therefore cannot be recommended as being suitable to work on your van.
However, as always, th eultimate choice is yours to make.

Hope this helps

My mate was having some bodywork fixed yesterday by the chaps who drive a van that looks like an ambulance. Excellent at bodywork but he told us the costs involved to become gas and electricity and NCC etc approved are cost abortive. He mentioned £6k which of course included lost pay etc whilst training.

Maybe when you have a moment you could explain to everyone that the costs of becoming a fully qualified and approved caravan servicing and repair engineer are far greater than most people think.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Dusty,

I was told a number of years ago that the costs of CORGI (now Gas Safe) registration had escalated, and was several hundred pounds per module, and the electrical accreditation were heading in the same direction - upwards.

I also know a plumber who used to also do gas installation work, but as a result of the cost of maintaining his accreditation, he decided it was not worth it. so he stopped doing the gas work.

 

[Dustydog]

Hello Dusty,

I was told a number of years ago that the costs of CORGI (now Gas Safe) registration had escalated, and was several hundred pounds per module, and the electrical accreditation were heading in the same direction - upwards.

I also know a plumber who used to also do gas installation work, but as a result of the cost of maintaining his accreditation, he decided it was not worth it. so he stopped doing the gas work.

Hi Prof John
The guy concerned was a very decent chap from a National Franchise who look after caravans medically speaking

.
He reckoned it would cost him £6k including lost days work to become fully qualified on all aspects of caravan gas and electricity servicing. The average tugger in the street wouldn't have a clue exactly what qualifications the servicer has nor how much it actually costs.
So imo when people moan about servicing costs they tend forget just how much time and money the servicer has spent to become properly qualified.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello dusty,

I agree, but there is little doubt that the costs of registration have escalated over recent years (even allowing for inflation). It might be quite difficult for a sole engineer to keep himself fully appraised and registered, and then to generate enough turnover to live and buy the accreditation.
Without much doubt, the only winners are the accreditation organisations.

 

[Damian]

Quote "Maybe when you have a moment you could explain to everyone that the costs of becoming a fully qualified and approved caravan servicing and repair engineer are far greater than most people think."

I am quite happy to try and explain the costs, but it is going to be a long post, so my apologies in advance.
If you get tired reading it, have a coffee half way through.

Right, lets start by stating that an owner can do anything he likes to his own van without qualifications, as long as it is never used by anyone else, and he adheres to the current rules in force such as 17th Edition for electrics, Gas Safety, Installation and Use Regs for gas, and Health & Safety Rules.
There is the first cost, 17th Edition , GSIUR and H&S literature.
To become considered as an Approved Mobile Workshop (which is where I am and is what I will be talking about) one has to fulfil certain qualification rules first, which are:
City & Guilds in Caravan Engineering coverng the dual certificate fo rcaravans and motorhomes
ACoPS Gas as a minimum, but preferably Gas Safe as ACoPS does not cover for working on Hire Fleet vehicles(or caravans and motorhomes let out as part of a business) or Static Homes,
CITO Electrical Test and Inspection for LV (Mains)
CITO Electrical Test and Inspection for ELV (12v)
At the current time, even if you are 17th Edition qualified, you still have to get the CITO cert as well.
So for those bits, C&G=£1000, ACoPS=£900 .CITO LV=£600, CITO ELV= £600
Next is the equipment manufacturers training courses, Truma, Thetford, Dometic, Alde, Al-Ko, BPW, etc and they cost from £100 per day , and Truma has 5 days to cover all their equipment.
Now add in Public Liability, Product Liability, Damage Liability and vehicle Insurances...around £2000
Then add in special tools such as Torque Wrenches, pressure testers, electrical test equipment, etc etc along with the normal type of tooling required and you mount up a bill of around £3000 to £5000 (a flue gas analyser is £1000)
Now add in the cost of the NCC Inspection and annual fee to be registered at about £500
This is all BEFORE you can start work.
Now add in training days, travel, accomodation, food.
Then add in compulsory courses to retain accreditation.
Then add in vehicle and spares which must be OEM parts, not grey imports.
Now add in ACS Gas to upgrade to Gas Safe LPG at £2000

Now you have some idea of the costings which are part of being able to safely service and maintain warranty on vans as an Approved Workshop.
The system is not perfect by any means but it has come a long way in the last two years to establishing a system whereby you can be assured of the best that is available in terms of looking after your van.
Hope this helps

 

[readcaravans]

i personally would be happier if they were a member of the approved workshop scheme. but whoever you use, do your home work first. go for personal recommendations, check what they do for the service, do they follow the NCC guidelines regarding servicing, what documentations you get, what guarantees do you get and ask to see their qualifications ie city and guilds in caravan servicing, ACOPS for testing LPG gas, electrical competency certificate. (NCC minimum requirements for caravan servicing)