To service, or not to service - that is the question....

[ValA.]

As we speak (or type) I'm going to follow Jeremy Clarkson and Co. and turn my garden over to sunflowers and other crops to turn into bio-fuel. Anyone want to join a co-operative????? Got the book, just need the processing equipment!

 

[MartinJ]

Geist, what a terrible level of service from the Hobby dealer - no wonder your sceptical about servicing. The problem once again comes back to the old chestnut of having to have your caravan serviced by the main dealer - its a case of pay up or take a risk. That comes down to individual choice

 

[DeliDave]

unfortunately i think it will take someone with money to sue the dealer that sold the van to change things.Now it is widely accepted that any Vat registered garage using manufacturers parts can service your car and warranty is not affected and sooner or later this will probably apply to vans(hopefully in my lifetime) good on you if you take the chance and as you say the finance company will have you if they have half a chance if its in the contract its fair game.

 

[WilliamTups]

Geist,

Whilst handing the Caravan back could be a future option, if the caravan is NOT kept in lines with the T&C's of your finance agreement, handing the caravan back may well not be an option.- therefore think carefully about not having the service done.

The cars that I handed back all had up to date service books and were free from dents etc (a quick tart up at a local body shop for a few hundred quid) giving the Finance Company no room to wriggle out of the Early Termination Clause in the agreement, but my advice is that a few hundred pounds spent whilst you enjoy the use of your caravan, could save in the long run.

Plus for a private sale, personally I would only buy a caravan that has a full service history.

Regards, Bill

 

[Geist]

William (Tups) wrote:

Whilst handing the Caravan back could be a future option, if the caravan is NOT kept in lines with the T&C's of your finance agreement, handing the caravan back may well not be an option.- therefore think carefully about not having the service done.⇦br/>

It's a good point, and one that I will check out.

As far as I'm aware, the contract stipulates 'reasonable care' - which certainly doesn't mean that a three year old van (as it would be) must be in mint condition.

BTW, I read with interest your battle with Bailey, recounted on another thread. I always root for the customer - so good luck, and hopes for a victorious outcome. You may well find that the finance company will settle - they alone are responsible in law, since it was they who sold you the van. Whatever the dealer or manufacturer might happen think about it is neither here nor there as far as your claim goes - but I'm sure you know that by now.

 

[Bryn_374346057]

The cost of fuel is of course a huge concern for all of us and as we all know only too well, the situation is only going to get worse!

I agree with Mr Geist when he says that there will come a point where caravanning as a staple form of holidaying will be as economically viable as a family trip to Australia! So what are the options?

There are obviously many, but in the pursuit of an answer to the running cost issue I have been dabbling with more cost effective methods of fuelling my vehicle.

Last week I achieved 530 miles to

 

[colin_374340395]

grease becomes very hard over a period of time and will not protect the hub bearings but even with the basic tool kit and a jack u can service the van get can of gas leak tester to spray connections and as long as the flame burns blue ok also check any flues you might have i e water heater or fire in case a visitor has wintered in it make sure you leave end float in the hub bearings little movement when rocking wheel up and down

 

[LMH]

I haven't read through any of the replies, so I'll apologise in advance if I've missed the/a point.

To service or not to service?

Unless you are capable of servicing a caravan yourself, then yes, I believe you should have it serviced annually.

It's just piece of mind, whether your van is a year old or 25 years old.

Lisa