So you own a caravan but not sure whether to have a service or even if you need one at that. Well we’ll run through all the ins and outs of a caravan service, from what is included in a caravan service, how much it costs and what would happen if you didn’t have one.
Why is it important to have your caravan service?
Think of a caravan service to be similar to a car service, it provides reassurance that your caravan is in good condition and safe to use, protecting your family and loved ones. It helps identify any issues that may occur early. Identifying a problem early can help prevent any costly repairs and damages that may occur if left untreated.
You will also find that most people have a caravan service to prevent themselves from invalidating their Manufacturer’s warranty. This tends to be a significant requirement in most Manufacturer’s warranties.
But let’s not forget that by having a full service history can also enhance the value and the saleability of your caravan when you come to sell it.
So if you’re looking for a list of benefits why a caravan service is important then here they are:
- – Enhances the value of your caravan.
- – Avoids invalidating your Manufacturer’s warranty.
- – Reassurance that your caravan is safe to use and road worthy.
- – Prevents any costly repairs by identifying issues sooner rather than later.
Do I have to have a service? Is it illegal to not have a caravan serviced?
Unlike an MOT on a car, a caravan service is not a legal requirement. In fact, just like a car service it is recommended to have a service completed every year, even if you don’t have any requirements from your Manufacturer’s warranty to abide by. This is to just provide reassurance that your caravan is safe and no potential damages are occurring.
How long does a caravan service take?
A caravan service can usually take up to 3 to 4 hours. However, if you’re having your caravan serviced with us, like most places, you don’t need to wait around. You can drop your caravan off and pick it up at your convenience.
What is checked on a caravan service?
There are many aspects to a caravan service that is covered. The reason why it takes 3 to 4 hours is because there are around 60 individual jobs that are carried out on a basic caravan service.
Most basic caravan service centres will cover the following in their services:
Electrical Systems: Electrical appliances are checked within a caravan service. This includes all plugs, internal and external lights, batteries, microwave, fridge, electric hob, you name it, it is sure to be checked within a caravan service. It is important to note that these aren’t checked to just make sure they work but also that they are safe. Ensuring that the RCD trips within a set time and fuses are checked so they are suitable for the caravan, are all jobs required with in a service to ensure that your caravan electrics are safe.
Chassis and Running Gear: Checking items for any damages or wear and tear such as the coupling head, Ball acting stabiliser & jockey wheel. All the items important for ensuring that your caravan can be towed safely. This of course includes other essentials like tyres and brakes.
Gas Systems: All gas appliances, such as the fridge, oven, hob, heating systems, are turned on in order to check they are working properly. The Flame Failure Device operation checks are concluded and a gas leak check is also carried out. Not to forget that the age, performance and security of the gas regulator and hose are all observed and recorded.
Water Systems: All water appliances, taps, switches and seals are checked for any leaks or damages. The security of all water tanks and toilets are also observed as well as checking the toilet flush is operating correctly.
Ventilation: Observations are carried out to ensure that roof lights can open and close and there are no obstructions for air to flow.
Fire and Safety: Checks for all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are operating correctly, and other fire equipment such as fire blankets and fire extinguishers are fitted correctly, dates checked and housings are not damaged.
Bodywork: This is a general observation that is carried out around the entire body of the caravan. They check all the doors and windows including the catches, locks and seals. The floor is checked for delamination or sponginess. Furniture, blinds, roof, roof lights and seals are all covered and observed. One major item that is covered is a damp test. Caravans and most recreational vehicles are all prone to potential damp or water ingress. So when a caravan service is being carried out, a damp meter reading is recorded on the service sheet. These readings are carried out inside and outside of the caravan, and scored with a reading between anywhere from 0% to over 30%. The higher the percentage the more damp the caravan is. Anything over 30% could mean that structural damage may be occuring & deterioration is inevitable. Any readings between 0% – 15% shows that there are no causes for concern. A damp meter report will be provided alongside your service sheet. If you don’t receive this then you should definitely request one as this is part of a basic caravan service.
To see what is included in a caravan service take a look at this Approved Workshop Annual Service Check Sheet.
What’s not included in a caravan service?
So we have gone through what is included in a caravan service but what doesn’t a basic caravan service include? Well as mentioned previously, it is important to identify that some technicians don’t include a damp test. So it is recommended to ask for this if this somewhat happens to you. Although some items aren’t covered in the basic NCC Approved Workshop Caravan service. If there were items you wanted to get serviced then you would most likely have to pay an additional fee to do so. Here are some items that you would expect not to be tested or carried out:
- – Motor Mover
- – Solar Panel
- – Air Conditioning
- – In-depth service of individual items such as microwave and fridge.
- – Any repair work – Any damages that may be identified will most likely be an additional cost to replace or repair.
How much does a caravan service cost?
Caravan services can vary from technician to technician and if you have single axle or twin axle caravan.
A caravan service can range anywhere between £190 to £290.
Our caravan servicing costs are £199 for a single axle and £229 for a twin axle (Excluding VAT).
How often should I get my caravan serviced?
Just like a car it is advised that you have a service every year. Even if your caravan isn’t under warranty.
This is to ensure that your caravan stays safe and roadworthy. It will also save you money on spending out on huge repairs. We have seen many times, problems that go undetected can be costly in the long haul.
Depending on how often you tour and if you are touring over unsurfaced roads then you may want to consider servicing it more than once a year.
What happens if I don’t have my caravan serviced?
Well, I suppose this is just the opposite to the benefits and advantages of having a service. So these are….
- Risk of invalidating your manufacturer’s warranty, resulting in you paying for any damages that you may have been able to claim under warranty.
- Unnoticeable problems that may have been identified in a regular service escalating into bigger and more costly issues.
- Reduction in your caravans valuation.
- And last but not least, your caravan not being safe or roadworthy.
Who should I get to service my caravan?
You can get your caravan serviced at most service centres or caravan technicians. Although, to reassure yourself that you have brought it to a credible workshop, then take it to a service centre that is part of the NCC Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS).
It is important that you take it to either a dealer, service centre or technician who is part of the NCC Approved Workshop Scheme if you want to maintain your caravans manufacturer’s warranty. This accreditation is authorised by the National Caravan Council and you can be sure that any Approved Workshop will undergo rigorous checks by engineers who are fully qualified to carry out a caravan service.
Here at CaravansUK, we are NCC AWS approved and all of our engineers are trained to the highest industry standards. If you have made the decision to have a caravan service you can enquire with us online by viewing our caravan servicing page
Otherwise you can check where your local NCC Approved Workshop is on their website.
