We all know about car servicing and its benefits. All cars need routine checks and maintenance in order to run smoothly. Caravans are no different. Just like cars, caravans require regular checks and upkeep to ensure that all is well.
When you take your caravan in for servicing a professional will carry out a number of checks, looking over the caravan’s main systems, including electrical, plumbing, heating, and gas.
When carrying out their checks, the professional will make a note of any repairs or maintenance that are required. In some cases, the work will be carried out as part of the servicing, but in most cases the work will need to be booked and carried out separately.
What is a caravan service?
A caravan service is very similar to a car service. A professional will look over your caravan, inspecting certain areas to ensure that they are all in tip top condition. During a service, a professional will inspect the caravan and fix any relevant issues that they discover.
Getting your caravan serviced can offer you bundles of peace of mind, so you can rest assured that your vehicle is in optimal condition and safe for use. Not only will this protect your family and loved ones who make use of the caravan, but it can also prolong the life of the caravan, so you can get the best out of your investment.
Additionally, many caravan owners opt for regular services to ensure they do not void their manufacturer’s warranty. This is because regular servicing is often a key stipulation in warranty agreements.
What are the legal requirements?
Unlike a car MOT, a caravan service is not mandatory by law. But, while there is no legal requirement to service your caravan, it is strongly recommended to have your caravan serviced annually to ensure it remains roadworthy and safe for use. As the owner, you’re responsible for maintaining a safe vehicle on the road.
Obviously this is different for motorhome owners. As a motorhome is a vehicle that is being driven on the road, it is a legal requirement to have an MOT in place. This is a legal requirement that ensures your motorhome is safe to drive. An MOT on a motorhome is carried out by a fully authorised test station and follows a checklist set by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
What does a caravan service include?
A caravan service covers a wide range of checks to make sure everything is in top condition. Often, a caravan service will include over 60 individual tasks which can help to keep your caravan running smoothly. Here’s a breakdown of what should be checked during a caravan service.
1. Chassis and running gear
- Chassis check: We start by inspecting the condition of your chassis, looking for any wear or damage.
- Suspension: We check that the suspension is working properly and free from damage.
- Body attachment: We then make sure the body is securely attached to the chassis.
- Road lights and cables: All the road lights and cables are checked to make sure they’re functioning and safe.
- Brakes: The braking system gets cleaned, adjusted, and tested to ensure it’s in good shape.
- Towing and overrun: We lubricate and test the towing system and overrun assembly to make sure everything tows smoothly.
2. Electrical systems
- RCD Electrical Test: We carry out a full RCD test to ensure your caravan’s electrical system is safe and operating properly.
- Lights and Sockets: All internal and external lights, as well as electrical sockets, are checked to make sure they’re working. We also test the sockets to ensure they’re safe.
- Fuses and Circuit Breakers: We check all the fuses and circuit breakers to ensure they’re suitable and in good working order.
- Battery Check: We test your caravan battery to ensure it’s charging properly.
- Appliance Checks: Appliances like the fridge, microwave, electric hob, and TV socket are all checked for proper function and safety.
3. Gas Systems
- LPG system check: We inspect the entire LPG system, from the connection to the bottle, to ensure there are no leaks.
- Gas appliances: We turn on all your gas appliances (fridge, hob, oven, and heating etc) to make sure they’re working properly.
- Flame failure test: We check the flame failure devices on gas appliances to ensure they work as they should.
- Gas regulator and hose: We examine the gas regulator and hose to ensure they’re secure and in good condition.
4. Water systems
- Taps and seals: We check all the taps for leaks and ensure the seals are in good condition.
- Water tanks: We check the security of water tanks and toilets, making sure everything is functioning correctly.
- Toilet flush: We make sure the toilet flush is working properly.
- Waste water outlet: We check the waste water outlet for any blockages or issues.
5. Bodywork
- Body inspection: We do a full visual check of the entire caravan body, looking for any signs of damage or wear.
- Doors and windows: We check all doors and windows, including the locks and seals, to make sure they’re secure.
- Blinds and roof: We inspect the blinds, roof, and roof lights for any issues.
- Floor check: We check the floor for any signs of delamination or sponginess.
- Damp test: Using a damp meter, we check for water ingress in and around the caravan. We’ll let you know if there’s any moisture, and if it’s above 30%, we’ll flag it as a potential issue.
6. Ventilation
- Roof light check: We test the roof lights to make sure they open and close smoothly.
- Vent obstruction: We check all the fixed vents to ensure there are no blockages preventing airflow.
7. Fire and Safety
- Smoke and CO detector check: We test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re in working order and check that they haven’t exceeded their expiry date.
- Fire extinguisher/blanket: We ensure fire extinguishers and blankets are securely fitted and up to date.
- General safety check: We check that all your safety equipment is correctly installed and in good condition.
What’s not included in a caravan service?
While a caravan service covers a lot of ground, there are a few things that aren’t typically included in a basic service. Here’s a quick list of things that won’t be covered unless specifically requested:
- Motor mover check: This isn’t part of the standard service, but you can often request it for an extra charge.
- Solar panel inspection: Solar panels are usually excluded unless you ask for them to be checked.
- Air conditioning: Air conditioning systems don’t usually get serviced in a standard check.
- In-depth appliance servicing: If you need an in-depth check of individual appliances like the microwave or fridge, that’ll likely be an additional charge.
- Repairs: Any damage identified will need to be repaired separately, and this will come with an extra cost.
If there’s something specific you want checked or serviced that’s not part of the standard service, just ask! Most workshops will be happy to add it on for a small additional fee.
How long does a caravan service take?
A caravan service typically takes around three to four hours. But don’t worry, you won’t have to hang around for that long! At Chipping Sodbury Caravans, just like most places, you don’t need to wait while we work on your caravan.
You can simply drop it off and pick it up whenever it’s convenient for you. We’ll make sure everything’s taken care of, and you can get on with your day without having to stay at the workshop.
How much does a caravan service cost?
A full caravan service at Chipping Sodbury Caravans includes over 60 detailed checks on your caravan. These checks cover everything from gas, water, and electrical appliances to more mechanical parts like the chassis, tyres, and brakes. We also carry out checks for water ingress and damp, which can be a common problem in caravans and motorhomes, but regular servicing helps keep it under control.
Below are the servicing prices, including VAT and one-shot wheel nuts for caravans:
- Single Axle: £250.00
- Twin Axle: £270.00
- Motorhome Habitation Service: £230.00
Does a caravan service include a damp test?
In most cases, a comprehensive caravan service will include a damp test. During this test the professional will use a damp meter to assess moisture levels throughout the caravan, with particular attention to areas prone to leaks, such as windows, doors, and seals.
Here at Chipping Sodbury Caravans we include this as part of our caravan service and consider it a crucial component of the service.
Why should you get a caravan service?
Ensuring your caravan remains safe on the road and safe to inhabit
Regularly servicing your caravan isn’t just about keeping it in good shape - it’s about keeping you and your loved ones safe. When you get your caravan checked, everything from the gas and electrical systems to the water supply gets a thorough inspection. This helps spot any potential hazards, like gas leaks or electrical faults, before they turn into serious problems. Catching these issues early on means you can take care of them before they put your safety at risk while you’re on the road or staying in your caravan.
Catch issues before they become costly
One of the best things about regular caravan servicing is that it helps you spot issues before they get expensive. Small problems, like worn-out brakes or tyres, can escalate quickly if left unchecked. What might be a small fix today could turn into a big, expensive repair down the line. By keeping up with routine maintenance, you prevent those little issues from snowballing into costly fixes, saving you money in the long run.
Extend your caravan’s lifespan
A well-maintained caravan can stick with you for many years. Servicing it regularly ensures that everything - whether it’s the chassis, suspension, or appliances - stays in tip-top shape. That means you can get more out of your caravan, using it for longer and enjoying many more adventures. Think of it as a way to protect your investment and keep it running smoothly for as long as possible.
Warranty requirements
For many people, regular servicing is also key to keeping their manufacturer’s warranty valid. Most warranties require that your caravan gets serviced by an approved professional, and if you skip this, you could risk voiding that coverage. So, sticking to the service schedule isn’t just good for your caravan - it’s essential if you want to keep your warranty intact.
Maintain resale value
Finally, regular servicing is a great way to keep your caravan’s resale value high. When your caravan is in great shape, it’s going to be way more appealing to potential buyers. Whether you’re selling it down the line or just want to make sure you get the best return on your investment, a well-maintained caravan will always fetch a better price.
Book a caravan service with Chipping Sodbury Caravans
At Chipping Sodbury Caravans, we provide a comprehensive caravan servicing offer. And our workshop is fully equipped and NCC approved, so you can rest easy knowing your caravan is in expert hands.
Booking your next service is a breeze – just give our After Sales Centre a call on 01454 318374, hit option 2, and we’ll find a time that works best for you. Simple as that!
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