Should I have my caravan serviced every year?
This is a question that we get asked a lot here at Sedgemoor Caravans - and whilst it's not a legal requirement to have your caravan or motorhome serviced every year, we strongly suggest that you do!
Think of a caravan service as providing the same benefits as having your car serviced;
- It presents the opportunity to identify any small issues with your caravan or motorhome before they become larger (potentially costly) problems.
- It provides reassurance that your caravan or motorhome is safe for you and your family.
- Having a full service history is likely to enhance the value of your caravan or motorhome should you come to sell it.
- In addition, if your caravan or motorhome is fairly new, you may find that the manufacturer's warranty is invalid if you neglect to have it serviced every year.
What is checked during a caravan service?
Between 60 and 100 tasks will be completed during the course of a caravan service. At Sedgemoor Caravans our NCC Approved caravan service covers the following;
- Chassis and running gear: We will check the functionality of your chassis, suspension, body attachment, road lights and cables. We will clean, deglaze, adjust and reassemble your braking system, and check and lubricate the towing and overrun assembly.
- Electrical systems: We will carry out a full RCD electrical test on your caravan or motorhome. All internal and external lights are assessed and sockets are tested using a loop check. MCBs and fuses are checked, as are the battery and anything else that requires electricity (fridge operation, electric hob, TV socket etc).
- Gas systems: We will check all of the LPG system, from the point of connection to the bottle, all in accordance with Gas Safe.
- Water systems: All taps are individually checked for leaks and the waste water outlet is observed for blockages.
- Body work: All doors, windows and blinds are assessed. General observations are made of the entire bodywork including a visual inspection of the roof.
- Ventilation: Roof lights are opened and closed to ensure that they operate properly and all fixed vents are checked for obstructions.
- Fire and safety: Any smoke alarms and/or carbon monoxide detectors are tested and checked to make sure their replace date hasn’t passed. Fire extinguishers and/or fire blankets will be checked to make sure that they are within date and securely fitted.
- Damp test: We will check the caravan for water ingress and highlight any areas that may need attention.
Although there are some items that are not covered by a basic caravan service (solar panels for example), if there are specific items that you would like to include, most workshops will be happy to add them to the service for an additional fee.
How long does a caravan service take?
A basic caravan service typically takes between 3 - 4 hours (this is the same for a single or twin axle service).
Generally, it's advisable to drop your caravan off and pick it up again once the service has been completed.
How do I prepare my caravan for a service?
When you take your caravan for its service it should be as empty as possible. The engineer will require access to storage lockers and cupboards and will need space to check under seats and beds - so it's a good idea to remove as much as you can from your caravan before you drop it off.
It goes without saying, but it's also really important that you arrive at the agreed time for your caravan service. Not only does this demonstrate 'good manners', it will also ensure that you don't cause any issues with the flow of caravans and motorhomes moving through the workshop.
How much does a caravan service cost?
Caravan services vary in cost from workshop to workshop. Our servicing costs are £220 for a single axle and £280 for a twin axle (including VAT).
*Prices valid September 2022. If you're reading this after 2022 please contact us for current prices.
Where should I take my caravan for a service?
There are some elements of a caravan service that you can complete yourself (checking tyres and lights for example). But other elements such as braking systems, gas and electrics are best left to professionals.
We would always recommend that you take your caravan to an AWS (Approved Workshop Scheme) accredited workshop, like ourselves. Administered by the NCC (National Caravan Council), all AWS workshops must pass a rigorous annual inspection and all technicians must possess formal qualifications.
If you've made the decision to have your caravan or motorhome serviced, please get in touch via our contact page to arrange an appointment. We also carry out repair work and habitation checks. Find out more about our AWS accredited workshop.
To find an NCC Approved Workshop near you please visit approvedworkshops.co.uk