Why is a caravan service important?

Getting out and about with your caravan and exploring new locations is something we all look forward to, however ensuring your pride and joy remains reliable is top priority which is why regular servicing is essential.

Although a caravan service isn’t a legal requirement, and some members may even question whether the cost is worthwhile, we recommend a comprehensive service once a year by a trained professional. This service will make sure that all essential parts of your caravan are in good working order and working exactly as they should be. From the electric, gas and water systems to the bodywork and ventilation, every single important part of your caravan is checked during a service, which means you can address any potential issues.

What are the benefits of having a service?

The primary benefit is peace of mind. It provides reassurance that your caravan is in a good condition and is safe to take out on the road and to use on site. This helps ensure the safety of your family and loved ones, as well as other road users.

Getting your caravan serviced regularly means that you have the opportunity to have any small issues identified quickly, before they become a bigger, and potentially more costly, problem.

Caravan warranties and caravan cover policies often require regular annual servicing to remain valid.

Caravans that have regular maintenance tend to have a longer lifespan as well as improving the resale value of your caravan, as buyers are more inclined to invest in a vehicle with a documented history of proper care. It can also assist at claim validation stage i.e. a well serviced caravan shows to your caravan cover provider that if there were any issues then they would have been identified and rectified.

Owning a caravan opens up a world of adventure, allowing you to explore new places and create lasting memories on the open road. However, to ensure that your caravan remains a reliable companion on your journeys, regular servicing is paramount. Caravan servicing involves a thorough inspection and maintenance routine that addresses potential issues, enhances safety, and prolongs the lifespan of your mobile home away from home.

Where can members go for a service?

You can get your caravan serviced at most service centres or by a mobile caravan technician. Although to reassure yourself that you are having it serviced at a credible workshop, we recommend taking it to a member of the Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS), so you can be confident you are using knowledgeable and well-trained experts.

Although the costs do vary throughout the UK, the average price for a caravan service is between £150- £300, and usually takes between 3-4 hours to complete.

Every AWS complies with an industry wide Code of Practice, which means that all workshops will:

  • Display a detailed list of prices and labour costs
  • Give a realistic estimated time for completion and collection
  • Make sure work is done using skill, care and professional judgement
  • Not start work without your express authority
  • Notify you in writing of unrectified faults
  • Normally guarantee all repairs for six months
  • Provide an estimate for additional servicing and repairs over £150
  • Use genuine spare parts where available
  • Always provide you with a checklist of work done
  • Contact you for authority to proceed if additional work is needed
  • Provide you with an honest assessment of the urgency of further repairs
  • Take all reasonable steps to protect any unexpired warranties

Professional caravan servicing is not just a routine task, it’s a commitment to the longevity and reliability of your pride and joy! Don’t wait for issues to arise, schedule in your caravan servicing regularly and then head out on your next adventure, happy in the knowledge that your caravan is well-maintained.

 

First published March 2024