Posted on 19/11/2017 06:53
Is anyone able to explain why caravan servicing costs are so high? My local dealer is running a winter special offer of £186 + parts (normal price £284). Even at £186, that is £50 more than I have just paid for the annual service for my towcar. Do these dealers think that just because we own a caravan, we have money to burn?
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Posted on 19/11/2017 19:27 by PhishingI think costs are reasonable. I use local mobile approved chap and think the costs (£150 I think) are OK. I stayed with him a few services ago and saw what he had to do. The equipment and specialist tools, van, and parts all have to paid for. If you say a service is 4 hours for full mechanical and habitation check, and it take him 30 min each way to get to site then this is about £30/hour which is reasonable.
Automotive garages vary from £36/hour to £75/hour for franchised dealer.
I use a NCC MCEA approved mobile workshop. Most brands give you the option to use a certified mobile to maintain warranty. I dont think the costs are unreasonable for the safety and peace of mind it gives me.
Posted on 20/11/2017 10:40
Master Technician nonesense..............
Back in 2013 we were looking forward to collecting our first ever new car. It had been a bit of a palava as, despite charging app £700 for a towbar, the car, an Audi, would not be capable of running any electrics in the van-battery charging and fridge-without an additional wiring kit which contained the necessary wiring, relays and fully working 13 pin socket.
Due to the issues I had been in touch with Audi UK who had agreed to pay for the kit and the fitting. The day before I was due to collect it the salesman rang me at 2.30 in the afternoon and asked why I needed the kit fitting, I made comment that I was surprised that less than a day before collection he was asking this and his reply was "our Master Technician says you don't need it".
I wont repeat what I said but I got my kit fitted later the next week and was compensated for my inconvenience.
Would you believe that I recently contacted 5 dealers,when looking to replace my car, none of who were aware of this ongoing issue?
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Posted on 19/11/2017 06:53 by DeeTeeIs anyone able to explain why caravan servicing costs are so high? My local dealer is running a winter special offer of £186 + parts (normal price £284). Even at £186, that is £50 more than I have just paid for the annual service for my towcar. Do these dealers think that just because we own a caravan, we have money to burn?
Posted on 20/11/2017 13:54
In a word YES . They know how difficult it is to get your caravan serviced unlike a car where there are garages fighting for your work and an abundance of garages usually within easy reach of every car owner. Caravans are a specialised market some will only help you if you bought your van from them I personally take my barcelona back to where i bought it from which has just cost me 300 pounds in May this is for warranty reasons as soon as it is out i will be looking for a mobile service company which are around £185. It is defiantly a rip of but they know they have us by the short and curlies .
Posted on 20/11/2017 10:23 by obbernockleThey started calling unskilled people mechanics some years ago. Then they started the Technician and Master Technician nonesense. People working on caravan maintenance are often called Engineers. I have never met an Engineer yet who works on car or caravan maintenance.
What hourly rate would you say an experienced caravan maintenance worker was worth today? What would be a sensible hourly rate for a dealer to charge for the same person?
Posted on 20/11/2017 18:03 by brightstar2I pay 150 / 160 here in Leicestershire. They come to me with fully kitted out mobile workshop.
Posted on 23/11/2017 18:18
Who do you use brightstar? I am thinking of doing the same. I have to take mine 15miles or so in the middle of January. The service of a caravan is a long and complicated business I think. With electrical, water and gas systems to deal with. Peace of mind has be mentioned and at about £150 I find that acceptable. The one thing I have to remember before taking it for service is to put the EHU lead back in the internal socket- otherwise- goodbye inverter!
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Posted on 23/11/2017 18:18 by MerveWho do you use brightstar? I am thinking of doing the same. I have to take mine 15miles or so in the middle of January. The service of a caravan is a long and complicated business I think. With electrical, water and gas systems to deal with. Peace of mind has be mentioned and at about £150 I find that acceptable. The one thing I have to remember before taking it for service is to put the EHU lead back in the internal socket- otherwise- goodbye inverter!
Posted on 23/11/2017 22:22
Hi Merve,
Just picked up your message. I use a couple - CMS services based at Leire - but he is a mobile workshop and can come to you. Name is Richard on 07790 960580 ( mention Ken -Aston Firs storage )
Got someone else who is a " mobile " who stores his own van on this site - haven' t got his number to hand but will get it for you .
Ken
Posted on 24/11/2017 13:31
I'm in South Nottinghamshire and use East Midlands Caravan Services, who charge £150 for Single Axle Service not too sure on Twin.
Comes to my home and takes around 4 hours, which saves me taking my van to Lowdhams at Gunthorpe, leaving it there then towing back and not having to book the service, 6 months in advance.
DeeTee
Caravanner