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?
3 people like this
Posted on 20/11/2018 12:49
When it comes to mechanical issues I am a self taught person with a large selection of tools.
I carry out all the servicing on my 2 cars as well as my self built Renault Master motorhome and know fully well that they are all in tip top mechanical condition as their MOT histories prove.
When we lived in France and ran our own exclusive small caravan sites, we also had a barn in which we stored as many as 9 caravans on which I used to carry out all their annual services for which I charged an absolute pittance. Following each service I used to give each caravan owner a print out sheet on which was listed every single element of what was a very thorough service.
When it comes to the servicing of a caravan, once it is out of warranty, I honestly can't even begin to understand why more people don't carry out their own servicing as it is honestly, so darned easy to do! But hey-ho, each to their own
Posted on 20/11/2018 13:15
A lot of us do our own servicing, MM, but not everyone is technically minded or physically able to do the work. What is so darned easy for you isn’t for others. I hope that’s helped your understanding.
I have every sympathy for those being seen off by dealers. 
1 person likes this
Posted on 20/11/2018 15:35 byAs a retired engineer I too am capable and have in the past serviced the vans but they were more simple and now not only do I not have the tools for Alko axles but also most insurance policies specify "approved workshop"service in their conditions .
Posted on 21/11/2018 20:56
I honestly don't know how the insurance companies get away with it!
Apart from being someone who totally built his own panel van conversion where certain good, knowledgeable and understanding insurance brokers who know what they are talking about and have a real interest in their subject, I am also a classic car owner and enthusiast.
The good knowledgeable insurance brokers who actually know what they are talking about actually expect you to carry out your own servicing, they don't look upon it as being a no go area.
No doubt it would be the same if members were to actually hunt around for an insurance broker who employed people who knew what they were talking about rather than so many of the tele-sales dumb clucks I have sadly spoken to at a certain large organisation I ought not to mention here!!
Posted on 21/11/2018 20:56 by MillieMasterI honestly don't know how the insurance companies get away with it!
Apart from being someone who totally built his own panel van conversion where certain good, knowledgeable and understanding insurance brokers who know what they are talking about and have a real interest in their subject, I am also a classic car owner and enthusiast.
The good knowledgeable insurance brokers who actually know what they are talking about actually expect you to carry out your own servicing, they don't look upon it as being a no go area.
No doubt it would be the same if members were to actually hunt around for an insurance broker who employed people who knew what they were talking about rather than so many of the tele-sales dumb clucks I have sadly spoken to at a certain large organisation I ought not to mention here!!
Posted on 20/11/2018 13:15 by TinwheelerA lot of us do our own servicing, MM, but not everyone is technically minded or physically able to do the work. What is so darned easy for you isn’t for others. I hope that’s helped your understanding.
I have every sympathy for those being seen off by dealers.
DeeTee
Caravanner