The Pay-Off of Regular Caravan & Motorhome Servicing

Owning a caravan or motorhome offers unparalleled freedom and adventure, but like any valuable asset, it requires diligent care to maintain its performance, safety, and longevity. The burning question for many owners is: does regular servicing truly pay off? The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Investing in consistent maintenance for your leisure vehicle is a strategic decision that promises greater reliability on the road, enhanced safety for you and your loved ones, and a significantly improved resale value when the time comes to upgrade.

This comprehensive guide delves into the crucial aspects of servicing and maintaining your touring unit. While much of the information is tailored for caravan owners, the principles and practices discussed are equally applicable and invaluable for those who own folding campers and motorhomes.

Why Regular Servicing Is Your Best Investment

Beyond the simple act of keeping your vehicle running, regular servicing is fundamentally about safeguarding your investment and ensuring your safety. By law, every vehicle or trailer must be in a condition that poses no danger to anyone. While you can easily check some items yourself, such as tyres and lights, critical systems like braking, electrical, and gas components within the habitation area are best entrusted to qualified experts. Attempting complex repairs without the necessary expertise can jeopardise your safety and that of others.

The maintenance of your caravan or motorhome can be broadly categorised into three essential elements, all working in harmony to keep your unit in tip-top condition:

• Annual Servicing
• Regular Maintenance (Owner Checks)
• Winter Preparation and Maintenance

Annual Servicing: The Expert Touch for Peace of Mind

The cornerstone of caravan and motorhome upkeep is the annual service. It is highly recommended that this crucial task is carried out by properly qualified experts, ideally a member of the Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS) or your supplying dealer. The AWS was established as a joint initiative by The Camping and Caravanning Club, the Caravan and Motorhome Club, and the National Caravan Council (NCC). Its primary aim is to ensure consistent standards and good practice across the caravan repair industry. Administered by the NCC, the scheme has been a resounding success, boasting over 400 caravan, motor caravan, and mobile workshops in its membership.

It's important to note that the majority of AWS centres handling motorhomes focus on servicing and repairs to the habitation area only, not the base vehicle (engine, chassis, etc.). Some workshops have arrangements with base vehicle garages to inspect elements such as running gear, drivetrain, and road lights on the same day, while others may require you to arrange this separately. Always confirm with your chosen workshop how they manage these aspects.

All AWS members adhere to the same nationally-agreed service schedule, provide clear menu pricing, and operate under a strict code of practice. They also offer a dispute conciliation service, providing an extra layer of consumer protection. You can typically expect a minimum six-month guarantee on all repair work, and every AWS member undergoes independent annual assessments for their customer service levels. An AWS annual service involves over 40 separate checks, a detailed list of which can be found on the AWS website (www.approvedworkshops.co.uk) or by asking any scheme member.

These professional workshops possess a range of specialist equipment that most owners simply won't have access to, including ramps, specialised tools, and sophisticated gas and electrical testing apparatus. While an annual service is recommended – or more frequently for intensive use – it should be complemented by your own regular basic user maintenance throughout the year. Many manufacturers' warranty schemes stipulate at least an annual service, and most will accept a service conducted by an AWS member for warranty purposes, but always verify this with your unit's specific manufacturer.

Remember, not all components within your caravan or motorhome will be covered by the annual service by default. Appliances such as the refrigerator, for instance, may require periodic servicing beyond a simple functional check. While refrigerators, cookers, and space heaters are normally only checked for correct operation during an annual service, their manufacturers may require specific annual servicing for warranty validity. Always consult the applicable component maker's instructions or warranty details for servicing frequency and advise your workshop if you require an appliance to be serviced rather than just functionally checked.

Upon completion of the service, an Approved Workshop will provide you with a comprehensive service checklist, detailing all points checked and offering crucial advice, particularly on tyre condition and pressures. Tyres deteriorate with age, regardless of tread depth. Your workshop will recommend replacement if they are more than seven years old, based on the date marked on the tyre sidewall. AWS members will only carry out extra work or replace parts if they are safety-related or with your explicit permission. It's always a good idea to agree with your workshop how to handle any additional identified work. Some workshops have a policy of undertaking minor additional work up to a certain value (e.g., £30) without prior referral, which streamlines the process for small items like bulb replacements. For works likely to exceed £150, Approved Workshops will provide a detailed written estimate. It's advisable to agree on these thresholds with the workshop beforehand.

A vital and integral part of any annual service, especially when performed by an Approved Workshop, is the damp check. You will receive a separate damp report detailing moisture content readings, derived from multiple checks as mandated by the scheme. It’s important to understand that moisture readings will always be above zero. As indicated in the guidance notes on the report, anything up to 15 per cent is generally considered normal. Should readings exceed 15 per cent, your workshop will provide appropriate advice and suggest necessary actions.

Subject to meeting your manufacturer's warranty requirements, consider scheduling your service during the winter months when workshops are typically less busy. Try to avoid the early spring rush, when everyone is preparing their unit for the new season, unless you are prepared to book your service many months in advance. For the growing number of all-year caravanners, inform your workshop if you intend to continue using the caravan, otherwise they might automatically drain down the water system during the winter period.

Your workshop may also suggest an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for your mains electrical system, at an additional cost. This check, which is part of the UK Wiring Regulations and recommended by caravan and motorhome manufacturers, must only be undertaken by a qualified person. Such checks should be performed at least every three years. While some campsites may request evidence of this electrical check, Club Sites generally do not, as their responsibility for electrical safety concludes at their bollard, with the user accountable for their own unit's electrical integrity. Given that caravans and motorhomes are mobile, they experience vibrations in transit that can loosen connections and cause wiring to move, potentially chafing against structures. They are also exposed to a vast range of temperatures and humidity, making the EICR essential for verifying the soundness of all wiring and connections, and ensuring safety devices operate as intended.

Routine Maintenance: Your Role in Upkeep

Beyond the annual service, ongoing routine maintenance is crucial. Throughout the year, there are various tasks you can undertake to keep your vehicle in excellent condition. The extent of what you can attempt will depend on your level of expertise and available tools. However, most owners can, and should, regularly perform the following checks, even if remedial work requires professional intervention.

Essential Owner Checks:

• Road lights and electrical connections between your tow car and caravan.
• Tyre pressures: Check before every trip and perform regular visual inspections, including the spare. Counter-intuitively, less-used tyres age faster; the Club strongly advises changing tyres no later than seven years from their manufacturing date.
• Wheel rims: Inspect for kerbing damage and corrosion, which can lead to deflation.
• Wheel nut tightness: Check 50 miles after servicing or wheel removal, and before every trip. A good torque wrench is essential for this.
• Greasing of the coupling head, if your hitch does not incorporate a stabiliser.
• Condition of the breakaway cable and clip.
• Battery charge state: Use an inexpensive multi-meter and recharge with a leisure battery charger if necessary.
• Visual condition of flexible gas hoses and regulator connections.
• Flame colour from cooker and gas appliances: The flame should be blue. If yellow flames appear, consult a workshop.
• 12N, 12S (7-pin) or 13-pin connection cables, plugs and sockets: Look for signs of wear or looseness. Clean contacts as needed.
• RCD cut-out test switch: Verify it works every time you connect to a hook-up point.
• All water hoses: Check for leaks and tightness of connections.
• Ventilation and gas drop-out vents: Ensure they are not obscured by items stored in lockers.
• Stabiliser friction pads wear indicator: On the hitch if a stabiliser hitch head is fitted. Replace according to maker's instructions if necessary.

If any item stops working during the year, address it as soon as possible. At the very least, check that further problems, such as a water leak, are not being caused. For electrical items, check and replace the appropriate fuse; if it blows again immediately, have the electrical system professionally checked. If you detect a gas leak (you should smell it), evacuate the caravan immediately, switch off the valve at the gas cylinder, keep clear, and seek professional help.

When to Call the Experts (Expert Jobs):

It is strongly recommended that you do not attempt work on the following items unless you possess the appropriate qualifications. Always use a qualified technician for these critical areas:

• Any gas equipment or connections to gas appliances.
• Mains electrical supply systems.
• Any work on the chassis or brakes, other than minor adjustments not involving dismantling.
• Damp checking: This requires high-quality equipment and expert analysis; simple DIY meters can be misleading.
• Warranty work: Attempting this yourself may invalidate any claim.
• Repairs to the exterior bodywork.
• Floor delamination (spongy floor).
• Fitting items directly to the chassis, such as a motor mover or trailer control system.
• Removal and refitting of brake drums: This typically involves a 'one-shot' nut that cannot be reused and requires a torque wrench with a high working range for correct fitting.

If you do undertake more complex DIY jobs, only attempt tasks that are within your ability and for which you have suitable instructions. Never work under a caravan or motorhome supported solely by a jack; always use proper axle stands. Endeavour to have someone else nearby at all times if you are working under the vehicle. Also, bear in mind that for most modern caravans, drilling into the chassis is not permitted.

Winter Preparation & Maintenance

Careful preparation of your caravan or motorhome before winter is paramount. During colder months, preventing the water supply system from freezing in sub-zero temperatures is crucial. Water expands when it freezes, which can cause serious and costly damage. Therefore, before storing your unit or leaving it unheated between trips, ensure it is fully and correctly drained down.

When leaving your unit for extended periods, disengage the handbrake to prevent the drums from rusting and seizing to the linings. Consider removing the leisure battery and storing it at home, recharging it regularly with a dedicated leisure battery charger (unless an alarm system requires it to remain connected). If left in the unit, ensure the battery is isolated from all 12V equipment using the unit's isolation switch or by disconnecting it. Remember, batteries discharge over time even when not in use, and once left in a discharged state, their storage capacity can never be fully restored. A battery should not be left for much more than six weeks without charging, less if it needs to remain connected for a security system.

It is prudent to visit your caravan periodically during storage to check its condition. Open all windows to allow air circulation and inspect for mould growth, which will only worsen if left unattended. For example, ensure you have thoroughly emptied the fridge, allowed it to reach ambient temperature, and dried it completely before leaving the door slightly ajar.

If you have space at home, take the cushions with you to prevent them from becoming damp and cold. If you opt to leave bedding in the van over winter, consider packing it in vacuum bags to save space. For more detailed guidance, refer to specialist guides on winterising a caravan or motorhome.

For those planning to tour during the winter months or in colder climates overseas, consulting expert guides on winter touring in caravans and motorhomes can provide invaluable advice and tips.

Gearing Up for the New Season: Pre-Trip Checks

Assuming your caravan or motorhome has undergone its annual service during the winter period, you will still need to perform a few extra checks before embarking on the new season's adventures:

• Open all windows to air out the van. Switch on the gas supply and verify there is no smell of gas.
• Turn on the main 12V switch and check the battery voltage on the meter. A fully-charged battery should read 12.7V; if it shows less than 12V, it's best to charge it with a battery charger. For a caravan leisure battery, do not rely solely on charging from the car when towing.
• Close drain-down valves and taps, then refill and sterilise the water system according to your handbook's instructions. Replace the water filter after sterilising the system.
• Check thoroughly for any water leaks.
• Ensure all 12V internal systems are working correctly.
• Connect to the car via the 12N or 13-pin plug and confirm all road lights are operating correctly.
• Check road light lenses for water ingress, which can cause a short circuit in the lamp.
• Test the smoke and CO alarms to ensure they are functional.
• Check handbrake operation by applying and releasing it.
• Check and adjust the tyres to the correct pressure and inspect for cracks or other deterioration.
• Use a torque wrench to ensure wheel nuts are tightened to the manufacturer's recommended settings.
• Remove fridge vent covers if the ambient temperature is above 10°C.
• Check all vents for leaves and debris.
• Close all windows before setting off.

Additionally, before connecting to a 230V electricity supply, meticulously examine the cable, plugs, and sockets for any damage. Always check that the RCD test button works before switching on any device. If you've been using your van regularly throughout the winter, many of these checks may already have been done. However, it's always good practice to perform these crucial pre-season checks every time you take the unit out, even after a short period of disuse.

Choosing Your Service Engineer: Workshop vs. Mobile

Caravan servicing is undeniably essential, but navigating the options for getting the work done can seem daunting. Fortunately, the Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS) was created in collaboration with the National Caravan Council (NCC), The Caravan & Motorhome Club, and The Camping and Caravanning Club to simplify this choice. To join the scheme, a fixed or mobile workshop must pass a rigorous annual inspection by an independent inspector. Technicians must hold formal qualifications and adhere strictly to the industry’s Code of Practice, providing you with peace of mind that work is carried out to a high standard. You can find out more and search for your nearest approved firm via the AWS website.

The next decision is whether you prefer the engineer to come to you (a mobile service engineer) or if you want to take your caravan to a fixed workshop. Here’s a comparative overview to help you decide:

What a Basic Caravan Service Includes

A basic caravan service is comprehensive, typically covering around 60 individual jobs and taking approximately four hours to complete. While this is not an exhaustive list, the following key areas are generally covered:

• Chassis and Running Gear: This includes a thorough inspection of the coupling head area, lubrication of corner steadies, detailed tyre checks (including the spare wheel), brake adjustment, examination of the underside of the caravan, and the jockey wheel. Ensuring these components are in top condition is vital for road safety.
• Electrical Systems: All internal and external lights are assessed for faults. Sockets are tested using a loop check to verify correct wiring. Checks also cover fridge operation, the consumer unit, TV socket, electric hob, microwave oven, the battery, and any other electrical appliances. A Residual Current Device (RCD) check verifies that the RCD trips within a set time, and Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) and fuses are checked for correct rating.
• Gas Systems: A manometer is used to check for leaks in the gas supply system. All gas appliances, such as the oven, fridge, heating system, and water heater, are turned on to ensure they are working properly. All ventilation vents are checked for obstructions. Appliances are then turned off at the gas isolator taps, and the Flame Failure Device (FFD) is checked to ensure it cuts in correctly. A Carbon Monoxide (CO) Room Test involves running all gas appliances with doors and windows closed for a minimum of 15 minutes while a Flue Gas Analyser monitors air quality.
• Water Systems: All taps are individually checked for leaks, and the waste water outlet is observed for blockages. The toilet is inspected to ensure the valve seal is well lubricated and the battery-operated flush is working.
• Bodywork: All doors, windows, and blinds are assessed for smooth operation. General observations are made of the entire bodywork, including a visual inspection of the roof. A critical damp check is carried out around the inside of the caravan. Readings between 0-15% are normal. Readings between 15-20% require further investigation and a re-check within three months. Readings over 20% indicate immediate attention is needed due to water ingress. The service technician should provide a detailed Damp Report.
• Ventilation: Roof lights are opened and closed to ensure proper operation, and all fixed vents are checked for obstructions to maintain crucial airflow.
• Fire & Safety: The smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector are tested, and their 'replace by' dates are checked. If you carry a fire extinguisher, its expiry date is verified, and if you have a fire blanket, its housing unit is checked for security.

What's Not Included (Additional Costs)

It is important to understand what a basic service typically does not include, as these items would require an additional payment:

• In-depth servicing of individual appliances, such as a full fridge service.
• Inspection or service of a motor mover.
• Solar panel system checks beyond basic electrical continuity.
• Air conditioning system service.

With the increasing sophistication of modern caravans and motorhomes and their integrated appliances, regular servicing is more crucial than ever to ensure everything is in good working order. This not only guarantees your touring unit is safe for road use but also habitable and comfortable for you and your guests. Sophisticated equipment necessitates sophisticated tools and expert knowledge, which is why utilising an AWS workshop or AWS mobile technician makes perfect sense. You'll gain peace of mind knowing your caravan servicing has been carried out by a competent technician. Always remember to request a service check sheet and a damp report; these documents will be invaluable when the time comes to sell your caravan, demonstrating a history of responsible maintenance and protecting your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I service my caravan or motorhome?

It is highly recommended to service your caravan or motorhome at least once a year. If you use your unit intensively or embark on long journeys frequently, more regular checks might be beneficial. Many manufacturers' warranties also stipulate annual servicing as a condition of their guarantee.

What is the Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS)?

The AWS is a joint initiative by The Camping and Caravanning Club, the Caravan and Motorhome Club, and the National Caravan Council (NCC). It sets and maintains high standards for caravan and motorhome servicing and repairs, ensuring that member workshops are rigorously inspected annually and their technicians are formally qualified.

Why is a damp check so important?

A damp check is a critical part of the annual service. It detects early signs of water ingress, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to significant and costly damage to your unit's structure. Qualified workshops provide a detailed damp report with moisture content readings, advising on any necessary actions.

Can I do some maintenance myself?

Yes, owners are encouraged to perform routine checks and basic maintenance tasks throughout the year, such as checking tyre pressures, lights, and fluid levels. However, safety-critical systems like gas, mains electrical, chassis, and brake work should always be entrusted to qualified experts to ensure your safety and the validity of any warranties.

What should I do to prepare my caravan for winter storage?

Key winter preparation steps include fully draining down the water supply system to prevent freezing damage, leaving the handbrake off to prevent seizing, considering removing or isolating the leisure battery, airing out the van regularly to prevent mould, and emptying and thoroughly drying the fridge before leaving its door ajar. Removing cushions for storage in a dry environment is also advisable.

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