It’s important to have your caravan regularly serviced to not only make sure it’s in a safe and roadworthy condition but also to maintain any manufacturer warranties.
Last month we asked caravanners how often they had their pride and joy serviced and brought you a video on the importance of an annual caravan service.
Here are the results…
With more than 450 votes, it was fantastic to see almost everyone who voted had their caravan serviced regularly (98 per cent).
A huge 88 per cent said they had their caravan serviced every year and a further 10 per cent told us they booked their caravan in for a service every two to three years.
Only one per cent of voters said they’d never had their tourer serviced.
Your comments…
As many voters did have a regular caravan service the comments reflected this and some even went on to say that they think an annual service should be compulsory.
Lindy Margach agreed that an annual caravan service should be compulsory – like a vehicle MOT: “Faulty gas connections, out of life tyres, worn brakes are all potential killers,” she said. “I prefer to make sure my ‘van is in tip-top condition before I risk my life towing it!”
Keith Stacey said both electrical and gas connections could become faulty through the winter so thought all caravans and motorhomes should be serviced each year.
Many readers commented that they had their caravans serviced each year for peace of mind, safety and to support warranties and because they didn’t have the specialist skills to carry out technical inspections and repairs.
Ian Carey shared this view also urged caravanners to check lights and tyres before each trip.
“Well worth checking at least once a year, are the normally out of sight connections for the running lights,” he said. “I noticed last year that the insulation covering the connection for one of the sidelights was starting to ‘peal’ off. A quick clean to ensure everything was dry, some insulating tape and job done. The old adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ comes to mind.”
Although most caravanners did have a regular service, some did think it was a “rip-off”.
Glen Markley said: “In my opinion, the only thing that should be required annually is a gas and damp test to maintain warranty/safety and a full service no more than once every three years, or if you are a more high mileage person, sooner, but at your discretion.”
Thanks to everyone who voted, happy caravanning and safe travels.
Would not start the season without a service. Peace of mind, knowing that gas, electrics tyres etc are up to scratch and completely safe must be no brainer. Cannot see how anyone could disagree! An annual check ought to be compulsory, just like the DoT test for powered vehicles.