How often do you have your van serviced. We had our van serviced when we bought it used, private sale in March this year prior to the new season. We then had 5 trips in the van. A total of 35 days and around 1200 miles of towing. Is it necessary to have the van serviced each year with such light use or would we get away with a biannual service?
I presume that the van isn't new enough to come under warranty or you wouldn't be asking the question. I have an old van (1988) and I have just had a chassis service done, as due to the age it wasn't worth having a full service. I can do most stuff myself. I bought the van in November 2013, not knowing when it was last serviced. At the service two weeks ago the engineer told me that everything was fine apart from the hitch damper which was getting a bit weak, but didn't need replacing yet.
What I am trying to say is that I have had two years' use from the van, which may not have been serviced for years, and at the recent service all was fine. I doubt I will have it serviced again for two years at least. I just hope it lasts that long!
If you are out of warranty then every 2yrs is sufficient imho. As far as running gear is concerned, brakes/hubs/coupling it should go 5k miles between services is how I see it so even with an annual trip down to southern France, 2yrs for running gear does me. I get that done at my local caravan workshop for about £80.
The interior 'habitation' service if you like you can do yourself on an ongoing basis, ie check everything is working ok & repair as required. Same a checking for damp, if you find anything dodgy then fix it.
Good point iank01, but unless the insurance company stipulates a mileage or time, I would have thought it would have little relevance. If they ask is the caravan regularly serviced, just answer "yes". They may then ask how often it is done (but I doubt it) and it is then up to them to decide if it is "regular" enough for them to insure it. I am with Clubcare through the CCC, and I don't remember them stipulating anything about servicing.
Stuart, there is much merit in what you say. The important thing is in your last sentence, where you say that you are reassured. That is what matters.
We each have our own different patterns of use, and we each have our own different skills, so my principle is "go with whatever suits you best" as long as it meets the legal requirements, and you are happy.
Thanks for the replies. I think I am going to go with a full service every 2 years given the low mileage and the number of trips we make. I'm fairly handy myself so wouldn't let minor repairs go unattended and always carry a reasonable toolkit and spares in the van anyway.
Sorry all I believe you are all wrong its important to have an annual service for reasons of lack of use can cause moving parts to seize, tyres if left in one spot will deteriorate and will also do the same if left in the sun. Rubber gas hoses begin to perish after they have had gas run through them and the cracks are not always easy to see.Insects, spiders etc get into flues and cause blockages therefore if you use a gas fire with a blocked flue you risk carbon monoxide poisoning resulting in death. This sort of information is on sites like these and just about every magazine going, yet people still think its ok and it wont happen to them.So your car may have a service of 15000 miles or one year if you only do 10000 miles in a year you still have it serviced (or atleast you should do). Now that you are aware of this if you choose to ignore this advice please let the rest of us know your number plate so we can make sure that we are not on the road behind you. Sorry if this comes across as a big rant but seriously safety and precautions save lifes
------------- its our imperfections that makes us perfect
the van i bought a few months back ,well it had been stood for months ,when i was towing it home ,the Brakes were squeeling like mad ,but i am lucky ,my brother is a caravaner ,and a Mechanic for over 30 years he,s gonna sorth it all out in the new year for me,
------------- when you reach the crossroads ,get the sat nav out
Hereward and anyone else whos in doubt google calor.co.uk pay particular attention to pages 3 and 4 referring to appliance servicing and harmful gasses
Regards
------------- its our imperfections that makes us perfect
richardandjo2010. That advice relates to PORTABLE gas heaters where the heater vents into the living space.
Heaters in caravans are not portable. They are permanently installed and all elements of the heater including the flue are sealed and isolated from the living space.
Whilst it is always a good idea to have gas appliances checked for efficient operation, I fear your post might worry inexperienced caravanners unnecessarily.
I would not want to worry any camper either experienced or not so I have not checked online and read the Carver heater 3600 user instructions
So to clarify this heater is room sealed however the instructions state it should not be used if the flue is damaged or blocked in any way as this could be very harmful in my original post I refered to this topic as being blocked I hope this clarifies everything for you
------------- its our imperfections that makes us perfect
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Topic: Caravan servicing
