If you love hitting the open road with your motorhome or caravan, regular servicing is about far more than ticking off a box on your to-do list. Maintenance is what keeps your pride and joy adventure-ready, protects its value, and ensures every trip is worry-free. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or just planning your first caravan holiday, knowing what needs doing (and when) can save you hassle, money, and disappointment later on.
Let’s take a practical look at how often you should book a service, what those services include, costs to expect, and some simple checks you can do yourself between appointments.
Why Servicing Matters: Safety, Value, and Peace of Mind
Motorhomes and caravans aren’t just regular vehicles. They’re rolling homes packed with plumbing, electrics, gas, and lots of moving parts, so it’s important to keep everything in good shape. Regular servicing ensures:
- Mechanical safety, including brakes and steering
- Gas, water, and electrical systems are safe and efficient
- Damp and wear issues are spotted early
- Value is protected for future resale
- Holidays start as planned without unexpected breakdowns
Neglecting maintenance can lead to expensive repairs and safety risks, which is the last thing anyone wants on a family getaway or a cross-country adventure.
How Often Should You Service Your Motorhome or Caravan?
As a rule of thumb, both motorhomes and caravans should be serviced once a year. Annual servicing is recommended by most manufacturers and insurance providers, regardless of how much you use your vehicle.
Motorhomes: Even if your vehicle spends more time parked than on the road, an annual service is essential. Some owners opt for a base vehicle service (engine, brakes, etc.) plus a habitation service (living area).
Both should be carried out every 12 months.
Caravans: A full service once a year is also best for static, touring, and seasonal caravans. This keeps mechanical, gas, and water systems safe and in good working order.
If you’re a high-mileage traveller or use your caravan or motorhome all year round, you might benefit from interim checks every six months, especially before long trips.
What’s Included in a Typical Service?
A motorhome or caravan service is thorough. Here’s what you can expect from a reputable provider:
For Motorhomes
Chassis and engine check: Oil, filters, suspension, tyres, and brakes
Electrical system: Lights, battery, fuses, and wiring
Gas safety test: Pipes, appliances, leak checks
Water system: Pipes, tanks, pump, and taps
Damp check: Identifying any early signs of leaks or water ingress General inspection: Windows, doors, seals, bodywork
Many workshops offer combined packages for your motorhome and habitation area. If you’re considering a motorhome for sale, proof of regular servicing is a big plus.
For Caravans
Brakes and hitch: Essential for towing safety
Running gear and underbody: Controls, axles, chassis
Gas and electrics: Safety and appliance checks
Interior and exterior: Seals, security, water ingress Tyres and wheels: Condition and pressure
A full caravan maintenance checklist makes sure nothing gets missed.
How Much Does Servicing Cost?
Service costs vary depending on the vehicle, what needs doing, and where you book. Here’s a general UK guide:
Motorhome service: Expect to pay from £200 to £400 for a professional annual service, plus extra for repairs or replacements if needed. A full engine and habitation service combined tends to cost towards the higher end of that range.
Caravan service: Budget between £180 to £300 for a standard single-axle caravan. Twin-axle, older, or luxury models may cost a little more, especially if additional work is required.
Remember, regular servicing can actually save you money by catching issues early before they turn into costly repairs.
Easy DIY Checks Between Services
You don’t have to be a mechanic to keep your caravan or motorhome in good condition between professional services. Here are our top tips for hassle-free DIY checks:
- Examine tyres for damage and maintain correct pressure
- Check all lights, indicators, and exterior seals
- Run all gas appliances and check for strange smells or uneven flames
- Inspect window seals for signs of damp or leaks
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Empty water tanks regularly and run the taps to keep pipes fresh
- Keep the battery charged and check fluid levels
If something seems off, don’t wait. Catching small problems early can prevent bigger ones later on.
Why Keeping Up with Maintenance Matters
Servicing your motorhome or caravan isn’t just a box to tick for safety or insurance. It’s an investment in the enjoyment and reliability of your holiday home. Well-maintained caravans hold their value better and are ready to roll when adventure calls.
If you need professional support, Lincolnshire Motorhomes and Caravans is here to help. Our specialist motorhome servicing ensures your next trip goes smoothly, whether you’re a regular traveller or just starting out.
Regular maintenance keeps you safe, saves you money, and gives you more time to focus on what matters: making great holiday memories.
Happy travels!