Regular caravan servicing is important
Just as having your car serviced regularly keeps it performing at its best and prevents any small issues from turning into big ones.
Regular servicing of caravans, campervans and motorhomes is vital to your ongoing, trouble-free enjoyment of your recreational vehicle.
Keep in mind that you’re towing a heavy load that needs to run smoothly so without regular and appropriate servicing you’re not only risking costly maintenance or repairs on your caravan and car, but also taking a massive risk with your and other road users’ safety.
Besides the safety issue, there’s a danger that your warranty could be voided if you don’t keep up a regular servicing program.
If you have purchased a new caravan, you need to have it serviced after it has travelled 1,000 kilometres. After that, you should arrange a caravan service annually or after travelling 10,000 kilometres. If you are planning on taking your van on a long trip, it is a good idea to have the van serviced before leaving. There’s nothing worse than spending your holiday seeking a caravan service centre on the road and waiting for parts to be shipped long distances. Preventative maintenance beforehand is a great way to ensure that your vacation is the relaxing and enjoyable time that you are planning on.
Caravan Service Centre
At Ace Caravan Repairs, we have a dedicated caravan service centre within our workshop specifically devoted to caravan servicing, providing the optimal conditions to service your caravan to the highest possible standards.
As a matter of course, your caravan should be serviced before any long trip and at regular intervals. Every 10,000 kilometres is a good measure to schedule your caravan servicing.
If you’ve purchased a second-hand caravan, it’s best to book it in for a service before using it.
Key Caravan Service Components
It is essential that the following items be checked on at least a yearly basis
Electric brake assembly is usually connected via a pair of wires connecting to the trailer plug. It is vital that these connections are checked to be sound. Brake linings and brake magnets need to be inspected and changed as warranted.
The jockey wheel bearing acts to transfer the caravan’s weight as you wind it. When this is stripped back during servicing, it’s often found that the plastic case containing the bearings has split in which case it must be replaced to prevent the risk of one of the bearings getting lodged in the jockey shaft causing it to jam.
Wheel bearings carry a far greater load than a car or truck as they tend to carry a larger load and are often left sitting idle bearing that load. It is therefore critical that they be given a thorough inspection and checked for any defects. In the event that defects are identified, it will be recommended that they be replaced to ensure the van’s safety.
A full list of all items inspected and serviced by our team during the servicing process is listed at the foot of the page.
Motorhome Servicing
All motorhomes need regular servicing. We can help you with regular tune-ups or major motorhome repairs and we know that you will find our expert service to be reliable and responsive to your specific requirements.
We take great pride in ensuring that your motorhome leaves our service centre in excellent condition and will take the time to understand what your specific requirements are to ensure that your holiday is enjoyable and trouble-free.
Our highly trained motorhome service technicians are committed to providing optimum service, so you can be confident that your motorhome will be reliable and efficient on your vacation.
Ace Caravans has established a sound reputation for reliability and outstanding service when it comes to servicing motorhomes as well as caravans.
Ace Caravan Repairs’ extensive check and service includes a full inspection and test of the following items:
- Exterior Bodywork and Interior
- Damp test
- Exterior sealant
- Window stays and catches
- Door locks and hinges
- Check for floor delamination
- Exterior lockers, locks and hinges
- Roof lights and their operation
- Grab handles for security
- Cupboard stays, catches and hinges
- Interior doors, bedLockers and hinges
- Blinds and flyscreens
- Water System
- Water pump operation
- Operation of all taps and showerhead
- Toilet blade and flush operation
- Pressure switch set-up and operation
- System drain plugs
- Gas Supply and Appliances
- Leak test
- Fridge operation
- Cooking appliances
- Electrical System
- Operation of RCD and MCB’s
- Test 13amp sockets
- Test 12V sockets
- Space heater and water heater operation and check
- Check wiring circuits and fuses
- Operation of interior lights
- 240V operation of fridge
- 240V operation of space heater and water heater
- Check gas hose and replace if necessary
- Check blown air heating system
- Check road lights, reflectors and awning light
- Check 12N & 12S plugs
- Chassis and Running Gear
- Check and lubricate jockey wheel
- Check breakaway cable
- Check handbrake operation
- Lubricate overrun piston
- Check coupling head
- Check tyres and tyre pressures
- Check operation and grease corner steadies
- Remove brake hubs, clean, reassemble and adjust
- Re-torque wheel nuts/studs
- Part services / habitation checks will involve the relevant sections above
