What’s involved in a regular caravan service?

ace-admin | October 17, 2020

You service your car regularly. It’s just as important to do the same for your caravan – maybe even more so.

No matter how much or how little you use your ‘van, you’re taking a huge and unnecessary risk if you don’t get it serviced every 10,000kms, or annually, and particularly before taking it out on the road after it’s been idle for a while.

What’s the risk?

As we outline in How often should I service my caravan or motorhome?, there are three major risks involved in taking a poorly maintained caravan out on the road:

1/ You’ll end up needing major and expensive repairs;

2/ Your holiday will be ruined;

3/ You’ll be involved in an accident (and, god forbid, it could be deadly).

We don’t think any of those is a risk worth taking – let alone all three!

What’s involved in a regular service?

The Ace Caravan Repairs team follows a comprehensive caravan servicing checklist to make sure your caravan is safe and ready to be taken on the road.

We’ll inspect your vehicle’s bearings, brakes, suspension, couplings, tyres, wheels, springs and bushes, lights, jockey wheel and jacks, chassis, and outrigger for any signs of damage or wear and tear.

We’ll make sure your vehicle is not only in good condition but, wherever necessary, replace anything that is worn or damaged with a genuine quality replacement part.

How much does it cost to service a caravan?

The cost of a regular maintenance service starts from $220 for a single-axle caravan and from $330 for a double-axle vehicle.

This involves a thorough check of bearings, brakes, gas and electrical, as well as careful inspection of the coupling, chassis, windows, and doors, and looking for any signs of damp.

Our experienced team of specialist caravan mechanics are committed to keeping your vehicle well maintained so you can enjoy it to the fullest.

Check out our FAQs for more answers to your questions and get in contact when you’re ready to book in.

Expert impact and fibreglass repairs for caravans and RVs

ace-admin | July 8, 2025

When adventure calls and the open road beckons, your caravan or RV becomes more than just a vehicle—it’s your home away from home. But what happens when unexpected impacts or wear and tear damage your beloved travelling companion? That’s where our specialised repair expertise makes all the difference.

Why complex repairs require specialist skills

Caravans and RVs face unique challenges that standard automotive repairs simply can’t address. From hail damage and collision impacts to stress fractures from constant road vibration, these vehicles require specialised knowledge of their construction materials and design principles. Our team understands the intricate balance between structural integrity, weight distribution, and weatherproofing that makes these repairs so complex.

Fibreglass expertise that delivers

Fibreglass forms the backbone of most modern caravans and RVs, providing the perfect combination of strength, lightness, and durability. However, repairing fibreglass requires precision and experience. Our technicians are masters of:

Structural assessment to determine the full extent of damage beyond what’s visible
Colour matching to ensure seamless repairs that blend perfectly with your vehicle’s original finish
Layering techniques that restore full structural strength while maintaining flexibility
Gel coat application for a factory-finish appearance that will last for years

Beyond the surface: Impact damage solutions

Impact damage often extends far beyond the initial point of contact. What looks like a simple dent or crack might indicate underlying frame damage, compromised insulation, or water ingress points that could lead to costly problems down the track. Our comprehensive approach includes:

Thorough structural inspections using specialised equipment
Frame straightening and reinforcement where necessary
Complete weatherproofing restoration
Interior damage assessment and repair

Getting you back on the road

We understand that your caravan or RV represents freedom, adventure, and precious family time. That’s why we’re committed to delivering repairs that don’t just look good—they’re built to last. Our work comes with comprehensive warranties because we stand behind every repair we complete.

Whether you’re dealing with storm damage, collision impacts, or simply want to restore your vehicle to its former glory, our specialist team has the skills, experience, and equipment to get you back on the road safely and confidently.

Ready to restore your adventure companion? Contact us today for a comprehensive assessment and quote. Your next journey is waiting.

Why your caravan needs a professional check-up after it’s been idle

ace-admin | July 8, 2025

Whether you wait for the weather to warm up or it’s just time to get away, don’t simply hitch up and head out without getting your caravan or motorhome checked.

After a period of being left idle, even securely stored, a professional inspection could save you from roadside disasters and costly repairs.

Time takes its toll

Even when your caravan or RV sits safely in storage, time doesn’t stand still. Months of inactivity can create problems that aren’t immediately obvious to the untrained eye. What seems like a well-preserved vehicle might be harbouring issues that could turn your dream getaway into a nightmare.

Hidden problems can develop during storage

Seal deterioration: Rubber seals around windows, doors, and roof vents gradually perish, even in storage. Small cracks can allow water ingress, leading to internal damage that’s expensive to repair and potentially dangerous to your health.

Structural stress: Temperature fluctuations cause materials to expand and contract repeatedly. This cycle can loosen fittings, create micro-fractures in fibreglass, and weaken joints throughout the structure.

Moisture issues: Condensation buildup in enclosed spaces can lead to mould growth, electrical corrosion, and wood rot. These problems often start small but accelerate quickly once you’re back on the road.

Mechanical degradation: Bearings, brakes, and suspension components can deteriorate from lack of use. Tyres develop flat spots, and safety systems may fail when you need them most.

The professional advantage

A qualified technician brings years of experience and specialised knowledge to spot problems you might miss. Our comprehensive post-storage inspections include:

Structural integrity assessment to identify stress points and potential failure areas
Complete seal inspection using specialised tools to detect even minor deterioration
Moisture detection throughout the vehicle to catch problems before they become major issues
Electrical system testing to ensure all safety and convenience systems function correctly
Mechanical component evaluation covering everything from bearings to brakes

Peace of mind on the road

The real benefit of a professional inspection isn’t just about avoiding problems—it’s about confidence. When you know your caravan has been thoroughly checked by experts, you can focus on what matters most: enjoying your adventures with family and friends.

Prevention pays

A professional inspection typically costs a fraction of what you’d spend on emergency repairs or dealing with water damage. More importantly, it helps ensure your family’s safety and prevents those trip-ruining breakdowns that can occur hundreds of kilometres from home.

When to schedule your inspection

The best time for a post-storage inspection is several weeks before your first planned trip. This gives you time to address any issues that are discovered without rushing or compromising your travel plans.

Don’t let hidden problems turn your next adventure into a costly ordeal. A professional inspection is the smart way to ensure your caravan or RV is ready for whatever the road throws at you.

Ready to get back on the road safely? Contact us to schedule your post-storage inspection today. Your peace of mind is worth the investment.

How do I arrange for an insurance repair?

ace-admin | February 5, 2024

We specialise in insurance repairs. We not only do them well, but we also streamline the process for both you and your insurer.

We’ve refined the process into five simple steps:

1/ Contact your insurance company so they can give you your claim number.

2/ Call Ace Caravan Repairs to tell us your claim number. We can take it from here.

3/ We’ll arrange to do a quotation for the insurance company.

4/ Once we get the authority to go ahead, we organise parts and book you in to have the repairs done at your earliest convenience.

5/ We get on with repairing your caravan so you can get back out on the road asap!

Another successful food van repair

ace-admin | July 5, 2021

Most of the vehicles we service and repair are recreational. If they’re off the road for a little while, it might be a little inconvenient, but it’s more likely that we’ve got it when you don’t need it.

That certainly doesn’t apply in the case of food vans.

A food van owner needs it to be out there working. Any downtime means no money coming in.

At the same time, any issues that make a food van less reliable or less efficient is also hitting a business’s bottom line.

Ace Caravan Repairs understands your food van

Given their unique demands, you can’t take a food van just anywhere for maintenance and repairs.

We know that your van suffers wear and tear on fixtures and fittings as well as mechanical parts.

You are also obligated to maintaining an environment that conforms to health department and food service regulations and standards.

We’re committed to helping you keep your food van business viable.

Keep your food van on the road serving your customers

We offer regular performance maintenance programs to help keep your food van and equipment clean, trouble-free, and running at optimum levels.

A regular maintenance program can reduce the risk of major issues.

But, of course, there’s no accounting for unforeseen accidents or issues.

Chris found that to be the case when, unfortunately, his food van was vandalised.

Because Ace Caravan Repairs specialises in all structural/fibreglass repair insurance work we were able to have it looking like new again and back out doing business in next to no time.

Chris was extremely happy with the fibreglass and fabrication repair work we did as an insurance repair on his food van.

Caravan renovations and restorations even better than you imagined

ace-admin | June 5, 2021

Some people like to buy brand new things, caravans and RVs included. Others, however, prefer the idea (and/or the financial equation) of getting something second hand and giving it new life.

The great thing about renovating a caravan is you can have direct input into the layout and overall design of your caravan so that it suits your vision of what a caravan should be.

Because the Ace Caravan Repairs team has been renovating and restoring old caravans for many years, we know how to bring your ideas to life (and contribute to them) as well as how to keep our work within your budget.

Check out this caravan renovation

Shirley bought a caravan and wanted to upgrade the cabinetry. Luck for Shirly she came to the right place: we love putting in schmick new cabinetry!

As you can see, our team does cabinetry and interior finishing as well as anyone, with quality workmanship that anyone would be happy with.

And Shirley was … in fact, she was over the moon with the cabinetry redesign and upgrade from the Ace Caravan Repairs experts!

Here’s the review she gave us:

“The renovations done in the van were of extremely good quality and we are more than thrilled with the end result. Thanks, team, wouldn’t hesitate to recommend your services!”

Try us for yourself

We know the thought of renovating, refurnishing, or restoring an older caravan can be intimidating or overwhelming. Where to start, how much to do, how to keep it affordable, but still getting what you really want is all a balancing act.

You can rest assured that we’ll work cooperatively with you to bring your caravan renovation project to fruition.

A little imagination, coupled with the expertise of our team, can deliver a quality caravan with all the ‘mod cons’ at a fraction of the cost of a new van.

What could you do?

We have the expertise and knowledge to renovate or modify your caravan any way you like.

Even if you’re only looking for relatively simple renovations – adding a double bed, refurbishing upholstery, replacing tired old doors and the like – we can get those things done very quickly.

If you’re thinking about doing something more substantial – changing the layout to make better use of existing space, or modernising the kitchen, for example – our team can help bring your caravan renovations ideas to life from design to production.

And we’ll always work to your budget. Making it excellent and affordable is the whole point!

Check out more of our work in the gallery on our Caravan Renovations and Restorations page.

How often should I service my caravan or motorhome?

ace-admin | October 12, 2020

There are three very good reasons to service your caravan or motorhome regularly:

1/ It will save you money, in the long run, by avoiding the need for expensive repairs;

2/ It could save your next holiday from being ruined by a breakdown or something not working properly for the whole trip;

3/ It could save your life and the lives of other road users!

Safety will always be our number one priority, but we also want your caravan to perform at its best in all facets. That’s why our skilled service team follows a comprehensive servicing checklist.

Caravans and motorhomes are also required by law to meet safety requirements, so there’s no danger to yourself or others.

You need to be sure that your brakes, bearings, axles, electricals, and mechanical components are not overly worn or damaged before you head out on the road.

For more information see our Caravan Servicing page.

What should I look for when buying a second-hand caravan?

ace-admin | August 10, 2020

When buying a second-hand caravan, you should assess its safety, strength, and structural integrity over anything else. These are the things that will either cost a lot to address – rendering the ‘bargain’ you thought you were getting the exact opposite – or simply make the caravan unusable.

Here are 7 things you need to look for:

1/ What is the service and maintenance history? If the owner hasn’t cared enough to get the van serviced regularly, chances are there are problems that are past the point of being easily addressed.

2/ How has the caravan has been stored? If it’s been stored under cover, the van will be far less prone to sealant breakdown caused through exposure to extremes of weather.

3/ Are there any water marks on walls or ceilings? A water mark means there’s a leak somewhere, which is likely to mean there’s some rot in the timber.

4/ Are the seals around windows in good condition?

5/ Are there any soft spots on the floor? These would suggest that there has been a water leak.

6/ Are there any holes in cupboards? How do they feel and smell?

7/ Does the A-frame have any signs of damage?

There are a lot of things that could be missed by an inexperienced eye – or if you are emotionally invested in the purchase. That’s why we suggest investing in a pre-purchase inspection. That expert opinion might cost a few dollars up front, but save you many, many more down the track.

How much does it cost to renovate a caravan or motorhome?

ace-admin | July 9, 2020

Many people buy a second-hand caravan or motorhome and then look at some level of modification, renovation, or refurbishment. This is an area where our expertise comes to the fore; we can advise you as to the best (and most cost-effective) ways to get what you want.

Here are a few hints to start you off:

1/ Many second-hand caravans are simply not worth renovating so a pre-purchase inspection could potentially save your thousands of dollars (and lots of frustration).

2/ Always get any safety issues addressed as a priority.

3/ Use your caravan a few times to assess what you like about it and what you want changed.

4/ Remember, you don’t need to have your renovation completed all at once. You can easily plan to do more work in stages, which might help your budget and time constraints.

These are some of the questions you should ask yourself so that we can give you a guide as to how much it might cost to do the work you envisage:

1/ How are we going to use the caravan? A caravan for travel around Australia will probably require a different type of renovation to one that’s going to be used on site in a caravan park.

2/ Is my caravan safe? Has well has it been serviced/maintained? There’s no point in having a state-of-the-art kitchen if your wheels are about to fall off!

3/ Do you want an internal or external renovation, or a complete makeover?

4/ Do you want new appliances? If so, there might be a greater cost than simply slotting a new one in where the old one is if they just don’t make them like that anymore!

5/ Do you want new roof hatches and /or windows? This may require some modification to the spaces to make sure any new windows or hatches are fitted correctly.

6/ Do you want the layout changed? This is one of the places our experience really kicks in, because what you see as a small change might be extremely challenging, and isn’t it better to know that before we get stuck in? Once you tell us what you want, we will be able to advise you on alternative options, where appropriate.

We’re happy to offer specific advice based on your needs, so if you have a caravan or motorhome that could do with a refresh, let us have a look at it and give you our thoughts on what might be worth doing.