We've had two caravans from new in the five years that we've been caravanning. I've had both of them seviced in an approved workshop because (1) if I didn't it would invalidate the warranty given by the manufacturer and (2) I keep the van in storage and so really have nowhere suitable to do the work, even if I wanted to. Last year I paid £150 for the first annual sevice on my Lunar Clubman. This year the service cost £175, which I thought was a big increase. When I looked at last year's service report, I found that there were 28 maintenance items that had been checked. This year's service covered 53 items - so I felt a little less sick at the increase in the cost. I feel reasonably confident that the work has been carried out properly and that is worth something for my peace of mind. One thing that they picked up this year was that the gas regulator was faulty. I don't know the procedure for testing a regulator, so if I'd been doing the service myself I wouldn't have known about the fault until the item failed completely. I take some consolation from the fact that I reckon that I get better value for my money from an approved caravan workshop than I get when my car is serviced (which is likewise still under the manucfturer's warranty)
Subsequent to my posting of the 18th August 2004, I have just collected my 'van from the dealer I bought it from after its first annual service. The cost - £115.00 inc. VAT for a full chassis and body service. The dealer - M & M Leisure, Mildenhall, Suffolk. I had to do a bit of driving but I didn't mind. They had already given me a fabulous trade-in deal on the 'van last year and they are a really decent bunch of folk to deal with.
If you own an Explorer Group caravan and you live in East Anglia, why not give them a try? They will do a service while you wait providing you give them enough notice and if you're a aircraft enthusiast, you can watch the antics of the USAF at both Mildenhall and Lakenheath while you wait!
Just had my van serviced by a new firm in town,service was £130.00, they rang me to tell me that one of my awning light bulbs did not work, I told them to replace it,extra charge for this was 42p for the bulb + £8.75 labour, needless to say I will not be giving them any more of my business,I have also let my caravanning friendsaware of this rip off.
He only charged £70 and for that he did the brakes ,chassis, all electrics, he fixed one of our road lights, gas check and all the appliances the water system, (water heater etc), tow hitch and a damp check.
He told me that there is not a trace of damp and it is a sound van and the brakes will need doing by next service. Not bad for £70 it saved Iccy the bother and gives us peace of mind as we only bought the van last year and we hoped there was no damp.And we didn't have to take the van anywhere, also could see what he was doing so no chance of being ripped off . A good honest fair bloke.
great thanks, I've got a few little problems that need sorting in the 'van and was struggling to find someone to do them! Not being overtly handy myself!
Abi if you need parts for your van that are not new try:
Hawkesbury Caravans Coventry caravan breakers
.I went there with a friend last Saturday and she got window stays,a stable door hinge,and a new (old) gas heater and 3 cushions £2o the lot. You wander around looking in loads of old caravans there are a few new ones too (must be insurance write offs) and when you see a part you need he just gets his tools and takes it off the van there and then. You need to ring him first so that he can be there when you want to go