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Subject Topic: dealer service what to expect Post Reply Post New Topic
Personmadz
08/7/2015 at 12:03pm
 Location: east midlands
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OK after many years of enjoyable caravanning with our old crappy we have had a year with our newer van.


She is booked in for service next week at the dealer. What should I expect in terms of checking it in, the time taken etc? Apart from empty pockets after.

Also what do I need to do to prepare the van for service?

What should be left in, what should be removed?

I really don't fancy having to empty it out completely



Post last edited on 08/07/2015 12:20:22


Personshaggy2000
08/7/2015 at 12:45pm
 Location: County Durham
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I have watched a few of John Wickersham (think that's his name) Youtube videos, and on one of them I think he mentions an average service takes about three too four hours.

As for what should be left in, I would leave nothing personal. Only leave in what was in the van when you bought it, ie cushions etc.

As for preparing the van, I don't think you have to do anything, but hopefully someone will be able to confirm this.


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PersonENOCH
08/7/2015 at 1:09pm
 Location: TEESSIDE
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When we have had our various caravans serviced we have emptied most of our contents out to enable a thorough check around for any defects and damp. Our van is almost 50 miles from the dealer so we try to drop it off for it's service when returning from a trip and collect it the following weekend if going away again. The dealer should be able to confirm the time a service will take and what you require to remove.


Personalpiner
08/7/2015 at 1:19pm
 Location: None Entered
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This is what they should be looking to do so i would suggest taking it in empty

External Systems

    Hub Bearings and oil seals
    Brake shoes
    Brake rods and linkages
    Hand brake operation
    Wheel nuts and studs
    Tyre condition
    Tyre Pressures
    Spare wheel and carrier

    Chassis
    Coupling head
    Breakaway cable
    Jockey wheel
    Floor delamination
    Corner steadies
    Suspension
    Shock absorbers
    Exterior locks
    Hinges
    Grab handles

    12N and 12S plugs and cables
    Road lights
    Wiring
    Reflectors

Internal Systems

    12v system lights etc.
    Battery
    Charger/charging rate
    Mains 240v system
    Water heater 240v
    Refridgerator 240v/12v
    Smoke alarm and battery

    Gas system -
        ACOP Gas Accredited
    Water heater
    Refridgerator
    Heating systems
    Hob/grill/oven

    Water pump and filter
    Water system
    Taps/microswitch/switch

    Windows and fittings
    Furniture
    Internal vents
    Fan master
    Toilet
    Damp test
    Roof lights


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alpiner


PersonLynm
08/7/2015 at 2:52pm
 Location: Ceredigion
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So glad you asked that question madz as it never occurred to mew to empty it.

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Lyn xxx
Harbury Fields March
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PersonAlphonso De Lard
08/7/2015 at 3:48pm
 Location: Derby
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I certainly wouldn't be emptying any of the cupboards... and the pots/pans etc will be staying in the van.
I just take out all the large items we leave in the van, aqua roll, waste master, chairs, awning etc to enable the engineer to walk around freely inside the van.

I have no issue leaving personal items in the van during the service.



-------------
2019:
Wye Meadow Camping
Dornafield
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Personiank01
08/7/2015 at 4:51pm
 Location: Worcestershire
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Most times they just charge you and pretend they have done a habitation check. Also remember the only thing they actually service is the running gear. They do not service the gas, electrical or water systems.
The habitation check is a waste of time and money as all they do is open and close doors, check the water, gas and electric system by switching them on and off and that is it! Most of the time they do not do this properly anyway!
On our caravan they never picked up that the tyre pressures were incorrect and over inflated by 8psi and 8psi over the maximum psi or that a tyre had a repair done to it. As we bought the caravan brand new and we never had a puncture this must have occured prior to delivery but what can you prove a year later?
A year later we had the servcie done by a mobile tech who picked up such severe damp in the front that it must have been there at the first service, but again what can you prove a year later?


Personcheckley1973
08/7/2015 at 5:15pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636 View checkley1973's Profile View Profile   Reply to checkley1973 Reply   Quote checkley1973 Quote  
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Our local service centre insists you empty the van cupboards so they can service more efficiently. I have no issue with this as they charge less than most other main dealers and do a good job.

It's also our annual ' do we really need this ? ' clear out and we always find things we don't put back in after she is back.

Service time is usually around 3/4 hours and can be done within one day. Don't assume you'll get it back the same day though unless you specify that when booking in.


Personmadz
08/7/2015 at 11:29pm
 Location: east midlands
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I can decide what do do now :)

We have taken all the big stuff out but the pots and pans are still in there.

Its going to Lowdham caravans.


Personcheckley1973
09/7/2015 at 7:30am
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Phone and ask them ?


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PersonAlphonso De Lard
09/7/2015 at 11:44am
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Quote: Originally posted by checkley1973 on 09/7/2015
Phone and ask them ?


If you do phone them, I would find it useful to know what your dealer expects (Lowdhams wasn't it)?
Cheers!

-------------
2019:
Wye Meadow Camping
Dornafield
Wyatts Covert
Chestnut Meadow


Personmadz
09/7/2015 at 11:44am
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Quote: Originally posted by checkley1973 on 09/7/2015
Phone and ask them ?


Of course I just hate all that hanging about on the phone being played green sleeves :)


Thank you everyone for the posts, especially the one listing all that they should do.



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