Cost a motorhome service.

A comprehensive service usually splits into two parts: the mechanical engine service and the habitation check. While the mechanical side keeps you moving, the habitation check ensures your gas, water, and electrical systems are functioning without risk to your health or safety.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Habitation Check: A 60-point inspection covering gas tightness, electrical safety (AC/DC), water system integrity, and a full damp report.
• Mechanical Service: Standard engine maintenance including oil changes, filter replacements (fuel, air, pollen), and brake inspections.
• Chassis & Running Gear: Checking the suspension, exhaust, tyres, and underbody for corrosion or damage.
• Gas Safety: Testing LPG regulators, hoses, and appliances for leaks and correct carbon monoxide levels.
• Electrical Systems: Testing the leisure battery health, charging circuits, and RCD trip times for 230V hook-ups.
• Damp Testing: Using a calibrated moisture meter to check for water ingress in the walls, floor, and ceiling.

Typical Costs

Prices vary based on the size of your motorhome (e.g., a small campervan vs. a large tag-axle A-Class) and whether you choose a main dealer or an independent mobile technician. Prices below include VAT at 20%.

Factors that increase the price include the need for specialist synthetic oils, replacing expensive leisure batteries, or repairing found faults such as leaking seals or faulty gas regulators.

How Long Does It Take?

• Full Habitation Check: 3 to 4 hours for a thorough inspection and report generation.
• Interim Mechanical Service: 1.5 to 2.5 hours for oil and basic safety checks.
• Full Combined Service: 6 to 8 hours (usually requires leaving the vehicle for a full day).
• Damp Repair: Anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks depending on the severity of the ingress.

DIY or Professional?

While an enthusiast can handle basic tasks like topping up fluids or replacing a lightbulb, motorhome servicing should be left to professionals. Handling LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) and 230V electrical systems carries significant risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Furthermore, most manufacturers require a certified habitation stamp to keep your multi-year water ingress warranty valid.

Note: Professional damp meters are far more accurate than DIY versions. Missing a small leak now could lead to a £5,000 repair bill next year.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check AWS Approval: Look for technicians in the Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS), a joint initiative between the NCC, The Caravan and Motorhome Club, and The Camping and Caravanning Club.
• Gas Safe Register: If they are working on fixed gas appliances in a vehicle used for hire or reward, they must be Gas Safe registered.
• Ask about software: Ensure they have the diagnostic tools to read fault codes for your specific base vehicle (e.g., Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter).
• Red Flags: Be wary of anyone who doesn't provide a written damp report or a gas tightness certificate upon completion.

UK Regulations

• MOT Testing: Most motorhomes are Class 4 vehicles, but those over 3,500kg (MAM) may require a Class 7 MOT.
• Gas Safety: While private owners aren't legally required to have an annual gas certificate, it is highly recommended for insurance and safety.
• Part P: While Part P of the Building Regulations applies to fixed dwellings, electrical work in motorhomes should still adhere to BS 7671 (IEE Wiring Regulations) Section 721.

Common Problems

• Water Ingress: Often caused by degraded sealant around roof lights and windows; if caught early, it is a simple reseal job.
• Leisure Battery Failure: Frequently caused by leaving the battery discharged over winter; consider a solar trickle charger to prevent this.
• Gas Regulator Blockage: Common in the UK due to oily residues in LPG tanks; fitting a gas filter can prevent this.
• Tyre Degradation: Motorhome tyres often "age out" before they "wear out." Check for sidewall cracking even if the tread looks deep.

Frequently Asked Questions