Maintaining Your Motorhome
Ensuring the safety of yourself, your passengers, and fellow travelers on the road entails regular servicing of your motorhome, just as you would with any other vehicle.
The servicing of your motorhome consists of two essential aspects. Firstly, the base vehicle service, typically conducted by workshops specialising in the manufacturer's base vehicle, such as Fiat or Volkswagen van workshops. These services should adhere to the manufacturer's recommended mileages or time intervals.
For MOT testing purposes, your motorhome will undergo the standard car (class 4) MOT test. Occasionally, issues may arise if motorhome converters fail to inform the DVLA of the conversion, resulting in the DVLA classifying the vehicle as a 'van with windows' or a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in the V5C (log book) description section. Despite this, your motorhome still falls under the category of a passenger-carrying vehicle, thus requiring a class 4 MOT.
Additionally, an annual servicing of the living area is crucial, typically performed by specialised motorhome dealers or workshops. This 'habitation' service encompasses checking and maintaining water, gas, electrical, and heating systems, as well as safety inspections of appliances. While not full services, safety checks are conducted on appliances, with a particular emphasis on those operating on gas, like the fridge. Dealers also inspect the basic structure for damp or leaks.
Opting for an annual service at an Approved Workshop is advisable, as these workshops adhere to set standards of facilities and employ appropriately trained technicians. The Approved Workshop scheme is a collaborative effort between the Camping and Caravanning Club, the Caravan and Motorhome Club, and the National Caravan Council (NCC).
If you aim to service your motorhome before the start of the season, it's wise to book early, as workshops fill up quickly in spring.
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