Blog Caravan Servicing: When Do You Need It? And What We Do at Our Sunshine Coast Service Centre?

So you think that your caravan needs a service. Now what?

If you’re a caravan newbie and are feeling a little overwhelmed by the prospect of staying up to date with servicing requirements, we’ve got your covered. Not only will we perform your JAWA service for you, but we’ll also tell you exactly what you need and what to expect.

Here’s everything you need to know to comfortably and confidently keep your van on the road.

How Frequently Should Your Caravan Be Serviced?

Generally speaking, a caravan should have a professional service once every twelve months or every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers of travel, whichever comes first.

That’s to say that while annual caravan servicing is the gold standard, services may be recommended as frequently as every six months if you’re covering a lot of ground or if you’re travelling in an older van.

There are also considerations you should keep in mind. Often it’s a good idea to schedule a service before a big trip, just to make sure everything is in proper working order. Alternatively, you might want to book a service to check for and repair any damage to your van after an unruly adventure.

You need to keep up with manufacturer’s guidelines for servicing frequency to ensure your van’s warranty remains valid. And if you’re purchasing a secondhand caravan, remember you always need a thorough service before hitting the road.

Why Do You Need a Service?

Regular services are essential in ensuring that your van remains in good condition and can safely navigate the challenges of travel, wherever the road takes you.

While you may be able to do simple checks yourself, like inspecting tyres and seals, nothing beats a professional overview. In servicing, an expert technician will inspect your van thoroughly and perform any necessary maintenance on the brakes, bearings, suspension, and more. This keeps you safe and improves your van’s longevity.

Do you really need a service? The short answer is always yes. Missing service timelines could void your van’s warranty or even put you in danger. Even if you haven’t been on any trips recently, bearings and seals can deteriorate over time, so it’s important to get them checked.

What’s Involved in Caravan Servicing?

There are a number of key areas that your technician will take into account while servicing your van.

Typically, service technicians inspect the van’s chassis and running gear, verifying smooth operation of suspension components and checking that shock absorbers are up to scratch. Brakes and bearings will be carefully inspected and cleaned, or they’ll advise you if replacement is needed.

Service technicians will check your caravan’s tyres to ensure that tread remains even with no cracks and appropriate torque on wheel nuts. They’ll also conduct pressure testing for gas lines and check appliances and battery systems. This is in addition to inspecting windows, hatches, and seals to catch potential leaks or damage.

Finally, your service technician will check an array of safety elements, from safety chains to breakaway devices and tow lights. These checks ensure that you can enjoy your next adventure worry-free.

Does Your Van Need a Roadworthy?

While you do not need annual roadworthy certificates to maintain caravan registration, in Australia you do have a duty to keep your caravan in a roadworthy condition to drive it on the road. Exactly the same as with your car, you can face penalties, issuance of a defect notice and potentially void your insurance if you are towing an unroadworthy caravan or trailer on the road. Common areas that receive attention from police include:

• Faulty brakes, brake lights and indicators
• Worn tyres
• Insufficient towing mirrors
• Exceeding weight limits

Regular caravan servicing and maintenance is a great way to ensure you do not run afoul of the law while on the road

In Queensland, “roadworthies” or Safety Certificates are required for the sale of caravans weighing over 750 kg. Regular servicing is a good opportunity to ensure that your caravan is maintained in tip top condition and will not require significant remedial works to obtain a safety certificate should you ever wish to sell your caravan.

The JAWA Customer Service Promise

At JAWA, we promise unbeatable customer service.

Unlike some suppliers, we don’t dust off our hands and leave you to it. When you have one of our vans, you’re always a member of the JAWA family. We remain committed to keeping you and your caravan on the road in style. We cover extensive caravan servicing on the Sunshine Coast, and we’re here to help whenever issues arise. Got a problem with one of our vans? Just call us.

All JAWA Caravan Servicing Locations

Caravan Servicing Sunshine Coast

Caloundra – 77 Fred Chaplin Circuit, Corbould Park

Caravan Servicing Far North Queensland

Townsville – 2A/337 Woolcock Street, Garbutt

Caravan Servicing Western Australia

Perth – 1 Craft Street, Canning Vale

Caravan Servicing New South Wales

Sydney – 41 Argyle Street, South Windsor