Caravanning has become more popular than ever. Australians took 15.3 million caravan and camping trips in 2023 alone, pumping $10.7 billion into our local tourism industry. But owning a caravan isn’t just about adventureโit’s about responsibility too.
Regular servicing keeps your caravan safe, reliable and ready for the road. But how often should you really service that caravan of yours? That depends.
Why regular caravan servicing matters
You might be surprised to hear that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found over 80% of new caravan owners encounter issues. Many of those problems could have been prevented with regular maintenance. Frequent caravan servicing helps you catch problems early, so minor issues don’t turn into expensive headaches.
At Everything RV, we recommend servicing your caravan at least once a year or every 10,000 kilometresโwhichever comes first.
Here are the reasons why.
How often should you service your caravan?
General servicing guidelines
While annual servicing or every 10,000 kilometres is the standard recommendation, several factors influence how often you need a service:
- Your usage: Weekend adventurers, occasional holidaymakers or full-time nomads all have different servicing needs.
- The terrain and travel conditions: Rough roads, dusty environments and off-road adventures increase wear and tear.
- Your manufacturer’s warranty: Regular log book servicing maintains warranty validity and protects your investment.
If you need a caravan service in NSW or a caravan service in QLD, our service centres are here to help.
Usage-based recommendations
Occasional holidaymakers
If your caravan spends most of the year parked, annual servicing is still essential. That’s because idle caravans are vulnerable to seal deterioration, tyre degradation and issues like moisture ingress.
Frequent travellers
For those who hit the road every few months, we recommend servicing at least twice a year. Frequent travellers put more stress on caravan components like brakes, suspension and tyres. Regular checks are vital.
Full-time or long-term travellers
If your caravan is your home, aim to service every six months or around every 5,000-7,000 kilometres. That frequent schedule ensures essential systems remain in peak condition, giving you peace of mind wherever you roam.
What’s included in a caravan service?
Regular caravan servicing isn’t just an oil check and tyre pump. It’s an extensive inspection covering all critical components:
Brakes and Wheel Bearings
Our technicians remove wheels to thoroughly check for magnet wear, inspect, adjust, and lubricate wheel bearings, brake pads and brake drums. This ensures your braking system is safe, effective and reliable.
Chassis and Suspension
We meticulously inspect your chassis rails, cross members, A-frame, springs and shackles. We also grease suspension components, which is particularly crucial for caravans frequently travelling off-road.
Tyres and Wheels
We check your tyres thoroughly for wear, correct pressure and inflate as needed. Our technicians also inspect and adjust wheel nut tensions to keep your wheels secure and safe on the road.
Water and Gas Systems
Leaks in water and gas systems pose safety risks and potential damage. Our detailed inspections include checking water pumps, taps, shower operations, hoses, fittings, and seals. We also thoroughly inspect gas bottles and hoses to ensure there are no leaks or damage.
Electrical Systems
Faulty wiring and battery problems are common and frustrating issues. We check all lights, mains power connections, battery charge, Anderson and 12-pin connectors, and internal/external electrical operations to ensure everything functions smoothly.
Appliances and Comfort Systems
We perform operational checks on your fridge, washing machine, air conditioner filters and tension bolts, hot water system, and sacrificial anodes. Ensuring these components are in optimal condition means your caravan remains comfortable and functional.
Exterior Seals and Bodywork
Proper sealing is essential to protect your caravan from water and dust ingress. Our technicians inspect and reseal roof hatches, J-moulds, windows, and doors. We also inspect stabilizer legs, applying grease if required, and check tank mountings and hoses.
Premium Caravan Service Extras
For caravans needing extra care, our premium service also includes:
- Removing bearings to inspect thoroughly, cleaning, repacking and replacing bearing seals.
- Cleaning and spraying any rust found on the chassis.
- Detailed checks on handbrakes and jockey wheels.
- Inspecting the brake safe system and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) if fitted.
Professional servicing: why trust the experts?
While DIY checks are helpful, professional servicing offers comprehensive and expert care. Here’s why it pays to service your caravan with qualified professionals at Everything RV:
- Our technicians bring over 30 years of combined experience, specialising exclusively in caravans and RVs.
- We understand common frustrations like long wait times for repairs. At Everything RV, we aim for timely, transparent service scheduling to keep your adventures uninterrupted.
- Regular log book servicing with us maintains your warranty compliance. Our unique Caravan Report Card system provides clear documentation, making any future warranty or insurance claims straightforward and hassle-free.
Regular maintenanceโtyre pressure checks, basic cleaningโis a must. But it’s professional servicing that really gives you peace of mind. That’s where safety, legal compliance and those hard-to-spot component checks come inโthat are just too tricky for caravan owners to do themselves.
Scheduling your next service with us at Everything RV really is as easy as can be.
Book online through our user-friendly portal. Or give us a call at either our Girraween (NSW) or Yandina (QLD) store. Our team is friendlyโand ready to help.
That hassle-free caravanning feeling? It starts with regular servicing. By investing in scheduled maintenance, you’re protecting your investment, ensuring safety on every trip and avoiding costly repairs down the line.
Ready to book in or have questions about maintaining your caravan? Contact us at Everything RV. We’re here to help you every step of the way.