There is nothing worse than a breakdown 800 kilometres from home. Most of the problems that ruin a caravan trip are found easily in a workshop and are far cheaper to fix there than on the side of the highway. If you are planning a big trip, a pre-trip service is the best money you will spend.

What a thorough caravan service should include

1. Brakes and bearings. Your van’s braking system takes a hammering, especially on long descents with a full load. A proper check covers brake shoes or pads, magnets, wiring, and wheel bearings, which should be inspected and repacked or replaced as needed.

2. Tyres and wheels. Caravan tyres often age out before they wear out. Cracking in the sidewalls, uneven wear, and tyres older than around five to six years are all red flags. Wheel nuts should be torqued to specification and the spare checked too.

3. Suspension and chassis. Springs, shackles, shock absorbers, and the drawbar and coupling all need a close look. Worn parts affect towing stability and your tyres.

4. Gas system. Regulators, hoses, and connections should be tested for leaks. Gas faults are not something to guess about.

5. 12V and 240V electrics. Batteries, charging systems, lights, and the 240V circuit including safety switches should be tested so nothing fails when you are off the grid.

6. Water system. Pumps, taps, hot water service, and hoses should work properly with no drips or weeping joints.

7. Roof, seals, and moisture. Water ingress is a caravan’s worst enemy. Roof seals, window seals, and vents should be inspected, ideally with moisture detection tools, before they become a repair bill.

8. Appliances. Fridge, cooktop, air conditioner, and heating should all be run and checked.

How far ahead should you book?

Book at least two to three weeks before departure, particularly before school holidays and long weekends. That leaves time to order parts and complete any repairs without a last-minute scramble.

Servicing in Melbourne’s north

At Hike Caravan Care Centre in Campbellfield, we service all makes and models. You get an itemised quote before any work begins, and we only fix what you approve. If we find something during the inspection, we explain it in plain English.

Heading away soon? Call us on +61 3 9322 3262 or request a free quote to book your pre-trip service.