Cash-strapped owners skipping caravan servicing

New RACQ research has revealed that almost a third of caravanners wait for a breakdown before doing any maintenance on their 'van, with the cost of living cited as a contributing factor.

Other caravan repair and maintenance businesses have also noticed this concerning trend.

Recent research from the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) has revealed that almost one third (30%) of caravanners wait for a breakdown before doing any maintenance on their 'van.

The state-wide survey also found that 32% of Queenslanders see servicing costs as the greatest challenge in caravan maintenance, while almost one in five (18%) consider finding a qualified repairer as their main hurdle.

“Alarmingly, new RACQ research shows almost one in three caravanners wait until something goes wrong before carrying out any maintenance on their caravan,” RACQ’s Principal Technical Researcher Andrew Kirk tells Carsales.

Christian Bold, founder, and Managing Director of BOLD Trailer and Caravan Repair Centre in New South Wales, says he has also noticed this trend.

“There has definitely been a decline in a certain demographic of customers holding off getting annual servicing done on their caravans,” he says.

Bold cites a specific demographic driving this.

“Unfortunately, it is the 30-45-year-old customers with young families that are holding off getting annual servicing done,” he says.

“We are finding those customers within that age bracket above that are getting a service done on their vehicles are holding off on getting additional work completed unless the additional work required affects the safety inspection required for registration.”

Both Bold and Kirk say that delaying caravan maintenance can potentially be a safety risk.

“While many say cost is the main reason for delaying servicing, delaying maintenance can end up more expensive in the long run and significantly increase safety risks on the road,” says Kirk.

Kirk says that regular professional servicing is essential for caravan owners.

“Ideally, caravans should be professionally serviced at least every 12 months, and even more frequently if they’re regularly taken off-road, through sandy terrain or water crossings,” he says.

Safety checks are also important, and these can be carried out by the owner.

“Before heading off, caravanners should always carry out basic safety checks, including making sure your tyre pressure and condition are good, lights and indicators are working, electric brakes are operational (if fitted), and water and gas systems are turned off,” says Kirk.

“Also be sure to check the tow hitch and wheel bearings for signs of grease leaking.”

And while it may be tempting to attempt DIY servicing, Bold warns against this.

“I don’t recommend DIY servicing. We are talking about a towable vehicle that can weigh in excess of 4000kgs,” he says.

“Too many things can go wrong if you don’t have the right tools, equipment, and parts. A lot of the bolts and nuts on a caravan need to be torqued to a specific setting. If you don’t do this, you can have wheels fall off, suspension bolts snap, brakes overheat or not work at all.”

Kirk believes this also applies to maintenance beyond basic safety checks.

“When it comes to anything beyond these general checks, RACQ strongly recommends using a qualified professional,” says Kirk.

“DIY repairs can create serious safety issues and mechanical failures that go well beyond the upfront cost of a proper

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