Full Service

A full service combines the annual habitation check with a chassis and running-gear service, giving a caravan or motorhome a complete annual overhaul in a single visit. For caravans, the chassis element covers the running gear — brakes, bearings, suspension and coupling. For motorhomes, the base-vehicle engine service is usually handled separately by a commercial vehicle garage, so a motorhome "full service" generally means the habitation check plus the chassis/running-gear items specific to the leisure vehicle.

What's included

On top of the full habitation check (damp, gas, electrical, water, heating, ventilation, fire safety and body integrity), a full service adds:

• Brakes — inspection and adjustment of the braking system, including the breakaway/handbrake mechanism on caravans.
• Wheels and bearings — inspection of hub bearings, wheel condition and tyre wear, and a torque check on wheel nuts.
• Suspension and running gear — inspection of the axle, suspension units and chassis condition, including corrosion checks.
• Coupling and stabiliser — inspection and servicing of the hitch, stabiliser and jockey wheel on caravans.
• Corrosion protection — checks on the chassis and underbody, with treatment recommendations where needed.

Typical cost

A full service typically costs around £230–£400, reflecting the additional chassis work over a habitation check alone. Larger or twin-axle caravans sit at the higher end.

Frequency

Annually. A full service is the recommended annual maintenance for most touring caravans and motorhomes, often required to maintain manufacturer warranties.

Why it matters

The chassis and running gear are safety-critical. Worn brakes, failing bearings or corroded suspension can cause a caravan to behave dangerously when towed, or a motorhome's running gear to fail. Combining the chassis service with the habitation check is both convenient and cost-effective, and keeps a single, complete service record.

DIY vs professional

While checking tyre pressures and visually inspecting the chassis are sensible owner tasks, brake adjustment, bearing inspection and corrosion assessment require proper tools and experience. A full service is a professional job.

What to expect

A full service takes longer than a habitation check alone — often half a day. You'll receive a combined report covering both the habitation systems and the chassis, with any defects graded by urgency. Find a local engineer or workshop and request quotes to compare.