A lot of caravan owners book a service without really knowing what happens during it. That's fine — you don't need to know how to do it yourself. But knowing what should be done helps you choose the right workshop, ask the right questions, and make sure nothing important gets skipped. Here's what a comprehensive caravan service at Alpine Caravan Services covers, and roughly how often each item needs attention.
Wheel bearings are removed, cleaned, inspected for wear and pitting, repacked with fresh grease, and reassembled with new seals. Bearings that are worn beyond tolerance are replaced. This is non-negotiable — a failed bearing at highway speed is a serious safety incident.
Brake drums are removed, brake shoes inspected for wear and glazing, brake magnets tested for output (measured in amps — there's a minimum standard), and the entire assembly cleaned. Brake adjustment is set correctly and confirmed. Shoes or magnets that are worn or failing are replaced.
Wheel bearing seals are replaced every service. Seals are inexpensive; the damage from a failed seal is not.
All tyres are checked for tread depth, sidewall cracking, bulging, and age. Caravan tyres age out before they wear out in most cases — if your tyres are over 7 years old, they should be replaced regardless of tread depth.
All wheel nuts are checked and torqued to specification.
The full chassis is inspected for cracks, corrosion, and weld integrity — particularly at high-stress points around axle mounts, spring hangers, and the drawbar junction. Corrosion is treated where found.
Leaf springs, spring hangers, and U-bolts are inspected for cracking, wear, and security. Loose or cracked components are a significant safety concern.
The coupling head is inspected for wear and correct operation. Coupling wear beyond tolerance affects how securely the caravan connects to the tow vehicle.
Safety chains are inspected for condition and correct attachment points.
Jockey wheel and corner steadies are checked for correct operation and lubricated.
All brake lights, indicators, clearance lights, and reverse lights are tested. Blown globes or failed LED clusters are replaced.
The 7-pin trailer plug is inspected for corrosion and secure connection. Wiring is checked for chafing, loose connections, and correct routing.
Internal 12V lighting, water pump, and accessories are tested for correct operation.
Solar panels, regulators, and battery connections are inspected. Battery voltage and condition is checked.
The brake output wiring is verified to be functioning correctly at the plug.
Water tank is inspected for condition. Water pump is tested for correct pressure and operation.
All taps and water fittings are checked for leaks and correct operation.
Hot water system is tested for correct operation on both gas and 240V where applicable.
All exterior seals around windows, doors, hatches, roof vents, air conditioner, and any penetrations are inspected. This is one of the most important parts of any service — failed seals lead to water ingress, which leads to structural damage.
Any seals that are cracked, lifted, or separated are removed and replaced with appropriate caravan-grade sealant.
The roof and exterior panels are inspected for cracks, impact damage, and signs of water tracking.
A moisture meter is used on interior walls, floor, and ceiling areas to detect any hidden water ingress before it becomes structural damage.
Gas appliances and connections are visually inspected. We flag any concerns — a full gas compliance certificate requires a licensed gas fitter.
Doors, windows, hatches, vents, and cabinetry are checked for condition and correct operation.
| Service Item | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Full annual service | Every 12 months or 10,000km |
| Wheel bearings and brakes | Every 12 months or 10,000km |
| Seal inspection | Every 12 months |
| Tyre replacement | Every 7 years regardless of tread |
| Pre-trip safety check | Before any major trip |
| Pre-purchase inspection | Before buying a used van |
At the end of a proper service, you should receive a written report documenting everything that was inspected, what was found, and what was done. This gives you a service history for your van — which is valuable when you come to sell — and a clear record of what's been attended to and what to keep an eye on. At Alpine Caravan Services in Kilsyth, every service includes a full written report with photos. No surprises, no guesswork — just a clear record of exactly what was done to your van.
Every service at Alpine Caravan Services includes a full written report with photos.
Ready to get your van properly looked after? Book in at our Kilsyth workshop — serving Melbourne's eastern suburbs.
Alpine Caravan Services · 7 Pacific Place, Kilsyth, VIC 3137