The need to keep a car serviced and roadworthy is never questioned.
M.O.T's are carried out yearly..........
YOU CANNOT DRIVE ON THE ROAD WITHOUT ONE.......YOU CANNOT TAX YOUR VEHICLE WITHOUT ONE, HOWEVER........
.......How often do you carry out a similar inspection on your Leisure Vehicle?
YOU DON'T !! ???
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A Touring Caravan should ALWAYS be roadworthy and we reckon M.O.T's on Caravans should be compulsory, however they are NOT, therefore it is up to you to ensure you keep on top of all servicing and maintenance on your vehicle. Touring Caravans are subject to Road Traffic Checks and are subject to fines/or conviction if not maintained.
See the newspaper article below by Police, urging caravanners to practice safety measures -
1. Printed by a Stirling Newspaper; Police send spring safety reminder to caravan owners
Mar 6 2009 by Stephen Robertson, Stirling Observer Friday
"POLICE urged caravan owners to make sure that their vehicles are fully roadworthy after winter.
As the Easter holidays approach, owners are being encouraged to carry out thorough checks, particularly if caravans have been parked up for months.
A police spokesperson said: "A caravan should be treated as an extension of your vehicle and as such should be given a thorough safety and roadworthiness examination before it is taken on to the road."
He said checks should be made on tyres, brakes, lights and electrical connections and towing fittings, as well as on the chassis itself to ensure it has not rusted".
"Police also recommend that drivers take an unloaded caravan for a preliminary test-drive before setting off on a longer journey."
Brakes
Brakes NEED adjusted correctly, road lights need to be operational and your caravan most definently requires to be roadworthy.
Failing to keep an eye on your tyre condition, road worthiness etc, WILL lead to a road traffic accident or conviction.
" Dont be smart and think you wont get caught, (thats silly!) safety is paramount, get a Caravan health check done NOW ".
For instance tyres have a limited life span, and this can be greatly reduced when fitted to a caravan, where the tyre remains unmoved for much of the year, causing deteriation of the tyre part in continuous contact with the ground, making 'blow outs' much more likely.
'Don't like the sound of that..'
In any case tyres must be replaced at least every 7 years. We recommend 5 years.
There are also the routine checks of Gas and Electrical systems, and of course fire prevention.
Gas
'How important is it to have your domestic boiler/heating system serviced in your home?'
'Top of the list wouldn't you say???'
'Shouldn't you say the same for your Touring Caravan?' After all you do live in it for weeks on end during the course of the year.......
LPG (usually Propane or Butane) is your 'fuel', for cooking and heating when you are away enjoying those long summer night holidays, and owners should be mindful of it's safe use at all times. Unlike Natural Gas (Mains Gas), Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) is heavier than air, and is also extremely corrosive.
It is therefore of utmost importance to have your pipework and appliances checked and serviced regularly, and any flexible hoses replaced at least every second year, as LPG corrodes the hoses from the inside.This corrosiveness also affects the gas burners and flue systems of LPG appliances, and coupled with bad maintenance can cause products of combustion to be released into the living space, including the highly toxic 'Carbon Monoxide' the SILENT KILLER.
Because LPG is heavier than air, any leaks due to damage, or poor maintenance can cause gas to create invisible pools at floor level, potentially leading to highly explosive situations.
(As a safety feature every Caravan is fitted with 'Gas drop holes', which resemble vents on the floor; to facilitate the removal of leaked LPG gas.)
It is of the utmost importance not to obstruct gas drop holes.
(Many people do not realise this and cover these holes up with carpets)
'You better go and check if thats you?'
GAS SAFETY SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT TO CHANCE!
HAVE YOUR GAS SYSTEM CHECKED AND SERVICED AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR!
Gas work should only be carried out by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer who has successfully completed a course in LPG installations in Leisure Vehicles.
NOTE: LEISURE VEHICLE ENGINEERS ARE ONLY TRAINED TO ACOPS LEVEL AND THIS IS FINE FOR ALL WORK CARRIED OUT.
IN THE CASE OF VEHICLES GOING OUT FOR HIRE/RENT THEN ALL WORK HAS TO BE CARRIED OUT BY A GAS SAFE REGISTERED ENGINEER WHO IS QUALIFIED TO ACS STANDARD.
MacPhails are (ACS) GAS SAFETY REGISTERED, THEREFORE YOU CAN ALWAYS REST ASSURED THAT THE SERVICE ON YOUR GAS APPLIANCES ARE SAFE AND LEGAL.
WE WILL NOT PASS ANY WORK NOT FITTING REGULATORY STANDARDS. THE HSE (Health & Safety Executive) is the authorative body governing all practices.
Please note that some registered engineers are only trained to work on Domestic Household installations only, so ensure your engineer of choice is qualified and has the necessary experience to work on your leisure vehicle.
(Every engineer will have his/her qualifications marked on the reverse of their card.They can also be verified by checking the Gas Safe Register)
TEL: 0800 408 5500 or www.gassaferegister.co.uk
The engineer should issue a dated certificate verifying the integrity of any work done.
We are Gas Safe Registered in all LPG systems.
Electricity
Electricity, well, we all need it and all use it...................
The Camping & Caravaning Club states that;
'Electricity is a very good friend but an even worse enemy'
"We should all remember this, as it is important that electricity is treated with respect".
As with gas systems, electrical systems should be thoroughly inspected at least once a year to ensure that they are in a safe condition and fit for purpose.
(This is especially important for touring caravans and motorhomes, as the continual jostling of these vehicles whilst in motion, can cause wiring to chaff, or loosen, which can lead to potentially dangerous short circuits and/or blown fuses.)
Nearly all modern caravans are fitted with a mains system.
RCD's on the central unit need a periodic check by pressing the test button for operation, and the polarity, continuity and insulation of each individual circuit should be tested.
These checks are included in the standard annual service, as well as checking the condition and operation of 12v systems. All in-built lighting and equipment is also inspected and tested for correct operation.
We are qualified to the new '17th Edition' of the IEE Wiring Regulations 'Requirements for Electrical Installations'
'Don't want this to happen?'
It is very important that you have your leisure vehicle serviced regularly. Appliances such as, fridges, heaters, cookers etc, are at risk of malfunction if not serviced regularly.
Faults in any gas or electrical systems or failure to use them properly can lead to an increased fire risk. An unchecked fault on a gas appliance could also potentially lead to the release of carbon monoxide.
On average, 50 people a year are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning due to faulty gas appliances. (see our page on Fire Prevention for more details on these issues and fundamental protective measures)
We recommend a yearly service of your vehicle, although the inspection of tyres, brakes etc, should be carried out on a much more regular basis.
In a 'Full Service' around 50 jobs need to be carried out. (See our 'services' page for more details)
When having your leisure vehicle serviced, ask to see our 'Service Schedule' before confirming the booking. When all work is complete you will be given a copy of the schedule signed, stamped and dated, including a (signed gas safety certificate if requested, as the certificate is only compulsory in vehicles going out for rent/hire. If you would like a GSC as part of your yearly service paperwork material, you will have to request this at an extra cost ). You will also receive a yearly service sticker to attach to your vehicle and this will let the Police see that you have had your vehicle serviced recently)
Protect your investment
"A service for your pocket!"
When buying a car you expect, and are indeed prepared to pay a little extra for one with a full service history.
Why?
Because a service history is a clear indicator that the car has been maintained and looked after properly by a responsible owner, and you can expect trouble free motoring in return for your hard earned cash.
These same rules apply to caravans!
Keep up your Annual Servicing and your caravan will be more attractive to a potential buyer, and potentially worth a lot more when the time comes to sell it on.
A worthwhile investment....woudn't you say ?
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