Campervan Servicing: What Needs Doing and How Often

Servicing a campervan is not the same as servicing a car, because your van is two machines in one body. The base vehicle — usually a Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit or VW Transporter — needs the same mechanical attention as any car or van. The habitation area, the living part behind the cab, needs a separate inspection for gas, electrics, water and damp. Budget for both and your van stays reliable, safe and worth selling.

The base vehicle service

This is the standard engine service: oil and oil filter, air and fuel filters, coolant, brake fluid and a thorough check of brakes, suspension, steering and tyres. Most base vehicles use a 12-month or 18,000-20,000 mile interval, whichever comes first — but if your van is a conversion or carries a heavy load, follow the earlier figure.

Expect to pay around £200-£350 for a routine service at an independent garage on a van-sized engine, and more at a main dealer. Always ask whether the habitation area is included, because most general garages won't touch it.

The habitation service

A habitation service checks the things that keep you safe and comfortable overnight:

• Gas system tightness test, appliance flame patterns and ventilation.
• 230V electrical safety, including the hook-up inlet and RCD trip.
• Fridge, hob, heater and water heater operation on both gas and mains.
• A damp check of walls, floor, windows and roof lights.

A qualified habitation engineer typically charges £150-£250 and issues a certificate that's often required by insurers and campsite membership schemes.

How often should each happen?

• Base vehicle service: every 12 months or 20,000 miles, even if the van is barely used.
• Habitation service: once a year, ideally in early spring before the main season.
• Damp check: at least annually, more often if you've spotted staining or a musty smell.

Tip: keep every invoice and certificate in a folder. A van with a full service history is dramatically easier to sell, because buyers can see it's been looked after.

If you're shopping for a used van, check whether both services have been done — a fresh habitation certificate is a strong sign a seller maintains their van properly. Start with campervans for sale.