Whenever (and wherever) I write a post about the book we sell on out Website it seems to stir up a lot of controversy and I start getting nasty comments from employees of the caravan and motorhome industry who want to protect their profit margins (watch this space!).
Do Your Own Caravan or Motorhome Habitation Check informs leisure vehicle owners with the use of easy to understand language and photo guides how to perform their own habitation service. Now, before the industry trolls start getting on my case, I will say that if you're not a reasonably confident DIYer then DYOCMHC is probably not for you and if you have doubts about your ability to carry out any of the tasks within the book then you're probably better off booking your leisure vehicle with your local workshop. That said, even if you decide the well explained tasks laid out in the manual are beyond you, this DIY motorhome habitation check guide will enlighten you as to how the different systems in your leisure vehicle function and also what you should be getting for your money when you hand over your £200 (or thereabouts) of hard-earned cash to your local dealer or workshop.
One of the main issues that seems to come up time and time again is the leisure vehicle's gas (LPG) system and, of course, no one is suggesting that anyone who is not suitably LPG qualified should tamper with or attempt to fix potential faults themselves. But, there are some simple gas checks explained within DYOCMHC that, using some simple low-cost tools (that any competent DIYer should be able to understand), will enable leisure vehicle owner to identify potential problems and get them investigated by a suitably qualified professional. So, in summary no one should attempt to fix potential leaks in the LPG system themselves and always use a Gas Safe registered engineer. If, during the course of the easy to follow guidance you are confident that no LPG problems exist, but you want complete peace of mind, then you can find a local, qualified LPG engineer who will carry out the relevant checks and certify the LPG system for around £50 - £70 (correct at the time of writing) - still much better than £200!
Another issue that arises consistently is the leisure vehicle warranty. Yes, if your leisure vehicle is relatively new and still under a manufacturer's warranty you will need to have your leisure vehicle habitation checks carried out by one of their approved workshops otherwise the warranty will be invalid. What a great way for the industry dealers to earn some easy money! The strange thing is that's it's only in the UK that the leisure vehicle industry is so insistent on motorhome or caravan habitation checks and that dealers in other countries don't apply the same pressure and the whole thing is virtually unheard of. Strange that... eh? Money for old rope? Take a look at Do Your Own Caravan or Motorhome Habitation Check and find out for yourself!
