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What can we repair ourselves in a caravan or motorhome?

Author: Maciej Mokwiński
Category: Tips
What can we repair ourselves in a caravan or motorhome? – main image

Probably everyone is aware of the considerable costs that are associated with the implementation of certain passions and hobbies. Caravanning, as you know, needs considerable funds - the purchase, operation and possible repairs of campers and caravans consume significant amounts each year. No wonder that many owners of mobile homes on wheels often look for savings where they need to be. By buying cheaper, inferior quality spare parts, we can only do harm. A noticeable reduction in expenses will be brought about by minor repairs carried out by yourself.

At the outset, I would like to warn you - if you want to make simple repairs of equipment yourself, you must have a basic set of tools ( flat wrenches, socket wrenches, screwdrivers will also be indispensable), a DIY line will only make it easier.

We repair mechanics and installation

If our motorhome is already old, and hence - is equipped with relatively simple mechanics, we can without any worries start servicing it ourselves. The replacement of operating fluids (engine oil, coolant) will take several dozen minutes, we will deal with the change of the fuel, oil and air filter a little faster. Most caravans are equipped with a braking system , which, like in a camper, requires not only regular inspection , but also replacement of worn components . Changing the linings in the drum brakes of the trailer and in the rear axle of the camper will require over an hour of work. We will spend a little less time replacing brake discs and pads . Remember about a jack with an appropriate load capacity - when using an ordinary car, we put ourselves in danger (the jack may not withstand the load).

A teenage camper or caravan may very often require multiple repairs to the installation. Broken electrical cables, rotten and leaky water and gas pipes, leaking bodywork or damaged furniture - we will repair it all at our own expense. When starting to improve the gas installation, we must bear in mind the consequences of an unsuccessful repair - escaping gas is a huge danger for users. We will resuscitate the water system much more efficiently - we will replace rotten pipes, rusty bands and clogged filters in a few hours. This will involve the dismantling of many pieces of furniture - at the same time, we will get perfect access to any leaks in the body . Contrary to the opinion of many "specialists", the replacement of a worn, broken refrigerator turns out to be extremely simple. It is enough to buy a new one with appropriate dimensions and install it in place of the old one. It is better to have the repair of the heating in the hands of a professional.

Aesthetics

Long years of intensive use affect not only the mechanics and installations, but also furniture, floors and upholstery . We will replace the worn floor covering on our own, but be warned: it is a time-consuming task that requires a lot of patience. We can change worn covers by ourselves in a few moments, just like broken door handles and shades of wall lamps.

By spending several hours a year on self-repairing a motorhome or caravan, we can easily save several hundred zlotys . The workshop will ask for much more for a similar service. In addition, we will get to know the technical condition of our equipment.

Maciej Mokwiński
Maciej Mokwiński

I follow the latest trends in the automotive industry, not only in caravanning

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Motorhome accident repairs – image 1
Tips
Motorhome accident repairs
When we have a motorhome with a minor or larger accident, or we intend to buy a collision car, it is always worth contacting a proven service, specialized in repairing motorhomes. The Elcamp company from Krakow, known as a manufacturer and seller of motorhomes and a distributor of car parts and accessories, also runs a camping car repair service. Not only what's outside Most often, during a collision, elements of the outer skin of the car are damaged. The effects, however, can be much more serious. It is always worth checking if the equipment inside the vehicle and installations: water, gas, electricity, TV and others have not been damaged. The next stage of repair is the replacement of damaged parts . It is safest to get a specific, new part directly from the manufacturer. Elcamp gives a guarantee for all work performed, unless the repair at the customer's request was not carried out in accordance with the recommended technology. Then no one will take responsibility for any future faults. The biggest enemy of any building is its leakage . The vast majority of motorhomes have "sandwich" coverings. After a collision, check if there are any leaks through which water enters the interior, causing the frame to rot. In the event of damage or leakage of the roof, we will usually have nothing else to do but replace it with a brand new one. This usually takes a lot of time and money. Is the repair worth it? In the autumn and winter period, the workshop is working at full speed. A company with as much experience as Elcamp undertakes every repair of a damaged vehicle . Clients usually ask two questions: about the cost and duration of the work. Unfortunately, post-accident repair can take up to several months . This is due to the fact that not all parts are available "out of stock". The cost obviously depends on the degree of damage to the vehicle or its equipment. When the initial cost , which is usually estimated at the first inspection, exceeds the value of the car, it makes no sense to undertake repairs. Repair expenses are, of course, a river topic. They can be up to 100% of the market value of the vehicle. It is worth emphasizing, however, that it is not synonymous with the actual selling price - well-kept cars, repaired with the use of original parts, reach prices above average market prices. Please check before buying Sometimes it's a good idea to buy a used vehicle. However, be careful with new (or almost new) cars at bargain prices . Then we can almost be sure that they have had an accident. Of course, you can do something with them, but it is important to know about a possible collision. The purchase of an accident motorhome can even be profitable, provided that the vehicle is thoroughly inspected and, during the inspection, as much damage as possible related to the incident (or even earlier) is noticed. It even happens that the cost of post-accident work is lower than in the case of non-damage repair. Remember that previous defects are easy to hide in a damaged car, in which the seller will not allow us to connect, for example, electricity or gas during the inspection, explaining that the installations may be out of order. Sometimes it is of course true, but in this way we are deprived of the possibility of checking individual pieces of equipment. Haste is a bad advisor To find a used motorhome in good condition, you need to spend some time searching for it. It is rare that the first copy that catches our eye is actually worth buying. Here there is a small problem - buying a car abroad. Since we are going far and spending money to see the car, even if it does not correspond to the description, we often decide to buy it anyway. This is a serious mistake. When we are not specialists ourselves, it is best to opt for an advisor - it is an expense much lower than the unexpected repair later. Elcamp's experts often advise on the purchase of damaged or used cars, both at the company's headquarters and at the seller, at the request of customers. However, as they say themselves, nothing can replace a car inspection in a professional service prepared for the comprehensive service of camping vehicles, which has all the necessary equipment. Thanks to them, it is possible to detect defects that even an experienced specialist will not notice with the naked eye.