Do Caravans Need an MOT?

Unlike most vehicles, caravans do not need MOTs by UK law. However, if you own a caravan, it’s still your responsibility to check that it’s roadworthy and safe to travel in.

In addition to the standard motoring aspects of your caravan, you also need to make sure all other parts of the vehicle – such as its water, gas, and electrical systems – are in sound working order before you hit the road.

This is why regular servicing and maintenance are essential, allowing you to identify any issues with your caravan to keep you, your family, and other road users safe.

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Caravan servicing vs MOT: What’s the difference?

Services and MOTs are often confused with one another, especially because most people book their car in for both at the same time for convenience. However, there is a difference between the two that you need to know as a caravan owner.

MOTs exist solely to test the parts of a vehicle that might make it unsafe to use on the roads. If any issues are identified, such as problems with the brakes, tyres, or lights, the vehicle fails its MOT and is deemed illegal to drive until the issues have been fixed.

Services, on the other hand, provide a more in-depth assessment of the vehicle and help identify any potential issues early on. They also help to maintain the value and lifespan of the vehicle, which makes them especially useful if you plan on selling your caravan later down the line.

Although caravan servicing is not a legal requirement, it’s important to get your caravan serviced regularly to make sure the vehicle is safe to drive and stays in the best possible condition.

What does caravan servicing involve?

As well as checking all the essential motoring aspects of your vehicle like the wheels and brakes, a caravan service will also typically include checks of:

• Gas systems
• Electrical systems
• Water systems
• Fire and safety
• Ventilation
• Chassis
• Running gear
• Trims
• Body work

One of the main reasons people choose to get their caravan serviced is to ensure that any water ingress readings are caught early, as repairs can be costly.

Most garages will give you the option to choose between an interim service or full service, which will check different aspects of your caravan’s function. Like any other vehicle, the caravan’s wheels and brakes will be prioritised and should be serviced at least once a year.

Changing your caravan tyres

You should replace your caravan’s tyres every 5-7 years, even if the vehicle isn’t being used frequently. This is because when a caravan is stationary for long periods of time, it can cause the tyres to deteriorate.

If you’re a new caravan owner or are towing a caravan for the first time, it’s important to know that choosing the right tyres for your caravan is essential. They not only need to provide a good grip on the road but also must be strong enough to cope with the weight of a fully loaded caravan. For a single-axle caravan, each tyre must be able to support at least half of the entire caravan on its own.

Bear in mind that you can’t buy tyres that are specifically made for caravans. To make sure your tyres will be strong enough to support the weight of your caravan, look for tyres that are intended for vans or made to be extra strong.

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Start your caravan finance application today or get in touch with our friendly team for more information about how the process works.