Service Repair and MOT | Common Issues | Habitation Check

What is a Habitation Check for your Motorhome, Caravan, or Campervan?

What is a Habitation Check?

A habitation check is an in-depth inspection of the living area of your motorhome, campervan, or caravan. It is a series of checks that tests all the systems in your van and makes sure they are working well and safe to use. It is recommended to use a qualified engineer to carry out your habitation check, they can also be mobile, which for some is more convenient. NOTE: An accredited habitation check will be required to maintain a manufacturer’s warranty. The following are some reasons why a habitation check is important:

Safety:

A habitation check is essential to ensure that your motorhome is safe to use. The check will identify any potential safety hazards and ensure that all systems are working correctly and safely.

Identify problems early:

A habitation check can help identify any problems early before they become more serious and costly to repair.

Warranty:

A habitation check is often required to continue the warranty on your motorhome. Many manufacturers insist on an annual habitation check as part of their warranty terms and conditions.

Maintaining value:

A history of habitation checks and maintenance will enhance the value and saleability of your motorhome or caravan.

For new motorhomes, a habitation check is usually required every year for the warranty to be valid 3. For used motorhomes, it’s recommended to get a habitation check done when you buy a second-hand motorhome. However, technically, you do not legally need to do a habitation check at all, especially not an annual check.

In summary, a habitation check is an essential part of owning a motorhome. It ensures that your vehicle is safe to use, identifies problems early, maintains the warranty on your motorhome, and enhances its value and saleability. If you’re buying a new or used motorhome, it’s always recommended to get a habitation check done.

What does a motorhome, caravan or campervan habitation check include?

The underbody of the motorhome, including the underslung tanks and pipes.
The electrical system, including the plugs, lights, batteries, fridge, wiring, RCD, boiler, and 230v appliances.
The gas system, including the regulator, hoses, leaks, tanks, flame failure, vents, and appliances.
The water system, including the taps, leaks, waste-water outlet, toilet, valve seal, and antifreeze mix.
The ventilation of the motorhome, including the appliance vents and windows.
The bodywork of the motorhome, including the doors, windows, blinds, and roof.
The fire safety of the motorhome, including the fire extinguisher and smoke alarm.
The dampness of the motorhome, using a damp meter to measure the moisture level.

Underbody:

The underbody of the motorhome is checked, including underslung tanks and pipes to ensure that there are no leaks or damage.

Electrical system:

The electrical system of the motorhome is checked, including the plugs, lights, batteries, fridge, wiring, RCD, boiler and 230v appliances. This is to ensure that all electrical systems are working correctly and safely.

Gas system:

The gas system of the motorhome is checked, including the regulator, hoses, leaks, tanks, flame failure, vents and appliances. This is to ensure that there are no gas leaks and that all gas appliances are working correctly and safely.

Water system:

The water system of the motorhome is checked, including the taps, leaks, waste-water outlet, toilet, valve seal and antifreeze mix. This is to ensure that there are no leaks in the water system and that all water systems are working correctly and safely.

Ventilation:

The ventilation of the motorhome is checked, including the appliance vents and windows. This is to ensure that there is adequate ventilation in the motorhome for safety reasons.

Bodywork:

The bodywork of the motorhome is checked, including the doors, windows, blinds, and roof. This is to ensure that there are no leaks or damage to the bodywork of the motorhome.

Fire safety:

The fire safety in the motorhome is checked, including the fire extinguisher, smoke alarm and heater/boiler vents. This is to ensure that all fire safety equipment is working correctly and safely.

Dampness:

Dampness is checked using a damp meter to measure the moisture level. This is to ensure that there are no damp areas in the motorhome that could lead to mould or other problems.

Dampness can ruin a motorhome, caravan, or campervan. It is a common problem, and can be caused by a variety of factors.

Here are some of the most common causes of damp in motorhomes:

Water ingress:

Water ingress is the most common cause of damp in motorhomes. Caused by leaks in the roof, windows, doors, or bodywork of the motorhome.

Condensation:

Condensation can occur when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface. This can happen when cooking, showering, or breathing inside the motorhome, especially in the colder months.

Poor ventilation:

Poor ventilation can lead to dampness in the motorhome caused by blocked vents or windows, or by not opening windows and vents enough to allow air to circulate.

Damp ground:

When parked on damp ground, moisture seeps up through the floor and accumulate on the surfaces inside.

Humidity:

High humidity levels can also cause dampness in the motorhome. Caused by cooking, showering, or drying clothes inside the motorhome.

What is a Habitation Check

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