New Motorhome habitation check, when to get it done.

[izwozral]

My 2013 Rimor Kmax is coming up to it's 1st anniversary & I was wondering if It is advisable to have a habitation check or is it something that would normally be done when it's first MOT is due in it's third year?
Also, for the record, can anyone recommend a habitation tester in the Warrington/Cheshire area?

I haven't found any issues other than the ongoing saga with the Thetford fridge but that's another story.

All answers gratefully received

 

[Robmac]

I've never had a Hab check. But, the small print in my insurance policy states that if my gas system is not checked professionally and annually, and if the MH is involved in a fire of any sort, it will not be covered.

I presume the Hab check includes the gas system, so I will be booking one soon.

 

[maingate]

You need one to maintain the water ingress warranty I believe. You do not need to use the Dealer you bought from but they can try to wriggle out of any problems you may have in the future.

Given the number of damp problems in vans, I would get it done.

 

[Obanboy666]

My Swift Sundance is coming up to its first aniversary, have to have an annual hab service to conform to 10 year water ingress warranty. The service also includes, gas, heating, water, fridge, cooker and all the electrical systems.
Having it done at my local caravan dealer for £140.00 which is cheaper than where i bought it from.
Also check the service schedule for the base unit, mines a Fiat that states 2 years / 20,000 miles but i am having an interum service done at 1 year old.

I would check your handbook / service manual as usually its a 'must do' to conform to warranty on both parts of the motorhome.

 

[spigot]

I've never had a Hab check. But, the small print in my insurance policy states that if my gas system is not checked professionally and annually, and if the MH is involved in a fire of any sort, it will not be covered.

I presume the Hab check includes the gas system, so I will be booking one soon.

I too have never had a Hab check, I look on it as yet another rip-off.

I realise that with a new van, there's something written into the warranty, so they've got you by the cobblers there!.

Having an older van, I do my own Hab check, got a moisture meter & a can of gas spray & I'm sure of making a more thorough job of it than some oik down at the dealers.

 

[Obanboy666]

I too have never had a Hab check, I look on it as yet another rip-off.

I realise that with a new van, there's something written into the warranty, so they've got you by the cobblers there!.

Having an older van, I do my own Hab check, got a moisture meter & a can of gas spray & I'm sure of making a more thorough job of it than some oik down at the dealers.

Its a no brainer with a new van, but agree about older vans and would do it myself. Yes its a rip off same as my base vehicle interum service but got to be done.

 

[invalid]

I too have never had a Hab check, I look on it as yet another rip-off.

I realise that with a new van, there's something written into the warranty, so they've got you by the cobblers there!.

Having an older van, I do my own Hab check, got a moisture meter & a can of gas spray & I'm sure of making a more thorough job of it than some oik down at the dealers.

Totally agree, it's your life on the line if there is a gas leak, and am sure if you latter found water ingress they would breast stroke out of it. Had to recently help local garage when they snapped off a water connecter from the head, they threw up their hands and said they couldn't get the broken part off, so left me the customer to fix that part of the job for them, doesn't inspire much confidence does it, what's the old saying, "if it wasn't for the trees, they wouldn't be able to find their way to work."

 

[molly 2]

I had a hab check at 12 months old. They found water ingress that I did not know about .and was repaird under warranty. My MH had a 12 manufacturers warranty and a further 24 months insurance warranty. I would strongly advise having it done and in the first 12 months ,also for the sake of a few quid I would have it done at your dealer as you may need their support if their are issues. I would allso go through the van with a fine tooth comb, as many would agree their is no such thing as a faultless new van.

 

[molly 2]

I've never had a Hab check. But, the small print in my insurance policy states that if my gas system is not checked professionally and annually, and if the MH is involved in a fire of any sort, it will not be covered.

I presume the Hab check includes the gas system, so I will be booking one soon.

That's a very good point rob but is it feasible just to have gas check, all you want is tick in the box.

 

[izwozral]

Thanks guys, as usual, great advice. Methinks I will have the test done for peace of mind.

 

[dave and mary]

I too have never had a Hab check, I look on it as yet another rip-off.

I realise that with a new van, there's something written into the warranty, so they've got you by the cobblers there!.

Having an older van, I do my own Hab check, got a moisture meter & a can of gas spray & I'm sure of making a more thorough job of it than some oik down at the dealers.

When and who started this habitation check thing ? Yes as you say I think its a rip off, but I suppose there are people with vans that know how to drive them and that's all. Also the modern vans are so badly built may be you need on every year to see if the thing is still holding together :lol-049: :lol-049:


:drive: :drive:

 

[m30]

Our Euramobil is now nearly 4 years old, with us getting it when it was about 10 months old. We inherited the 3 years manufacturers warranty and paid for a further 3 years warranty beyond that. I have never had a habitation check done, i too see it as an opportunity for someone to to stitch me up. We did however have a problem with the Truma Combi boiler/heater. I rang the dealer we bought it from, we went through the symptoms and he sent me part for the boiler, I fitted it and everything was fine again. At no point did he ask me if i had had the habitation service done.

I dont see what can be done on the habitation service that would stop something like water ingress happening, if your van is going to leak in, it will leak in whether you have paid someone to tick a load of boxes on a sheet or you haven't. If theres owt wrong with the 240v circuits the trip will go in the box, if your 12v system has a fault you will blow a fuse. I prefer to keep my money in my pocket, and worry about things if and when they go wrong, just because you have had a service doesn't mean they wont go wrong.

Stu

 

[Obanboy666]

Our Euramobil is now nearly 4 years old, with us getting it when it was about 10 months old. We inherited the 3 years manufacturers warranty and paid for a further 3 years warranty beyond that. I have never had a habitation check done, i too see it as an opportunity for someone to to stitch me up. We did however have a problem with the Truma Combi boiler/heater. I rang the dealer we bought it from, we went through the symptoms and he sent me part for the boiler, I fitted it and everything was fine again. At no point did he ask me if i had had the habitation service done.

I dont see what can be done on the habitation service that would stop something like water ingress happening, if your van is going to leak in, it will leak in whether you have paid someone to tick a load of boxes on a sheet or you haven't. If theres owt wrong with the 240v circuits the trip will go in the box, if your 12v system has a fault you will blow a fuse. I prefer to keep my money in my pocket, and worry about things if and when they go wrong, just because you have had a service doesn't mean they wont go wrong.


Stu

A habitation service could spot a potential problem before it becomes a major. And as various posters have highlighted your hands are tied if you have a new motorhome as quite a few members have. Most manufacturers would not honour the warranty if the habitation service schedule has not been followed.
Try and get a problem sorted on a UK motorhome if you haven't followed the habitation service schedule, the second word from the majority of manufacturers would be off !
I would also reckon most buyers of a second hand motorhome that was still in warranty for water ingress would walk away as the warranty would be void, i certainly would.

 

[Deleted member 35703]

Rip off or not why risk a warranty problem for an habitation check the MHs are expensive items to repair if water ingress occurs and has been said you cannot always see the problem worth the cost for warranty piece of mind in MHO

 

[Obanboy666]

Rip off or not why risk a warranty problem for an habitation check the MHs are expensive items to repair if water ingress occurs and has been said you cannot always see the problem worth the cost for warranty piece of mind in MHO

Who in their right mind would pay £40,000 + for a motorhome and not spend £150.00 - £200.00 on a yearly hab check ?

No brainer IMHO.

 

[Channa]

Who in their right mind would pay £40,000 + for a motorhome and not spend £150.00 - £200.00 on a yearly hab check ?

No brainer IMHO.

You beat me to it....Why on earth with a major investment would you fail to have a hab test done for the minimal cost compared to original outlay?

The underlying reason for a hab check is simple too, A problem spotted early saves money and inconvenience in the long run for the manufacturer and customer.

Anyone testing is doing it to make their living so of course there is a cost involved, rip off this rip off that I often wonder what planet people are on?

Wait a minute I have toothache sod paying a dentist "rip off " merchants I will do it myself save a few quid ...!! I bet many wouldnt do that , a strange analogy but hopefully reinforces the point.

Bad dealers, no doubt there are anyone want to offer an occupation where there is no wrongdoing ..?

Channa

 

[spigot]

Who in their right mind would pay £40,000 + for a motorhome and not spend £150.00 - £200.00 on a yearly hab check ?

No brainer IMHO.

Many pay £40,000+ & spend up to £200 on a yearly hab check, there are plenty of mugs out there!

 

[Obanboy666]

Many pay £40,000+ & spend up to £200 on a yearly hab check, there are plenty of mugs out there!

So in your opinion anyone spending £40,000 + on a motorhome is a mug ? I wondered when someone would make that statement !
I'm no mug or i wouldn't have been able to retire at 54 and have the finances to buy a new £40,000 + motorhome.

 

[spigot]

You beat me to it....Why on earth with a major investment would you fail to have a hab test done for the minimal cost compared to original outlay?

The underlying reason for a hab check is simple too, A problem spotted early saves money and inconvenience in the long run for the manufacturer and customer.

Anyone testing is doing it to make their living so of course there is a cost involved, rip off this rip off that I often wonder what planet people are on?

Wait a minute I have toothache sod paying a dentist "rip off " merchants I will do it myself save a few quid ...!! I bet many wouldnt do that , a strange analogy but hopefully reinforces the point.

Bad dealers, no doubt there are anyone want to offer an occupation where there is no wrongdoing ..?

Channa

1) Why?, If you're capable of doing it, why pay someone else?

2) Thats just common sense.

3) I've not paid a dealer to carry out a hab check in the last seven years, if some are paying up to £200 it means I've saved well in excess of a thousand quid. This might suggest my feet are firmly on the planet.

4) Comparing DIY with a dentist's profession is just plain stupid, when one thinks of the high qualifications needed even before embarking on the long training period.

 

[Obanboy666]

1) Why?, If you're capable of doing it, why pay someone else?

2) Thats just common sense.

3) I've not paid a dealer to carry out a hab check in the last seven years, if some are paying up to £200 it means I've saved well in excess of a thousand quid. This might suggest my feet are firmly on the planet.

4) Comparing DIY with a dentist's profession is just plain stupid, when one thinks of the high qualifications needed even before embarking on the long training period.

As mentioned on numerous occasions if you have a new vehicle your hands are tied. You have to follow the hab service schedule or your warranty is invalid. Would anyone pay £40,000 for a car and not have it serviced at a dealer to keep the warranty valid ? I dont think so, no different if you have a new motorhome.
Looking at your avatar you own a panel van conversion. I may be wrong but from what i gather water ingress is not a problem on van conversions unlike c class and similiar motorhomes.
I have read about to many horror stories regarding water ingress on c class motorhomes that have cost thousands to repair under warranty to not follow my service schedule.
If i own my motorhome 10 years when the warranty expires i may then carry out my own hab servicing.