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Caravan owners are being reminded to have their home-on-wheels serviced ahead of the summer holiday period, with caravan-related callouts at RAA jumping by almost one third last year.
RAA Road Service attended 31% more caravan breakdowns in 2023 compared with the year prior, and these levels have continued so far in 2024.
It comes as RAA launches a new Caravan Servicing Approved Repairer Category to encourage caravanners to have their home-on-wheels serviced to maintain roadworthiness and safety.
There are currently 61,075 caravans registered in South Australia – with caravan ownership in SA surging by 62% since 2010.
Common problems that can cut a holiday short include suspension faults and bearings failing – both issues that can be easily inspected during a caravan service at an RAA Approved Repairer.
RAA Manager of Approved Repairers and Future Technology Simon Halford said caravans should be serviced at least once per year or every 10,000 kilometres if they’re doing long distances.
“Caravan servicing is akin to a heath check and can help proactively identify problems with your caravan,” Mr Halford said.
“In the past four years RAA has attended more than 1100 caravan breakdowns, and we’ve seen a real increase in the last two years in particular.
“Servicing checks on a wide variety of caravan aspects, from brakes and safety to general wear and tear, and can maintain both roadworthiness and safety.
“It’s imperative to maintain regular checks to ensure your caravan is functioning correctly, because minor problems can escalate into major issues.
“If you’re planning a summer road trip with your caravan and haven’t had it serviced for a while, we recommend booking it in to give you peace-of-mind that everything is working as it should be.”
Caravan Crash and Service in Hampstead Gardens and Roadmaster Caravans SA in Lonsdale are the first two repairers to join RAA’s new Caravan servicing category as part of RAA’s extensive network of 410 Approved Repairers across SA.
RAA Approved Repairers are chosen for their quality workmanship, fair pricing and must adhere to RAA’s Approved Repairer Code of Practice.
Roadmaster Caravans SA Director Clinton Habner said caravan servicing is vital, because you’re towing your home around the country.
“The biggest issue is if you have some sort of suspension break, and you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere,” Mr Habner said.
“You’ve got nowhere to go, and you can’t move.
“Suspensions and bearings can be easily inspected and checked, and they’re the two biggest things we see go wrong in our shop.”
To view RAA’s full list of Approved Repairers visit the RAA website.