Bristol Caravans and Motorhomes

Everything You Need to Know About Motorhome Rear Air Suspension

If your motorhome feels a bit bouncy on rough roads, sags at the back when loaded or struggles to stay level on uneven ground, you’re not alone. Many owners experience these issues- especially with heavier or older vehicles. That’s where rear air suspension comes in. It’s one of the most popular upgrades for improving ride comfort, stability and control in a motorhome. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what it is, how it works, the benefits, costs and whether it’s right for your setup. What Is Rear Air Suspension? Rear air suspension is a […]

How Often Should I Have a Damp Check Done?

If you own a motorhome, one of the most important (yet often overlooked) aspects of maintenance is checking for damp and water ingress. Left unchecked, damp can quietly cause structural damage, reduce resale value and compromise your comfort and safety. So the question is: how often should you have a damp check done? Let’s dive into everything you need to know. Why Damp Checks Matter Water ingress is widely regarded as one of the worst issues for a motorhome’s habitation area. According to industry guidance: In short: damp checks aren’t just optional. They’re vital for preservation, safety, and warranty compliance. […]

What Is Motorhome Underbody Protection and Why Is It Important?

When you think about maintaining your motorhome, your mind probably goes to servicing, cleaning and checking the tyres. But one of the most overlooked parts of your vehicle is also one of the most vulnerable, the underbody. Every time you drive, the chassis and underside face constant exposure to water, salt, mud, and road debris, all of which can slowly cause corrosion and damage. That’s where motorhome underbody protection comes in. It’s one of the best ways to preserve the lifespan of your motorhome and avoid expensive repairs later down the line. In this article, we’ll cover what underbody protection […]

Our New Collection & Delivery Service

At Bristol Caravans, we know that getting your motorhome serviced can sometimes feel like a bit of a mission. Between finding the time, sorting travel, and fitting everything around daily life, it’s easy to put it off. That’s why we’ve launched our brand-new collection and delivery service, designed to make looking after your motorhome completely hassle-free. 🧑‍🔧 We Come to You Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll arrange a collection time that suits you. Whether your motorhome is parked at home or stored at a secure facility, we can usually collect from most locations, we will need to arrange to […]

A grey and white campervan is parked on a grassy track in a clearing, surrounded by bare trees under a blue sky. To the right of the van, a small campfire burns with a pot hanging over it from a tripod, and two wooden logs are on the ground nearby. The campervan has a rugged front bumper and off-road tires.

The Difference Between a Leisure Battery and a Car Battery?

If you’ve recently bought a caravan, campervan, or motorhome, you’re probably starting to hear a lot about ‘leisure batteries’. But what exactly are they and how are they different from the standard car battery under your bonnet? In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, why it matters for your vehicle and how to choose the right battery for your needs. Leisure Batteries Explained A leisure battery is specifically designed to power the 12V appliances in your leisure vehicle – things like: Unlike your car battery, a leisure battery is built for deep cycling, meaning it can be discharged […]

What Is a Motor Mover and How Does It Work?

If you’ve ever struggled to manoeuvre your caravan or motorhome into a tight pitch, a narrow driveway, or a crowded storage space, you’re definitely not alone. Whether it’s battling with awkward angles, trying to avoid curbs and fences, or simply feeling the pressure of getting it right first time, moving a large vehicle without assistance can be frustrating and even a little intimidating. It’s one of the most common challenges caravan and motorhome owners face, especially when touring solo or parking in unpredictable spaces. That’s where a motor mover can make all the difference. With the touch of a button, […]

Close-up of a large white motorhome in a snowy parking area, with more campervans and snow-capped mountains visible in the background.

Winter is Coming! Join Our FREE Winterisation Event at Bristol Caravans 

If you’re a caravan, campervan, or motorhome owner, you probably already know that winter prep is essential but what exactly should you be doing? And when? At Bristol Caravans, we have got you covered with our FREE Winterisation Event, designed to give you all the tools, knowledge, and confidence you need to protect your leisure vehicle this winter. 🗓️ Date: TBC🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM📍 Location: Bristol Caravans, Hortham Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4JW📞 Booking Required: Call us on 01454 612 893 to reserve your space🔗 Contact Us Here Who Should Come? Everyone is welcome!Whether you’re a first-time […]

The Best Rear View Camera Setup for Your Motorhome: What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever tried reversing your motorhome into a narrow pitch or changing lanes on a busy dual carriageway, you’ll know just how tricky it can be without clear visibility behind you. Large vehicles like motorhomes have significant blind spots, especially at the rear, and standard mirrors don’t always cut it. That’s why more and more motorhome owners are investing in rear view camera systems. Not just for reversing but for everyday peace of mind while driving. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what you need to know to choose the right rear view camera setup for your motorhome, based […]

Ford Transit Wet Cam Belt Issues and The Fix

If you own a motorhome built on a Ford Transit platform, there’s an engine design issue you should know about. It’s called the wet cambelt, also known as a wet timing belt. Some modern Transit engines route the cambelt through the engine oil in the sump. This makes the belt vulnerable to oil contamination. In motorhomes, especially diesel ones where DPF (diesel particulate filter) regeneration can fail, this can cause serious belt damage. Over time, the rubber in the belt breaks down. Fibres can shed into the oil system, leading to problems from clogged oil filters to total engine failure. […]

How Much Solar Power Do I Need for My Motorhome?

A Complete Guide for Off-Grid Freedom: Solar power has become one of the most popular upgrades for motorhome owners and it’s not hard to see why. The idea of parking anywhere, powering your fridge, lights, and devices without relying on hook-ups or noisy generators is incredibly appealing. But one of the first (and most important) questions that comes up is: “How much solar power do I need to run everything in my motorhome?” Whether you’re travelling part-time or living full-time on the road, the answer depends on a few key factors, most importantly, your energy usage and how much sunlight […]

Best Motorhome Wi-Fi System for UK Campsites

Why is Best Motorhome Wi-Fi System important? Well staying connected while touring the UK in a motorhome, campervan or caravan is more important than ever. Motorhome Wi-Fi has become the generic “go to” term, but in reality we are talking about a system that has its own sim card, where you stream mobile data to access the internet. Whether you’re streaming TV, working remotely, navigating with GPS, or simply keeping in touch, a solid internet connection can make life on the road a lot easier. But not all campsites offer reliable Wi-Fi and relying on your phone’s hotspot isn’t always […]

How Can I Tell If My Motorhome Is Damp?

Damp is one of the most common and dreaded problems motorhome owners face. Left untreated, it can lead to structural damage, costly repairs, and even health issues. The key to avoiding serious damp problems is early detection but how can you tell if your motorhome has damp before it becomes a major issue? In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the signs of dampness, the tools you can use to detect it, common problem areas, and how to deal with it early to avoid long-term consequences. Whether you’re a seasoned motorhome owner or just starting out, knowing how […]

How Much Does It Cost to Fit a Motorhome Towbar in 2025?

If you’re planning to tow a car, trailer, or bike rack behind your motorhome, a professionally fitted towbar is essential, not just for safety, but also to ensure legal compliance and peace of mind. But how much does it actually cost to fit a motorhome towbar in 2025? Before we jump into the detail, please can I introduce myself, I’m Oakleigh and I started Bristol Caravans to deliver great customer experiences, don’t take my word for it, please read our reviews. We are a one-stop-shop, from Engine and Habitation services, to fitted accessories like motorhome levelling systems and rear air suspension. Before we […]

Motorhome parked off-grid in a scenic mountain landscape with rooftop solar panels visible

Can I Use My Existing Charger and Solar Setup with A Lithium Battery for My Motorhome?

Switching to a lithium battery in your motorhome is an exciting upgrade. Lithium batteries offer longer life, lighter weight, higher usable capacity, and faster charging compared to traditional lead-acid or AGM batteries. But a common question for motorhome owners is: Can I use my existing charger and solar setup with A lithium battery? The short answer is: sometimes yes, but often not without some adjustments or upgrades. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore how lithium batteries differ from lead-acid types, why charging compatibility matters, what to look for in your current equipment, and how to optimise your charging system for […]

A Hymer motorhome with self-levelling legs extended, parked on grass with snowy mountains and forested hills in the background.

Can I fit a self-levelling system to my existing motorhome?

If you’re asking, “Can I fit a self-levelling system to my existing motorhome?”—the good news is that in most cases, you can. These systems can be retrofitted to many modern motorhomes, particularly larger A-Class and coachbuilt models. They’re often compatible with chassis from manufacturers like Fiat, Ford, Peugeot, Renault, Citroën, Iveco, MAN, Volkswagen, and Mercedes, including those with extended AL-KO chassis. Even some panel vans and van conversions can now be fitted with compact or lightweight levelling systems, although options may be more limited. From personal experience, I recommend It’s always worth getting a professional assessment to confirm compatibility with […]

Faults, Problems and What Happens When You Breakdown

Let’s face it: breakdowns happen. Things go wrong. Systems fail. And when you’re hundreds (or even thousands) of miles from home, it’s more than just frustrating — it can bring your entire trip to a standstill. At Bristol Caravans, we see this all the time. From blown fuses and battery issues to full levelling systems that decide to give up on a slope in the Algarve. Take Lisa and Bill, for example. They’re seasoned motorhome travelers who love touring across Europe. But during one of their trips, their Amplo automatic levelling system packed in. One minute everything was working. The […]

Lithium Batteries with Renogy

– Bristol Caravans, the First Approved UK Workshop As a professional installer at Bristol Caravans, I’ve spent years upgrading motorhomes, campervans, and caravans with the latest tech. Power systems are one of the most important upgrades we do—and right now, lithium batteries are hands down the best option out there. Even better? We’re proud to be the first fully approved Renogy dealer and workshop in the UK. That’s right—if you want expert advice, installation, and aftercare for Renogy lithium batteries, there’s no better place to come than here. Why Lithium Batteries Make All the Difference Whether you’re parked up in […]

Levelling-System-MA-VE-MAN

Motorhome Levelling System Warranty

What warranty does your motorhome leveling system come with? By Oakleigh | Bristol Caravans “It’s not about how fast you drive. It’s about how level you park.” A customer said that to me once while I was elbow-deep in a motorhome’s hydraulic system. I chuckled, but he was absolutely right. When you’re out exploring in a motorhome, being level is more than a convenience—it’s essential. Your sleep, your cooking, even your fridge depends on it. So let’s get into it. Today we’re answering a simple but important question:What kind of motorhome levelling system warranty can you actually expect? Because it […]

Damp Meter

Damp Repair: Keep Your Leisure Vehicle Dry with Bristol Caravans

As the proud owner of Bristol Caravans, I’ve helped countless customers tackle one of the most frustrating issues in the world of leisure vehicles: damp repair. Whether you own a caravan, campervan, or motorhome, damp can creep in unnoticed and quickly cause costly damage. In this blog, I’m sharing expert tips on how to prevent damp, how to treat it, and what you need to know about damp repairs and inspections. Damp in Motorhomes: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Knowing how to prevent and treat damp starts with understanding the causes. Most damp issues we see in our workshop come from: […]

12v Lithium Battery – What’s best for your Leisure Vehicle

Upgrading your leisure vehicle’s power system is a game-changer, and at Bristol Caravans, we believe one of the most important upgrades you can make is switching to a 12v lithium battery. These batteries offer exceptional performance, efficiency, and durability, ensuring your adventures are powered for longer. As a trusted leisure vehicle repair and upgrade specialist, we know that a 12v Lithium Battery is a smart investment for anyone serious about maximising their motorhome experience. Lead-Acid vs Lithium Batteries – A Complete Comparison When it comes to powering your motorhome or caravan, you may be wondering whether to stick with your […]

Amplo Motorhome Self Levelling System: No Drilling, No Hassle

Why I recommend Amplo… Amplo Motorhome Self Levelling System is a great system for a motorhome enthusiast, as ensuring that your trips are comfortable and stress-free is crucial. That’s why at Bristol Caravans I install the Amplo Motorhome Self Levelling System. Not only does it provide effortless automatic levelling, but it also features a remarkable design that requires no holes to be drilled into the chassis. This unique aspect is a key feature as it means less risk of permanent damage to your motorhome. Turn to Bristol Caravans, to handle your Amplo Self Levelling System installation. Our attention to detail, […]