General

Motorhomes are incredible machines- part vehicle, part holiday home and capable of carrying you to some of the most beautiful places in the UK and beyond.But because they combine driving systems and habitation features, they naturally experience faults from time to time. At Bristol Caravans, our workshop sees hundreds of motorhomes each year. While every model is different, many of the issues we diagnose fall into the same familiar patterns. The good news? Most are easily prevented with simple checks and routine maintenance. Here are the most common motorhome faults we see and how you can avoid them. 1. Damp […]

Owning a motorhome opens the door to a whole new world of travel, the freedom to explore at your own pace, the comfort of taking your home with you and the excitement of discovering beautiful places across the UK and beyond but the first year of ownership can also feel overwhelming. There’s plenty to learn, a few things to get used to and lots of little discoveries along the way. At Bristol Caravans, we work with new owners every day, so we’ve put together a guide to help you understand what the first year really looks like: the good, the […]

Caravan windows face the elements all year round-rain, dust, road grit, and even careless handling can leave them scratched or scuffed. One of the most common causes of damage to side windows is travelling along narrow lanes, where thorns and overhanging branches can easily scrape the surface. While scratches may not always affect visibility, they can spoil the look of your caravan and even reduce its resale value. So, what’s the best way to deal with them: DIY fixes or professional help? Let’s explore your options. Why Caravan Windows Scratch Easily Most caravan windows are made from acrylic or polycarbonate, […]

If you own a motorhome, you’ll already know it’s not quite like any other vehicle. It’s your transport and your home- all rolled into one. That’s why it needs two types of servicing to stay in top condition: an engine service and a habitation service. Many owners are unsure what each service covers so let’s break it down and explain why both are essential for keeping your motorhome safe, reliable and comfortable. What Is included in an Habitation Service? A habitation service focuses on the living area of your motorhome, the “home” part. It’s designed to make sure everything inside […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. If […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

– 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 […]

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 […]