Help keeping all your vehicles systems in tip top condition
Habitation Service
Gas for your fridge, gas for the cooker, water supplies for the loo and shower, cold water tanks… wouldn’t you like to know they are all taken care of.
Your motorhome is more than just a vehicle- it’s your home on the road. Our habitation services ensure everything stays safe, reliable and ready for your next adventure. We cover all the key systems, including gas, electrics, water, ventilation, heating and carry out a full damp check as standard.
Whether you use your van year-round or store it over winter, regular habitation checks help prevent costly issues and keep everything running smoothly, so you can enjoy every trip with confidence.
- 1 year guarantee
- Free personal on-site assessment
- Free overnight stay
- Habitation checks tailored to your vehicle, helping you stay safe, comfortable, and road-ready all year round.
- Qualified, experienced, approved & trusted technicians
Motorhome Habitation explained
What is a habitation service, and why do I need one?
What is a habitation service, and why do I need one?
It’s a full health check of the living side of your motorhome to keep everything safe, working properly, and up to standard.
A habitation service is a professional inspection of the living area in your motorhome or campervan, covering the gas, water, electrical, and heating systems, as well as a full damp check. It’s all about making sure that everything is safe, functional, and comfortable for you and your passengers, just like an MOT checks your road safety, this checks your “home” safety.
It’s recommended annually and often required to maintain manufacturer warranties. Even if your vehicle is running fine, hidden problems like small gas leaks, water ingress, or faulty electrics can build up over time. A habitation check gives you peace of mind before long trips and helps catch issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
How often should I get a habitation service?
How often should I get a habitation service?
Once a year is standard, even if you haven’t used the van much.
An annual habitation check is generally recommended by manufacturers and service providers, even for lightly-used vehicles. Like any home system, motorhome components can degrade over time whether they’re being used or not, especially seals, gas lines, and appliances.
Regular servicing helps you stay ahead of issues like damp, gas leaks, or electrical faults. If you travel off-grid or store your vehicle over winter, an annual check ensures everything is safe and ready for your next trip. It also supports the long-term value and resale of your motorhome.
Is a habitation service the same as a mechanical service?
Is a habitation service the same as a mechanical service?
No, habitation covers the living area, while mechanical services cover the engine and road-legal systems.
A mechanical service checks things like brakes, oil, tyres, and suspension, everything related to how your motorhome drives. A habitation service, on the other hand, focuses entirely on the “living” side: gas safety, water systems, electrics, heating, ventilation, windows, doors, and damp prevention.
Both services are important and serve different purposes. If you only book mechanical work, you may be missing out on spotting early signs of water damage or faulty appliances. Keeping both sides of your vehicle properly maintained gives you confidence that you’re safe both on the road and at your destination.
What’s included in a habitation check?
What’s included in a habitation check?
It includes gas safety tests, electrical system checks, water systems, appliance checks, damp testing, and ventilation.
A thorough habitation check includes inspection of all the core systems that keep your motorhome safe and usable: the gas system (including pipework and appliances), both 12V and 230V electrics, water systems (fresh and waste), and heating or ventilation. A damp test is also included, which checks for moisture intrusion in walls and ceilings, one of the most important checks for long-term vehicle health.
You’ll receive a written report that outlines what’s been inspected, any faults found, and recommendations for repair. Some customers treat the habitation service like a mini health-check for the vehicle’s home comforts; it can often highlight things you weren’t even aware of, like worn door seals or minor water leaks.
How long does a habitation service take?
How long does a habitation service take?
It typically takes between 2-4 hours depending on the van and findings.
Most habitation checks take about 2-4 hours to complete, although this can vary based on your motorhome’s layout, complexity, and whether any issues arise during the inspection. If you’ve requested additional services like repairs, upgrades, or installation of accessories, the timeframe may extend.
We’ll always give you an estimated time when booking, and many customers choose to drop off their van and collect it later in the day. If we find anything unexpected, we’ll get in touch before taking any further action. That way, you stay informed and in control.
Can I stay in my van while it’s being serviced?
Can I stay in my van while it’s being serviced?
No, we need full access to all areas of the van during the check.
Unfortunately, you can’t stay in the vehicle during a habitation service. Technicians need full, uninterrupted access to areas like under seats, behind panels, cupboards, vents, and appliances. That means all space must be clear and available for inspection, which wouldn’t be possible if the van is occupied.
However, you’re welcome to wait on-site in our customer area, or leave the vehicle with us and return later. We’ll treat your vehicle with care and let you know as soon as it’s ready and if you’re booked in for a full service, we’ll even contact you with updates or findings as we go.
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Our Team
Welcome to the team here at Bristol Caravans and Motorhomes. We’re really proud of the team, and over the years it’s been our pleasure to provide advice and services to our ever-growing loyal customers.
Thank you for trusting us with your investment.
“We arrived at Llanfyllin, and it was raining so hard it was difficult to find our plot. Once parked up, it took just 90 seconds as we let our automatic levelling system get us level. Thank you, Bristol Caravans, for fitting our amazing levelling system.”
Jake and Carol Smith