Violet1956 Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 Just had the van serviced for the first time since ownership. Big service not an interim and all 5 tyres replaced with new ones that I supplied for £488. Is that good or bad? Haven't had a habitation check and I don't think we are competent enough to do it ourselves. Van is 10 years old should we have one as well and what is a reasonable charge for it? Thanks in advance Veronica edited for typos fingers and brain not functioning well this morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuartO Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 Are you really sayingthat your MH is ten years old and it's only just had a service? Because MHs get under-used I always get ours serviced annually, regardless of mileage. It costs about £200 for a "full" service but this would not include changing brake fluid and similar things, which are not necessary each year. I would also expect to pay extra for parts like brake pads when necessary too. I'm less dilligent with habitation services and the last one I had was two years ago and it cost about £150 - but it was thorough and well done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 At that price considering you supplied the tyres 8-) ..........I suspect you used a main dealer ? ;-) ....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet1956 Posted January 11, 2017 Author Share Posted January 11, 2017 Sorry Stuart I wasn't clear- we bought it last January. It had a FSH and an interim service in line with the service schedule at that time. I also neglected to mention that as well as the full service it's been MOT'd. I haven't seen the bill yet for any work they have done. It's not a dealer but we do live in the expensive SE (not London Dave- moved out of there for our sanity when the kids were born). Veronica Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 Violet1956 - 2017-01-11 10:14 AM Sorry Stuart I wasn't clear- we bought it last January. It had a FSH and an interim service in line with the service schedule at that time. I also neglected to mention that as well as the full service it's been MOT'd. I haven't seen the bill yet for any work they have done. It's not a dealer but we do live in the expensive SE (not London Dave- moved out of there for our sanity when the kids were born). Veronica Should of had it done in Lincolnshire ;-) ..........Then with the change you could've had a week in Skeggy :D ........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aandncaravan Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 If you had all four tyres replaced, probably at 20 - 30 minutes a wheel, it would hopefully have encouraged them to spend more time on checking the brakes at each wheel, as you can see so much more when the wheels are off. With around £50 on the MOT, possibly around £120 for the tyre change that still leaves £320 for a service which does seem a bit high, even for the South East. But without knowing what was actually done and what parts replaced, it's hard to say if it's value for money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet1956 Posted January 11, 2017 Author Share Posted January 11, 2017 pelmetman - 2017-01-11 10:19 AM Violet1956 - 2017-01-11 10:14 AM Sorry Stuart I wasn't clear- we bought it last January. It had a FSH and an interim service in line with the service schedule at that time. I also neglected to mention that as well as the full service it's been MOT'd. I haven't seen the bill yet for any work they have done. It's not a dealer but we do live in the expensive SE (not London Dave- moved out of there for our sanity when the kids were born). Veronica Should of had it done in Lincolnshire ;-) ..........Then with the change you could've had a week in Skeggy :D ........ Love Skeggy but some morons have allowed hundreds of wind turbines to be built off the coast spoiling the view for miles. Went to Butlins there a couple of years ago for a Northern Soul weekend and was gobsmacked how someone had ruined the view>:-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet1956 Posted January 11, 2017 Author Share Posted January 11, 2017 aandncaravan - 2017-01-11 10:20 AM If you had all four tyres replaced, probably at 20 - 30 minutes a wheel, it would hopefully have encouraged them to spend more time on checking the brakes at each wheel, as you can see so much more when the wheels are off. With around £50 on the MOT, possibly around £120 for the tyre change that still leaves £320 for a service which does seem a bit high, even for the South East. But without knowing what was actually done and what parts replaced, it's hard to say if it's value for money. I'll have a look when I get the bill today. Just got the figure when they phoned me to say it was ready. Thanks. Veronica Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 Violet1956 - 2017-01-11 10:25 AM pelmetman - 2017-01-11 10:19 AM Violet1956 - 2017-01-11 10:14 AM Sorry Stuart I wasn't clear- we bought it last January. It had a FSH and an interim service in line with the service schedule at that time. I also neglected to mention that as well as the full service it's been MOT'd. I haven't seen the bill yet for any work they have done. It's not a dealer but we do live in the expensive SE (not London Dave- moved out of there for our sanity when the kids were born). Veronica Should of had it done in Lincolnshire ;-) ..........Then with the change you could've had a week in Skeggy :D ........ Love Skeggy but some morons have allowed hundreds of wind turbines to be built off the coast spoiling the view for miles. Went to Butlins there a couple of years ago for a Northern Soul weekend and was gobsmacked how someone had ruined the view>:-) Cant say there was ever much of a view at Skeggy, unless your a fan of the mud coloured North Sea ;-) .......and the jury is still out whether the windmills will eventually turn into white Elephants :-| ...... If they do they'll just be left to rot, thereby allowing them to become real eyesores *-) ......a bit like Butlins, which we could see in the distance from our upstairs windows :D ............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet1956 Posted January 11, 2017 Author Share Posted January 11, 2017 pelmetman - 2017-01-11 11:03 AM Violet1956 - 2017-01-11 10:25 AM pelmetman - 2017-01-11 10:19 AM Violet1956 - 2017-01-11 10:14 AM Sorry Stuart I wasn't clear- we bought it last January. It had a FSH and an interim service in line with the service schedule at that time. I also neglected to mention that as well as the full service it's been MOT'd. I haven't seen the bill yet for any work they have done. It's not a dealer but we do live in the expensive SE (not London Dave- moved out of there for our sanity when the kids were born). Veronica Should of had it done in Lincolnshire ;-) ..........Then with the change you could've had a week in Skeggy :D ........ Love Skeggy but some morons have allowed hundreds of wind turbines to be built off the coast spoiling the view for miles. Went to Butlins there a couple of years ago for a Northern Soul weekend and was gobsmacked how someone had ruined the view>:-) Cant say there was ever much of a view at Skeggy, unless your a fan of the mud coloured North Sea ;-) .......and the jury is still out whether the windmills will eventually turn into white Elephants :-| ...... If they do they'll just be left to rot, thereby allowing them to become real eyesores *-) ......a bit like Butlins, which we could see in the distance from our upstairs windows :D ............. Each to their own Dave. I found it a rather better place than I expected it would be. Not that I'd like a permanent view of it from an upstairs window mind. Some people don't like the view of camping sites if they live in close proximity to them and I can well understand that too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet1956 Posted January 11, 2017 Author Share Posted January 11, 2017 From the bill things additional to the service were (i) a top rad mounting replaced (ii) gromit on N/S.F inner wing and (iii) and adjustment to alternator belt tension which we asked them to check because of the squealing when moving off under load. The stuff they used oil, filter etc came to £160.89. The labour £206.25. £60 of the items was put down to changing all five tyres.The vat was a big chunk at £74. OH says it is running rather a lot sweeter and the new tyres (all season) seem to make a improvement to ride and handling though he doesn't claim to be an expert. They are a nice bunch of guys so I don't suspect them of diddling me at all just wanted to know how these costs compare with other's experience. Veronica Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet1956 Posted January 11, 2017 Author Share Posted January 11, 2017 Double post oops Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet1956 Posted January 11, 2017 Author Share Posted January 11, 2017 ....and as some of you are expert what should I do with the old Michelin XC Camping 215/75/16 spare tyre that has never been used. They have left it in the van because it hadn't been used but it's no good to me. I doubt it would be good for anyone given its age. Is it just down to the tip with it we should go? Obviously fitted as the spare when the van was new in 2006. Veronica Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulletguy Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 I use an independent Garage who do my MOT's and i had a full service on it last year. They charge £175 but it's very thorough. The van has always been well maintained mechanically and it only turned up a couple of minor issues. They noted the discs were showing signs of corrosion though not serious and one brake cylinder was "weeping" very slightly (not enough to fail on), but also the brake fluid gave a low reading on viscosity. So it made sense to get the cylinder replaced at the same time with new fluid. A set of Mintex discs and pads i can get off an ebay dealer for £43. I could buy unbranded discs for less but know from past experience it's a false economy.......cheap ones warp! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 Violet1956 - 2017-01-11 1:57 PM ....and as some of you are expert what should I do with the old Michelin XC Camping 215/75/16 spare tyre that has never been used. They have left it in the van because it hadn't been used but it's no good to me. I doubt it would be good for anyone given its age. Is it just down to the tip with it we should go? Obviously fitted as the spare when the van was new in 2006. Veronica When I had my second set of Hankooks changed a few years back, I also had the 20+ year old spare replaced :$ ...........I overheard the chap ask his boss what to do with the unused spare?.......He said put it around the back........Funny how all the rest went in a pile at the front? :D ....... That's the strange thing with rubber, those who use it all the time seem to ignore the age completely, just as the chap who replaced the rubber gas pipes on our bottled gas fire at home, which I had replaced after our first buyers surveyor flagged them up in red due to age on his survey *-) .........he wanted them for his static caravan 8-) ....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet1956 Posted January 11, 2017 Author Share Posted January 11, 2017 Bulletguy - 2017-01-11 2:27 PM I use an independent Garage who do my MOT's and i had a full service on it last year. They charge £175 but it's very thorough. The van has always been well maintained mechanically and it only turned up a couple of minor issues. They noted the discs were showing signs of corrosion though not serious and one brake cylinder was "weeping" very slightly (not enough to fail on), but also the brake fluid gave a low reading on viscosity. So it made sense to get the cylinder replaced at the same time with new fluid. A set of Mintex discs and pads i can get off an ebay dealer for £43. I could buy unbranded discs for less but know from past experience it's a false economy.......cheap ones warp! Wish I lived in Cheshire. It's not cheap this van owning lark. Veronica Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scramblers Posted January 12, 2017 Share Posted January 12, 2017 I always use BT Fleet (yes, the phone company), the mechanics are trained in all types vehicles and carry out a superb service at extremely good rates. They have a large garage network stretching across the country and many of there staff are also motorhome owners. I've had my motorhomes serviced and repaired by them for over 15 years. http://www.btfleet.com/GarageNetwork/GarageNetwork.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted January 12, 2017 Share Posted January 12, 2017 Violet1956 - 2017-01-11 5:31 PM Wish I lived in Cheshire. It's not cheap this van owning lark. Veronica Cant say I've found the van bit anymore expensive than running a car? :-S ........... The habitation bit I have serviced occasionally ;-) ........ But compared to living in a house......its cheap as chips :D ....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet1956 Posted January 12, 2017 Author Share Posted January 12, 2017 scramblers - 2017-01-12 11:33 AM I always use BT Fleet (yes, the phone company), the mechanics are trained in all types vehicles and carry out a superb service at extremely good rates. They have a large garage network stretching across the country and many of there staff are also motorhome owners. I've had my motorhomes serviced and repaired by them for over 15 years. http://www.btfleet.com/GarageNetwork/GarageNetwork.aspx Worth a look next time the service is due. Thanks. Veronica Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet1956 Posted January 12, 2017 Author Share Posted January 12, 2017 pelmetman - 2017-01-12 2:40 PM Violet1956 - 2017-01-11 5:31 PM Wish I lived in Cheshire. It's not cheap this van owning lark. Veronica Cant say I've found the van bit anymore expensive than running a car? :-S ........... The habitation bit I have serviced occasionally ;-) ........ But compared to living in a house......its cheap as chips :D ....... Go on Dave rub it in. We have the house and need two cars on top of the van. Can't live your Boho style of life as yet though I wish that we could. I suppose you are going to tell me you are sunbathing this afternoon as well. :'( Veronica Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted January 12, 2017 Share Posted January 12, 2017 Violet1956 - 2017-01-12 3:15 PM pelmetman - 2017-01-12 2:40 PM Violet1956 - 2017-01-11 5:31 PM Wish I lived in Cheshire. It's not cheap this van owning lark. Veronica Cant say I've found the van bit anymore expensive than running a car? :-S ........... The habitation bit I have serviced occasionally ;-) ........ But compared to living in a house......its cheap as chips :D ....... Go on Dave rub it in. We have the house and need two cars on top of the van. Can't live your Boho style of life as yet though I wish that we could. I suppose you are going to tell me you are sunbathing this afternoon as well. :'( Veronica Yep B-) ...........Although next week is looking decidedly dodgy........even talking of snow 8-) ....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulletguy Posted January 12, 2017 Share Posted January 12, 2017 Violet1956 - 2017-01-11 5:31 PM Bulletguy - 2017-01-11 2:27 PM I use an independent Garage who do my MOT's and i had a full service on it last year. They charge £175 but it's very thorough. The van has always been well maintained mechanically and it only turned up a couple of minor issues. They noted the discs were showing signs of corrosion though not serious and one brake cylinder was "weeping" very slightly (not enough to fail on), but also the brake fluid gave a low reading on viscosity. So it made sense to get the cylinder replaced at the same time with new fluid. A set of Mintex discs and pads i can get off an ebay dealer for £43. I could buy unbranded discs for less but know from past experience it's a false economy.......cheap ones warp! Wish I lived in Cheshire. It's not cheap this van owning lark. Veronica Mechanics became my main hobby by 20 so doing a service was a piece of cake. But by my early 50's i'd paid the penalty for years of crawling under cars and now in my late 60s, can't physically cope with something as simple as an oil change which i have to let the Garage do. Increasing arthritic issues has made my prized collection of tools virtually redundant.....but i'm loathe to sell them off! Regards Garages, it's a matter of searching around until you've found "a good 'un" but i'd never use a Main Dealer. Not because they are bad, but because i'm not prepared to pay for carpets, pretty potted plants and dolly bird secretaries/receptionists. The Garage i use is a family owned and run business employing around a dozen mechanics though one specialises in auto-electrics. Any bodywork they sub-contract out to a local body shop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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