Service intervals on motorhome base vehicles are the same as the equivalent van — but the way you use the van usually isn't. Short trips, long storage, heavy loads. Here's how to service realistically, not just by the book.
Time-based, not just mileage
Most motorhomes cover 4,000–6,000 miles a year. Service by time, not just by miles: oil and filter annually regardless of mileage, brake fluid every two years, coolant every five. Engine oil degrades whether you drive or not — particularly diesel oil sat with absorbed fuel from short journeys.
Cambelt intervals (vital)
Fiat Ducato 2.3L Multijet: typically 5 years or 72,000 miles (always confirm against current Fiat schedule for your VIN). Mercedes Sprinter OM651 (timing chain, not belt): no scheduled interval but listen for rattle on cold start. Ford Transit 2.0 EcoBlue: wet belt, replace at 10 years or 144,000 miles — earlier if used heavily for short trips.
What a full motorhome service should include
Engine oil + filter, air filter, fuel filter, pollen filter, brake inspection (pads, discs, lines, handbrake), suspension check, steering check, exhaust and DPF inspection, all fluids checked and topped up, battery test (both starter and leisure), tyre check including date codes, lighting check, road test. £250–£450 is the honest range. Anything under £180 is almost certainly a thin service.
Habitation check is separate
Schedule both annually if you can. Habitation check covers damp, gas, 12V system, mains, water system and bodywork seals — usually £180–£250, separate from the engine service.
Common questions
Do I need to service if I haven't driven the van? Yes. Oil degrades, brake fluid absorbs water, tyres age. Annual service even on low-mileage vans pays off long-term.
Will servicing at an independent garage void my warranty? Not if the garage follows manufacturer schedules and uses correct-spec parts. EU Block Exemption Regulation has protected this right for years.