If you've recently bought a new van, chances are that you'll need to have a first service done within the first 1000kms or 3 months. I always suprised to hear how many owners are either not aware of this requirement or simply ignore it. 

The first service for your caravan is critical and should not be overlooked.

It's not just the caravan builder who designates this as a necessary service, but the manufacturers of critical components like the axles too. So, even if the caravan builder hasn't specified it, chances are the axle manufacturer has.

One of the main areas of concern is the suspension and running gear. It is quite common that new bolts can loosen off within this first service period. Worse still, we sometimes find missing bolts or components that have never been installed originally. WIthout this first service, these items would quickly turn into major issues on the road.

Around the rest of the van, things like cupboard doors need adjusting after their initial shake-down, electrical connections sometimes needs tensioning as do plumbing and gas fittings.

Normally your caravan will come with a checklist for its first service, but its worth adding a few extra items to this list for a more comprehensive check. One of these is the tow bar of the towing vehicle. Whether your vehicle is new or old, the connection point to the van, and the tow bar to the vehicle is of critical importance and should be inspected for signs of damage or wear. 

Additionally, the electrical trailer plugs between your vehicle and van should be checked for corrosion and potential issues.