News & Advice

Habitation check? Service? Explaining the Terminology.

The terminology surrounding motorhome habitation checks and caravan servicing can be a little confusing, so here is a short guide to help clarify what it all means!

Why the confusion arises

The reason why exactly the same terms are not used to cover both motorhome and caravan habitation checks is simply because motorhomes have a motor vehicle chassis and caravans do not. That is to say, a motorhome chassis is a registered motor vehicle with an engine and it requires motor vehicle servicing and an MOT.

Therefore, the term motorhome habitation check is used to avoid confusion with the phrase motorhome service, which could also refer to the motor vehicle service carried out on the chassis. By contrast, with caravans, the terms caravan habitation check and caravan service tend to be interchangeable, as no such confusion can arise - a caravan needs no other form of service.

The difference between a motorhome and caravan habitation check

So, we have established that a motorhome habitation check and a caravan habitation check or caravan service are basically the same thing - a thorough check of the habitation area. However, there are some differences between the habitation checks carried out on each. For instance, whilst a caravan habitation check would include an inspection of the chassis and running gear, with a motorhome the under body inspection is slightly different.

Caravan Habitation Check

Click here to watch a short explanatory video.
Click here to see our full caravan habitation check checklist.

Motorhome Habitation Check

Click here to watch a short explanatory video.
Click here to see our full motorhome habitation check checklist.

Hopefully that has shed some light on the slightly confusing terminology. However, all you really need to know is that whether you have a motorhome or a caravan, HabCheck are here for you.