Factors That Affect Repair Pricing
Motorhome repair pricing in the UK is often a blend of labour, parts, and risks, alongside how your vehicle is built. Motorhome labour rates can vary from area to area, as well as the workshop type. Typically, dealer networks and specialist bodyshops charge more than independent garages due to their advanced equipment and manufacturer training.
Many jobs require technicians to strip the vehicle down in order to reach hidden fasteners behind furniture, tanks or bonded panels. Additionally, the time spent confirming the root cause of the issue, especially for intermittent electrical faults or damp, can be significant, which can increase the labour time and subsequently, the overall price.
Typical Costs for Engine Repairs
A typical motorhome engine repair service can vary in cost due to the labour time, part replacement and whether the vehicle needs custom fabrication services. Generally, a diagnostic service typically costs around £50-£100 and includes fault-code scans and basic tests such as live data checks, smoke/pressure tests and a visual inspection. A timing belt service with a water pump can cost £450-£900 on average, depending on the engine's layout and if the belt, tensioners, idlers, and coolant are in good condition.
EGR valve replacements can cost around £260 on average if the valves are simply being fitted. However, if the cooler needs to be removed, this price can increase. Turbocharger installation or replacement jobs usually land between £1,000 and £2,500 in price, though this largely hinges on whether oil feed/return lines and intercooler cleaning services are provided to protect the new turbo.
Head-gasket repairs roughly cost £700-£1,850, though this can vary based on the vehicle's age, make and model. A clutch repair on its own can cost anywhere between £500 and £1,000, and adding a dual-mass flywheel can put many motorhomes in the £1,200-£2,000 price range.
Plumbing and Water System Repair Costs
Motorhome plumbing and water-system repair costs can vary depending on the parts, labour and available access. As a general guide, most engineers typically charge £50-£75 per hour, with common call-out fees of around £70-£80 that may cover the first 30 minutes of the inspection.
Leak tracing and minor fixes can also come with a call-out fee depending on whether the joints, heaters and tanks are being inspected. Push-fit connectors and valves that are used in 12 mm systems are relatively cheap to replace, so short sections of pipework that need replacing or a handful of fittings usually won't cost that much in total.
However, freshwater pump replacements and the supply prices for 12 V caravan/motorhome pumps can range between £55 and £185 depending on the pump's flow, pressure and brand. On average, a new pump, alongside the labour costs, will typically fall within a price range of £150-£350 or higher if the access points are small or if an accumulator is added.
Interior Repairs and Refurbishment Prices
Motorhome interior repair and refurbishment services can vary in price since most jobs blend the materials, custom fabrication, and access time together. As a baseline, independent workshops typically charge £45-£60 per hour, while some dealers and specialists can charge £80-£85 per hour.
Soft furnishings dominate many refurbishment projects, and most motorhome re-upholstery services can range from £1,300 for just replacing the fabric, or £1,650 if you’re replacing the foam at the same time. Mattress replacements, re-trims, or foam upgrades can usually cost around £250 on average; however, these figures are generally for mainstream fabrics. Fabrics such as leather or complex stitching will naturally cost a little bit more.
Additionally, if the floor has gone spongy, delamination injection repairs often cost around £120 per square metre. However, this price can increase depending on how much furniture needs to be lifted and whether there are easy access points or not.
At Tyne Valley Motorhome Service Centre, we can keep your motorhome road-ready with our expert diagnostics, repairs and maintenance services. From soft floors to squeaky brakes, we can fix any issue with your motorhome so that you're guaranteed to stay safe and comfortable on the road.
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