Starting a Mobile Caravan Repair Business in the UK

To start a mobile caravan repair business in the UK you need three things: the competence to do the work safely (gas and electrical jobs require recognised qualifications), the right tools and a reliable van, and a properly set-up business with insurance and a way to find customers. Register as a sole trader or limited company with HMRC, take out public liability insurance, gain the relevant gas (CONGLP1 LAV) and electrical (BS 7671) competence for the work you'll offer, and build a steady flow of leads. You can start small — servicing, damp checks and general repairs — and add gas and electrical work as you qualify. This guide walks through each step.

What qualifications do I need to become a caravan engineer?

There is no single mandatory licence to call yourself a caravan engineer, but the moment you touch gas or fixed electrical systems the law and safety standards apply. What you need depends on the work you take on.

• General servicing and body repairs — habitation checks, damp diagnosis, window and door repairs, awning rails, bodywork and running-gear basics need no statutory ticket, but customers expect training and evidence you know what you're doing. City & Guilds and manufacturer courses exist for caravan and motorhome servicing.
• Gas work — anyone carrying out gas work on caravans for payment must be on the Gas Safe Register with the correct categories for LPG and leisure accommodation vehicles, typically CONGLP1 LAV (and related appliance categories). See gassaferegister.co.uk for how registration and category assessment work — it is a legal requirement, not optional.
• Electrical work — fixed 230V installations in caravans should be installed and tested to the wiring regulations, BS 7671. You'll need genuine competence and the right test equipment; qualifications and registration through a body such as NAPIT demonstrate this. 12V work is lower risk but still needs to be done correctly.

A realistic route is to start with servicing and non-gas, non-electrical repairs while you train, then add gas and electrical categories as you become qualified. Never advertise or carry out gas work you aren't registered for — it's illegal and uninsurable.

What tools and equipment do I need to start?

A mobile setup lives and dies by its van. Budget for a reliable, secure van big enough for stock and tools but easy to park on tight pitches. Beyond a good general toolkit, plan for:

• Damp meter — the single most-used diagnostic tool in caravan servicing.
• Gas testing equipment — manometer for tightness testing, appropriate for LPG, if you're gas-registered.
• Electrical test kit — a multifunction tester and the means to produce inspection reports to BS 7671 if you do electrical work.
• Battery and charging kit, sealant guns, rivet tools, torque wrench for wheel work, jacks and axle stands rated for caravans.
• Consumables — sealants, service kits, common seals, fuses, connectors and spares you'll fit repeatedly.
• Admin kit — a phone, invoicing software, a card reader and a laptop or tablet for reports and photos.

Don't over-buy on day one. Fit the tool list to the jobs you're actually qualified to take, and expand as demand and your certifications grow.

What insurance does a mobile caravan engineer need?

Insurance protects your business and reassures customers. Speak to a broker who understands mobile trade risks, and consider:

• Public liability insurance — essential. It covers claims if you damage a customer's caravan, property or injure someone while working. Most customers and any comparison platform will expect you to hold it.
• Tools and stock cover — your van is a rolling toolbox and a target for thieves; insure tools in transit and overnight.
• Goods-in-transit and van insurance — commercial vehicle cover for business use, plus cover for parts and customers' items you transport.
• Professional indemnity — worth considering if you give advice or issue reports that a customer relies on.
• Employers' liability — a legal requirement if you take on staff.

Keep certificates to hand. Owners increasingly ask to see proof of insurance and relevant qualifications before letting you on their pitch — that's a good thing, and it favours engineers who take the paperwork seriously.

How do I register the business legally?

Decide on a structure and register with HMRC. Most people start as a sole trader, which is simple to set up and run; some choose a limited company for liability and tax reasons. The gov.uk guidance on setting up a business explains the options and how to register. Key steps:

• Register as self-employed (sole trader) or incorporate a limited company, and register for Self Assessment.
• Keep records of income and expenses from day one, and set money aside for tax.
• Check whether you'll need to register for VAT (only once you approach the threshold — check the current figure on gov.uk).
• Ensure gas registration (if applicable) and any scheme memberships are in your business name.
• Follow data-protection basics if you store customer details.

Some engineers also join the NCC Approved Workshop Scheme, an industry standard for caravan and motorhome servicing workshops and mobile technicians. It's one route to demonstrating competence and process standards to customers — assess whether the requirements and cost suit your business. Membership is entirely between you and the scheme; it isn't a substitute for legally required gas or electrical registration.

How do I find my first caravan repair customers?

The hardest part of a mobile caravan repair startup is the early months before word of mouth kicks in. Build several channels:

• Get listed where owners are already looking. Comparison and matching platforms put you in front of people who need work done now. On Compare Caravan Repairs you can create a free engineer profile and get matched to jobs in your area — see how leads and matching work for engineers.
• Local presence — a simple website, a Google Business Profile, and van signage that lists your services and area.
• Storage sites and dealers — introduce yourself to caravan storage yards, dealerships and campsites; they refer owners who need mobile help.
• Reviews and photos — ask happy customers for reviews and keep before/after photos. Reputation is your best marketing.
• Seasonal timing — demand peaks before and during the touring season; line up work for spring by promoting winter servicing and habitation checks.

Price fairly and transparently. Quote clearly, explain what a job involves, and be straight about what you can and can't legally do. That builds the repeat business a mobile operation relies on.

How much does it cost to start, and what should I charge?

Startup costs vary widely depending on whether you already own a suitable van and hold qualifications. The main outlays are training and assessment, tools and test equipment, insurance, and the van itself. Set your labour rate to cover those costs plus a genuine profit, not just to undercut others — competing on price alone rarely pays in a skilled trade. Factor in travel time and fuel for a mobile business, and be clear whether callout is charged separately.

With Compare Caravan Repairs there's no subscription and no commission on the work you win — you pay a small fee only to quote on a job that interests you. See pricing for engineers for how the £5-per-lead model works, so you can budget your customer-acquisition cost per job.

Ready to get your first jobs?

Once your tickets, insurance and van are sorted, the priority is a steady flow of local work. Create a free engineer profile on Compare Caravan Repairs and get matched to caravan owners near you who need repairs and servicing. Owners use the platform free; you pay only £5 to quote on a job you want — no subscription, no commission. It's a low-risk way to fill your diary while you build your reputation.