1. Keeping the Engine Happy
If you’re cruising around Hamilton, or maybe heading out to Te Awamutu or Morrinsville for the weekend, you’ll want your engine running sweet. Doesn’t matter if it’s a Fiat Ducato, a Toyota Hiace, or one of those older Mercedes Sprinters – regular servicing is key. Out Eastside Hamilton, with all those stop-starts on Morrinsville Road, things like oil changes and new filters make a big difference. One of our techs had a customer last week with a Nissan Caravan that kept overheating — turned out to be a clogged oil filter and dodgy coolant. Sorted it out, and now she’s back on the road, no worries.
Want to know what dodgy engine symptoms look like? Check our guide on engine damage symptoms.
2. Electrical System – Don’t Get Caught Out
Campervans rely on their electrics way more than your average hatchback. You’re powering fridges, lights, chargers — all sorts. With all the speed bumps around Hamilton Lake and the potholes near Dinsdale, loose wires and tired batteries are pretty common. We check the alternator, test the batteries, and go over the wiring. Last week, a customer in a LDV V80 from Cambridge had a flat battery every morning — sorted with a new relay and some tidy wiring.
If you want more info, jump into our auto electrical repairs guide.
3. Brake Safety Checks (A Must for NZ Roads)
Hamilton roads aren’t kind, eh? Hilly drives out to Raglan, start-stop traffic on Victoria Street — your brakes cop a hiding. Doesn’t matter if it’s a Ford Transit or an old Renault Master, brake pads, rotors, and fluid need checking. One of our techs had a Peugeot Boxer come in from Tamahere — lady said her brakes were squealing. Pads were shot, rotors too. Sorted her out, much safer now.
More on brakes? Head to our brake services page.
4. Tyres & Wheel Alignment – Grip Matters
Wet winter mornings out Hillcrest way, hot tarmac on the way to Ngaruawahia in summer — tyres are everything. We see heaps of campervans with uneven tread or worn edges because of bad alignment. Keeping the right pressure and good alignment means better fuel use and safer handling, especially when you’re weaving around detours near Rototuna.
Want to know more? This wheel alignment article spells it out.
5. Water System & Plumbing Maintenance
Camping at Lake Karapiro? You really want the water working right. So many vans (especially the older Hyundais and Fiats) get leaks in the pipes or water tanks. Any funny smell or low pressure in the taps — bring it in. We’ll check it out, top up where needed, no surprises.
6. Clean Inside and Out
Campervans cop a lot — mud up Te Rapa way, dust from the back roads, sun beating down in Glenview. Regular cleaning and detailing might sound a bit flash, but it makes a difference. Keeps your van tidy, helps spot rust before it gets bad, and just feels nicer when you’re living on the road for a few days.
7. Solar Power Setups
A lot of customers around Matangi and Cambridge are keen on off-grid camping these days, so solar’s popular. We sort installs and maintenance. If the panels aren’t wired up right, or the battery’s on the fritz, you’ll lose power quick. Had a Fiat camper in last month with a dodgy panel connection — sorted and she’s charging phones again, no drama.
For more on this, check out this RV solar panel article.
8. Custom Add-Ons & Upgrades
Everyone wants something different — roof racks, smart storage, better speakers. Whether you’re in a Volkswagen Crafter or a Mazda Bongo, we can help make your van suit your style. We’ve fitted reversing cameras, ladder racks, all sorts — just let us know what you’re after.
Ready To Hit The Road?
At Grimmer Motors, we look after campervans every week — for Hamilton locals and folks from all sorts of places like Te Kowhai and Cambridge. Need regular servicing, WOFs, or just a check before a big roadie? We’ll keep your camper running great, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
For friendly, honest campervan service, pop in or give us a ring.