A Black Series HQ Series camper is a serious piece of kit. Like any vehicle, it needs regular maintenance to stay reliable in the field. Skip it and you'll find out what needs attention 300 km (~185 miles) from the nearest town on a corrugated track.
Before Every Trip
- Tyre pressures (all four wheels + spare): Check cold.
- Wheel nuts (all four): Torque to spec (typically 120 Nm / ~89 lb-ft). Re-torque after the first 50–100 km (~30–60 miles) on corrugated tracks.
- Jockey wheel and tow coupling: Coupling fully locked, jockey wheel retracted and secured.
- Breakaway cable and electric brakes: Connected and active.
- All lights: Running, brake, indicators, reverse. Replace blown globes before departure.
- Water tanks: Fill fresh water, empty grey water tank.
- Hatches and vents closed for road travel.
Annual — Suspension
Inspect all suspension arm pivot bushes for cracking or deformation. Check shock absorbers for oil weeping. Inspect all suspension arm mounting bolts and retorque. Grease DO35/DO45 articulation joints.
Wheel bearings: Jack each wheel and spin it — smooth and quiet is acceptable. Check for side-to-side play with the wheel in the air. Grease every 10,000 km (~6,000 miles) or after deep water crossings.
Annual — Brakes
Pull the brake drums and inspect brake shoes for wear (replace at 2mm (~0.08 in) lining remaining). Inspect drum surfaces for scoring. Check brake magnets for wear. Test the break-away battery — replace if it won't hold charge. Test electric brakes while hitched.
Annual — Water System
Sanitise the fresh water tank with a bleach solution (1 tbsp per 50 L / ~13 gal), then flush twice. Inspect the pump inlet filter. Check all water line connections for weeping joints. Test the pressure relief valve on the hot water system.
Annual — Electrical System
Check battery terminals — clean any corrosion, coat with terminal spray. Test battery state of health. Inspect all 12V wiring for chafing. Check MPPT controller for logged fault history. Clean solar panel surfaces. Test the RCD (safety switch) using the test button.
Annual — Seals and Body
Inspect all roof penetrations (AC unit, antenna, solar panel mounts, vent flanges) for cracked or lifting sealant. Check window rubber seals for cracks. Verify the main entry door seal creates a positive seal. Inspect the chassis for any rust breakthrough.
Annual — Gas System
Check all gas hose connections with soapy water when gas is on — no bubbles means no leak. Inspect the regulator for corrosion. Ensure the gas locker ventilation is clear. Have the gas system inspected by a licensed gas fitter every 2 years.
Service Record
Keep a logbook recording date, odometer at each service, what was replaced, and any issues for follow-up. A documented service history is also a significant advantage when reselling.
Shop service and replacement parts by model — HQ12, HQ15, HQ17, HQ19, HQ21, HQ22T — at RV Parts Giant.