Thurton Auto Centre 01508 501160 - Blog , Motorhome MOT and Servicing

Go Off-Grid with Confidence

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 08:57:40 +0000

Why Solar Power is a Must-Have for Your Motorhome or Caravan

If you’re planning to spend more time exploring the UK (or beyond!) in your motorhome, campervan or caravan, solar power is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. Not only does it enhance your freedom, but it transforms the way you travel — reducing reliance on campsite hook-ups and making wild camping a breeze.

At Thurton Auto Centre, we’ve seen a surge in demand for solar panel installations, and it’s easy to understand why.

What Makes Solar Ideal for Off-Grid Adventures?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity that can charge your leisure battery throughout the day. This stored energy powers your lights, fridge, water pump, phone chargers and more — all while you relax or explore.

Here’s how a well-designed solar system supports your lifestyle:

Silent power generation – no noisy generators
Low maintenance – once installed, they just work!
Expandable systems – start small and scale up later
Eco-conscious travel – lower emissions, greener journeys

The Thurton Auto Approach

We start with a chat about how you use your vehicle. Weekends? Full-time touring? Based on your energy needs, we’ll recommend the right setup — whether that’s a single 150W panel with MPPT controller or a full system with multiple panels, lithium battery and Bluetooth monitoring.

Some of the popular components we fit include:

Monocrystalline solar panels (more efficient in low light)
Victron MPPT charge controllers
Victron Smart Shunt monitoring
Victron Lithium batteries for faster charging and more cycles
DC-DC chargers if you're running a Euro 6 engine

Future-Proof Your Freedom

Solar panels are a long-term investment that pays for itself in convenience and independence. And as more campsites and events charge a premium for electric hook-up, going solar is a savvy financial move too.

Ready to Upgrade?

We’d love to help you unlock your van’s off-grid potential. Contact our friendly team at Thurton Auto Centre today and book in for a free solar consultation. Call us on 01508501160

WOW factor

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 12:27:13 +0000

Pure joy seeing customers reaction unvailing restored motorhome

Welcome to Thurton Auto Centre's blog, where we share heart warming stories of customer satisfaction and excitement. Today, we're thrilled to recount the unforgettable experience of one of our customers who recently laid eyes on their motorhome for the very first time after entrusting us to give their much loved motorhome some much needed TLC to rejuvenate its condition to as new as possible.

Picture the scene: anticipation building, heart racing, and then, there it is—the motorhome of their dreams, fully refurbished waiting to whisk them away on adventures yet to be written. For this particular customer, the first sight of their motorhome was nothing short of magical. It was more than just a vehicle; it represented freedom, exploration, and countless memories waiting to be made.

But it wasn't just about the vehicle itself; it was the service, the expertise, and the passion of the Thurton Auto Centre team that truly made the difference. Our dedicated staff ensured that every aspect of the customer's experience was seamless, from initial inquiries to the moment they drove off the lot with a smile that stretched from ear to ear.

A Word From Our Customer

"Well I’m not normally speechless but these guys achieved the impossible.

Having taken my tired looking motorhome to them to see if they could freshen it up, bit of body work, renew the sealant, sort out the cracks coming off the bike rack fixings, oh and solve the problem of rain coming into the awning from the roof !

Not much to ask eh ?

The guys went above and beyond, full paint job on back, all sealant refreshed( it’s now white ) wheels powder coated and brand new caps fitted, very smart and we have an experimental job on the roof to reroute rain water away from the side where the awning sits. Praying that it works as bailing out the awning on a morning is no fun.

At all times I was kept up to date with the work being done, even had photos of finished work sent through to me. Not enough to see the real deal, oh no, they wait for the big unveiling on the day of pick up for that and what an unveiling it is ……..

OMG ……….. I can’t believe I’m looking at the same tired motorhome that was …… this one, well

IT SPARKLES, the decals are brighter, the wheels are glowing like new, the sealant is white, the bike rack is polished up and refitted correctly so no more cracks, the painted back bodywork is showroom spec.

Nothing is too much for these guys, they achieve the impossible and as one of their team states “ Can’t is not a word you find in our workshop ! “

100% recommendation for these guys, I couldn’t be more happy

Lyn P

See WOLFIE's Make Over

Large Motorhomes Need Space

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 02:45:48 +0000

1.5 Acre Site & Large 6 Bay Worhop

Thurton Auto Centre, Norfolks premier MOT Test and Service Centre is fully equipped to cater to vehicles of all sizes, including Cars, Motorhomes, Vans, and Horseboxes. Conveniently located just off the A146 between Beccles and Norwich, our spacious 6 bay workshop sits on a 1.5 acre site, ensuring easy accessibility for our valued customers.

We offer Classes 4, 5 & 7 MOT testing services while you wait, providing efficient and prompt service to get you back on the road swiftly. Our workshop boasts 15-metre length bays and a 7-metre long MOT inspection pit, specially designed to accommodate extra-long wheelbase RV's & Motorhome vehicles weighing up to 5000kg.