Albertslad

Well I suppose it’s more friendly to people who are colourblind

It’s that time again, and getting used to shopping around. That said, having been with caravan and motorhomes club for maybe 12 years I’m disappointed, in more than one respect. I was 75 in October but shocked to receive a quote with a 70% increase, so I wonder what companies or brokers you are all using? Recommendations would be good (maybe I’ll SORN it for a couple of months, not sure yet) regards Albertslad

That’s a substantial part of the network isn’t it ? What are the chances of France doing similar I wonder? or maybe there’s already an equivalent map? A

I left this forum a couple of times in the past; it wasn’t the politics; I enjoy aspects of that; it was the tone of much of the “B$e@i&” bile

Please! I miraculously get my account back today and thought I’d respond to Tracker’s thread. l think I’m losing motivation for long trips. I love the destinations and the prospect of being there, but the journey appeals less. So much more is outside my/our control, and we do campsites, not very interested in wilding or aires, so it was never spontaneity that appealed. More a case of 6 weeks vanning or 1-2 weeks in budget hotels. Good luck, and mind how you go.😉

Are “dashcam” systems part of the standard tech package? Should they be, and should there be choice? I no longer aspire to own a brand new vehicle, and Luddite though I may be, I have no more desire to “own” an “e-v” than a similar desire to own an electric sewing machine. So my preferences are of little interest to the motor industry or government. Out of warranty ownership of and servicing of used vehicles looks pretty dodgy some time reasonably soon; but lease arrangements are making ownership less usual than in my lifetime. The romance of the automobile did little for the climate, so maybe that will be ok, and virtual ownership and gratification may be good enough and acceptable to the wider community. I somehow think that personal freedoms and experiences are going to be much curtailed. Thanks for the heads up Brian, don’t forget to buckle up. Albertslad

Are these systems being “normalised” as part of the rush towards driverless vehicles? Albertslad

Perhaps these systems should have a camera on the driver. And I’m intrigued to know the make of car Brian? Albertslad

The last time I drove ”through” Rouen was in 2011, and I vowed never to do it again. Is there a very good reason to do it? Are alternative routes much longer? Albertslad

Hi, We are heading for Northumberland Coast next week, looking for colourful harbours, coastal attractions and the like. Any last minute suggestions will be appreciated. Interpret colourful as you wish, but photographic or painterly would be nearest the mark. as an aside, we have felt obliged to book campsites in uk trips, whereas over the channel or North Sea we would just turn up. I suppose availability of Aires helped in that regard. Hoping weather is better than today🥴 regards

Building, or indeed bespoke campervan services, like gas, electric and water (latterly maybe wi-fi) always have caused me some discomfort when applying tools, but the comments and assistance provided is much appreciated. It sounds as if the converters connection is at the base of the B-pillar. Quite where I look to replace a fuse, or pass the problem on to a professional is another matter. I’ll have a think thanks again Alb’slad

I have a bespoke pvc, on a 2008 Ducato. For only the second time in 11 years, when the ignition has been switched on, the step has failed to automatically retract. I was not provided with a wiring diagram, probably the most annoying omission. I believe that the step and fridge are connected to the van wiring in the drivers side door cill. I think it is likely that most vans make new connections in this area. Is it likely that the fuse box in the driving side lower fascia has a fuse for it, along with the other fuses? regards Albertslad

Hello Fred, sorry to hear of your problem. Bearing in mind the age of the fridge, I’d not expect much from the previous owner, or from the dealer you bought from. I suppose either party could have removed the aged and faulty item. Instead, I’d look for a replacement fridge that has recommendations regarding non-level tolerance, or I’d look for a non-gas fridge. And Thetford wouldn’t figure. Could be you’ve saved yourself the consequences of doing a straight replacement, and something like £7-800. regards Albertslad

Hi Daniel; I think it would be helpful if you say what make and model your van is. Not all vans are equal I would suggest Albertslad

Well, there you go. I have a Ring inflator that I would use for “the van” on the drive, and no doubt cursing the excessive loss of air, as Derek mentions. I also have a “Honda” inflator that I refuse to leave the engine running for duration of inflation. Not one tyre, but a check of all four, probably 30 mins by the time I’ve crawled in and out several times. Thanks Brian, but another piece of kit with limited uses will not enter my garage. Should have kept the “spare” battery. I’ll find a cheap one to put on my sack trolley/barrow, and keep it charged when I’m in the “garage” rearranging the deckchairs. thanks for the stimulation, stay safe Alb’s lad

Thank you.

By more substantial I mean more robust, but still 12v.

I have a 12 volt tyre inflator for “the car” and a more substantial one for “the van”. From experience of both vehicles, I’ve concluded that it would be more convenient to attach these chargers (individually of course) to a “mobile” 12 volt battery, and wheel that around to each corner of the vehicle. Would save attaching to either vehicle battery and (as I recently found) running the battery down. I was shocked. Trailing a lead through doors and over seats is also a clat! Suggestions, from personal experience welcome, small and powerful preferred, but cheap and reliable also welcomed. I had a spare leisure battery until I disposed of it recently, rather foolishly. regards Albertslad

What a brilliant subject to wake up a large part of the subscribers of this forum. I’ve read through every reply, and now have a strategy in mind to avoid running out of gas! Thanks Grumpyman Albertslad

Hi again, I’ve just reread Brian’s comments, and couldn’t, agree more, though I’ve never considered trying to adapt a mainstream van. If it’s that far out it’s too far out. I think maybe the tape measure is key to this, and “caravan” width doors are fine, but turning around in some vans, critically in the toilets, looks tricky. Best idea is to try then out. cheers: Albertslad

Hello JohnB, Interesting. Ours is a bespoke pvc, and was designed to be used on commercial sites, or sites with access to “conventional” toilets and showers. Our onboard facilities are quite generous in area, and come into the feet in the shower category. My solution is a purpose made “duckboard” We use our onboard toilet for emergencies, in transit and overnight . In fact, in 11years of use we have barely used it for No2s, and because of the clingy shower curtain syndrome, and the campershowering techniques, never tested the water flow and temperature stability of the very expensive Combi heating system. We like the comfort of ceramic. I would just ask, do you need the facilities you think you need? If you spend a lot of time “off grid” or “wild camping” then dangling feet may be an issue, certainly having to vacate the shower at short notice could be a concern. regards Albertslad

A. Illion times greater resolution!? How many cameras to cover the whole UK? I’d say 5 tops! I have minimal issues with this, although I’d like transparency and honesty. Albertslad

Hi Brian; the fridge is on the centreline of the van, under the bed, and it circulates air into the under bed (shed area ) I’m happy with this arrangement, particularly as it’s no longer a gas/electric fridge (ho ho). I think there’s plenty of air leakage around it and to the outside. Point taken that this is a pretty hot spell. My understanding “onecal”, is that when the old battery died, the fridge went into some sort of default mode, which I was unable to unlock. Very strangely, but right in front of my eyes he changed all of the connections and hey presto it worked again. I believe the restart process involved the on/off rotary switch being operated in a particular way, I found that nugget online, but failed to make it work. It Puzzles me that there are no settings that need to be regularly checked or adjusted. Alb’slad

I did that a few months ago. We had a trip to France last September, leisure battery failed, fridge wouldn’t startup when we bought a new battery. Managed with a CombiCool? for rest of holiday. Found a tech near Nott’m/Leic’s, who got it going again. I’ve started looking through my diaries o see if I can find him again. Alb’slad

Sat at Sparkford in Somerset, on a “Premiere Park”, listening to my fridge making more noise than I think it should. It’s particularly noisy in the wee small hours, and makes some very energetic noises. It sort of “ ramps up” to the task of getting the temperature down, and sounds like a small car stuck in mud. It has a few goes, gets to somewhere near the right temperature (if only!) and settles back for maybe 15-20 minutes then starts again. The manual gives no indication of there being any regular maintenance that might make temperature regulation a less life or death operation. It’s never, in 11 years been able to get down to 5 deg Celcius. And it sounds loud enough to wake the neighbours. Any suggestions? ( Our trip to Dartmoor went very well, and we were able to hire a car for 2 days. Only scratched the surface, but glad we made it the purpose of the trip. I’m told that the Haynes Motor Museum is nearby, but £16 each is not really going to happen. I could devote a couple of hours to looking at old cars, but more than that, I’m afraid not. I like the sound of the collection, but I’d rather spend the money on lunch. I could justify £10 and a couple of hours before lunch, but there are two of us to entertain).