Jim squirrell Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Hi to you all, been reading forum threads old and new for several weeks. About to get 2004 swift kontiki 645( in 1-2weeks ) will be driving motorhome from Lincoln to Ipswich about 2 - 3 hours for first time. Any tips for then and the immediate future will be most welcome :-S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southender Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Have you driven a vehicle that size before ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim squirrell Posted November 6, 2013 Author Share Posted November 6, 2013 Just back home, its been a while, 7 ton flat bed. But not an enclosed large vehicle other than large van for removals etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iain Strachan Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 So where is back home? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJay Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Iain Strachan - 2013-11-06 11:15 PM So where is back home? Maybe Ipswich Iain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iain Strachan Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 PJay I thought using the phrase "back home", implied from another country, but I suppose its a matter of interperatation. He has not answered anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim squirrell Posted November 7, 2013 Author Share Posted November 7, 2013 Sorry lian for not answering straight away, I,m looking after my two dogs while my wife is in the canaries with her sister. Also I,m just getting used to the forum system. I realise I have to be specific with my comments as the threads don,t always follow. Back home was from shopping in the town. Still looking for first time tips. Look forward to hearing from you if you have info or tips. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iain Strachan Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 Hi Jim, I forgot to say welcome, as you have been reading the Forum. I think that you will see that it pays dividends to give as much info as you can with your question. If you have driven a removal van and a 7 tonner you should be alright with the size, just take time to set the mirrors up correctly, and use them often, make sure at junctions, where you have had to stop that no cyclists have come up the near side. You dont say if its a private sale or dealer, but try and get as good a hand over as you can. Make sure that you are getting all the bits, like hook up cable, gas bottles, that you were expecting. There are thteads on here already about this. Make sure that after you get it home and test all the bits, that you drain down the water system, you might have a little time yet until the frosts arrive but they are here already in Scotland. Enjoy your van and use it as much as you can. Cheers Iain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim squirrell Posted November 7, 2013 Author Share Posted November 7, 2013 Thanks lain, it,s a private sale, and the owner has been very open and helpful. It,s a 2004 with only 18500 genuine on the clock. Serviced last week with new cam belt and habitation check done. Fingers crossed, all seems good. Currently only reversing sensors but I hope to fit a camera before spring. What is best for cleaning and polishing? How often should I drive it over winter?. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolly1965 Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 Cleaning and polishing - if it's a kon Tiki, it'll be grp, like our bessaccar. Polished ours with autoglym, to take away the dullness then a good wax with plenty of carnuba in it. It's hard work so we use a 12v polisher powered by a jump start/power station. Once the hard work is done we use a foam lance with Demon Wash snow foam, a light agitation with a noodle sponge and a good rinse off. make sure to get up and clean the roof off first (use the large skylight as an access hatch and a telescopic brush to get over the overcab) - if you don't clean the roof first you'll find that there'll be lots of black marks down the sides after it rains Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teflon2 Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 For polishing I always use MER it can go on moist surfaces and still polish off it also makes wiping off the black smears from under the widows simple. John ;-) welcome to the forum and don't worry about mistakes they will be pointed out to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim squirrell Posted November 7, 2013 Author Share Posted November 7, 2013 Thanks bolly, got the idea. Do I understand a pressure washer is knot the way to go, has it takes the wax off the vehicle.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim squirrell Posted November 7, 2013 Author Share Posted November 7, 2013 Ps bolly, is mcphersons paints still there? I worked there as a contractor several years ago. Used to d,rink in the pack horse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim squirrell Posted November 7, 2013 Author Share Posted November 7, 2013 Ps bolly, is mcphersons paints still there? I worked there as a contractor several years ago. Used to d,rink in the pack horse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim squirrell Posted November 7, 2013 Author Share Posted November 7, 2013 Ps bolly, is mcphersons paints still there? I worked there as a contractor several years ago. Used to d,rink in the pack horse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim squirrell Posted November 7, 2013 Author Share Posted November 7, 2013 Also thanks Teflon 2, I do understand I will be picked up on mistakes, it's nice that there is plenty of help out there, but I also understand I have to sift through the other helpers that give less than useful assistance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 is it a private purchase or from a dealer with warranty, and have you had it independently checked for damp......welcome by the way :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iain Strachan Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 Jim, others have given good advice on cleaning, I take mine to a local foam car wash, owner is a friend! As far as driving over the winter, just as many times as you can, will be good for the van and you, giving you confidence in the vehicle and getting used to driving it. Enjoy Iain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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