Post by Brian M on Feb 1, 2009 11:35:13 GMT
From: tfel63 (Original Message) Sent: 28/10/2007 01:00
Hi, shortly I will be involved in removing a 17-4 that has been standing in the same place for 25 years and replacing it. What problems do you think I might have in moving the caravan, eg; seized brakes etc...? Any comments will be greatly received
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From: OliverShaw1 Sent: 28/10/2007 02:19
Two separate considerations; are you merely repositioning it (i.e. moving it just a few yards), or towing it on the road - you don't say which you will be doing.
If the former, inflate the tyres, disconnect the brake pull rod, WD40 on all moving parts, including the tow hitch and the brake compensators (if you can reach them) and where the rods emerge from the back plates.
Try to work the brake rods free, and a judicious tap with a medium hammer all round each back plate may be helpful.
Then hitch up your towing vehicle and have a go. If it won't move out forwards, and it you have room astern, try reversing it a foot or two; this sometimes helps to release the brakes, as the reversing mechanism operates.
Allow ample time, be prepared for some frustrations, and remember that you have no brakes.
If however you intend to take it on the road, as soon as you have it out of the nettle patch (or whatever) you really ought to replace both tyres, check the wheels VERY thoroughly for signs of terminal rust (particularly on the blind side), and fully service the brakes and hubs and tow hitch, and also either service the road lights or rig up a temporary lighting board. If possible obtain (or borrow) a spare wheel.
Also do at least a quick check of the chassis and suspension - just in case of any seriously nasty surprises, and check that the body is still securely attached to the chassis. The latter check is easily overlooked, but could be important. I would expect that all the checks in this paragraph would prove satisfactory, but in view of the length of time since it last moved the checks should still be made.
Alternatively, it taking it somewhere by road (as a one-off journey) and if you don't want to service it first, winch it onto a car transporter of suitable capacity. It is possible to hire car transporter trailers, and I have known them rated to carry the 1.5 ton that your Safari will weigh, but you will need something like a Landrover to pull it.
Hope this helps,
Oliver
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From: tfel63 Sent: 31/10/2007 01:34
Oliver, thanks very much for your very thorough advice. I have tried to unseize car drums before and know how awkward a job it can be. The 17-4 will probably be available once we have moved it (a short distance, not on-road), so if anybody is keen they will probably be welcome to take it.
When the tme comes I will post more details - it's in Suffolk, by the way.
Yours, Tony
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From: jezz569 Sent: 31/10/2007 23:53
Hi Tony what sort of condition is the van in ,ie is it dry inside ,is there any bad rot ect.
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From: tfel63 Sent: 02/11/2007 00:45
Hi, yes there is damp and rot. Sometime I hope to take some photos but it is a way away from us (it's near the Suffolk coast, I am in South London). Ideally I would like someone to collect it from its pitch, which is on the edge of a field doen a track from a public unmetalled road so it may take a 4 wheel drive to remove it...
The roof is a bit mouldy and one of the front corners is rotten. There is more besides but I can't recall specifics until I go there. The electrics have all but been removed and I think the gas lines are probably on their way out as well.
Watch this space...Tony
Hi, shortly I will be involved in removing a 17-4 that has been standing in the same place for 25 years and replacing it. What problems do you think I might have in moving the caravan, eg; seized brakes etc...? Any comments will be greatly received
First Previous 2-6 of 6 Next Last Delete Replies
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Recommend Delete Message 2 of 6 in Discussion
From: OliverShaw1 Sent: 28/10/2007 02:19
Two separate considerations; are you merely repositioning it (i.e. moving it just a few yards), or towing it on the road - you don't say which you will be doing.
If the former, inflate the tyres, disconnect the brake pull rod, WD40 on all moving parts, including the tow hitch and the brake compensators (if you can reach them) and where the rods emerge from the back plates.
Try to work the brake rods free, and a judicious tap with a medium hammer all round each back plate may be helpful.
Then hitch up your towing vehicle and have a go. If it won't move out forwards, and it you have room astern, try reversing it a foot or two; this sometimes helps to release the brakes, as the reversing mechanism operates.
Allow ample time, be prepared for some frustrations, and remember that you have no brakes.
If however you intend to take it on the road, as soon as you have it out of the nettle patch (or whatever) you really ought to replace both tyres, check the wheels VERY thoroughly for signs of terminal rust (particularly on the blind side), and fully service the brakes and hubs and tow hitch, and also either service the road lights or rig up a temporary lighting board. If possible obtain (or borrow) a spare wheel.
Also do at least a quick check of the chassis and suspension - just in case of any seriously nasty surprises, and check that the body is still securely attached to the chassis. The latter check is easily overlooked, but could be important. I would expect that all the checks in this paragraph would prove satisfactory, but in view of the length of time since it last moved the checks should still be made.
Alternatively, it taking it somewhere by road (as a one-off journey) and if you don't want to service it first, winch it onto a car transporter of suitable capacity. It is possible to hire car transporter trailers, and I have known them rated to carry the 1.5 ton that your Safari will weigh, but you will need something like a Landrover to pull it.
Hope this helps,
Oliver
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Recommend Delete Message 3 of 6 in Discussion
From: tfel63 Sent: 31/10/2007 01:34
Oliver, thanks very much for your very thorough advice. I have tried to unseize car drums before and know how awkward a job it can be. The 17-4 will probably be available once we have moved it (a short distance, not on-road), so if anybody is keen they will probably be welcome to take it.
When the tme comes I will post more details - it's in Suffolk, by the way.
Yours, Tony
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Recommend Delete Message 4 of 6 in Discussion
From: jezz569 Sent: 31/10/2007 23:53
Hi Tony what sort of condition is the van in ,ie is it dry inside ,is there any bad rot ect.
Reply
Recommend Delete Message 5 of 6 in Discussion
From: tfel63 Sent: 02/11/2007 00:45
Hi, yes there is damp and rot. Sometime I hope to take some photos but it is a way away from us (it's near the Suffolk coast, I am in South London). Ideally I would like someone to collect it from its pitch, which is on the edge of a field doen a track from a public unmetalled road so it may take a 4 wheel drive to remove it...
The roof is a bit mouldy and one of the front corners is rotten. There is more besides but I can't recall specifics until I go there. The electrics have all but been removed and I think the gas lines are probably on their way out as well.
Watch this space...Tony