mlodge
Junior Member
Posts: 15
|
Virgin
May 31, 2011 13:38:15 GMT
Post by mlodge on May 31, 2011 13:38:15 GMT
I will be picking up a 13/2 1970 at the weekend. It has been stored in a barn for the last 25 years and not used. Being the first caravan i've owned I need some advice on what to look out for to make it safe to tow. Cheers Mike
|
|
swampthing
Junior Member
nobody saw me do it
Posts: 35
|
Virgin
Jun 1, 2011 0:13:19 GMT
Post by swampthing on Jun 1, 2011 0:13:19 GMT
Well there's the obvious.and if possable take a trip and check the van out befor the actual trip your making to bring it home. are the tyres safe and legal, after 25 years I would take a pair with me, just in case.they might look fine after 25 yrs but wait till they get hot at 45mph on the road., then there's the brakes, check they are working, it wouldn't be the first time I have had to move something for someone that hasn't moved for years and found the brake linings have come away from the shoes, and found the whole lot jammed up. you want to try winching 2 tonnes of mk 2 jag onto your lorry to find 3 of the wheels refuse to turn. then theres the lights. again take some bulbs with you and a trailor board just in case, remember to use a board with a long enough flex. on more than one occasion I have seen somebody turn up to collect a caravan and found the cable is 5 foot short of being any use. . also some oil is always handy incase you need to free the hitch. and then you cant beat a roll of gaffer tape, just in case. it can hold windows shut if any of the catches are broken, doors closed, and the light board cable to the side of the van and not dragging on the road. I would say if in doubt and time is a factor ask a profesional to move it to a place that you can rectify anything that your not a 100% sure of befor taking it out onto the highway. Nich
|
|
|
Virgin
Jun 1, 2011 5:47:54 GMT
Post by Brian M on Jun 1, 2011 5:47:54 GMT
Mike - Nichs words of wisdom are all valid, and in addition:
If you are thinking of towing it on the road, for any distance even if only a mile up the road you should also:
Remove both wheels and brake drums to check the hub bearings and the condition of the brakes.
Check that the tow hitch is functioning, especially the clip onto the tow ball, the overrun brake mechanism, and the damper is still damping.
Have a good look at the a-frame to make sure it hasn't rusted.
Check all the cupboards and under the beds to make sure there is nothing rolling around that could cause damage.
As with any virgin, you need to take precautions to ensure your first experience is a joyous and pleasant event, take plenty of time to prepare for it, and it will then not be one that you regret for the rest of your life!!!
|
|
mlodge
Junior Member
Posts: 15
|
Virgin
Jun 1, 2011 19:02:28 GMT
Post by mlodge on Jun 1, 2011 19:02:28 GMT
Thanks, I will check her out in the light first, check shes legal, keep an eye on her when she gets hot, check shes not jammed up, make sure my cable is long enough, check under the bed, and take plenty of oil and gaffer tape.
|
|