 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Frequently asked questions
Questions
1. How can I find the maximum weight my car can tow
2. What do I do with the Water system during winter
3. What do I use to cover my van in the winter?
4. Setting up the water system
5. What chemicals go where in my toilet?
6. What gas do I need for my van?
7. If I have a motor mover fitted to my caravan, what size battery do I need?
8. Does the caravan come with a battery?
9. How do I know what appliances I can use on a mains hook-up?
10. Can I use my home kettle in my caravan?
11. What wheel clamp do I need?
12. Do I need to put a wheel clamp and lock on my van?
13. What information do I need to get a hitch lock for my van?
14. Do I need an Alko tow ball if my caravan has an Aks stabilizer fitted?
15. Do I need a winterhoff tow ball if my caravan has a winterhoff hitch?
16. Will my television work abroad?
Answers
1. How can I find the maximum weight my car can tow
Take a look at this site
2. What do I do with the Water system during winter
Caravans may be used all year round, but when not in use, even for short periods, this procedure should be followed. One night of freezing temperatures is all that is required for expensive permanent damage to water systems components
The whole system must be drained.
-
The water heater must be drained by unscrewing the drain plug, which is located on the outside of he flue cowl (Carver system) or by opening the drain valve located in the bed box (Truma systems). It is recommended that the heater is warm to improve drainage efficiency and that the drain plug is removed until setting up the system again.
-
Remove cold water drain plug (if fitted), normally located under the caravan near to the water inlet socket.
-
open all taps and leave open.
Remove tap spouts and shower heads where possible
-
To remove top spouts and showerheads, unscrew by hand, then shake out and store in a dry place.
Drain cassette toilet fresh water tank
When system is drained , remove water filter (if fitted)
Submersible pump should be shaken out and stored in dry place.
Please note: Frost damage cannot be claimed under warranty
3. What do I use to cover my van in the winter?
Polythene or tarpaulin sheets should NOT be used. They seal the caravan against the elements, but condensation and mould growth may be encouraged. You will find a range of breathable covers for your van in our accessory shop.
4. Setting up the water system
Replace/close all drain plugs/valves
Replace showerheads and tap sprouts
Close all taps
Refit old filters
-
Check all plumbing connections
-
It is recommended at this point to sterilise your water container and flush the system through with sterilising fluid
Renew old filters after flushing system through, it is also recommended that the water system be checked periodically though out the season.
5. What chemicals go where in my toilet?
The pink chemical is for the top tank or flush; not all caravans have this so please check before you fill the system. The green or blue fluid is for the bottom tank. This is the corrosive fluid. The green doesn’t contain formaldehyde so it is eco friendly!6. What gas do I need for my van?
You can use either Butane or Propane, the main difference being that propane is more suitable for winter use.
7. If I have a motor mover fitted to my caravan, what size battery do I need?
You will need a battery which is 100 amps or more
8. Does the caravan come with a battery?
Neither new nor used caravans come with a battery.
9. How do I know what appliances I can use on a mains hook-up?
To calculate the ampage needed to run your appliances, you divide the Wattage by the Voltage.
e.g. 1000 watt kettle and a 230volt supply, needs a current of 4.3 Amps.
You then add together the amperage of all appliances running simultaneously and make sure the total doesn't exceed to supply maximum.
10. Can I use my home kettle in my caravan?
No, the average house kettle is 2-3kw, the average output on a caravan site is 2kw, so you may trip the electric out. You need to invest in a low wattage kettle, although they do take a bit longer to boil so you may want to consider a kettle for a gas ring which will boil quicker.
11. What wheel clamp do I need?
If you can tell us your tyre and rim size and if your rim is alloy or steel we will be able to recommend a clamp which will be suitable for your van.
12. Do I need to put a wheel clamp and lock on my van?
You need to check with your insurance company what they require. The clamps and locks which we sell are mostly insurance approved.
13. What information do I need to get a hitch lock for my van?
Just the make and model of you hitch head; the most common models are Alko, AKS 1300-2700-2004-3004. If you have a red handle on your hitch it’s most likely an AKS.
14. Do I need an Alko tow ball if my caravan has an Aks stabilizer fitted?
Yes you do.
15. Do I need a winterhoff tow ball if my caravan has a winterhoff hitch?
No, it just needs to be grease free.
16. Will my television work abroad?
You require a TV that will receive foreign transmissions whilst on holiday; you will need a multi-standard set.