Alarms
VAN BITZ alarms are available from:-
STRIKEBACK Tel.:- 01823 321992/353235 Fax:- 01823 354946
www.vanbitz.com info@vanbitz com
Midland International Motor home Centre Tel:- 024 7633 6411
JMB Additions of SEAFORD Tel.:- 01323 491499
Aerosol Sprays
Be careful when using aerosol sprays and /or creams in the bathroom. Some of the contents contain solvents that will attack/melt the plastic of the bathroom.
Info from Nigel Abbott
Austrian GO box
This box should be obtained from a service area before or just after entering Austria even if you are transiting the country. The information and documentation required include the vehicle registration document and description of the vehicle, how many axles, gross weight, and time in the country. The box will then be pre-primed with the necessary payment for the duration. If the box requires payment top-up it will give multiple bleeps.
Info from Jean & John Duff.
Awkward places on the van
A solution to trying to see into places on the van where it is difficult to place your head is to take pictures with a camera (digital) to give an understanding of how items are positioned/fixed. An example is the tap fixing in the bath room.
Info from Jack Stockley.
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Carpet binding service
RUGS by DESIGN Tel:-01274 744414
Provide a rapid and competitive binding service and can also provide carpets.
Ring Sharon before 10am for same day service.
Info from Wendy and David Grace.
Clear water containers
A number of members use five litre containers to hold down the skirt of their cook tent or safari room. One member used clear containers filled with water, and when the sun shone the container acted as magnifying glass and scorched the cook tent. USE OPAQUE CONTAINERS!
Info from Christine Ellis.
Concertina Blinds
I have had one report that the new type of concertina blinds, with white plastic coating on the outside, can suffer with "PIN HOLING" and also can crack along the creases. It is suggested that members check these blinds before the warranty period expires.
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Door Locks Models (2007)
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It has been identified that there is a problem with the habitation door mechanism on some new models.
The left hand rod is the some diameter as the right hand rod shown in the photo.
When the outside door handle is operated the fulcrum mechanism (bottom left of photo) puts the left hand rod under compression causing the rod to bend.
This reduces the amount of travel of the bolts that secure the door.
To overcome this problem the left hand rod has been reinforced with a "u" shaped moulding fixed with plastic metal.
The inside door handle does not cause this problem as its fulcrum lever is attached to the top of the right hand rod (top right of photo).
It is understood that Hymer UK and Hymer AG are aware of this problem.
Info from Tony Cox.
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Fiat Fifth Gear problems
A letter from a Fiat main dealer concerning Fiat fifth gear problems and their solution was received by the HCI recently. Click here to view.
French motoring offences
Nature of the offence | Fine | Points | Suspension |
Stopping/parking in a way that obstructs other road users | 35€ | | |
Not paying motorway tolls | 35€ | | |
Driving with one hand & telephone in other hand | 35€ | 2 | |
Dangerous manoeuvre without signalling | 35€ | 3 | 3 years |
Driving without log book | 135€ | | |
Driving with illegible number plates | 135€ | | |
Driving with bald/illegal tyres | 135€ | | |
Driving with a child under 10 years in a front seat | 135€ | | |
Transporting a child without a proper seat restraint | 135€ | | |
Refusal to move to the right to allow other drivers to pass | 135€ | | |
Faulty seat restraints | 135€ | 3 | |
Crossing a continuous white line | 135€ | 1 | 3 years |
Accelerating whilst another driver is overtaking you | 135€ | 2 | 3 years |
Driving, stopping or parking on centre band of road | 135€ | 2 | 3 years |
Stopping or parking dangerously | 135€ | 3 | 3 years |
Stopping or parking at night without lights | 135€ | 3 | 3 years |
Driving on the left on a dual carriageway | 135€ | 3 | 3 years |
Overtaking dangerously | 135€ | 3 | 3 years |
Not respecting the safe distance between vehicles | 135€ | 3 | 3 years |
Driving while drunk (>0.5g/l in the blood) | 135€ | 6 | 3 years |
Driving without a permit | 1500€ | | |
Excessive speed | 1500€ | 4 | 3 years |
Speeding fines
Speed | Fine | Points | Suspension | Prison |
Less than 20km above the speed limit | 135€ | 1 | | |
20 - 29km/h above the legal limit | 135€ | 2 | | |
30 - 39km/h above the legal limit | 135€ | 3 | 3 years | |
40 - 49km/h above the legal limit | 135€ | 4 | 3 years | |
More than 50km/h above the legal limit | 1500€ | 6 | 3 years | |
Subsequence offences above 50km/h | 3750€ | 6 | 3 years | 3 months |
Excessive speed causing an accident and injury | 45000€ to 75000€ | 6 | 5-10 years | 3-5 years |
Excessive speed causing accident & death | 100,000€ | 6 | 10 years | 10 years |
Safe distance: On open roads and autoroutes, all vehicles that exceed 3.5 tonnes or are longer that 7 metres (including the total weight and length of vehicles towing caravans/trailers/cars) must keep at least 50m between them and the vehicle they are following.
Speed limits: For vehicles that are heavier than 3.5 tonnes and for combined weight of towing vehicles, the speed limit is 110km/h on autoroutes, 100km/h on primary roads and 80km/k on all other roads.
Info extract from a freebie magazine.
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Gas conversions
EDGE TECHNOLOGY Tel:- 01270 509296
Gas conversions for generator sets.
Info from Mike Golding.
Headlamp Conversions
Hymer models with Hella headlamps No E 7415 the lamps can be adjusted for left and right hand drive.
Although access is not easy there are three screws on the back housing that when loosened allow the lamp to be pushed away from the lens and rotated past a locating stub to the other position. On top of the lamp housing is an indicator (marked L and R) to assist with the direction to turn the lamp. I have found that once the procedure has been completed, the bottom screw does not have to be completely tightened. This will make the procedure easier next time.
Info from Nigel Abbott.
Hella lamps
HELLA :-Tel 01295 272233
Replacement for the external lamps can be obtained from Hella dealerships. The number above will give the nearest dealer and the price and availability of the lamp or lens you may require.
Info from Nigel Abbott.
Honda Gensets
The 1000 & 2000 gensets will trip the mains supply on overload, but the engine still keeps running without an obvious indication. The cause of the overload has to be located and removed, then, the genset has to be stopped and restarted.
Info from Mike Golding.
Importing cigarettes or tobacco into the UK
If travelling through France you may be stopped by a French Customs road block and inspected for tobacco items.
A new French law, which came into effect on 1st January 2006, has ruled that the maximum amount of cigarettes that can be brought from any European country into France is 5 cartons or 1Kg of tobacco. Cigarettes or tobacco exceeding this amount must be declared to the Customs authorities when entering France.
Info from Dennis Raddon.
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Kitchen tap access (B544 or similar)
Remove plastic cutlery liner - no fastenings, remove wooden drawer front - 2 screws (Phillips) one each side. To remove tap undo the hose clips, a 6mm socket is probably the best option. Warm the plastic hose with a hair dryer,(a hot air gun for stripping paint could be used with GREAT care). Locate and remove the 2 wires - spade terminals. A plumber's tap spanner may assist with the removal of the nut on the underside of the tap. Replacement of new or repaired tap is the reverse of the removal process.
Info from Paul Rowbury.
Plastic Repairs
The Plastic Surgeon base in Exeter is able to repair Bumpers, shower trays and eliminate scuffs and blemishes. Telephone 01392 667722
Info from Martin Whitehouse.
Safety recalls
Members who purchase new vans from dealers other than Hymer UK or Brownhills have voiced concern that their vehicles may be "grey imports" and not notified of and safety recall that the vehicle manufacture may issue. My investigation has indicated that any such vehicle that is subsequently serviced by a recognised Fiat or Mercedes dealership will pick up any safety recall issue. I have also been informed that used vehicles and those that have had a number of owners are traced using the VIN via the DVLC issuing names and addresses. There is a VOSA dedicated recall web site where such information is logged on a voluntary basis
http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/default.asp. Essanjay Limited (Motorhomes) who advertise in the HCI newsletter are willing to put any members mind at rest concerning Fiat recalls, please have the VIN available before calling.
Info from Nigel Abbott.
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S.O.G Filters
Carbon filters fitted to cooker hoods in the home kitchen can be cut to size to be fitted as a replacement for the S.O.G filter.
Info from a non member.
Swiss vignettes
For vehicles over 3500kg - as at July 2005
/day CHF 3.25
/month CHF 58.50
/year CHF 650
10 single days within a year period CHF 32.50 (minimum CHF 25)
Info Swiss embassy.
Thetford toilets
The Type C 200 Thetford toilet cassette has a float to indicate when the cassette requires emptying. This float swings up away from the empting nozzle. If when empting the cassette or when rinsing do not shake back and forth as this can dislodge the float. Use a gentle anti clock wise motion.
Info from Nigel Abbott.
Type C 200 toilets have a water filter located high up under the bowl near the seat moulding. After some time this can become choked and effect the flushing action of the toilet. To clean this filter, first remove the cassette, and then unscrew the clamps holding the bowl to the base unit. Then carefully turn the bowl upside down to access the filter which is held in place with two hose clips. After cleaning the reverse procedure is used to reinstall the bowl.
Info from Bill Mulliner.
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Toilet/Kitchen roll
If you have a problem with the toilet/kitchen roll unrolling whilst travelling then squash the cardboard former into an oval. Should work!
Info from Nigel Abbott.
Tyre Damage
Hand car wash teams have mushroomed dramatically in the UK in the past few years. Estimates suggest that there are between 5,000 to 10,000 two or three man teams up and down the country offering this service to motorists. However, TyreSafe - formally the Tyre Industry Council, the UK's leading tyre safety organisation - has issued a warning of a potential safety risk involving the equipment used by these groups that could lead to potential tyre failure.
There is growing evidence that pressure washers used by hand car wash providers can cause tyre damage unknown to most motorists and that they could be putting there own lives and that of their passengers and other road users at risk.
Heavy-duty pressure washers machines are capable of dispensing water at extremely high pressure and if aimed directly at the tyre, the jet can cause sidewall damage and degradation particularly if the water is heated or if the pressurised water is applied for an extended period.
According to a recent survey by TyreSafe, it was revealed that over 80% of drivers were unaware of the impact that pressure washing can have on their tyres and the danger posed.
In fact, German safety group DEKRA has discovered that if a washer nozzle is held close to a tyre at very high pressure, serious damage can occur in just five seconds! Even tyres that appear normal after being subjected to a pressure washer may have microscopic perforations, which can weaken the sidewall and cause a possible blow-out.
Other contributory factors to sidewall damage are the width of the water jet and the strength of any soaps or detergents used. Strong soap can remove protective chemicals that are embed in the sidewall - usually resulting in the visual indication of brown watermarks - which can result in a significant reduction in durability.
For worry free washing TyreSafe has the following tips for motorists:
Ideally, a light-to-medium duty pressure washer should be used (110 bar or less)
The washer jet nozzle should be kept at least 20 cm from the tyre surface
Always use a fan nozzle to clean tyres, rather than a circular nozzle
Prevent prolonged exposure to a specific area of the tyre
Avoid aiming the water jet at the join between the tyre and the wheel rim
Info from TyreSafe.
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Vets Abroad
Pets Passport - Vets Abroad
The vets listed below have either been used by HCI members or have been recommended by others to HCI members. The list is supplied for your guidance. No responsibility is taken by HCI for the accuracy of the entry and you are strongly advised to contact your chosen vet prior to your visit.
Advice given by Mary C. :-
"We always try to stay overnight near port of departure. We don't risk having dog done then travelling and perhaps having an accident and subsequent delay. We also book the appointment well in advance as it is not unknown to find a limited choice of times available.
Not all vets, or their receptionists, speak English so take great care with the varied way appointment times may be stated.
Costs vary immensely; the weight of the dog is relevant. Tablets can be given instead of injection if dog is not likely to vomit within 24 hours.
Be aware that microchips can move. If the chip reading machine fails to find the chip, insist on new batteries being fitted."
Mary C. said that typical costs are from €40-€65. The lowest known recently is €31 paid by Trevor B. (at Chartres) for a small dog.
Vets recommended by members
France
Vets in France can be found by looking at France Yellow Pages web site. The site address is:-
www.pagesjaunes.fr
Against Quoi, Qui type 'veterinaire'
Against Ou, type the name of the town or village where you want to find a vet.
Then click 'Trouver'
This gives a list of vets in each town. Click onto "proximite" for a map showing exact location, or "Vue aerienne" for an aerial view. This is useful to scroll around to see if there is a good car park nearby.
Abbeville Etienne Faict, Docteur Veterinare, 16 bd Vauban, 80100 Abbeville. tel 03-22-24-21-75
Superb Aire at St Valery sur Somme 20kms. Aire at Le Crotoy 25kms. Calais 90kms. Ron D.
Ardres Clinique Veterinaire, du Camp du Drao d'or, Camp de Foire, 62610 Ardres. Tel 03-21-35-40-03
Close to Calais. Fred J.
Astaffort Dr Christelle Ridelle, 30 pl Andre Routier, 47220 Astaffort. Tel 05-53-68-70-30
On N21 20kms south of Agen. Aire at Latrac. Eunice H.
Bayeux Clin. Vet, 23 Rue Montfiquet, 14400 Bayeux. Tel 02 31 92 00 60. Appts only Mon-Sat.
Parking in place G Despallieres which is also an aire. OK overnight. Mary C.
Brezolles Dr P Javelot & Dr J L Jouanigot, 10bis Route de Senouches, 28270 Brezolles. Tel 02-37-48-20-25.
English spoken, 200 miles from Calais. Aire in Brezolles. Eunice H.
Caen/Ouistreham Clin. Vet, 1Ave du Dawson a l'angle de la Route do lion, 14150 Ouistreham. Tel 02 31 96 55 82.
Apps only Mon-Sat. Parking OK. Mary C.
Calais Dr Jean-Maurice Ferme, 73 rue Aristide Briand, 62100 Calais. tel 03-21-34-93-88
Overlooking small park 300m opposite Town Hall. Parking around park.
Some English spoken. Reasonable prices. Trevor B.
Carnieres Dr H Cathelain & Dr P Loncour, 21 Route National 43, 59217 Carnieres. Tel 03-27-78-71-55
Aire at Catillon sur Sambre 32 kms south east of Cambrai. Eunice H.
Caudry Dr J F Breton, 11 Rue Charles Gide, 59540 Caudry. Tel 03-27-85-28
15kms south east of Cambrai. Aire in Caudry. Eunice H.
Chartres Rialland Yannick, Centre Commercial Carrefour, Ave Marcel Proust, 28000 Chartres.
Ample parking near supermarket (watch for height barriers). Reasonable prices. Municiple camp site in town. Trevor B.
Cherbourg Clinique Vet. Ryst 7 Quai du General Collins, 50100 Cherbourg. E-mail vat.ryst@wanadoo.fr. No other details.
Couhe Groupe Veterinaire Chateau-Garnier, 14 Grand Rue 86700 Couhe-Verac tel 05-49-59-20-40
Good aire 300m from surgery. On main route from Bordeaux & south of Poitiers.
Vet in main street. Calais 540kms. Ron D.
Etaples Dr Eric Caudron, 30 Rue de Rosamel, Etaples tel 03-21-94-92-12
Appointments 0900-1200 & 1700-1830 Consultations 1400-1700. Aire at Le Touquet. Eunice H.
Gorron Clinique Veterinaire, 19 Rue de la Marie, 53120 Gorron. tel 02-43-08-63-06
Aire in village at sports centre. Cherbourg 130kms. Ron D.
Honfleur Cabinet vet. De Honfleur, Residence l'Amiraute, 10 Rue des Vases, 14600 Honfleur. Tel 02 31 98 83 46.
Apps and possibly weekday open surgery in pm. Next to Hotel Mercure. Parking and aire opposite on basin. Mary C.
Joue les Tours Dr A Grandemange, 1 Rue de la Douziliere, 37300 Joue les Tours. tel 02-47-67-10-93
420kms from Calais. Ron D.
La Souterraine (Limoges area) La licombe Clinique Veteriaire, 10 Bvd Jean Moulin, 23300 La Souterraine.
Tel 05-55-63-03-09. All year site at plan d'eau. Fred J.
Marck Dr Stavrakis, clinique St Antoine, 127 Rue Pascal, 62730 Marck tel 03 21 46 53 53
Apps only. Closed Thurs afternoon. Easy parking and access to J19 of motorway. Close to Calais. Mary C.
Plestin les Greves Elke Naugtergael, 2 Pont Blanc, 22310 Plestin les Greves. Tel 02-96-35-03-03
English spoken. Good for return via Roscoff. Closed Monday pm. Fred J.
St Omer Dr Dandifosse, 5 Rue de Belfort, 62500 St Omer. tel 03-21-88-04-64
Parking on quayside 200m. Good English spoken. Receptionist owns campsite 10kms away.
Aire at Arques 4 kms away. Calais 30kms. Ron D.
St Quentin Dr Kneffer 32 Rue de Guise, Grugies, St Quentin. Tel 03-23-08-88-60 Easy to Calais.
Camping Le Vivier aux Carpes, Seraucourt le Grand will make appointment and give directions on request. Fred J.
Villedieu Clinique Veterinaire, 50800 Villedieu tel 02-33-61-01-76
Good parking, could prob overnight outside. Attractive town. Cherbourg 85kms. Ron D.
Wimereux Drs Morin Popieul Dominique, 47 rue Napoleon, 62930 Wimereux. Tel 03 21 83 46 02
5 min walk from municipal site. Reasonable prices. Some English spoken. 18 miles south of Calais. Thora O.
Belgium
Brugge Dr Piet de Laender, Prinz Karstlaan 39, 8310 Assenbroek, Brugge. Tel 050-37-31-33
Close to Memling Camping, Brugge. Eunice H.
Jabbeke Maric Moyaert, Gistelsteenweg 327, 8490 Jabbeke tel 050 31 34 29
Near to Bruges. Easy parking. English spoken. 1 hour from Calais. Annette T.
Nederlands
Delft Pieter Haringsma, Dierenkliniek Kalverbos, Nieuwe Plantage 94, 2611 XM Delft. tel 015 2125543
Close to campsite at Deftse Hout. Info given by tourist office Delft. . Trevor Banks
Revised Dec 2007
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