Mobile phone security
Every mobile phone has its own unique serial number that you can access by dialling *#06# The serial number displayed is in the form of a 15 digit code. Make a separate note of the code, so if the phone is stolen or lost you can tell your service provider who can then immediately block your phone. Even if the SIM card is changed the phone will not work.
Info from M Ellis.
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Nearing 70 and driving a van over 3500 Kg
Your driving licence, with code C1 and 107, allows you to drive a vehicle weighing up to 8250 Kg until you reach the age of 70 when the limit automatically drops down to 3500 KG. If you wish to continue driving a vehicle over 3500 Kg then after filling certain forms and meeting the requirements of a medical with your GP the DVLA will restore the weight limit. After this the same procedure will apply every three years. These procedures need to be done at least three months before the birthday as the DVLA require three months for processing your new licence.
Info from D Atkinson.
Non Standard Brake Cables etc
RDB Cables can make replacement hand brake cables etc to order, sometimes while you wait. Contact Robert on 0151 355 0004. Directions M53 junction 8, first left, left at traffic lights, Rossfield Road, third on right is RDB.
Info from T Booth.
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Pull Down Bed Gas Strut Replacement
"WARNING THESE STRUTS HAVE VERY HIGH PRESSURE RAMS"
This procedure can be done by a competent DIYer
To replace a gas strut it is very important to make sure that there is no residual pressure on the locating pins. To achieve this, the bed must be set and held as high as possible, using the travel strap. I found it easier if the bed was emptied including the mattress.
The split pins were then removed and the strut checked that it was fully extended by being loose on the location pins. I then carefully removed the drum end, pointing to the back of the van first. This to ensure that if there is any residual pressure remaining, the strut it would be travelling away from the windscreen. The new strut was then fitted in the same position and split pins re-located to secure the strut before lowering the bed.
I was able to do the above from the inside of the van, but some may find it as easy to do the above from outside by leaning through the driver's door and the sliding window.
I would recommend that both struts are changed. It is sod's law that you will remove the stronger strut first.
I obtained my replacement gas struts from Peter Hambilton, but I have since found that they can be obtained for approximately £32 + vat each from:
Billington Group
280 Bawtry Road
Wickersley
Rotherham
South Yorkshire
S66 1JY
Tel: +44 (0) 1709 543837 email: frank@billington-group.co.uk
Info from N Abbott.
Pull Down Bed Fixing Bolts
It is advisable to check that the four bolts that secure the bed to the van are tightened to a torque of 40 pound foot. The four bolts that secure the bed to the lowering mechanism need to be fully tightened the backed off one flat. If any slackness is found in the nylock nuts, they should be replaced. This procedure should be checked annually.
Info from P Hambilton.
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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SMEV parts
One of the main UK retail agents for SMEV cookers and oven etc are:
Autocraft Motorcaravans, Fan Road, Staveley, Chesterfield, S43 3PT
Tel: 01246 471199 email: sales@autocraftmotorcaravans.com
Info from A Harvey.
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.
Replacement SOG Filters
Although some people use cooker hood filters that can be cut to size, these filters do not always contain charcoal which absorbs the odours. Another method is to thoroughly wash the old filter, and, when dry to immerse it in a bag of charcoal dust to re-impregnate the filter.
Info from Roger B.
Sterilising the water system
There are a number of ways of sterilising your vans water system, the most popular method appears to be by using Milton. However, this taints the water and you have to fully flush the system 2 or 3 times to remove the taste. There is now a product, Citoxx Bio, which can be used to sterilize the complete water system, including in-line filters, that leaves no taste or odours and does not taint the water. Citroxx Bio was developed in the UK 10 years ago and is used in third world countries for purifying drinking water as well as other diverse applications. Stockists can be found at www.citroxx.com/citroxx.php?pid=stockists
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.
Tag Axle Grease Points
Make sure that the service technician jacks the van up so that the weight is taken off the road wheels. On some vans there are two grease nipples on each axle but on older vans there may be four grease nipples.
Info from Grahm S.
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.
Truma Boiler
If you find that the water dribbles out of the hot tap (and out of an overflow), but flows out of the cold tap ok, the problem could be a non-return valve on the boiler. It is located on the top right hand side of the boiler whilst looking at the control panel and is there to let air in when draining the water. Remove the two plastic tubes. Warming with a hair dryer softens the plastic. Then unscrew the collar holding the plastic T piece onto a metal tube in the wall of the boiler. If you can see through the valve _ it's knackered. Replace with the new valve, not forgetting the O ring. The part number (for a C3402 is 34151-03) can be obtained From Truma Technical tel 01283 586020. The part is supplied by Miriad tel 0123 586060.
Info from P Rowbury.
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
To see the Vets Abroad latest update(October 2009) click here. This will open a new page.
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Wind noise caused by hang down mirrors
On some models of Hymer the wind noise is caused by the gap between the mounting bracket and the swivel of the mirror. filling this gap with silicon sealant of similar should stop the noise.
Info from Dave Carey
Windscreen marks
It has been noted that a number of windscreens are marked on the right hand side looking from the outside of the van. This is caused by the wiper blade holder scraping the screen. A cure to the problem is to undo the nut of the arm and rotate the arm by one spline notch anti clockwise.
Info from Dave H.
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