Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: omega3000 on 10 July 2014, 17:07:00
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Been looking around for caravans .. thoughts on this one anyone and what to look out for ?
Lunar clubman (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Lunar-Clubman-caravan-475-2-/171379297947?pt=UK_Campers_Caravans_Motorhomes&hash=item27e7008e9b)
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Before I even thought about that I'd be making sure I had a good, working damp meter, and it would get a lot of use ... the van is well old and has a broken window .. both lead to water ingress and damp/rot is impossible to get rid of easily .. :(
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Looks ok from photo's, depends what you are looking for really. The main issue on older caravans is damp ingress, once it's taken hold there's a lot of work to put it right, also that it has been gas safety checked.
Carpet not a problem, i have always taken it out and replaced with hard flooring/lino in the past, window is easily replaced. Always best to view before buying just to be certain what you are getting.
Must type faster
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Damp meter would be a good thing to get hold of :y One other thing that worries me is the wheel bearings ect on caravans .. just thoughts of a wheel coming off or something ::) Will keep looking for something with less damp .
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lets be realistic ;D
its a cheap van so what the hell if its got some damp (it prob has) anything upto a grand is a you get what you pay for but there is some cheapys out there very decent and even vans out there pulling big money with ingress issues.if you ask me have a punt and if you get it for around £600 you can afford to have it serviced so its gas and leccy safe and if it needs tyres get a pair slapped on it,what have you got after that-a safe starter touring van for a grand if you get it any cheaper then alls good.the above advice is good but don't worry bout damp unless its really bad or your spending a number with a few noughts on the end :D
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Wheel bearings are not usually a problem, as vans don't do that many miles, if its been stood for a while then brakes binding on can be a problem, and worn brakes can only be properly checked by removing the drum. The normal comment of "a good service history" probably doesn't work on a van of that age/price !!
Not that much to a van chassis to be honest, if you want to check that the "rubber in tension" suspension is good then a tape measure at the wheel arches is easy .. if there is a MAJOR difference in height that could indicate a problem.
Tyres should be changed every 5 years regardless of wear .. so a knowledge of the DOT code to check dates on tyres helps.
I doubt the seller will let you power everything up, including the water/water heating/central heating/fridge/cooker systems ... but they are all things that do go wrong and can be expensive to fix ... 12V electrics is actually quite easy / cheap to mend .. unless master control panels fail ...
HTH :)
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Fair enough :y I did kind of think that nearly all caravans would have some damp issues , but like you say for less than a grand there could be some bargains to be had .. dont mind a bit of restoration sprucing up ect :y
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Wheel bearings are not usually a problem, as vans don't do that many miles, if its been stood for a while then brakes binding on can be a problem, and worn brakes can only be properly checked by removing the drum. The normal comment of "a good service history" probably doesn't work on a van of that age/price !!
Not that much to a van chassis to be honest, if you want to check that the "rubber in tension" suspension is good then a tape measure at the wheel arches is easy .. if there is a MAJOR difference in height that could indicate a problem.
Tyres should be changed every 5 years regardless of wear .. so a knowledge of the DOT code to check dates on tyres helps.
I doubt the seller will let you power everything up, including the water/water heating/central heating/fridge/cooker systems ... but they are all things that do go wrong and can be expensive to fix ... 12V electrics is actually quite easy / cheap to mend .. unless master control panels fail ...
HTH :)
Thanks for that Entwood , very helpful :y
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Wheel bearings are not usually a problem, as vans don't do that many miles, if its been stood for a while then brakes binding on can be a problem, and worn brakes can only be properly checked by removing the drum. The normal comment of "a good service history" probably doesn't work on a van of that age/price !!
Not that much to a van chassis to be honest, if you want to check that the "rubber in tension" suspension is good then a tape measure at the wheel arches is easy .. if there is a MAJOR difference in height that could indicate a problem.
Tyres should be changed every 5 years regardless of wear .. so a knowledge of the DOT code to check dates on tyres helps.
I doubt the seller will let you power everything up, including the water/water heating/central heating/fridge/cooker systems ... but they are all things that do go wrong and can be expensive to fix ... 12V electrics is actually quite easy / cheap to mend .. unless master control panels fail ...
HTH :)
always a difference on used vans Mr E,one side of the van usually has fridge/oven/water heater :y
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Be wanting a tow bar next :D
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You,buy a pikey box. :( i wont speak to you again :)..
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Be wanting a tow bar next first :D
Fixed :y
Well not had a holiday for over 15 years and want to have a few before i pop my cloggs.. life is for living and if i dont do it now will always regret it :)
You,buy a pikey box. :( i wont speak to you again :)..
Promise i wont hold any traffic up ::)
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Have a caravan for sale here.
Probably a bit to big though as it's a five birth and rather old.
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Have a caravan for sale here.
Probably a bit to big though as it's a five birth and rather old.
PM sent :y
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Have a caravan for sale here.
Probably a bit to big though as it's a five birth and rather old.
He's already got one Omega, although an estate isn't a bad shout ;D
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I used to sell static caravans and was always getting into trouble with my manager for bringing in damp tourers in part ex!! ;D
Deals a deal i thought! :y
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I used to sell static caravans and was always getting into trouble with my manager for bringing in damp tourers in part ex!! ;D
Deals a deal i thought! :y
Static, my kind of caravan................. ;) ;) :y
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Been looking around for caravans .. thoughts on this one anyone and what to look out for ?
Lunar clubman (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Lunar-Clubman-caravan-475-2-/171379297947?pt=UK_Campers_Caravans_Motorhomes&hash=item27e7008e9b)
:-\
We had a 4-berth version of that model for many years, luxurious for the time,fully insulated double glazed and winterised, sprung interior upholstery, real oak for the cupboard frames and doors etc.
It would be about the last year to have an aluminium chassis which is great for keeping the weight down but have a good look around the tow hitch and axle attachments for signs of corrosion where steel meets aluminium. They had rubber or plastic material to keep the two metals apart so you shouldnt see any significant corrosion.
The roof is a one-piece fibreglass moulding which was unusual for the time, result is very unlikely to have leaked from above. Any leaks and rot would be below windows.
The rear push/pull/curse_swimbo handles are missing, this would suggest some dampness and rot behind the rear panel, quite common in a 'van of this age but easy to fix with basic woodworking skills and modern polyurathane glues.
The floors on these were some of the very first laminated ply/polyurethane foam/fibre board construction and early ones suffered from delamination just inside the doorway and by the sink. Can be fixed by drilling holes and injecting resin but best avoided.
Axles were by Knott but usually had Alko hubs and brakes so spares readily available.
Budget for new (reinforced) tyres.
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12V electrics is actually quite easy / cheap to mend .. unless master control panels fail ...
HTH :)
And even then, you open up the 'master control panels' and find nothing more then 20 quids worth of bits in the form of a few relays and a switch mode supply with charging capability.....so they are not hard to DIY repair :y
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I used to sell static caravans and was always getting into trouble with my manager for bringing in damp tourers in part ex!! ;D
Deals a deal i thought! :y
Static, my kind of caravan................. ;) ;) :y
This is my kind of caravan:
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk247/lizziefreeman/ChromeCaravan.jpg)
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk247/lizziefreeman/ChromeCaravan2.jpg)
..............ahh, perhaps not, maybe this really is my ideal caravan:
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk247/lizziefreeman/SavoyRoom.jpg)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)
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Been looking around for caravans .. thoughts on this one anyone and what to look out for ?
Lunar clubman (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Lunar-Clubman-caravan-475-2-/171379297947?pt=UK_Campers_Caravans_Motorhomes&hash=item27e7008e9b)
:-\
We had a 4-berth version of that model for many years, luxurious for the time,fully insulated double glazed and winterised, sprung interior upholstery, real oak for the cupboard frames and doors etc.
It would be about the last year to have an aluminium chassis which is great for keeping the weight down but have a good look around the tow hitch and axle attachments for signs of corrosion where steel meets aluminium. They had rubber or plastic material to keep the two metals apart so you shouldnt see any significant corrosion.
The roof is a one-piece fibreglass moulding which was unusual for the time, result is very unlikely to have leaked from above. Any leaks and rot would be below windows.
The rear push/pull/curse_swimbo handles are missing, this would suggest some dampness and rot behind the rear panel, quite common in a 'van of this age but easy to fix with basic woodworking skills and modern polyurathane glues.
The floors on these were some of the very first laminated ply/polyurethane foam/fibre board construction and early ones suffered from delamination just inside the doorway and by the sink. Can be fixed by drilling holes and injecting resin but best avoided.
Axles were by Knott but usually had Alko hubs and brakes so spares readily available.
Budget for new (reinforced) tyres.
Extensive information there M'less :y Im guessing that with age the older caravans will suffer from the panels becoming brittle :-\ As you say any wood rot can be cut out and re done .. if it had carpet i would rip that out for starters then re furb the interior doors/floors ect .... :y
Are you still limited to a certain speed for towing a caravan :-\
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60 mate ;D ;D
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I used to sell static caravans and was always getting into trouble with my manager for bringing in damp tourers in part ex!! ;D
Deals a deal i thought! :y
Static, my kind of caravan................. ;) ;) :y
This is my kind of caravan:
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk247/lizziefreeman/ChromeCaravan.jpg)
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk247/lizziefreeman/ChromeCaravan2.jpg)
..............ahh, perhaps not, maybe this really is my ideal caravan:
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk247/lizziefreeman/SavoyRoom.jpg)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)
need a truck to tow that ;D ;D
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60 mate ;D ;D
Plenty fast enough for me :) Think the most ill be doing is 30 mph till i get use to towing ;D
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It's amazing the difference you can make to an old Van with a dehumidifier, a tube of silicone and a pot of emulsion!! :y
Not that I'd advocate such bodging and would advise a full and comprehensive restoration! :)
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60 mate ;D ;D
not quite true .... :(
60 mph on a dual carriageway when a higher or the national speed limit applies,
50 mph on a single carriageway when a higher or the national speed limit, applies,
at all other times the speed limit as posted.
HTH and sorry for being pedantic ... but I'd hate to see someone "done" for lack of information :)
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Do caravans need gas and electric safe certificates :-\
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Do caravans need gas and electric safe certificates :-\
Dunno, but don't forget it will need a full geometric setup at WIM! :y
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Do caravans need gas and electric safe certificates :-\
Nope, no legislation to enforce that, BUT for safety sake they are a good idea, and theoretically a commercial site could refuse you if they asked for the certificate and you don't have one.
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Do caravans need gas and electric safe certificates :-\
Dunno, but don't forget it will need a full geometric setup at WIM! :y
;D
Maybe a tyre thread for caravans next :-X
Do caravans need gas and electric safe certificates :-\
Nope, no legislation to enforce that, BUT for safety sake they are a good idea, and theoretically a commercial site could refuse you if they asked for the certificate and you don't have one.
:y ;)
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Do caravans need gas and electric safe certificates :-\
Dunno, but don't forget it will need a full geometric setup at WIM! :y
;D
Maybe a tyre thread for caravans next :-X
Do caravans need gas and electric safe certificates :-\
Nope, no legislation to enforce that, BUT for safety sake they are a good idea, and theoretically a commercial site could refuse you if they asked for the certificate and you don't have one.
:y ;)
Just to add .. Insurance company would have "wiggle room" if you claimed and had no valid certificates.... :( .... if insured of course .. :)
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Do caravans need gas and electric safe certificates :-\
Nope, no legislation to enforce that, BUT for safety sake they are a good idea, and theoretically a commercial site could refuse you if they asked for the certificate and you don't have one.
That's an interesting point Mr Entwood. Do caravan sites ever ask for proof of insurance? :-\
Your not allowed to launch a boat in the harbour here until the Habour Master has seen your insurance certificate, not quite the same I know...
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Joking aside, there's no harm in getting the caravan chassis aligned with the tow car if possible, especially if it's a twin axle jobbie...
20 years of bouncing in and out of campsites/over curbs and pedestrians could all add up to crabbing and tyre scrub :-\
Works wonders on trucks :y
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Seems a lot less hassle to me to get a canvas caravan. ;)
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Yeah i know its old but its been looked after and all dry and its 99p at the minute ::)
C-van (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Avondale-Leda-Grampian-4-5-berth-caravan-/171383101969?pt=UK_Tickets_Travel_Accommodation_ET&hash=item27e73a9a11)
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Yeah i know its old but its been looked after and all dry and its 99p at the minute ::)
C-van (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Avondale-Leda-Grampian-4-5-berth-caravan-/171383101969?pt=UK_Tickets_Travel_Accommodation_ET&hash=item27e73a9a11)
Ideal! :y
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Joking aside, there's no harm in getting the caravan chassis alinged with the tow car if possible, especially if it's a twin axle jobbie...
20 years of bouncing in and out of campsites/over curbs and pedestrians could all add up to crabbing and tyre scrub :-\
Works wonders on trucks :y
blimey geometry on a tin tent,don't tell gixer,that be a whole new thread. ;)
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Yeah i know its old but its been looked after and all dry and its 99p at the minute ::)
C-van (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Avondale-Leda-Grampian-4-5-berth-caravan-/171383101969?pt=UK_Tickets_Travel_Accommodation_ET&hash=item27e73a9a11)
Ideal! :y
been on that site,fishing and close to beach for sea fishing if that's yer thing.nice owner and a pub on the corner with a cracking pint of landlord :-* peacefull too :y
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60 mate ;D ;D
Plenty fast enough for me :) Think the most ill be doing is 30 mph till i get use to towing ;D
i normaly do 50 to 55 fast enough for me ;D ;D
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Do caravans need gas and electric safe certificates :-\
Nope, no legislation to enforce that, BUT for safety sake they are a good idea, and theoretically a commercial site could refuse you if they asked for the certificate and you don't have one.
That's an interesting point Mr Entwood. Do caravan sites ever ask for proof of insurance? :-\
Your not allowed to launch a boat in the harbour here until the Habour Master has seen your insurance certificate, not quite the same I know...
The site I keep my caravan on does not ask tourers if they are insured, or at least I have never heard them. But I have to have my van insured as it is left there. Its one of the storage conditions :) :y
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I'm with Kevin wood on this one. My canvas one is more spacious, allegedly goes up in 20 mins, and doesn't limit me to causi g chaos on the roads
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Although Pikey Entwood did have room for a BBQ, and is currently cooking me chicken as we speak.