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Aidan's tip of the week

135678

Comments

  • #102
    line6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 163 ✭✭line6


    Aidan_M_M wrote: »
    If you've a Truma Combi , you shouldn't run the heating for more than 10 mins if it has the square , dark brown switch panel (C3400 , C6000) . If it is the newer type (C343 , C603) , with the light grey switch panel , you can run the heating without water , but I would still prefer to have some in it , personally.
    Once again , this is only for the Combi boiler/heater!!

    thanks aidan - i have a truma c3400/6000 i'm not sure which, can you give a reason for not running the heater for more than 10 mins? i've been running it for much longer periods in this cold weather!

    many thanks - tom:eek:


  • #103
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    because Truma say you shouldn't! That model has a cast alloy tank , which can distort under the extreme heat soak , when there is no water to pull some of the heat out of it. They actually say you shouldn't run it at all empty , but a few mins is fine IMO /


  • #104
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    The flap in the normal Thetford cassette tolet , as you all know it sometimes gets a little sticky from limescale and other less salubrious stuff.... Thetford do a proper lubricant spray for it , which we sell a good bit of , but if you're stuck , try a little warm cooking oil .


  • #105
    wonderworm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 159 ✭✭wonderworm


    Aidan_M_M wrote: »
    The flap in the normal Thetford cassette tolet , as you all know it sometimes gets a little sticky from limescale and other less salubrious stuff.... Thetford do a proper lubricant spray for it , which we sell a good bit of , but if you're stuck , try a little warm cooking oil .

    Doesn't need anything more than a little olive oil have been successfully using it for the last 15 years.


  • #106
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    wonderworm wrote: »
    Doesn't need anything more than a little olive oil have been successfully using it for the last 15 years.
    well I use Olive oil for cooking , so same thing as far as I'm concerned..


  • #107
    tibia
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 70 ✭✭tibia


    If I am correct, silicone oil spray is the generic name for the Thetford lubricant. It would be available from Maplin and the like if you cannot find the Thetford specific product. The non-branded form may well be cheaper too :D.

    The toilet blade is just one of the possible uses of this in a motorhome or caravan.


  • #108
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    Indeed it is , as I mentioned before , about using it to lubricate certain points of the MH you wouldn't want WD40 or Grease on . It's used to help electric windows in particular , in the Motor trade. Cheers for the Maplin reference , I don't go in there much , so didn't know they stock it.


    Tip for this week... well , not really a tip , but a suggestion... most of you arew probably on a few days off (unlike me...) so now that it's thawed , go out to the Motorhome , crank up the engine and the heating , and have a look around for frost damage. Better to find out now an d get it fixed , rather than when Spring appears...


  • #109
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    Howdy all... As suggested , I gave it a break for a couple of weeks.

    Is it too early to go back on track? We're busy in the garage , with sales and servicing , but are ye all out using your campers?


  • #110
    stapeler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,086 ✭✭✭stapeler


    Aidan_M_M wrote: »
    Howdy all... As suggested , I gave it a break for a couple of weeks.

    Is it too early to go back on track? We're busy in the garage , with sales and servicing , but are ye all out using your campers?

    Any day now, looking forward to getting out and about.


  • #111
    Malta1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 460 ✭✭Malta1


    Headed off on new years day for a couple of days
    Hopefully heading off this weekend as well

    Cheers


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  • #112
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    working on my next tip , I'm doing a drawing of the way to link batteries in a charging circuit , just ?I'm a bit slow on a computer.


  • #113
    stapeler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,086 ✭✭✭stapeler


    Aidan_M_M wrote: »
    working on my next tip , I'm doing a drawing of the way to link batteries in a charging circuit , just ?I'm a bit slow on a computer.

    Pen & paper...those computers will never catch on ;)


  • #114
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    haha saying that for years!

    Just a gentle reminder folks , Camping fridges don't like to be left idle for extended periods , so even if you're not taking out the Camper , try turn on the fridge for a couple of hours every 2 or 3 weeks. Otherwise the refrigerant gas can "settle" in the cooling unit and lose effectiveness .


  • #115
    Betsy Og
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Betsy Og


    Do you do much work on caravans?, any tips particular to them? Thanks for all the above, many just as applicable to the towed world.


  • #116
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    barely ever tbh , mostly only if someone is stuck . I've fixed a few fridges , heaters and boilers alright , We tend to refer most caravan specific jobs to Donal Buckley in Mallow .


  • #117
    Buford T Justice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,260 ✭✭✭Buford T Justice


    I've a job on at the minute that should take another 6 - 8 weeks to finish. Hoping to get the camper finished then. Should only take another week or two.


  • #118
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    The newer Truma combination heater/boilers , they don't really like butane , and as a result sometimes when they ignite , they kind of "backfire" and let a few pops . This often blows off one or two of the heating pipes . So If your heater is humming away like always , maybe even a little louder than normal , but the heating 'round the 'van seems weak , check that all the pipes are pushed in . They generally just click into place , some MHs glue them in , most are just a press fit .

    C_6002_EH_300dpi.jpg


    the 2 holes shown here at the bottom , one has a red cable sitting in it, they are 2 of the 4 heater outlets . That's just the 220v supply cable left sitting there , it's on this heater as it has a 220v water heater .


  • #119
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    Faded or dull looking Side windows?
    Get some rubbing compound and some car polish , and exercise those elbows! The plastic in the windows dull over time from repeated washing etc , you can treat it like abonnet , and compound them , and polish them back to a nice clean scratch free shine . Really lifts the appearance of an older 'van.


  • #120
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    A Class owners.... especially those on Fiat Chassis , you probably find ithard to keep the windows clear from condensation ? Wipe off the heavy fogging , then buff over the glass with a cloth that has been dampened withome shampoo . Leave to dry, then buff out the streaks . It'll repel condensation for about a week .


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  • #121
    bogman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,328 ✭✭✭bogman


    Just the job for the 544, thanks Aidan


  • #122
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    Folks , a lot of MHs have security locks on the House door , like this one..http://www.fiammastore.com/Fiamma-Security-Products-for-caravans-and-motorhomes/Fiamma-Safe-Door-Security-Lock , I've seen a few to loosen on the pivot bolt . So when you're turning it , always turn them clockwise .


  • #123
    polly48
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7 ✭polly48


    why didnt i see this site sooner...:confused: might have saved me a lot of grief:( thanks much aidan


  • #124
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    Sorry everyone , work has been hectic , I've started back rallying and did some major work to my wee rally car , and then I've had interweb issues to top it all off .

    Back to business!

    <struggles mightily for a while to think of something useful , that hasn't already been mentioned..........>


    as mentioned in another thread , the 03 on Ducatos engine battery is quite snug where it's fitted . The inside (positive) connection can be a right nuisance , Fiat have a plastic piece in the centre of it which can stop it tightening properly , whilst still looking as if its fine . First thing to check on a 'van that randomly doesn't start , or the clock goes to 00:00 on after starting . Also under the battery , about 1o inches down , on top of the chassis leg , is the main earth connection ,this can get corroded .


  • #125
    dorts
    Registered Users Posts: 70 ✭✭dorts


    Just joined,really into motorhomes,just got a new hymer544. some selection of campers,big weekend on the 15 april was there last year,brilliant weekend:)


  • #126
    meercat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,757 ✭✭✭meercat


    dorts wrote: »
    Just joined,really into motorhomes,just got a new hymer544. some selection of campers,big weekend on the 15 april was there last year,brilliant weekend:)

    well done
    safe travels
    dont forget to wave;)


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  • #127
    dorts
    Registered Users Posts: 70 ✭✭dorts


    Thanks


  • #128
    joed571
    Registered Users Posts: 88 ✭✭joed571


    Aidan_M_M wrote: »
    Sorry everyone , work has been hectic , I've started back rallying and did some major work to my wee rally car , and then I've had interweb issues to top it all off .

    Back to business! QUOTE]
    good to hear, we had the camper down at the midland stages at the weekend


  • #129
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    joed571 wrote: »
    Aidan_M_M wrote: »
    Sorry everyone , work has been hectic , I've started back rallying and did some major work to my wee rally car , and then I've had interweb issues to top it all off .

    Back to business! QUOTE]
    good to hear, we had the camper down at the midland stages at the weekend

    oh yeah? Not an early 90's Elddis by any chance? I was marshalling .


  • #130
    joed571
    Registered Users Posts: 88 ✭✭joed571


    Aidan_M_M wrote: »
    joed571 wrote: »

    oh yeah? Not an early 90's Elddis by any chance? I was marshalling .

    it was a 95 fiat dethleffs, parked in the middle of stage 1


  • #131
    eura
    Registered Users Posts: 9 ✭eura


    Hi Aidan I have purchased a 2003 camper with an Alko Chassis I cant find you thread re tips for Alko chassis could you re post it please:D


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  • #132
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    eura wrote: »
    Hi Aidan I have purchased a 2003 camper with an Alko Chassis I cant find you thread re tips for Alko chassis could you re post it please:D

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=66766373 ;)


  • #133
    eura
    Registered Users Posts: 9 ✭eura


    Thanks


  • #134
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    A lot of ye are driving the '03 - '07 shape Ducatos yeah? And most I see coming in have the service indicator Spanner showing.. To cancel this , turn on the key , with the total mileage showing on the odomoeter , press and hold the mileage reset button.... and hold it...and hold it... and hold it......til you see CFG 1, 2 or 3 flashing . press the mileage button til CFG 2 shows up , then press and hold the mileage button til the total mileage comes back again.


  • #135
    joed571
    Registered Users Posts: 88 ✭✭joed571


    Are ya for monaghan at the weekend ? some entry


  • #136
    WildWater
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 741 ✭✭✭WildWater


    Aidan_M_M wrote: »
    A lot of ye are driving the '03 - '07 shape Ducatos yeah? And most I see coming in have the service indicator Spanner showing.. To cancel this , turn on the key , with the total mileage showing on the odomoeter , press and hold the mileage reset button.... and hold it...and hold it... and hold it......til you see CFG 1, 2 or 3 flashing . press the mileage button til CFG 2 shows up , then press and hold the mileage button til the total mileage comes back again.

    Was going to ask how to cancel it. Will try that in the morning. Thanks ;)


  • #137
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    joed571 wrote: »
    Are ya for monaghan at the weekend ? some entry
    no , had a bad day at the Moonraker Forestry .


  • #138
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    Folks , tbh , I'm struggling to think of new tips!

    On toilet doors , I often see the catch to get tight , especially after the winter hibernation , or damp weather . The door swells , and the tongue of the catch "bottoms" out , normally you need to either adjust the door sideways on the hinge , or trim the frame to move the receiver farther from the lock.


  • #139
    line6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 163 ✭✭line6


    great tips aidan - really appreciated

    i have a leak around the satellite dish rubber - do you have any suggestion how to fix that - normally i would use silicone, but it seems the rubber might be too flexible and move too much for the silicone to hold, am i wrong there?
    :o


  • #140
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    don't EVER use silicone to seal anything on a camper . Its just not good enough . I use Wurth Bond 'n Seal .


  • #141
    noel farrell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 289 ✭✭noel farrell


    any tips want to remove head light assembly from 2005 fiat ducato to work on wing


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  • #142
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    simple. Remove the grille , and it exposes a hidden bolt , open that and the other top one , and it pops off a ball and socket joint at the wing.


  • #143
    noel farrell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 289 ✭✭noel farrell


    thanks for the tip i have not worked on a ducato before it is always best to know where to start a lady reversed into my camper no real damage slight scratches light assembly moved to right will let you know how it went wont do any thing this weekend going for a spin again thanks for the help


  • #144
    WildWater
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 741 ✭✭✭WildWater


    tibia wrote: »
    Citric acid, available from a chemist's shop, is the way to go. I have followed the advice found here:

    http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=9617&posts=6

    with great success and the cassette looked 'as new'. Apparently the float for the gauge can come loose if you agitate the cassette too vigorously when cleaning it so take it handy :D

    I think the float in my cassette has come loose as there is something rattling around in there! Either that or one of the kids put a stone down the loo (going through a stone collection phase at the moment :rolleyes:)! Thanks for the link above. Off to chemist to by some citric acid...


  • #145
    WildWater
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 741 ✭✭✭WildWater


    Well it would seem that what was floating around in there (toilet cassette) was in fact gunk/scale that had built up and come loose. So after an overnight treatment with citric acid as described above all is well. At least all the bits that should be there and intact appear to be as such. Going to give it another soak tonight and it should be like new.

    So folks if its been a while maybe you should treat that cassette to a citric acid bath and perhaps avoid some problems down the road. :D Its easy to do, inexpensive and not at all unpleasant.


  • #146
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    on a related note.... you need to keep your waste tank empty as much as possible . Any water and crud that goes down into it , when left to sit , causes a smell... and it's not far from the tank to the plughole , so the smell can come back up into the van. You'd be surprised at how many Campers call into the yard , with a smell wafting up the plugholes..

    I'd usually throw a bucket of water with detergent in it down each plughole , that cleans out the waste pipes ,then take the van for a spin to the crossroads , swerving the van left and right a bit to swish it around , then empty the tank.


  • #147
    dfbemt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,398 ✭✭✭dfbemt


    Aidan_M_M wrote: »
    Folks , tbh , I'm struggling to think of new tips!

    Aidan, PM sent re a new tip idea.


  • #148
    Buford T Justice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,260 ✭✭✭Buford T Justice


    dfbemt wrote: »
    Aidan, PM sent re a new tip idea.

    At least you can't be accused of being a glory hunter....


  • #149
    killalanerr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,322 ✭✭✭killalanerr


    Aidan_M_M wrote: »
    on a related note.... you need to keep your waste tank empty as much as possible

    plus with fuel costs rocketing it makes no sense carrying round a tank full of waste water to add to the fuel bill !


  • #150
    Malta1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 460 ✭✭Malta1


    killalanerr wrote: »
    plus with fuel costs rocketing it makes no sense carrying round a tank full of waste water to add to the fuel bill !

    Very true......same goes for fresh water........uness your planning to go wild camping....you probably dont need a full tank of fresh water either


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  • #151
    Aidan_M_M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,213 ✭✭✭Aidan_M_M


    The 2007 on shape Ducato exhaust mounts are prretty poor , I think the crossways design of mounting the silencer gives them a tough life . Fiat mounts are dear , and not very good... I use Honda ones! Cheaper and stronger . And still plenty flexible .


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