Accessories
Securing your motorhome
We are awaiting the delivery of a Bessacarr E435 and as a newbie I have a few questions. Can the Smart Tracker device be switched off easily? What is the next best way to secure my motorhome? Finally, is there a way to steady my motorhome (like caravan legs) or is it not necessary?
John and Tina Gladden
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Answer
MIKE SAYS
The majority of satellite tracking devices can be switched on or off and have a procedure whereby the device's control centre is aware that your motor caravan is being moved legally.
I assume that you're considering a tracking device as a first line of defence and would ask you to think again. First line defences include things like engine immobilisers and wheel clamps. Tracking devices come into play when the thief manages to by-pass these and their principal purpose is to make it easier to recover your property.
The Phantom device, sold by the Camping and Caravanning Club as Club Secure, holds the all-time record for recovery. Their control centre managed to notify the police and get the stolen motor caravan stopped within four minutes of the device sending out a warning message.
The most effective primary tool against theft is an engine immobiliser. Devices fitted by some base vehicle manufacturers are well known by professional thieves so it is worth considering a secondary device fitted by an auto electrical specialist.
I would also go for a good wheel clamp such as the Milenco Ultimate www.milenco.com filled with granite chips and other nasties.
With regards to steadying your motorhome I'm of the opinion that all motor caravans should be fitted with some sort of corner steadying device but I recognise that many motor caravanners say they don't need these. Talk to your dealer who should have a selection of options available to you.
Towing a small car safely
Could you please explain the advantages and disadvantages of towing a small car behind a motorhome by either an A-frame or a trailer? Which models are best for this?
David Dicks, by email
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Answer
DAVID SAYS
At first sight, the concept of towing a small car on an A-frame seems much simpler than having to load it on and off a trailer. However, there are some important factors to consider. Firstly, if the gross weight of your proposed car exceeds 750kg, your towing mechanism must include a braked system, whether A-frame or trailer.
Secondly, the gross weight of your proposed rig (motorhome plus car plus A-frame or trailer) must not exceed your motorhome's Gross Train Weight. And thirdly, if using a trailer, recognise that this exerts a down force right at the rear of your motorhome. Some models are built with short overhangs with this in mind, (Autocruise's Starburst and Stardream are examples), but many are made with the maximum of overhang, and your trailer may overload the rear axle – or depress your rear suspension.
As to legality, in the UK many motorhomers happily tow on A-frames without trouble. The legality of doing so has yet to be tested and until it is, motorhomers treat their towed cars as 'articulated trailers'. You can find out more from one of the specialists in A-frames, such as TOWtal in Stoke-on-Trent (01782 333422) or Car-a-Tow in Poole (01202 632456).
If you are towing you may not exceed 60mph in the UK, nor use the outside lane of motorways.
Fitting Remis cab blinds
I read a feature once about fitting Remis cab blinds. I may be wrong but I seem to remember that these blinds were available for the early Peugeot Boxer cabs (1999). If this is the case could you tell me who might stock such blinds near me? For your information my motorhome is an Elddis Autostratus LS SE 1999 2.5TD on a Peugeot Boxer, with rear lounge. Overall I am very happy with it, although when I go to shows I always find a few more favourites to add to my wish-list.
Mr George Hill, Ashford, Middlesex
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Answer
JOHN SAYS
You are in luck George, coincidentally I was invited to install the first prototype Remis cab blinds when they were imported into the UK around six years ago. I fitted these into the cab of my 1999 Fiat Ducato (which should be the same as your Peugeot Boxer) and I've found them a very useful addition ever since. Of course, the latest versions are an improvement on these ones, especially in the way the concertina blind now moves in a horizontal rather then vertical plane, but sadly they're only suitable for more recent cabs.
As a point of interest, I've had to stabilise the frames on my side windows by using a thin beading of Sikaflex-512 caravan sealant (available from all good camping stores). Slamming the door over a period of years caused the self-tapping fixings to keep shaking loose and the sealant has cured this.
Anyway, I'm sure those products are still available and any good dealer should know how to obtain stock. The Remis UK importer is based in Chippenham, Wiltshire although you could always seek guidance from the German manufacturer. The staff I've dealt are very helpful and they all speak good English (tel; 00 49 221 788 800, www.remis.de and remis@remis.de).
If you have problems finding these blinds, there's also a Seitz roller blind, which was designed for Fiat/Peugeot screens and you can find it as part of the Dometic product range (tel; 01582 494111, www.dometic.com). However, unfortunately there isn't a Seitz product to close off the cab's side windows.
Vector wheels for a Bedford CF
I've looked everywhere to find 14-inch vector wheels like the ones on the A-Team van. I want to turn my Bedford CF into an A-Team replica and any help on finding these or any other parts, such as a roof spoiler or wheel arch flares would be appreciated
Angel Sunley, by email
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Answer
ALLAN SAYS
This is not my usual type of enquiry. The wheels on the A-Team van have a very deeply sunk rim, with wide low profile tyres, and these may prove too wide for the Bedford CF steering gear you have.
However, there is a website dedicated to A-Team fans, (www.ateamshrine.co.uk) with a forum, so advice may be available from other enthusiasts. . A major supplier of special wheels for customising vans is VanStyle (www.vanstyle.co.uk). They should also be able to assist you in your search for accessories. I wish you luck in your search, and look forward to seeing pictures of the finished van conversion.
Waste water container
I am trying to locate a particular wastewater container called 'Waste Water Kanister' that I saw in a catalogue in 2004. I contacted the company selling these but they no longer stock this item. Our van has a very low drainpipe and at seven inches tall this item would be ideal for us. Do you know where I can obtain a similar item?
Allan Smith, by email
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Answer
MIKE SAYS
After an exhaustive search I'm afraid I can't find any reference to a 'Waste Water Kanister'. I assume it's a German make as kanister is German for canister.
Throughout my years as an avid motor caavanner I've collected a rather good collection of waste containers and after an enjoyable hour spent polishing (and measuring) my collection I can't find any which are slim enough for your needs – seven inches is very little room.
My suggestion is to attach a length of convoluted hose to the outlet and run this to a fairly low line waste tank like the Aquaroll Wastemaster, which comes in 38 or 30 litres.
See www.aquaroll.com for more details. Of course you'll have a small 'U' bend so you won't drain your system completely of water but the small amount the 'U' bend will trap shouldn't be a major problem.
