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Top Tips
Thursday 4 March, 2010
Top Tips Page 29
| Caravan-Forum. Share news and views with like-minded people. Find a solution to that niggling problem. |  |
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Towing without tears? Awkward awnings? Want to pitch your tourer rock steady? Whatever your caravanning problem, there's someone out there with a useful tip. Send us your Top Tip
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BACK TO BASICS Once I needed to get at my spare wheel in an emergency situation when I was stuck on the side of the road. Unfortunately, the padlock that was securing it had corroded from the dirt. I have since devised a shield to stop the same thing happening again. Take a pudding-basin-style bowl and drill a hole in its bottom to clear the threaded bolt of the carrier. Slide onto the bolt with a large washer to brace the base and then fit the plastic knob and refit the padlock. With this lid fitted, dirt cannot reach the threaded parts or the padlock. I have been using this device on my ABI Award for years. Brian Rawson Coventry |
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AN ALARMING NOISE Here is a really cheap and effective security device, that is difficult for burglars to spot, costs only Å2.99, and makes a really loud noise. Buy a personal ‘attack' alarm with a piercing siren, from an outlet such as Maplin Electronics (0870 4296000). These are activated by a pull cord. Simply attach the alarm to the underside of your van and the pull cord to the steady jack, so that if the jack is raised by a thief it will pull the cord and activate the alarm. It should wake you (and the neighbours) long before the thief makes off with van. I have seen similar devices on sale at the shows for more than Å30, which makes my home-made version a real bargain. Jon Roberts Kempston, Bedford |
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NO MORE GAS GUESSWORK This is a bizarre-sounding tip that I picked up from a friend – but it really does work. If you have ever wondered whether you're running out of gas, here is an easy way of finding out. Pour a steady stream of very hot water down the side of the gas bottle (obviously you should take it out of the gas locker first). Touch the side of the bottle where you poured the water. If there is no gas inside, the metal will feel very warm. At the level where the gas lies, the metal will feel very cold. Mike By email |
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MELT THEM AWAY The easiest way to remove adhesive stickers is to pour a small amount of petrol or lighter fluid onto the offending item, leave it to soak for about 30 seconds and the sticker adhesive will melt, leaving no residue. Graham Shand Glasgow |
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SPELL OUT THE OBVIOUS This tip that will alert other motorists if your van is stolen. Buy a stick on numberplate and some letters that spell out the word ‘STOLEN' from a car or caravan accessory shop. Stick the plate directly onto the caravan where the towcar's number usually goes, and glue the letters onto the plate. When you use your van, simply fix the plate displaying your towcar's registration number over the top of the ‘stolen' plate, using the usual screws. When your van is not in use, remove the real plate to reveal the ‘stolen' plate. Because it will have the same colouring and style of lettering as a real number plate, thieves are unlikely to notice that it's not the real plate shown on the rear. As long as your caravan is not kept on a public road with the ‘stolen' plate showing, you will not be breaking the Road Traffic Act. Just remember to fix the correct plate back on again before you use your caravan! Richard Evans By email |
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WHEREEVER I HANG MY HAT If you're fed up with the contortions involved in trying to fix hooks over the awning roof poles to give you somewhere to hang your coat, then this tip is for you. If your van has areas of smooth metal on its side between the decorative ripples or dimples, first wipe it thoroughly to remove any road grease. Then fix to it large suckers with hooks attached, which will provide you with some useful hanging space. These devices can be bought cheaply from IKEA and provide an unobtrusive place to hang coats and hats. This method also means that you'll be putting less strain on the awning poles, too. Robin Burn Tyne and Wear |
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AN INTERESTING LINE-UP I used to have problems judging the distance when reversing my car up to the towball. My solution was to line up the ball and hitch, get in the car and put a small mark on the lower rear window. I lined these up with two small dots that I made on the front of the caravan. Now when I reverse, all I have to do is to line up the marks and the ball fits under the hitch without the need for pulling or pushing. Geoffrey Coxon Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland |
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THAT'S THE RUB Not wishing to have the towel rail chafe against the side of my new Bailey Ranger I simply fitted it with a length of water pipe insulation, which instantly solved the problem. Margaret Moyes Perthshire |
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STRATEGIC POLICY If your insurance policy won't allow you to remove your van's wheels over winter, jack up your caravan and place it on axle stands at a height that lets the tyres sit clear of the ground. Fit your wheelclamp and cover the tyres to protect them from sunlight. This saves having to move the van and also gives the suspension a rest. Malcolm Sims Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Notts |
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TIGHTS IN A TWIST To remove dead bugs from the front of your car or van, simply use soapy water and an old pair of nylon tights or stockings. The nylon mesh is abrasive enough to scour off even the most sun-baked bugs without damaging the paintwork. G Walter By email |
