Couple of questions...

[RobKnapp2]

Hi All,
We are new to caravanning, and have just returned from our second trip. Few lessons learned, (such consider Propane in March as its pretty chilly at 04:00 otherwise and Mrs. K isnt happy then!) but on the whole, things are going well, towing, reversing, awning etc etc.
I purchased a new jockey wheel assembly over the winter, our existing phneumatic one had a badly degraded tyre, and the knob on the top was missing, so replaced the whole unit. The new one came with a clamp which id like to fit, however, when I removed the a-frame cowling, although I could easily get to both nuts, I could only get to the head of one of the bolts holding the clamp assembly onto the frame. I didnt opt to undo anything as the last thing I wanted was to have a loose clamp! Does anyone know how i get on the left hand bolt (when viewing the clamp from the front). Caravan is a Swift Challenger 490/5SE 1990 model.
Also, I keep seeing vans that are pitched whith the jockey wheel raised. Am i supposed to be doing this? Generally I have placed a short piece of board beneath the wheel, levelled the van, lowered the steadies, then left it.
Although the tyres look 'ok', im about to replace them for new, mainly for piece of mind. Ive seen some GT Radial Maxmilers (175/80/13 C 97N) The load rating is 730kg (if im correct) which is well over the MTPLM of the van - 1175kg i think, but i know definately below 1200kg! Are there any opinions of this tyre, or does anyone know of anything bad with them!
A long shot this one - I have two 240v lamps at the front of the van, I cant recall ever using them, but in any case, both dont work. Does anyone know if there is a 'standard' place for a fuse for these lamps? I havent had a good look, but if there is a good place to start, it would be appreciated.
Oh, and one last thing! Is it possible to change my waste water outlets to the more common 32mm pipework? I have 3 lengths of pipe that is approximately 20mm across, and its such a pain getting all three into the neck of the waste roller. I was thinking, if I could change to the 32mm pipework, I could then use a load of the fittings I have spare from doing household DIY to make up one of those gucci drainaway contraptions!
Thanks in advance.
Regards
Rob

 

[Damian]

Hi Rob,
First the jockey wheel clamp.
There is a special kit available from Al-Ko which you have to use , the old unit , from memory, needs chiselling off.

Second: Jockey wheel up or down on site,,,,,,,purely down to choice, personally I leave mine down as I dont want the whole weight of the front of the van on the corner steadies.

Tyres.... there ar egood and bad reports on Maxmillers, some people have had no problems, others have, but thats the same with anything. Tyres should be changed at a maximum life of 7 years , or before if damaged or deteriorating.

The 230v lamps will be wired back to the consumer unit and protected by a MCB, there is no other fuse in the system for them.

 

[colin-yorkshire1]

Hi Rob welcome to the forum,
quote "I purchased a new jockey wheel assembly over the winter, our existing phneumatic one had a badly degraded tyre, and the knob on the top was missing, so replaced the whole unit. The new one came with a clamp which id like to fit, however, when I removed the a-frame cowling, although I could easily get to both nuts, I could only get to the head of one of the bolts holding the clamp assembly onto the frame. I didnt opt to undo anything as the last thing I wanted was to have a loose clamp! Does anyone know how i get on the left hand bolt (when viewing the clamp from the front). Caravan is a Swift Challenger 490/5SE 1990 model.
I am not familier with the chasis setup of a 1990 swift but assume it is a Alko in which case I believe the clamp is a perminamt fixture (it is on the bailey) I may be wrong of course but when i changed my Jockey wheel just left the clamp in place as the shaft was the same diameter, however I have changed the clamp on previous vans with removable clamps and found the best way was to modify a old ring spanner by bending it into a "S" shape in the vice, and when refitting putting the bolt in the wrong way "nut on the inside" using spring star washer next to the nut so it grips the nut when the bolt is tightend 99% of the time it will tighten up without a spanner on it.(the nut that is)

quote" Also, I keep seeing vans that are pitched whith the jockey wheel raised. Am i supposed to be doing this? Generally I have placed a short piece of board beneath the wheel, levelled the van, lowered the steadies, then left it.
In my view you are doing it the right way as corner steadies are not supposed to take the weight of the van. it is the way I do it by the way,

quote"Although the tyres look 'ok', im about to replace them for new, mainly for piece of mind. Ive seen some GT Radial Maxmilers (175/80/13 C 97N) The load rating is 730kg (if im correct) which is well over the MTPLM of the van - 1175kg i think, but i know definately below 1200kg! Are there any opinions of this tyre, or does anyone know of anything bad with them!
These are the same size and load index and as mine allthough mine are Hankooks and a very good tyre the pressures with have to be adjusted to suit the load aprox 45psi "see tyresafe chart" but depending on the tyre you are replacing them with might find the van ride a little harsher I fitted after market shockabsorbers to stop the cupboards empyting out but the end result is well worth the effort.

quote "Oh, and one last thing! Is it possible to change my waste water outlets to the more common 32mm pipework? I have 3 lengths of pipe that is approximately 20mm across, and its such a pain getting all three into the neck of the waste roller. I was thinking, if I could change to the 32mm pipework, I could then use a load of the fittings I have spare from doing household DIY to make up one of those gucci drainaway contraptions!
if you want to know about Gucci contraptions Brian (st albans) is you man there's a photo on the forum somewhere very neat and tidy, however did you know there are "Y" connectors available for the waste pipe, like you I have 3 pipes but the bathroom sink and shower tray are joined togetter (under the van) with one leaving only one pipe to connect the other from the kitchen sink comes from the outlet next to it these two are then joined by another "Y" piece into the waste hog.
I hope this info was usefull someone else may have a better idea but it is a start.
colin
edit, Damians answer about the lights just about covers it so there is nothing I could add to it.

 

[SteveW77]

Hi Rob welcome to the forum,
quote "I purchased a new jockey wheel assembly over the winter, our existing phneumatic one had a badly degraded tyre, and the knob on the top was missing, so replaced the whole unit. The new one came with a clamp which id like to fit, however, when I removed the a-frame cowling, although I could easily get to both nuts, I could only get to the head of one of the bolts holding the clamp assembly onto the frame. I didnt opt to undo anything as the last thing I wanted was to have a loose clamp! Does anyone know how i get on the left hand bolt (when viewing the clamp from the front). Caravan is a Swift Challenger 490/5SE 1990 model.
I am not familier with the chasis setup of a 1990 swift but assume it is a Alko in which case I believe the clamp is a perminamt fixture (it is on the bailey) I may be wrong of course but when i changed my Jockey wheel just left the clamp in place as the shaft was the same diameter, however I have changed the clamp on previous vans with removable clamps and found the best way was to modify a old ring spanner by bending it into a "S" shape in the vice, and when refitting putting the bolt in the wrong way "nut on the inside" using spring star washer next to the nut so it grips the nut when the bolt is tightend 99% of the time it will tighten up without a spanner on it.(the nut that is)

quote" Also, I keep seeing vans that are pitched whith the jockey wheel raised. Am i supposed to be doing this? Generally I have placed a short piece of board beneath the wheel, levelled the van, lowered the steadies, then left it.

In my view you are doing it the right way as corner steadies are not supposed to take the weight of the van. it is the way I do it by the way,
quote"Although the tyres look 'ok', im about to replace them for new, mainly for piece of mind. Ive seen some GT Radial Maxmilers (175/80/13 C 97N) The load rating is 730kg (if im correct) which is well over the MTPLM of the van - 1175kg i think, but i know definately below 1200kg! Are there any opinions of this tyre, or does anyone know of anything bad with them!
These are the same size and load index and as mine allthough mine are Hankooks and a very good tyre the pressures with have to be adjusted to suit the load aprox 45psi "see tyresafe chart" but depending on the tyre you are replacing them with might find the van ride a little harsher I fitted after market shockabsorbers to stop the cupboards empyting out but the end result is well worth the effort.

quote "Oh, and one last thing! Is it possible to change my waste water outlets to the more common 32mm pipework? I have 3 lengths of pipe that is approximately 20mm across, and its such a pain getting all three into the neck of the waste roller. I was thinking, if I could change to the 32mm pipework, I could then use a load of the fittings I have spare from doing household DIY to make up one of those gucci drainaway contraptions!
if you want to know about Gucci contraptions Brian (st albans) is you man there's a photo on the forum somewhere very neat and tidy, however did you know there are "Y" connectors available for the waste pipe, like you I have 3 pipes but the bathroom sink and shower tray are joined togetter (under the van) with one leaving only one pipe to connect the other from the kitchen sink comes from the outlet next to it these two are then joined by another "Y" piece into the waste hog.
I hope this info was usefull someone else may have a better idea but it is a start.
colin
edit, Damians answer about the lights just about covers it so there is nothing I could add to it.

In my view you are doing it the right way as corner steadies are not supposed to take the weight of the van. it is the way I do it by the way

According to to Al-Ko, the steadies are more than capable of taking the weight of the van and it is not necessary to keep the jockey wheel on the ground.

Steve W

 

[RobKnapp2]

Thanks for the replies - much appreciated.
With regards to the clamp, i think ill leave the existing one on there! It was one of those "well ive got it, I might as well use it...." scenarios. If it starts to behave like its has better days, Ill let the local caravan workshop take care of that one I think!
My father has kindly donated money to the caravan tyre fund by way of birthday present, so have just visited it, and removed both wheels and put on axle stands. Going to get the tyres on order tonight. The ones that are on there at the moment have an index of 89 which seems a little close for comfort.Ill keep looking around to see what other brands are available - we dont do lots of trips, but imho, its not worth scrimping as its ultimately my, my families and the other road users safety... With regards to the harsher ride, is it possible to fit shock absorber units to a van of this age? I tend to find it quite tiring when traversing the back roads to and from where its stored as they are quite bumpy and rutted, if its possible, would these make the ride a little more 'comfortable'? Im towing with a 2004 Octavia Vrs at present, and although the weights are all within limits, there is a long overhang at the rear, and it does seem to get a little unsetled over rough roads. To be honest, the car is starting to get a little tired now (its not had an easy life - ex police car and then me!) but is well maintained, and indeed has had new rear suspension within the last 6 months. I try to be quite dilligent with the noseweight too as its quite low on the Octavia - 65kg
I like the sound of the Y connectors I had a peek under when jacking it earlier on and can see the existing pipework, think im going to have to look into it as its a real bind at the moment when the waste needs emptying...
Ill have a look at the light issue, it could be the MCB at a guess. Think I might enlist the father-in-laws help (electical engineer)
Thanks again.
Rob

 

[emmerson]

Ref the "y" connectors, bear in mind that these are smaller id than the hose, so can cause blockage. Two thing s to do to avoid this: don't allow rubbish to go down the drain, and periodically disconnect and clean them out.