FAO Damian-Moderator

[Lappy]

Damian,
As from reading your replies to various messages, I believe you to be physically involved with caravans.
The question I would like you to give advice on is, what is the best way to remove the A-Frame fairing.
I have an Adria Astella (2013) and wish to fit an A-frame mounted bike carrier. I would like to remove the fairing without damaging it and wondered if the best way was to use fishing line as cheese wire, or whether a sharp knife would be better.
I have asked this question under technical, but the replies seem to give advice on removing the plastic housing that covers the jockey wheel and handbrake assemblies.
Your advice will be much appreciated and apologies for asking you direct, as to asking the question as an open debate.
Best regards, Lappy

 

[Damian]

Hello Lappy,
That is a very good question, but unfortunately I have never had cause to remove an Adria A frame cover.
However, most covers are held on by screws at the front end and at the van body end either with screws under the van or simply slide into a pre formed channel with a weather strip acting as a clamp ,as such.
If yours is bonded into place then if you can get a nylon line to act as a chesewire then that will do no damage to the cover, whereas the use of a knife has the possibility of slipping and causing damage.

 

[Lappy]

Damian,
Just to let you know I have now managed to remove the A-frame fairing. I went away over the B/Holiday to Pembrey in South Wales and saw two caravans with A-frame mounted bike carriers. Both vans had used spacers to raise the carrier, as it would not fit correctly due to the moulded shape of the fairing and both carriers shook slightly as they were not secured how they were intended to be. This made me realise that the fairing had to be removed prior to fitting the carrier and I was having no luck with 40lb fishing line, but I managed to cut through the mastic by using a bike brake cable. I just need to remove the mastic from the frame, which I hope will come off by warming/softening with a heat gun or using solvent.
PS. How do I get my old posts back, from when I used Happy Lappy as my user name
Best regards, Lappy