Colin, what's the forecast for this weekend? I've got the grass to cut and too wet at the moment. :cheer:
Just thinking about mirrors, if and when we get the Sprinter will I need them with the wide angled bit at the bottom of the mirror? Only time will tell but it looks like the grand aero's will fit so will probably go for belt and braces in the same way I do nose weight calculations. :woohoo:
Martin24 said:
After arrival at Henley Four Oaks CC / camc / wotever site on Friday evening it will be wet white wining. Saturday will be a blurry afternoon at 'Pub in the Park' in nearby Marlow, Higginson Park. Sunday will be a breezy drive home and chill indoors watching a film. Grass will probably be cut on Thursday, leaving the weekend free to enjoy this caravanning lark
RAIN mate. then later. MORE rain. oh wait a minute. I'm in the lakes. it's always raining. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:Martin24 said:
While I'd love to be in the rain in the Lakes, I thought I'd post a reply ........
I've asked for advice since joining the forum and have to say I have been given some sound responses along with some opinions and comedy answers. My point is, when you ask for advice, that given by experienced caravanners, experienced DIYers or just the experienced has to be taken in context and a decision made on whether to act on it.
Now, I consider myself to be an experienced DIYer having refurbished a couple of houses, landscaped gardens and such like but I have all the tools to do the jobs and experience, but wouldn't expect anyone to take my advice just because I did a job in a particular way.
I used to be a specialist auto electrician, but wouldn't consider messing about with the electrics on my car or 'van as I know things have moved on and progressed since my time in the trade.
I have my 'van dealer serviced every year as there is some recourse back to them should things not be right afterwards ...... and I don't fancy tinkering with it!!
Now I've given my thoughts, I'm off to mow the grass ...............
:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
I've asked for advice since joining the forum and have to say I have been given some sound responses along with some opinions and comedy answers. My point is, when you ask for advice, that given by experienced caravanners, experienced DIYers or just the experienced has to be taken in context and a decision made on whether to act on it.
Now, I consider myself to be an experienced DIYer having refurbished a couple of houses, landscaped gardens and such like but I have all the tools to do the jobs and experience, but wouldn't expect anyone to take my advice just because I did a job in a particular way.
I used to be a specialist auto electrician, but wouldn't consider messing about with the electrics on my car or 'van as I know things have moved on and progressed since my time in the trade.
I have my 'van dealer serviced every year as there is some recourse back to them should things not be right afterwards ...... and I don't fancy tinkering with it!!
Now I've given my thoughts, I'm off to mow the grass ...............
:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
I see no problem with DIY as long as you know your limitations and do not exceed tbem. Personally I am generaly better at the theory and will happily pay someone more practical if I want anything more than the basics doing.
colin-yorkshire said:camel said:
Have to agree with Colin, some of you may remember my damp issue with the dealer, which he charged me a
"contribution" to "Fix" I also had the added expense of time, fuel etc to deliver and collect the van just over an hour both ways, Anyway two years later it was completely rotten, they had done a beautiful bodge job!!!
Ripped it all out and did it myself and I have the satisfaction it is done to a standard I am happy with and will last.
But on the other foot I dont do gas or do I ??
I have changed the cadac hose for a longer one and fitted the quick release nozzle to connect to the van, but I do carry a bottle of gas leak spray.
yes Kev I remember. hmy: hmy: speaking of damp issues. you will know if you read my come back post. I now own a static in the lakes. very cheap it was. [and I mean cheap] as it had a huge damp problem.
the guy was happy to offload it as no one would tackle it. so me being me thought why not. it took a few weeks to sort it out, but found the problem to be a poorly sealed mounting point for the solar panel on the roof this had just let water inside the skin [it rains a lot in the lakes] and rotted the frame away.
thinking as one does "what an idiot fancy leaving a hole in the roof] serves him right. then I read through all the papers that came with the van, the solar roof panel was fitted by a company specialising in domestic panel installations.
no idea what went wrong probably used the wrong fixings for a van roof. either way it cost him far more than the large bill he paid to have it done.
hmy: hmy: speaking of damp issues. you will know if you read my come back post. I now own a static in the lakes. very cheap it was. [and I mean cheap] as it had a huge damp problem.the guy was happy to offload it as no one would tackle it. so me being me thought why not. it took a few weeks to sort it out, but found the problem to be a poorly sealed mounting point for the solar panel on the roof this had just let water inside the skin [it rains a lot in the lakes] and rotted the frame away.
thinking as one does "what an idiot fancy leaving a hole in the roof] serves him right. then I read through all the papers that came with the van, the solar roof panel was fitted by a company specialising in domestic panel installations.
no idea what went wrong probably used the wrong fixings for a van roof. either way it cost him far more than the large bill he paid to have it done.
Raywood said:
I`m coming late to this party, but wanted to add my comments....
As someone who has regularly benefited from the comments of others, giving opinion on a particular query or ongoing technical issue, I think forums like these are invaluable, and are probably a dying breed.
I agree that it is up to the OP to assess their competency, based on the particular comments being given, as to whether they can attempt to resolve whatever their issue relates to.
I for one would never have been brave enough to remove the fridge and turn it upside down
hmy:but it solved my problem, and saved me having to buy a replacement
and my knowledge of maintaining my van has grown as a result, making me a better caravanner, as I have passed on that knowledge to others in difficulty on various sites over the past 3 years..
so thank you all for being involved, and keep up the good work !!
oh and while I`m on, how do I calculate the tow ratio of my car and van ?? :woohoo: and my tyre pressures :woohoo: and my noseweight.....
Raywood said:
I agree with you. And just before this topic slips away into oblivion, let me show you my latest DIY project. Fitting a brand new Truma S2004. Delighted with it!
Things may have "moved on" but old skills still apply. It isn't rocket science. There is a lot of unwarranted admiration of professional work.Keefanmaxx said:
Here is a picture quiz. Which of the following is a professional tow socket bracket and which is the DiY one? :
(A) Exhibit A : A bendy plastic mounting plate that would probably break if you did not put a hand behind it when pushing in the plug. A single bolt holds it to a thin (0.8 mm) steel bracket that has had a quick spray of paint, without the expense of any sort of primer, and after a year's use it is peeling and rusting. A one-size-fits-all design, full of weakening slots and holes. The idea of the single bolt is to allow it to be swivelled up when not in use, but there is actually no room to do so on this car:-
(b) Exhibit B : A 2.2 mm thick Duralumin mounting plate attached by zinc-plated bolts to a bracket of 40x40x5 mm galvanised steel angle, purpose made for this tow-car. Shown before painting with special metals primer and black enamel, but corrosion would not be an issue anyway. You can push on this as hard as you like :-
So which is the professional product and which is the DiY, and which is better? Answers on a postcard to [continued on Page 94]
obviously A is the professional one. and B the DIY one. :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:.
A is a bog standard hide away bracket. supplied with the fitting kit for tow bar easy to fit. standard fitment when time is big factor.
B is home made. specially for a one off purpose. where the work involved in making it would take too much time and effort for it to be a viable alternative for a professional to make and fit.
which is better. as a one off installation B of course. well thought out and executed for a specific purpose where there is no restraints.
now if you had to fit 10 bars and plugs a day the only option would have been A.
it is not really a question of asking how good one is against another. more a question of which one you would prefer if you have the time and the skills to make one.
could not answer on a postcard "there's no address to send it to" :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
A is a bog standard hide away bracket. supplied with the fitting kit for tow bar easy to fit. standard fitment when time is big factor.
B is home made. specially for a one off purpose. where the work involved in making it would take too much time and effort for it to be a viable alternative for a professional to make and fit.
which is better. as a one off installation B of course. well thought out and executed for a specific purpose where there is no restraints.
now if you had to fit 10 bars and plugs a day the only option would have been A.
it is not really a question of asking how good one is against another. more a question of which one you would prefer if you have the time and the skills to make one.
could not answer on a postcard "there's no address to send it to" :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Imo, if a poster asks a question for advice/guidance on something, instead of straight away been told it is obviously beyond their capabilities because you asked said question, why not give the advice and guidance then the poster can decide whether it actually is and they want to tackle it or not.
A little help/guidance can really help that bit of doubt.
I recently asked a question and my reply was get a professional to do it. Not really helpful, i will do it myself either way as i have done bits like it before,and am happy to do it, but a bit of guidance/advice/tips does go along the way.
But generally a very helpful forum!
A little help/guidance can really help that bit of doubt.
I recently asked a question and my reply was get a professional to do it. Not really helpful, i will do it myself either way as i have done bits like it before,and am happy to do it, but a bit of guidance/advice/tips does go along the way.
But generally a very helpful forum!
HNB said:
One person on the forum suggested a professional if we're talking about caravan sockets. No one else did so I think on the whole even on that thread you were given reasonable advice. I also hope that you house extension electrics met with all legal requirements and were as they should be in all cases signed off by a qualified electrician.
Martin24 said:
i do not just mean my posts,i have seen others also with various advice threads with the same response. I am not trying to get into an argument over this, i am just stating what i have seen/read.
And yes, i did get some good info as i request on that thread.
As for house electrics, it was all done correctly to a standard which i know is fine, along with all car electrics i have done before. To then get an electrician in, and pay for testing etc, does that not defeat the point of doing it yourself and not having to pay someone to come round, the whole point of saving yourself money. How many people actully do this.
As you say we won't get into an argument and it's entirely you choice to disregard the safety of your family and indeed neighbours and the general public at large.
There is a reason for safety certification and it's not all about making money. Even a member of my family who used to be a qualified electrician many years ago has the safety certificates from re wiring his own property despite the fact that he was in himself perfectly happy that the wiring he had done was meeting the current standards at the time.
Of course part of the reason for this is that it has been a legal requirement since 2005 to have all electrical installations in dwellings and associated buildings inspected to ensure they meet BS 7671:2008
There is a reason for safety certification and it's not all about making money. Even a member of my family who used to be a qualified electrician many years ago has the safety certificates from re wiring his own property despite the fact that he was in himself perfectly happy that the wiring he had done was meeting the current standards at the time.
Of course part of the reason for this is that it has been a legal requirement since 2005 to have all electrical installations in dwellings and associated buildings inspected to ensure they meet BS 7671:2008
Martin24 said:
Lol, do you want a hand to get down off your soap box
I would not do anything that i deem dangerous to put myself,my family or members of the public in danger, im not talking full house rewiring etc, just sockets, lights.
Knew i should not of replied to this topic now :lol:
All this certification and accreditation came in originally to make sure people didn't do installations or repairs that were dangerous. Now it's more about not being sued or invalidating your insurance.
There are competent people who have enough knowledge to safely perform installations and repairs - some of them are certified, some of them aren't. There are some people that simply shouldn't be allowed anywhere near these things - some of them are certified, some of them aren't.
The law can't tell the difference, so the law simply says it must be performed by a certified person.
I know which category I fall into and I know who will be doing any repairs etc around my house/caravan.
It's generally bad form and/or against the rules on a forum to encourage someone to break the law. I think that's why some people won't directly tell you to do the job yourself. I also think some people are afraid they'll be sued or prosecuted for same. There might even be the odd member that actually believes that only a certified person is competent.
There are competent people who have enough knowledge to safely perform installations and repairs - some of them are certified, some of them aren't. There are some people that simply shouldn't be allowed anywhere near these things - some of them are certified, some of them aren't.
The law can't tell the difference, so the law simply says it must be performed by a certified person.
I know which category I fall into and I know who will be doing any repairs etc around my house/caravan.
It's generally bad form and/or against the rules on a forum to encourage someone to break the law. I think that's why some people won't directly tell you to do the job yourself. I also think some people are afraid they'll be sued or prosecuted for same.
There might even be the odd member that actually believes that only a certified person is competent.
Martin24 said:
I believe that the legal requirement to have electrical installations inspected and certified by a Competent person only applied to new works. It was not retrospective. In law a Competent Person isn't just someone who can do the work iaw Building and Electrical Regulations . It is someone who by virtue of their training, experience and expertise is capable of safely carrying out the work within the scope of the particular installation works. Also don't forget that for household electrical installations the scope of some work must be notified to the local authority Building Inspectors. It's not a requirement to employ a Competent Person for these notifiable works, but then the law requires the householder/landlord to arrange for the Building Inspector to come in and check it. A friend of mine will pursue this path for his household works, which are extensive. It all comes home to roost when the house is put up for sale as the Buyer's searches will require either certificates of Compliance/Safety for work carried out since the regulations changed, or a full electrical safety check with the results signed off by a Competent Person.
Jaydug said:
I don't know. I'd guess anything to do with gas or electricity. I'm in Ireland, so the law could be different over there.
The Laws of Liable until proven Innocent have made it virtually mandatory to offer text book advice "Get a Professional"!
No one on here knows the extent of a forumites technical abilities so sadly some care has to be given with the advice.
Those of us who have half a brain, a sensible intelligent thinking process should be able to tackle most caravan issues. Never make assumptions and always be certain to double check and do post repair safety checks eg gas leak tests and electricity earth leaks and continuity tests etc.
I am pleased PCv with Nigel Hutson is now doing more DIY articles than in previous years.
Happily there are still a large number of forumites who offer sensible DIY solutions. Long may it continue :cheer:
No one on here knows the extent of a forumites technical abilities so sadly some care has to be given with the advice.
Those of us who have half a brain, a sensible intelligent thinking process should be able to tackle most caravan issues. Never make assumptions and always be certain to double check and do post repair safety checks eg gas leak tests and electricity earth leaks and continuity tests etc.
I am pleased PCv with Nigel Hutson is now doing more DIY articles than in previous years.
Happily there are still a large number of forumites who offer sensible DIY solutions. Long may it continue :cheer:
Parksy
Moderator
I think it's time to address a few misconceptions and generalisations that crop up when a topic such as thisis under discussion. Apologies for the quotes
It's for individuals to decide whether to point out risks, but do librarians carry out some sort of risk assessment when a borrower takes out a book on D-I-Y, vehicle mechanics etc?
The point about forum members ignoring safety matters is a bit of a generalisation to make from anonymous forum questions although I do understand the concerns.
Forum admin and moderators are no better equipped to decide on the mind set or capability of a forum member than anyone else, which is why Practical Caravan publish a disclaimer notice at 4:4 / 9:2 / 9:3 in the forum Terms and Conditions
An internet forum such as this one exists for it's members to exchange ideas, tips, d.i.y. advice etc; and some of the advice will be helpful and some not quite so helpful.
It's not the responsibility of either the forum administrators or the caravan journalists and forum members who add the online content to determine what those asking for and receiving advice actually do with the information.
There is as much chance of a forum member being prosecuted for offering forum advice on diy work on caravans as there would be for an author who writes a caravan d.i.y. manual.
If a forum member advises caution or expresses the opinion that professional help should be sought it's a matter for the individual reading the comment whether or not to heed that advice, just as it would be if separate advice on the same topic advocated pressing on regardless.
Practical Caravan forum is not a regulatory organisation or some kind of babysitter for the cognitively challenged, and it's not our remit to somehow 'police' caravan d.i.y projects.
Decide for yourselves if you want to take the advice which advocates caution or not, but if forum members advise professional assistance and it's not the response that you hoped for, please try to understand the reasons behind that advice.
ProfJohnL said:
It's for individuals to decide whether to point out risks, but do librarians carry out some sort of risk assessment when a borrower takes out a book on D-I-Y, vehicle mechanics etc?
The point about forum members ignoring safety matters is a bit of a generalisation to make from anonymous forum questions although I do understand the concerns.
Forum admin and moderators are no better equipped to decide on the mind set or capability of a forum member than anyone else, which is why Practical Caravan publish a disclaimer notice at 4:4 / 9:2 / 9:3 in the forum Terms and Conditions
HNB said:
Martin24 said:
HNB said:
Dustydog said:The Laws of Liable until proven Innocent have made it virtually mandatory to offer text book advice "Get a Professional"!
No one on here knows the extent of a forumites technical abilities so sadly some care has to be given with the advice.
Those of us who have half a brain, a sensible intelligent thinking process should be able to tackle most caravan issues. Never make assumptions and always be certain to double check and do post repair safety checks eg gas leak tests and electricity earth leaks and continuity tests etc.
I am pleased PCv with Nigel Hutson is now doing more DIY articles than in previous years.
Happily there are still a large number of forumites who offer sensible DIY solutions. Long may it continue :cheer:
An internet forum such as this one exists for it's members to exchange ideas, tips, d.i.y. advice etc; and some of the advice will be helpful and some not quite so helpful.
It's not the responsibility of either the forum administrators or the caravan journalists and forum members who add the online content to determine what those asking for and receiving advice actually do with the information.
There is as much chance of a forum member being prosecuted for offering forum advice on diy work on caravans as there would be for an author who writes a caravan d.i.y. manual.
If a forum member advises caution or expresses the opinion that professional help should be sought it's a matter for the individual reading the comment whether or not to heed that advice, just as it would be if separate advice on the same topic advocated pressing on regardless.
Practical Caravan forum is not a regulatory organisation or some kind of babysitter for the cognitively challenged, and it's not our remit to somehow 'police' caravan d.i.y projects.
Decide for yourselves if you want to take the advice which advocates caution or not, but if forum members advise professional assistance and it's not the response that you hoped for, please try to understand the reasons behind that advice.
Facebook
Twitter