Newbie - 2019 Sprite Ordered

[Megabusa55]

Hi all,
Just ordered a brand new 2019 Sprite Major 6 TD with diamond pack and sunroof for delivery in May. Looking forward to many years of family holidays. Still lots to learn but looking forward to browsing the forum for hints and tips.
Next headache is to select an awning.

Thanks

Simon

 

[Craigyoung]

Hi Simon ;

Welcome to the forum , there's a few off us on here with Sprites including myself ( 2o17 Major 6 TD ) . Great van , loads off space .

Enjoy .

Craig

 

[Mel]

Hi Simon, welcome to the forum. Lots of awning options out there, and plenty of videos on you tube to help you with your choice. If you are looking for a “porch” awning ( many are much bigger than a porch) then good measuring is the key. Measure your straight rail and chose an awning size that will avoid crossing a window or external locker door if possible.
Mel

 

[Craigyoung]

On ours we have a one that is bigger than a porch awning but not a full awning if you know what I mean which will cover half of the back window and go down past the kitchen window on our Major 6 .





So you don't necessarily need a full-size awning and there is still plenty of room in this .

 

[Gafferbill]

........if you do go for a full size awning I have an Issobella in good condition at 8yrs old with carbon poles for sale.
Just a thought. .......maybe of interest as would fit your caravan

 

[Megabusa55]

Heading back to dealer today to get exact measurements. Looking at maybe a Kampa porch awning to start then extend it in the future.
Craig your awning is just what I need. Once I get my sizes I will be in a better position to buy.
Simon

 

[CustardAvenger]

We love our 2018 Sprite Major 4 SB... but are quite envious of the changes to the 2019 models which redress some of the shortcomings in the 2018. Some advice for collection day (this goes for all new caravans): make sure you give the interior and exterior a good inspection. We had lots of minor scuffs on the interior veneer - cosmetic only - this was repaired by the dealer along with a number of mis-aligned doors, some of which did not engage the positive catches.

Some other things to watch out for:
The inboard water pump was noisy and caused the LED strip lights to flash when running.
- Dealer installed some kind of inhibitor
The AL-KO wheel brakes squeal
- A known error - dealer fixed but they seem to be going again
Thetford oven retaining screws fell out
Washroom sink sealant failed
External sealant failed on awning rail
- Dealer fixed all three

We also opted to have the AL-KO Shock Absorbers installed as the trim panel above the microwave fell out (Held on by 4 magnetic door catches) this does make the caravan ride better, so I would recommend getting them fitted... but hasn't stopped the panel from falling out again.

 

[Craigyoung]

Hi there , what are you towing with ? Likke Custard Avengers says we had a few niggly bits to like the cupboard catches on the doors weren't securing the doors sorted with a bit of packing from the dealer ; the pump also noisy and something was done to that but in time getting noisy again , and new resister put onto the electrical system for when lighting the gas as lights pulsed / flashing .

When we got ours we managed to barter for the bike rack on the back and an external socket plug outside , one thing it is , it is a heavy Caravan to push and pull so would advise to get a motor mover put on , well worth the money .

 

[Megabusa55]

Thanks for the advice. Will keep an eye out for the gremlins as mentioned.
I have a Q5 but never towed a caravan before so will be short journeys to get used to it all.
Simon

 

[Craigyoung]

Interesting profile name .....
Megabus driver ?

 

[Megabusa55]

Lol No. Built a Westfield Megabusa kitcar years ago and forum name moves with me. I'm a technician offshore in North Sea.

 

[CustardAvenger]

...it is a heavy Caravan to push and pull so would advise to get a motor mover put on , well worth the money .

Yeah get a mover... It will save your back! Also invaluable for positioning on a pitch, even if you can reverse on.

You will probably find that dealerships will move a caravan by hand short distances, but that is usually over smooth, level tarmac; on any kind of slope or gravel surface, it will be hard work shifting a caravan.

 

[Megabusa55]

Meant to say they are installing motor mover for me. Like you say I would not manage without one of them.
Measured the caravan today so 390 to 400 porch sizes fits behind front window and over rear window. Back to browsing again.

 

[Craigyoung]

Thats a good thing then as we didn't get ours fitted till about 6 weeks after we bought ours after realising how heavy it actually was to manoeuvre ours on to our drive pushing & pulling compared to the slim 6.3m previous van hmy: .
The bike rack is good to .

 

[Raywood]

Welcome to the forum. Never had Srite so cannot comment on specific problems. The oven is common to most makes and I think the fault with the one mentioned is a one off as we have had them in several caravans and had no problems.
I would agree that a mover is a worthwhile investment as it makes life a lot easier particularly if you keep it in a tight space. There are two types manual and automatic the manual ones being far cheaper. The problem is that most work with a lever to set them and these can be very hard work so if you go for that you should try one to see if you are happy with it. There is an alternative that uses a wind on handle similar to the one for the legs that might work better for you though.
Bradcot do a porch awning that comes as add to sections which might be of interest, as you can buy one section and see if that is enough and add to it if you need or use one for weekends and more for longer stays.

 

[Megabusa55]

Thanks Ray.
We are getting a Power Touch Freedom Mover installed by dealer.
Think I have narrowed down awnings to porch air awnings either a 390 or 400.
Every model i research has negative reviews but I like the look of the Kampa Club Air Pro 390.

 

[mealsonwheels]

Welcome to the PC Forum, Megabusa 55!

 

[Beachball]

Hi Megabusa55 i hope you enjoy this forum

 

[LeMans]

Have you picked up your new van yet? How are you getting on if so?

 

[Megabusa55]

Hi All,

Collection of the van was excellent. Had a good demonstration of how it all works and we couldn't find any defects.
Drive home was smooth and we had it on the drive for 4 days of testing all appliances before our 1st trip.

The water pump would not turn on however I traced it to a sticky pressure switch, all fixed now.

Went away for 2 nights last weekend with the kids and loved it.

Kampa Club Air pro awning 390 was used in both torrential rain and sun splitting heat and no leaks or issues either.

Overall our new caravanning life is going great with 2 further trip booked up already.

Thanks

Simon

 

[Craigyoung]

Well done . Glad you like it as they are a nice van , enjoy .

 

[Raywood]

Glad all went well.