old caravans

[deborah_374473844]

Hi I am just in the process of purchasing an old 1970s caravan. is there anything in particular i should look for with regards to the chassis for towing. I assume i will probably have to replace the wheels and bearings etc but other than this is there anything else. Im not to bothered about the rest of it as i am going to completely renovate it

Thanks for any help

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Deborah,

Obviously it is entirely up to you, but my suspicion is the cost to totally refurbish a 1970's caravan is likely to be more than the cost of a second hand more recent and up to date model with better thermal insulation and heating for both water and space.

However you must have your reasons, so the chassis;-

You have already mentioned the wheels/bearings, this will obviously include the brakes. But don't forget the hitch assembly and jockey wheel. All these things should be replaceable.

Depending on what make it is it may be either painted steel or galvanised steel or possibly aluminium. If it is painted steel, look out for major rusting especially around any fixing holes.

May I remind you also that any work on the gas system must be carried out in accordance with the Gas Regulations by a competent fitter.

There is a move to have a similar requirement placed on mains electrical work.

 

[Guest]

I agree with John L in that a project on a van as old as this could be a one way street to financial ruin. Yes, people do restore many old cars, caravans etc but they usually have technical skills and hopefully access to equipment that will help them in some of the parts.I am not stating you don't have these, merely that it is not mentioned and by implication I feel you are an enthusiastic amateur.

Apart from the chassis comments made by John I would also add getting a professional damp check done on the van. If this shows damp then you have to seriously consider what you do next. It may be repairable, or it may require a complete rebuild. If this has been done and was fine, then ignore that comment.

Replacing curtains, carpets and even upholstery is probably the easy bit. What about the equipment? If it is original it is getting on for over 30 years old and will be well worn. If there is a fridge check it carefully and probably a replacement will be required. Similarly with the hob. Any electrical wiring could be suspect as well. If an owner has done 'modifications' over the years, these will all need to be checked out. I cannot remember but if the van is that old you may need tocheck if the towhitch is 50mm or 2 inch. They look the same but are definitely not. Check also the window rubbers. The windows wil probably be glass but check for cracks.

You will also need to check the tyres carefully as again if they are old the sidewalls willbe cracked and suspect.

Bluntly, as John has commented even if the van was a free gift I would still be suspicious, unless it has been lovingly cared for. It has value of........zilch and you could easily spend several thousand pounds and once started, it is difficult to stop.

If you are still dead keen then find the owners club for the make of van, join that and get some ideas.

 

[forestgump]

hi debs

renovate your van may be keep it 70s plates fixings ect ect may be a car to go with it when its done get a caravan engineer to check it pass it ok no probs injoy dont be to hard on the old girl

 

[gary]

I think a 70's caravan will generally be devoid of anything particularly technical, although if 240v has been 'added' be especially careful with this.

Gas might include a fridge, two ring hob and sink combined and if your really lucky a decent heater, if though an open flame heater scrap it!

Chassis is perhaps the main concern, probably just painted, check the 'A' frame carefully for rot, also with swinging arm suspension, the arms corrode around the stub axle and the shock absorbers often leak and can be near impossible to replace.