• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Sprite Alpine 1981 - ETI number?

J

jessejazza

Where would i find the ETI number on this caravan?

I've done a quick google and it advises the number is on a green plaque on the A-frame. I've searched all around and can find nothing. Visited a couple of folk in my village to ask them earlier today and they were unable to say where it is on their caravans [newer models than mine].

As i understand i need to have the ETI number to order new suspension parts - due to it's age i intend to replace all.

Does anyone have a model like mine and can advise? Without it i would assume one can use the VIN plate but if i have understood correctly the ETI is what one wants.
 
Yes i have checked both sides - jacked her up and took off the rims. As she is on blocks i checked the length of the chassis. The only solution i can think off is getting the suspension off - taking measurements and contacting Premier Towing Centre, Birmingham. They seemed helpful last week but said i should try and find the ETI number.

Having seen a number of restos on Youtube i am wondering where they have found parts.
 
Also try trailer tek ,HK Trailers and Towing centre, taking photos of the hubs inc dimensions inner diameter and width of hub ,and brake assembly on the brake plate together with the diameter of the stub axle and if the hub has taper roller bearings or sealed for life ball bearings .When you say you've checked the chassis have you checked along the axle itself?
 

Attachments

  • ETI plate examples on an Alko axle-001.jpg
    ETI plate examples on an Alko axle-001.jpg
    36.1 KB · Views: 11
IanB1485 said:
Also try trailer tek ,HK Trailers and Towing centre, taking photos of the hubs inc dimensions inner diameter and width of hub ,and brake assembly on the brake plate together with the diameter of the stub axle and if the hub has taper roller bearings or sealed for life ball bearings .When you say you've checked the chassis have you checked along the axle itself?
Click to expand...
Thank you for that illustration. I haven't got the axle from one side to the other - just stub axle each side. Next w/e i will have to get them off and take measurements. It would seem it's not ALKO-ETI and someone else. Think i have got some nightmare research to do.
 
Alko took over B&B trailers in 1982 so if your Caravan is definitely 1981,you have one of the last chassis by B&B trailers, Our first Caravan in 1973 was on a B& B chassis which were Black Painted Steel ,not Galvanised,
 
birdman101 said:
Alko took over B&B trailers in 1982 so if your Caravan is definitely 1981,you have one of the last chassis by B&B trailers, Our first Caravan in 1973 was on a B& B chassis which were Black Painted Steel ,not Galvanised,
Click to expand...
My VIN is X81/1409... no idea how many they sold in a year if mine is 1409 - can only guess one of the last ones. Yes the chassis is steel not galv. Thanks for your post - i am knew to caravans so no history knowledge.

I've looked at the bearing hub caps - no B&B but there is 'Harrisons' on the bearing hub caps and brake drum. Could it have been that mine was one of the last ones and after B&B they turned to Harrisons?

Just found a facebook group Sprite Caravan Club so i have joined them.
 
jessejazza said:
My VIN is X81/1409... no idea how many they sold in a year if mine is 1409 - can only guess one of the last ones. Yes the chassis is steel not galv. Thanks for your post - i am knew to caravans so no history knowledge.

I've looked at the bearing hub caps - no B&B but there is 'Harrisons' on the bearing hub caps and brake drum. Could it have been that mine was one of the last ones and after B&B they turned to Harrisons?

Just found a facebook group Sprite Caravan Club so i have joined them.
Click to expand...
A Google AI search indicates that CI built their own chassis for Sprite and their other brands but put proprietry components on like brakes, stub axles and hitch coupling - Harrison Steel was a in-house subsidiary of CI.

CI were building 20,000+ per year - mostly Sprites but several other ranges as well.
 
Very grateful for your post. As you say proprietary components. Just looked up KNOTT and looks like they were quite common and available on ebay. Stuck for the coilover spring/shock absorber... but as you say proprietary component likely.

I'll just have to get them off and take measurements. But had a problem - can't see a locating screw or bolt for the drum so can't see how to take it off.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20260505_102637.jpg
    IMG_20260505_102637.jpg
    100 KB · Views: 5
  • IMG_20260505_102749.jpg
    IMG_20260505_102749.jpg
    85.5 KB · Views: 5
  • IMG_20260505_102915.jpg
    IMG_20260505_102915.jpg
    79.7 KB · Views: 6
50 years since I serviced mine but from memory the drum just pulled off the wheel studs once wheel was removed. Looks as though yours will be held on tight with rust around the studs. Give a good soak around the studs and centre hub,with penetrating oil before using a soft hammer to knock drums off
 
birdman101 said:
50 years since I serviced mine but from memory the drum just pulled off the wheel studs once wheel was removed. Looks as though yours will be held on tight with rust around the studs. Give a good soak around the studs and centre hub,with penetrating oil before using a soft hammer to knock drums off
Click to expand...
I was expecting to find a screw to hold the drums on like Series Landrover and similar. I haven't been able to try oil and soft hammer therapy this morning. Thing that worries me is that the drum backplate is close to the edge of the drum so no space to tap the drum from behind. I shall investigate next week when i am back from work.
 
If you give it a good soaking with penetrating oil and leave a couple of days and then turn the drum and tap it around the circumference with soft hammer, it may well loosen it enough to pull off, Did this with Morris Minor drum brakes back in the 60’s
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Back
Top