Technical | Meet the Trudgians

Technical

Some hints, tips and how to videos. Nothing to taxing here. Its useful information for us to share.

Avtex AMR985 VPN install

Posted by on Apr 27, 2023 in Featured, Technical | 0 comments

Avtex AMR985 VPN install

I recently created a video where I had the Avtex AMR 985 Wifi system installed in the caravan. It’s a complete wifi solution for the caravan, motorhome, boat or shed. In that video I mentioned having a VPN installed on the router. So why should I have a VPN? Try to access the BBC iPlayer if you are in Spain, France or anywhere outside of the UK, and you will be stopped due to a rights issue. With a VPN you can set your location and access content designated for that country. Other providers such as Netflix, Disney+ and Paramount, region lock their shows for specific countries too. Shows that...

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Decoding caravan VINs

Posted by on Mar 23, 2022 in Featured, Technical | 0 comments

Decoding caravan VINs

The caravan VIN or sometimes referred to as the CRIS number or indeed the chassis number holds a lot of useful information about the caravan. I recently made a video about the very subject. Below is a written version of that video, where I explain what the VIN is, what information it holds and how you can use it – but of course if you just like the video version well here it is.       The Caravan VIN The VIN will be dotted around the caravan. It will be stamped onto the A Frame, either etched onto or have a no-tamper sticker on windows and can be found in some gas...

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New rules for towing – Coming soon

Posted by on Sep 13, 2021 in Featured, Technical | 2 comments

New rules for towing – Coming soon

Be honest, when you are sat waiting for something how often does the Guinness surfer advert of the 90s run through the back of your mind? “Waiting, that’s what he does….Tick followed tock followed tick..” supplemented by that amazing soundtrack of Leftfield… yeah, I recall it often. Today is just one of those occasions, I’m sat in a waiting room, about to meet a man about a dog. This dead time waiting for someone has given me space to consider the recent announcement of the new rules on towing a trailer. To understand what has happened, we need to know what was in place and how this now...

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Measuring caravan awnings

Posted by on Jan 8, 2021 in Featured, Technical | 1 comment

Measuring caravan awnings

An awning can be the 2nd biggest investment after the purchase of the caravan. So, making sure you have purchased the correct size is obviously quite important. Years ago, awnings came in 2 flavours: full and porch. But with the introduction of lightweight and air awning styles, the marketplace for awnings and their various sizes is now vast. Caravan manufactures also have their part to play, with placement of windows, lockers and access to power and BBQ points. It can be quite difficult to select the correct awning size. Separate awning manufacturers measure their products in slightly...

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Fridge Vent Fan – Mk2

Posted by on May 29, 2020 in Featured, Technical | 7 comments

Fridge Vent Fan – Mk2

Back in 2018 I added some cooling fans to the back of our Thetford fridge on our Lunar caravan. The idea was to help it work better in hot weather. The cooling fans worked well and in the very last holiday in our Lunar, I shared how it was working, and it really did do an excellent job at keeping the fridge working perfectly, the issue was the installation was a bit of a bodge. In between that original video, and this article we changed caravans. Our Bailey now has a Dometic fridge and I want to be able to add some cooling to the fridge to help it in the warmer months. There were a number of...

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Used caravan checklist

Posted by on Feb 28, 2020 in Featured, Technical | 3 comments

Used caravan checklist

And here it is, the long awaited 11-point list for purchasing a used caravan. It’s taken me nearly 2 years to compile this document and I really do hope it helps or goes some way towards helping those who are purchasing a used caravan. This list is aimed at those who are buying privately, however it is also useful to use the list when purchasing from a dealership. It could be used on that 1st night away to check that everything is working as it should. I’ve shared it with industry representatives, mobile engineers and keen caravaners and asked if there are any elements that are missed off. I...

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