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...
Read MoreFridge 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...
Read MoreUsed 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...
Read MoreRemoving window scratches
Modern caravan and motorhome windows are made from acrylic. Which means they are light, can be made into any shape, have great thermal properties and can be tinted for improved privacy. Yeah, acrylic windows are great. Another thing they are great for is getting scratched. They are easily scuffed by overhanging vegetation on B roads, can be easily marked by rouge awning poles or scratched by incorrect cleaning practices. They are so prone to being scratched that there is an entire industry geared up to removing scratches from windows. This can be in the form of products, equipment or...
Read MoreCaravan Cleaning with Mellerud
Cleaning the caravan. You either love it or hate it. For me it’s a great time to unwind, care for the caravan and get it ready for the next adventure. In general, I find it quite cathartic. One thing I do not enjoy however is those pesky black streaks. They are every caravanners worst nightmare. The black streaks are formed from the rubber seals around windows, roof lights and other seals around the exterior of the caravan. As sunlight degrades the very top layer of rubber (exactly what its supposed to do, otherwise it will crack and perish) it creates a loose layer of material that can be...
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