Care tips and advice - Page 5 of 6 - Bristol Caravans and Motorhomes

How Much Power Does the ALDE System Use?

Caravan Upgrades Motorhome Upgrades

Alde, how much mains power? The following article is based on Alde’s June 2022 newsletter. Image © Alde. With the UK electric costs rising, Caravan, Motorhome and Campervan owners are counting their kWh £’s. In short, the price question can only be answered accurately after the you have seen your metered bill. This is because the you determine when you put the heating and hot water on, whether you shower, wash dishes, what temperature you set the thermostat, etc.. But here is some guidance. Mains Electric / 230v The Alde system is very efficient when running on 230v (mains electric), equivalent […]

What is ALDE Heating?

Campervan Maintenance Caravan Maintenance Motorhome Maintenance

So what is ALDE Heating? ALDE is a Swedish heating company, and design systems to heat the hot water system and the interior of your Caravan, Motorhome or Campervan using radiators or underfloor heating. It works in a similar way to your central heating at home. A heats transfer liquid is heated, and pumped through pipes to convectors (radiators), the fluid then back to the boiler. Within the boiler, there is a hot water tank, which produces the hot water for your shower and taps. The single boiler within the ALDE system works on 230v and LPG gas, and heats […]

Wild caravan camping in Scotland - going off-grid

Going Off Grid with your vehicle?

Lithium Batteries Motorhome Upgrades

Fancy Going Off Grid with your Caravan, Motorhome or Campervan? Here is a brief overview of the key parts of an off-grid 12v system that will help make your trip a success. Let’s face it, it’s a big step to say “Good Bye” to a 230v electric hook-up post! If you planning to take your Caravan, Motorhome or Campervan off-grid?, you will rightly be feeling a little nervous… You might be concerned that your leisure battery is going to last the whole trip!You might be planning to become a digital nomad and need your laptop to work whilst you are […]

Winter preparation - drain down

Winter preparation for your motorhome: Winterisation

Caravan Maintenance Motorhome Maintenance

Winterisation is the Winter preparation for your Motorhome/Caravan. Bristol Caravans have put together a check sheet of all the things your vehicle requires before it goes into hibernation this winter. Winter Preparation Top Tips Drain down Watch out for ‘The First Frost’. Try to beat Jack Frost, by emptying your water system and any water tanks. Why should your water system be emptied? As temperatures get colder, water begins to freeze in the taps. As water freezes, it expands! If even the tiniest droplet of water was to expand in your pipework, the taps could begin to split. Split taps […]

ALDE Heating System FAQs

Caravan Maintenance Motorhome Maintenance

What is ALDE Heating & How does it work? But before we dive into all things ALDE, quick heads up. Bristol caravans is designed as a one-stop-shop for your caravan, motorhome & campervan. We have experienced & qualified staff that can help you with Engine Chassis Service, Habitation Service, Damp Repairs and popular upgrades like Self-Levelling Systems, Rear Air Suspension, Lithium Installation ( leisure battery upgrade ) and much more, just ask. Many customers travel to see us and then stay on our campsite whilst having repairs and upgrades. OK, back to ALDE, this heating system is designed for Caravans […]

Classic Caravan

Caravan & motorhome presents

Caravan Upgrades Motorhome Upgrades

Need a last-minute gift that is going to blow them away? Here at Bristol Caravans’, we have come up with five quick, easy ideas to solve your Christmas Shopping quarrels. Already finished your Christmas Shopping? Then download this blog as a PDF for your fellow caravaners next Birthday or Event. Awning Accessories: Spruce up your awning with FIAMMA’s adaptable accessories. Modified Chopping Board: Does your kitchenette have a big enough worktop to make your favourite meals? Get a bespoke chopping board, made to fit over the sink of your Caravan or Motorhome. Not only will you have more workspace, but […]

Bike rack

Motorhome Bike rack issues solved

Motorhome Upgrades

Planning a caravan or motorhome holiday but struggling to transport your bikes safely? Whether you find loading bikes difficult or simply want a more secure and convenient setup, upgrading to the right bike rack or electric bike lift can make travelling easier and stress-free. At Bristol Caravans, we help customers find the best bike rack solutions for their caravan or motorhome. From traditional rear-mounted bike racks to advanced electric bike lifts, our experienced team can recommend the ideal option based on your vehicle and travel needs. Before choosing a bike rack, there are a few important things to consider: To […]

Workshop at Bristol Caravans

Top 5 tips for maintaining your Caravan & Motorhome

Campervan Maintenance Caravan Damp Repairs Caravan Maintenance Motorhome Maintenance

You have just bought a new Caravan / Motorhome and want to make the most of it. Do not worry, we are here to make sure you are maintaining and making the most, during the ownership of your pride and joy. Here are the Top 5 Tips for you to maintain your Caravan / Motorhome: 1. Make sure you book into a trusted workshop for your annual services! For you caravan owners it is important to book a service every year, ensuring all the water, gas, electrics, brakes, chassis, and A frame hitch assembly are checked thoroughly. Not only does […]

230v-RCD-with-test-socket

How does the RCD work in my Caravan?

Campervan Maintenance Caravan Maintenance Caravan Service Motorhome Maintenance

What is the 230v RCD in my motorhome, How does it work? Why is it a safety critical unit? How often should I get my RCD checked?

Damp repairs

How to avoid DAMP in your Caravan or Motorhome!

Caravan Damp Repairs Caravan Service Motorhome Damp Repairs Motorhome Service

Nobody wants to come back to their Caravan or Motorhome after the winter break to see a damp patch. Although it is hard to identify when water ingress is happening, we have some helpful tips to prevent damp in your vehicle. How does damp occur in my Caravan or Motorhome? The three stages of damp to be aware of: This is caused by damp air being trapped in a cupboard or room. The visual effects are mould on the walls or inside cupboards. This is the main cause of Damp! Potentially coming from sealant failure, for example sealant cracking around […]

Wash & Wax at Bristol Caravans

Cleaning my Caravan & Motorhome

Caravan Maintenance Motorhome Maintenance

How often should you clean your Caravan / Motorhome? We recommend giving your vehicle at least two deep washes a year. One at the start of your holiday season, and one at the end. Of course, whilst your Caravan / Motorhome are in storage it will gather dirt, algae, and moss; making it harder to clean. If you regularly give it a wash over, the easier and quicker your seasonal washes will be. Should I wash my Caravan / Motorhome with Hot Water? It is important to bear in mind you Caravan, or Motorhome is made of up many plastic […]

MOT at Bristol Caravans

Does my motorhome need an MOT?

Campervan Service Motorhome Service

Here at Bristol Caravans, we book your Motorhome or Camper van’s MOT with the additional charge for collection and delivery. Before completing your MOT, our technicians complete a visual pre-check including all exterior lights. What is an MOT? An MOT (Ministry of Transport) is a test to check the general health of your Motorhome. Although your Motorhome may seem in working order, it must meet the DVSA’s legal safety and environmental standards. The MOT must be carried out by a vehicle technician with an MOT qualification, and they must be in possession of specific testing equipment. What will be checked […]

How to connect my motorhome to 230v hook up

Caravan Maintenance Motorhome Maintenance

How to plug in to mains electric on site The last thing you want is to arrive on site and your electrics do not work. As soon as you get on site, follow these steps and you will be sat back relaxing in no time! How to hook-up: My electrics are not working on site – What do I do? First you want to plug in your 230V hook up cable into the mains electric supply. Next, connect your Caravan or Motorhome. Using the mains socket tester, insert the tester into a socket and turn on. The tester will indicate […]

Winterisation drain down

Why Is Water Leaking Under My Motorhome?

Caravan Repairs Motorhome Repairs

Before we jump into water leaks… a little about us… Bristol caravans is designed as a one-stop-shop for your caravan, motorhome & campervan maintenance. We have experienced & qualified staff that can help you with Engine Chassis Service, Habitation Service, Damp Repairs and popular upgrades like Self-Levelling Systems, Rear Air Suspension, Lithium Installation ( leisure battery upgrade ) and much more, just ask. Many customers travel to see us and then stay on our campsite whilst having repairs and upgrades. OK, back to water leaks… Imagine you have arrived on site, switched on your water pump and now water is […]

How to set up the WHALE water system and pump

Caravan Maintenance Motorhome Maintenance

Setting up a WHALE Water Pump First things first… Make sure your WHALE pump is securely attached and locked into position. Is your 12v power supply working? Assuming your caravan / motorhome has a charged battery, and all the appropriate fuses are intact, the power to run a water pump’s motor is usually activated at the 12V control panel. WHALE Control Panel: Now your pump is in the correct position, go inside your caravan / motorhome and check the control panel. It should look something like this: All switches should be in the on position. If your control panel presents a fault […]

Caravan AL-KO ATC light working?

Caravan Repairs

What does the ATC light do on my Caravan? Bristol caravans is designed as a one-stop-shop for your caravan, motorhome & campervan maintenance. We have experienced & qualified staff that can help you with Engine Chassis Service, Habitation Service, Damp Repairs and popular upgrades like Self-Levelling Systems, Rear Air Suspension, Lithium Installation ( leisure battery upgrade ) and many more, just ask. Many customers travel to see us and then stay on our campsite whilst having repairs and upgrades. AL-KO ATC light is a really important LED, here’s why: Do you ever feel your Caravan moving side to side on […]

leisure battery

What is the best leisure battery

Lithium Batteries Motorhome Upgrades

Need help choosing the right battery? If you can email us a list of appliances in your caravan, motorhome, or camper van, we can estimate the power needed for your caravan and recommend a few battery options. But before we dive into all things leisure battery, quick heads up. Bristol caravans is designed as a one-stop-shop for your caravan, motorhome & campervan. We have experienced & qualified staff that can help you with Engine Chassis Service, Habitation Service, Damp Repairs and popular upgrades like Self-Levelling Systems, Rear Air Suspension, Lithium Installation ( leisure battery upgrade ) and much more, just […]

Electrical Safety Check

Caravan Electrial Safety Check

Campervan Service Caravan Service Motorhome Service

EICR Safety Test – What every owner should know! The electrical installation condition report (EiCR) identifies damage, deterioration and defects which may cause danger within your Caravan, Motorhome or Camper van. It is a safety check of the 230v mains electrical wiring, switches, and appliances in your Caravan, Motorhome or Camper van. Bristol Caravans are trained, qualified and have the correct kit to complete this important safety check. What is included in a EiCR? The testing process involves the wiring and accessories undergoing several, and rigorous, electrical tests using: Problems discovered during the inspection and test can be remedied, or recommendations given to […]

CTEK Lithium Battery

What are the benefits of a Lithium Battery?

Lithium Batteries Motorhome Upgrades

What does a leisure battery do? The leisure battery will power all 12v appliances including your lighting, and water pump! Your habitation 12v system needs to be above 11 volts for appliances to work. Benefits of a Lithium Battery Maintenance of a Lithium Leisure Battery Lithium batteries require little maintenance. Simply remove after a season and store in a cool place, out of direct sunlight. Ensure it is left at a minimum of 50% charge. It is not a requirement out of season to keep the battery on charge. Unlike other batteries Lithium (Li-on) batteries can re-charge hundreds of times […]

Solar Panels

What is the right size Solor Panel for my Caravan, Motorhome or Campervan?

Motorhome Upgrades

There are a few items to consider when thinking about a new solar panel: What type of leisure battery are you going to charge, and how many amps can it take when being charged? Only a Lithium battery can accept more than 10 amps, therefore if you have “standard” leisure batteries i.e. Lead Acid, Gel or AGM you should aim for a max or 10 amps charging. To put 10 amps into context, solar panels are usually sold based on a Watts rating. A 120w Solar Panel in theory without any loss, will give 10 amps, in reality it is […]

Maxx Fan to keep your motorhome cool

How to keep your Caravan / Motorhome Cool

Caravan Upgrades Motorhome Upgrades

Do you suffer from a hot and stuffy Caravan or Motorhome?Have sleepless, uncomfortable nights?Have little air flow, despite all the windows being open? Bristol Caravans are here to help you make your Caravan or Motorhome cool and comfortable through the summer months. It is important we make the most of the summer season. Setting up your Caravan for Summer Keep Blinds and Curtains closed Blocking the sunlight from entering your Caravan or Motorhome keeps the air inside from heating up. Although a simple trick, it can be very effective! Next time you go to the beach for the day, leave […]