Motorhome Winter Health Check
51% of vehicles are likely to suffer an electrical breakdown during the winter. Our Motorhome Winter Health Check, will give you a fighting chance when the weather takes a turn.
Can 12v Accessories damage Motorhomes with a Smart Alternator?
Motorhome Issue: Smart Alternator This article is positioned as an overview of “smart alternators, motorhomes and accessories”, describing basic principles.It is meant for discussion, if you have any comments or suggestions please contact the author direct at:oakleigh@bristolcaravans.com Issue Can incorrect accessory fitting damage the engine battery or engine battery charging? Background EU legislation was introduced to help reduce vehicle emissions. “Smart alternators” are part of the EU emissions initiative.Smart alternators were introduced to the UK car market around 2015, some motorhome brands were slower to implement. We recommend that you check. Do not assume your motorhome or campervan has a […]
Top 5 tips for Motorhome or Campervan Cambelt Replacement
Thank you for finding this article, my aim is to build your motorhome & campervan knowledge, so you can make an informed decision about the maintenance of your vehicle. Before we jump in, and just for transparency, “disclosure”, I own and operate a workshop. Customers often ask questions about Cambelts, I figure an article covering frequent questions will help to inform you, so further questions are built on a common understanding. There are different types of repairers, so hopefully, this will help you decide if we are the right fit for you. Motorhomes and Campervans come in all shapes and […]
Rust Prevention for your motorhome, caravan or campervan
Protecting Your Investment: Motorhome Rust Prevention Motorhomes, caravans, and campervans represent significant investments. When a water leak or scratch catches your attention, it’s easy to address. But what about the areas hidden from view? The Hidden Vulnerability The underside of your vehicle is often overlooked yet plays a crucial role in maintaining its value and structural integrity. Neglecting it can lead to costly repairs, increased MOT expenses, and heightened risk of water ingress from road spray. Invisible Threats Everyday wear and tear, road debris, inclement weather, and winter road treatments can all take a toll on the underside of your […]
What Is ALDE Heating System Fluid?
ALDE use a specific type of glycol fluid in the heating system, which is similar to antifreeze. As the glycol fluid ages it becomes less effective. If not changed at the correct interval, your system could be at risk of permanent damage. The damage is usually to internal components, when the fluid becomes acidic, the acid corrodes aluminium components. At the time of writing a relacement Alde system is in the region of £3,500 plus fitting, so definately cheaper to maintain the system rather than replace it. When first built, manufacturers fit Pink or Blue fluid. The blue glycol must […]
What is ALDE Heating?
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 […]
Top 5 tips for maintaining your Caravan & Motorhome
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 […]
How does the RCD work in my Caravan?
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?
Brake Fluid Replacement, What, Where, How, When
Automotive experts agree that Brake Fluid should be changed regularly as a part of normal routine service. Not all manufacturers mention Brake Fluid in their scheduled maintenance recommendations, those that do, recommend fresh Brake Fluid approximately every 2 years or 24,000 miles, your motorhome probably cover less than 12,000 miles per year, so when was the last time your motorhome benefitted from some new Brake Fluid? The tech bit… Brake Fluid is a safety-critical subject, how important are the people onboard your vehicle? Most people don’t know why Brake Fluid should be changed, well Brake Fluid is hygroscopic, which means […]
How Do I Drain Down My Caravan, Motorhome or Campervan?
Why are we talking about drain down, does it really matter? Yes it does, this article is about “draining the fresh water” out of your caravan, motorhome, campervan. This is usually undertaken at the end of the season, before you store your vehicle for a long period. If water is left in the system, as weather temperatures drop, water can freeze in your taps. As water freezes, it expands! If teaspoon of water was to expand in your tap, the tap could split. A split tap usually means a new tap, a repair you want to avoid. The cost could be […]
Motorhome and Campervan Cambelt Replacement: A Complete Overview including What, How, When, and Top Tips
Engines have internal parts, and many of these parts need to be connected. One of the Mechanisms is the timing assembly, parts (example: Crankshaft, Camshaft, Water Pump) are usually connected via a chain or a belt. If you have a Cambelt system, you will need to plan and budget for its replacement. What is a Cambelt? The Cambelt is a toothed belt that connects key parts within the engine, it ensures the internal components are synchronised and do not touch each other whilst the engine is running. Some engines have a Camchain, rather than a belt, chains generally last the […]
