got the caravan out of storage last weekend and went to a new site... less busy = 6 pitches only (but a lot less help available to novices like us !!) so here's hoping someone can help ... We have an old (1999) Sterling Europa 520NT, when levellling it at the weekend i heard a crunch - The threaded bolt appears to be turning with no effort or rise or fall in the height so i'm fearing major damage... (both corner legs (door side) - we made the van steady & safe but i cannot see exactly what has happened until we get back out next weekend. If the leg raiser has snapped or come away from the chassis is this terminal / expensive / insurance claim(able) ??
hi Dave, i was trying to level it (it needed lifting on the door side, and being new to this i didnt think to use blocks to help make up some of the height difference. the threads dont look stripped, it seems to be more the bracket or block that held the bolt - the leg frame is easily movable up and down. Sorry i'm frantically looking for the manual but dont know if it is an alco chassis..
The corner legs are steadies only and not an effective means of levelling. It is actually very hard work lifting a caravan with them.
To level front to back use the jockey wheel. To level side to side tow it onto blocks or there are devices available to lift it. When its level drop the legs to level it up.
I am sure the damaged leg can be repaired or replace - talk to your dealer. Cannot be an insurance claim as it was misused.
The van can still be used - 3 legs will hold it or stick some blocks or bricks under the damaged corner if it wobbles.
hi Steve, thats seems to describe exactly what i could see under the leg.... i'll have another look at it at the weekend (i'll take my car jack) to make sure but thanks very much. it was mad panic on sunday when i heard the crunch - its reassuring to know its repairable. what a great forum this is. :-)
Hi, From your description you have broken the trunnion, which is the threaded swivel that allows the leg to move up and down, they are available from any good caravan outlet, there are two sizes so be sure you get the right one, there are around a tenner.
Hi Rob, sounds like good news for you, not a very expensive repair after all, Alko are by for the most commonly used chassis so replacement parts are relatively cheap and readily available.The real lesson learned is that corner steadies are only there to steady the floor once its level, they aren't designed to lift the weight of the van to get it level. Steve's mentioned the correct levelling proceedure to use from now on. Best of luck.
sorry for the dalayed response guys, lesson learned luckily at not too much expense it seems... very appreciative of all your advice and guidance. we intend to leave it on site for the whole season so i've been told i will need to tweak / adjust a few things regularly, but when i get back out there this weekend i will be armed with the appropriate gear and give it a go - thanks again,
Be careful if you decide to remove the steadies. The bolts can rotate when trying to remove the nuts and getting at them is extremely difficult. If the bolts are long enough, you can use a couple of lock nuts but this does not always solve the problem. Cutting a slot in the end of the bolt to use a screwdriver to hold it, can work.
Any garage, repair / engineering shop worth it's salt should be able to repair this at minimal cost if you'r struggling, it really isnt the end of the world just a hiccup along the way.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Corner Steadies went crunch !
