Thanks for the good info Dave, wish I could get 40mpg towing
There is no doubt that the roof system on these vans has a design fault that I think has been overcome in the latest Silver models. When I first looked at mine in a period of torrential rain it was absolutely bone dry throughout in spite of having been outside for some time. Got it home and found 5 days later leaks in all 4 corners. I'd read about the gas strut problem but in this case the strut bases had already been reinforced and properly bedded in. The problem was 2 part - plastic angle strips had been fixed front and back to from a seal but they were not properly bedded and acted as a conduit to carry water to the corners where the inner body had not been finished correctly allowing water to get to the interior. I removed all the the perimeter sealing and replaced it with a proper construction at the corners and now it is once again tight as a drum. It is something to check when purchasing this type of van, wish I had known it would have saved me some time and effort.
I hope to get it to the weighbridge soon so I can be sure about loadings. There is loads of capacity in the towing vehicle so extra weight is no an issue but I would like to be able to have the van in 'ready to go' condition if possible rather than have to load the tow vehicle each time. The plate indicates 750 - 950 kgs but although it tows easily seat of the pants says I'm top end of that, we'll see.
-------------
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
Hi Dave
It is unlikely you will have those strips as it seemed to be a home grown idea. The critical part to assess after the strut fixings is the sides under the lifting sections about 2 inches from the corner. On mine there was a short 1inch section that wasn't high enough over the water channel. This in conjuction with the strips caused the problem.
Hope to get to a weighbridge next week.
Overall I do like the way the van is constructed. Thick plastic panels with fewer joins create a rigid box that should last. We'll see
-------------
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
Took the 420 over a weigh strip on the way to my holiday in Wells next the sea. The van was lightly loaded only with motor mover, single gas bottle, water container full, oil filled radiator, clothing, books and magazines. Little food and certainly no awning, crates of beer etc. Axle weight was shown as 960kgs that is a disappointing 10kgs above its rated loading (not taking into account draw bar weight (some 40kgs). I'm not worried being just a little over as it would be easy enough to remove that small amount. The problem for me is that I like to have the van fully loaded with everything during the season so I can just hitch up and go without having to waste time bringing equipment from the house.
Will have a look at the axle rating soon because the later models are rated a 1200kgs, a much more useful figure.
The large awning was a real pain to erect, certainly not a job I could do on my own and a real handful in any breeze. Gave loads of extra space though.
-------------
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
There is a technique for the awning which makes it simpler to put up, though you always need 2 people.
1. Lay all the poles out on the ground ready.
2. Remove all the doors (best to pack away with the doors separate anyway).
3. Slide the awning onto the caravan awning rail.
4. Peg the two corners of the awning nearest the van checking it is central.
5. Hook the two side poles into the clips on the side of the van, and rest the other end on the ground. You will need to have these poles extended to avoid straining the clips.
6. One by one, connect up the two back (ie nearest the caravan) roof rails with the centre short pole fully compressed. Do not tighten the back roof rails.
7. Get someone to hold the partially extended front middle leg, and connect up the apex roof pole.
8. Now attach one corner leg and connect up with the side and front roof rail, but do not tighten up the roof rails. Fully extend the corner leg, and extend the centre leg some more (depends how tall you are!!!).
9. Peg that corner temporarily.
10 Now do the same with the other corner and peg.
11. Fit the three little poles that hold the front of the awning out.
12. Attach the side doors and check you have the correct clearance for the front panel to zip in.
13. Adjust and tighten the poles, and peg down the sides securely.
14. Attach the front and peg.
15. Attach flags and light barbie.
Job done.
I have a cord tied to each corner with a hook on the other end, each cord is the exact length of the appropriate door panel. As I start to peg out, I hook these on and know that the door panels will fit correctly. Usually find then it is time for a cold beer and a sit down before attaching any of the door panels. Once the corners are all pegged down, these cords can be unhooked and tied up like a normal guy rope.
Taking the awning down is the exact reverse, leaving the appropriate pegs in until the last moment. That way, no problem even on a windy day.
It seems to be about the same weight as mine without the awning and other heavy items which I now carry in the car, French KGs must be different to ours.
I also found it difficult to get the nose weight below 75kg without loading items in the rear of the van which makes it a bit tail happy.
I also made a lightweight board in place of the main table as we always leave the bed erected, which saved another 5 kg.
That looks a nice awning, what make is it? I have a standard Kampa Rally which attaches to a rail at the top of the roof - OK and easy to errect but not 100% weathertight.
Had some good holidays with the van this year - 2 weeks in Scotland, 1 in the New Forest and several short breaks in Rutland etc. -Weather Awsome.
Superb info Freeatlast, I'll put the instructions laminated in the bag. If I ever come across you I owe you a beer, if not I'll raise a glass to you anyway Cheers
Dave, I tink fitting the mover behind the axle (not the designed place) helps the nose weight.
The awning is Kit 'o' vent Azur from European awnings, the roof section is acrylic plastic so is not breathable, might have some condensation in cooler weather but it proved absolutely watertight all round. The sides are cotton and robust. Very reassuring.
We have left the main table (very heavy) at home too both the beds being fitted with Ikea bedding slats with pegs and holes so they do not move when in position, excellent.
Glad you've been getting some fun with your kit, we're enjoying ours too
-------------
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
Quote: Originally posted by John in Leeds on 19/8/2013
Superb info Freeatlast, I'll put the instructions laminated in the bag. If I ever come across you I owe you a beer ...
Saw this later model 420 in Seacroft, Leeds this week. Appears to be the model before change to Silver with the old roof mouldings removed. A tidier line must be simpler to produce. Not sure I like the panel joint in the middle of the front gutter though.
Must be a different internal layout to mine too with only one window on the off side.
-------------
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
Hi John.
Good photos, your posts have been a big help to me regards which caravan to go for.
I am currently torn between an Adria SportLine PX (aka Altea Tay 432 PX) or a Trigano Rubis/Silver 420.
The fixed bed is a must for us, when the times comes I will be looking to buy used, and of course there will be a lot more Adria's floating about than Trigano's.
Having said that the Pop-Top of the Trigano may swing it, but there again what ever we end up with, we will probably end up leaving it down in the South of France in storage, so maybe a regular van like the Adria could be better for us, decisions, decisions!
Hi Francais, we have had a fixed bed before and found that for us it tied up the space in an inflexible way. The double dinette layout allows us to have a choice of bed made all the time, large or smaller depending on if I'm on my own and the extra windows generally make it feel less pokey inside during the day.
What I am finding however is that the size if the furniture is a little small for me being a bit lanky. Our last Avondale worked a little better in the lounfing stakes. Maybe the later Silvers work better, haven't tried them yet.
One thing you'll have great fun sorting something out
-------------
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
Hi all, I have a 310 2005 and had the slight roof sag. Sorted it by fitting a plastic strip under the roof panel to support its weight. The strip was about a meter long and 8mm thick, it was narrow enough not to interfere with the seal strip.
I'm just about to put mine on the market as ill health is creeping up on me!
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: Trigano Rubis 420
The tips and experiences on your site have been very helpful.
