Apologies if it came over like that. Just covering all angles and you did ask if there was anything else you needed.
Folk post on here for advice without giving any information as to their experience etc and we cannot second guess that. We can only go on what is contained in their post. Having no knowledge of the poster or their experience I just cover all issues. I can only go on your post and you did make it clear that you had not sought any information about the MTPLM, the noseweight or whether your tow ball was compatible but that you were to be collecting the van to tow it away. In another post you enquired as to whether GVW was MTPLM. I could only glean from that that it would have been helpful to have given as much info as possible. If some aspects are not required fine, but please don't read it as patronising or attitudinal. It was offered as helpful guidance.
Many new to caravanning will not appreciate the relevance of MTPLM to tyre pressure to train weight to noseweight and how all of these factors are so integrated . Hence I went into that detail.
We have had quite a number of folk on here make it clear that they tow in breach of the law (a small minority thankfully). We have also had those who have admitted to losing money on "dogs", buying damp vans which are useless, buying vans they cannot tow etc; so for those who make it clear that they are new to caravanning I just provide the detail that you can't always find in the manuals. Its never intended to scare the whatsit but if some relevant facts assist folk in being focussed on the issues they need to consider then all the better surely? After all I see from another thread that you now know the MTPLM and the personal payload that you can carry. Thus the guidance I have provided has been quite helpful I think.
Phil
Post last edited on 17/05/2011 15:46:45
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
the term MTPLM was previously known as MAW the van load plate should show 2 load figuers .1 is the unloaded ex factory weight & the higher weight is the maximum fully loaded weight. as you know its illegal to exceed the MAW/MTPLM or the allowable noseweight for car or caravan
the tyre pressure in the hand book might not relate to the tyres now fitted as they should have been renewed several times by now. so you need the MTPLM/MAW & the tyre sizes in order to calculate the correct tyre pressure
As mentioned forget the onboard tank, hot/cold water ok, cassette toilets maybe, Cris pre 90's no, so no paperwork apart from receipts.
My dads 1984 Eldiss 4 berth was sold for £850 in perfect condition, the biggest drawback on that age of van was the toilet and old fashioned decor.
maybe have a word with a local repairer/service dept etc to see if an elderly couple are selling up who have looked after the van?
We got our 95 sterling 5 berth in great condition for £1700 of ebay 4 yrs ago, we did inspect it before buying/bidding, similar vans were £3000 on the forecourt. In addition as they were giving up the hobby everything was thrown in, including a new awning.
Therefore....if it was me I would save a little more...the extra £5-700 would open up a whole new range of vans, to get mod cons similar to newer vans, like blown air heating, cassette toilets you need to be looking at the mid 1990's models.
Quote: Originally posted by racingsnake on 15/5/2011
.....DIY is not an issue for me, .....
Looks a very nice van; CI were a well-known and reputable manufacturer who made (among others) the Sprite Alpine and Musketeer. My first van was a 1972-ish Alpine, which I had for 20 years from 1985, sold on and replaced by a 1995 Alpine similar to the earlier link. I note from your link - 12 volt electrics - if you wanted to, fitting a 240v supply is not too difficult - I did it in my first van!
Gram
------------- What's the difference between a chicken?
Wow! You didn't hang about! The van looks brilliant in the pics. Hope it turns out to be as good as it looks/sounds & you have lots of great holidays in it. Be prepared to be forever broke from here on in - there's always something you can find to spend some money on & it's soooooo addictive!
Quote: Originally posted by racingsnake on 16/5/2011
Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 15/5/2011If its earlier than '92 it probably won't be Cris reg anyway.
What is this CRIS you speak of, and why is it required?
A registration system for caravans run by HPI. Not applicable to yours as pre '92(when system started) & not worth bothering with if you are only paying a few £100s. If paying £1000s for a late model caravan you need to check present owner has updated Cris reg. or risk buying a stolen 'van(not neccessarily stolen by present owner).
I`m jealous , makes my old girl look antidiluvian ! Enjoy , it will be hard to go wrong with this `van if she is dry . Apart from body panels , just about everything is out there for replacement parts . Plenty of interest in older `vans and clubs to cater for them . Classic`s have a big following in their own rallies and if that is of interest to you , attend some and enjoy a beer or three with people who will love your `van and bend over backwards to help out if you get the odd problem . You need enthusiasm rather than deep pockets for the older `van . Our repairs are generally cheaper but require more research and DIY .
Quote: Originally posted by racingsnake on 15/5/2011.....DIY is not an issue for me, .....
Looks a very nice van; CI were a well-known and reputable manufacturer who made (among others) the Sprite Alpine and Musketeer. My first van was a 1972-ish Alpine, which I had for 20 years from 1985, sold on and replaced by a 1995 Alpine similar to the earlier link. I note from your link - 12 volt electrics - if you wanted to, fitting a 240v supply is not too difficult - I did it in my first van!
Gram
It does have 240v hook up, and 2 240v sockets inside, so I'm hoping that it won't need mouch more than a snity check of the cabling and the addition of an RCD at the supply end. I'm thinking a mini MCB consumer unit might be a very good idea on a van this age.
------------- Beer makes you feel the way you should feel without beer.
Quote: Originally posted by racingsnake on 18/5/2011
Quote: Originally posted by Gram on 17/5/2011
Quote: Originally posted by racingsnake on 15/5/2011.....DIY is not an issue for me, .....
Looks a very nice van; CI were a well-known and reputable manufacturer who made (among others) the Sprite Alpine and Musketeer. My first van was a 1972-ish Alpine, which I had for 20 years from 1985, sold on and replaced by a 1995 Alpine similar to the earlier link. I note from your link - 12 volt electrics - if you wanted to, fitting a 240v supply is not too difficult - I did it in my first van!
Gram
It does have 240v hook up, and 2 240v sockets inside, so I'm hoping that it won't need mouch more than a snity check of the cabling and the addition of an RCD at the supply end. I'm thinking a mini MCB consumer unit might be a very good idea on a van this age.
We live in Worcester and have a water hog, metal non slip steps, electric cable reel and an old wheel clamp. If interested you can the lot for £20 but will need to collect. Also other bits and bobs going cheap like an almost new satellite kit plus 15" analogue TV.
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: Can it be done? (On the cheap)
