Hi all. We’ve only recently bought our first caravan – a cheap ’91 Abbey Piper 14.5 – and have spent our first night in it on a local CC site. It was excellent! Beds comfy, extremely cosy in the evenings, no real problems. However, I do have a few newbie questions if that’s ok;
When the water pump was inserted into the external (full) container it started to buzz as soon as I connected it up (with no taps running in the van). I assumed it was just priming the system and that it would soon stop, but it didn’t! In the end I had to disconnect it. Can anyone shed and light?
The van has a 3-way fridge and gas heater. In spite of there being plenty of gas in the cylinder neither worked (although the fridge was fine on mains hook-up). I followed the instructions carefully but neither gave off a gassy smell when I tried to get them going. However, the hob / oven works fine. Is there a separate shut-off for the fridge and heater somewhere or can anyone suggest a cure? It could be they’re both broken but wanted to look for alternative causes first;
Finally, the van has an electric toilet. Is it essential to use the 2 chemicals in the respective tanks (waste and clean)? Would any household cleaners do?
Apologies for such a huge post! Once I’ve got these basics sorted I promise I’ll go quiet! Cheers all.
Water Pump. Some caravans have a pressurised water system, others use a micro switch system whereby each tap has its own micro switch. I would expect that your van may have a micro switch on each tap. These do fail and can be replaced. Someone else may be able to tell you how.
Gas appliances. It is usual for each gas appliance to have its own tap. These are usually all together in one of the cupboards. You need the taps to be inline with the pipe for the appliance to be on.
Toilet. We always use the proper chemicals in both. Personally I would always use the correct chemical in the waste tank. I don't think the filler tank is as important.
Good luck with your new van.
------------- The Chinster.
Some people are just all show. I don’t mind that if the show is worth watching but ….
As far as I know the van has to be level for the fridge to work on the gas, plus as Chinster said make sure the taps are all on.
When you put the water pump on did you have the taps open to start with? 'Cause you need to pump the water through the system to start with, to fill the water heater before closing the taps and putting on the water heater.
Use the proper chemicals for the loo, look around and you can get some good deals on them, like BOGOF on blue and pink together.
Hope this helps, have a great time in your van.
Thanks again. The van was listing slightly (amateurish parking by me) so that may well be the cause. The rest of the gas system was fine as the hob / oven worked. I'll keep you posted. Cheers
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Topic: Few newbie questions!
