Years ago I used to do all my own car maintenance, including rebuilding of engines, gearbox, suspension, etc. Now, with modern cars being even more complex and, strangely, service data (e.g., workshop manuals) are not available for the most able of DIYers.
It seems to me that caravan manufacturers are pushing us into this same trap, and most of us are walking into it.
For a mobile camping home, I personally think the manufacturers are now going too far down the road to make the maintenance of caravans as complex (and costly) as a small permanent home.
Add to this the proven failings of quality control during manufacture, the way, because of increasing weight with luxury fittings, the shells and furnishings are becoming ever more flimsy, so open to the vagaries of deterioration due to road vibrations, and the average van will have a built-in obsolescence out of all proportion to the cost of purchase and maintenance.
Our own approach to caravan touring is to have an outfit that will give us "reasonable" comfort at sensible expenditure - there are times when bad weather can keep us in the van, but isn't a van otherwise for overnight relaxation after a day of enjoying any particular area we happen to be visiting?
So, for us, the van must be capable of allowing DIY running repairs whilst 'on the road', without the nonsense of having to take it back the a service agent to protect warranty issues; which can mean having to live with a fault until returning home.
Bertie.
I can't see any chance of being allowed to buy a van without the level of comfort the ADLE system offers, not that I would entertain it myself either.
Excepting its electronic control it is not a complex system. Its only required maintenance of a 2 or 5 year fluid change should be well within the capabilities of anybody of reasonable competence.
We can't now readily avoid the electronic complexity by buying blown air, that features in the latest version of the Combie system.
I shall not be staying at the more rudimentary comfort level of caravanning, in fear of complexity; we like to pamper ourselves, not least when out in the van. I also tow it with a technology packed vehicle, again no way would either of us like to go back to carbs etc, just so maintenace can be done without support.
This is a hobby where we like the best comfort available. I however do still manage much of my own servicing, simply because I trust myself to make a first class job of it where time costs me nothing, and I get a level of satisfaction from doing so.
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: Pink Five Year Glycol - Service charge
