Hi All,
I am a total newbie to all this, but looking forward to the leisure and challengers ahead:-)
I have just purchased our 1st tourer( Avondale osprey 2007),
I have read some good and bad reports about the avondale also found some good tips on buying ,maintenance repairs etc.
I would love any suggestions/tips and reports on the osprey and general touring. I am a very competent DIYer so will be really looking after our baby.
My big ask is, is there anywhere I can download the manual for it.
Thanks in advance and really happy to be on-board.
Boldi62
The manuals are 99 pages of health and safety and what not to do and 5 pages of see other manuals and
3 useful pages on the wiring and switches and awning size.
Slight exaggeration maybe (mines only 62 pages)
What do you need help with? If its appliances then google that manufacturer because they are fairly standard and often have the manuals you require.
Additional to my Caravan handbook it also came with one for the water heater another for the cooker and hob and another for the fridge and another for the zig panel and finally one for the chassis.
having recently bought a older van ,but having had a few before i went over mine with a fine tooth comb . depending on whether yours is in storage or a home heres a few things to check out .
towing plugs grey/black as well as just hitching up the van and car to check lights physically check each plug for corrosion and/or wear cheap and very easy to replace if needed.
if you have a alko type hitch (you will on a 2007 van) check inside to ensure its never been used greased (mine had) if so replace stabiliser pads £30 appr and clean thoroughly with brake cleaner .
also check tow-ball on car to ensure you have a alko tow ball they have a longer neck and are easy to spot ,if yours happens to be new all paint must be removed with wet and dry and brake cleaner .
t.b.c
Magnum Motorhomes bought all the Avondale stock after the company went into administration in 2008. They should be able to supply the original manual if you need it. Avondale brochures can be downloaded from www.avondalecaravans.com (sorry, can't post the link from my works computer)!
There's an Avondale caravan owners group on Facebook that might also be able to answer any specific questions you may have.
Not sure what you mean by "recommendations for general touring" but my suggestion would be look up wherever has the best weather forecast for the time you're free to travel, and go and enjoy
We created a blog of some of our touring travels if anyone's remotely interested ...
We have the Haynes Caravan manual which is far more useful than the wallet of booklets that came with my 2008 Swift. My edition was published in 2009 so covers all of the equipment and fittings in my van and should cover yours too. It would be ideal for you as a keen DIYer as it includes the instructions for removing and repairing or replacing virtually everything in a caravan. Amazon have it in stock
continuing my bit ,
check everything works before you go away and get familiar with which does what ,check your water works ,the water heater works and the heater plus its settings ,check your gas and ensure the cooker rings and burners are not clogged by someone elses grease ,ensure your fridge works how it should on the mains .
check your tyres for any cracks in the sidewall and date codes replace if needed ,check your van tyre pressures before each trip and before returning home .the list is endless but that should get you started
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: Newbie caravan tourer
