we are extatic, we have bought our first van and couldnt be more pleased.
We are now the proud owners of an Elddis Cyclone XL '92.
After our previous viewings to see vans with pictures that showed the van in pristine condition and guarantees that there was no damp we went with an open mind. What a massive shock it was to find such a lovely van, it is spotlessly clean, the odd little scratch as you would expect from a van of this age, and no signs what so ever of any damp. It is a well looked after and cared for van.
We snapped it up.
The seller fixed it on our car, we drove off down their road and went over a speed bump for it to come off the back of our car!!! I was horrified dreading spending our money to have no van, hubby jumped out and put it back on, when we hit another speed hump for it to come off again!!! Hubby realised the problem was a plate on the tow bar stopping the alco hitch fitting properly so we went to the nearest garage and paid them to remove the plate.
Problem sorted - it tows on our car like a dream, so now looking forward to going away with it.
Thank you for all encouragement after our disappointments.
Many Congratulations on getting your van, we've recently bought our first van too and like you just can't wait to get away. Hope you have many, many happy times.
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Something good to be said for speed humps as well, though it might be an idea to check your tow ball as I suspect you do not have an al-ko one fitted and you need one - I've seen the damage a non al-ko ball can do to a £300 al-ko stabiliser
Quote: Originally posted by Rune Caster on 16/2/2010
Glad to hear you have success at last...
Something good to be said for speed humps as well, though it might be an idea to check your tow ball as I suspect you do not have an al-ko one fitted and you need one - I've seen the damage a non al-ko ball can do to a £300 al-ko stabiliser
Sorry to be dumb - but what do you mean, what is the difference or what should we be looking for?
congratulations on your new van,happy caravanning.your not the first i have helped two to rehitch there van after hitting speed bumps.better there than on a motorway.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
Quote: Originally posted by Rune Caster on 16/2/2010
Glad to hear you have success at last...
Something good to be said for speed humps as well, though it might be an idea to check your tow ball as I suspect you do not have an al-ko one fitted and you need one - I've seen the damage a non al-ko ball can do to a £300 al-ko stabiliser
Sorry to be dumb - but what do you mean, what is the difference or what should we be looking for?
The alko towball has a bit longer neck, with a narrower part under the towball - like this. You can see a comparison with a 'normal' towball here. If you don't have the right type then you can buy just the towball and plate, and fit it yourself. Any caravan dealer will have the Alko type. The painted covering needs to be removed with very fine grade steel wool, to ensure a good fit and no damage to the pads inside the stabiliser.
Worth all the messing about over these past few months to get what you wanted then. Have a great time. After waiting so long to get what you wnated better call the van Mr Darcy!!!!!
Phil
------------- 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
I suggest you get the hitch checked & possibly replaced, as previously stated the hitch needs an extended Alko ball. if the hitch was forced off the ball going over a speed hump it will be because the front of the hitch grounded out on the standard hitch which is too short.
If the hitch was forced off the ball it could have been damaged & may well detatch itsself again. Make sure you get the Alko ball fitted before towing the 'van again.
After you have coupled up always wind the jockey wheel onto the ground & watch the back of the car rise up with the hitch to make sure you are connected properly.