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Hi all.

Over the last few years, we have progressed from tent, to folding camper, and now to caravan. Helped along the way, by the excllent help and advice of this community; so thank you!

I've posted little before because I always found the answers to my tent and camper questions, but there are some silly caravan questions I have to get out of the way!!

We have just bought privately, a 2004 Ace Globetrooter (well a Prestege 25 - which is a dealer special), with end bathroom and dinette that converts to bunks. My silly questions are as follows!

1. I read on these very pages that leaving the sunblinds down, can cause the mechanism to fail?? Ture or False.

2. I have spotlights sited close together, one works fine from the battery suppy, but the other; with a small screw fitting a regular 40w bulb, does not - do these only work off mains connection only??

3. I can't find a jack - you know a wheel brace. Is it just missing, or is there anywhere special I should look, or do caravans not come with them as standard? What should I replace it with - any suggestions?..

4. Really silly question I'm sure - but does the 12v supply, convert to AC and power the normal mains plugs, or does 12v only power the 12v things and sockets?

5. The upholstry needs a freshen up. I'm not sure if it would stand a good old carpet shampoo type clean from one of those machines you can hire, or is there something else that you have tried and has worked?

6. We dont seem to have a ladder for the bunk, is there somewhere I should look? If it is missing, any ideas where I might get a replacement. Also, the instruction book seems to show the top bunk with sids and ends; I had a quick assembly tonight, but don't seem to have these??

Thanks to anyone that can offer any pointers on anything above!!

Joe.

Hi there Joe, can't answer all of the questions but will do my best to help:

1. True - when parking it up for a while close the curtains rather than leave the blinds down.

2.We have a screw in type fitting that only works on the 240v - look around for the plug - it may not be plugged in but should be located near to a socket.

3.We have never been given a jack with either of the vans we have purchased - we just thought we would have to use the car one - hope someone out there knows

4.No the 240v will only work with EHU but the van should have a battery charger in it so that you can charge the 12v when on site.

5.Only ever surface cleaned our seating so again looking forward to your replies.

6.Check for the sides in all your lockers ours is detachable and stored under the seating. We do not have a ladder but our bunk is over the double so no space for one - I know you do get ladders with some models so maybe ask your local dealer if they know where to get one - our local dealer is the best and will do anything to help and point you in the right direction.

Hope you get the answers to all your questions

Amanda

Probably the most important thing on the list is a jack & wheel brace -

Probably your best bet is a bottle jack as it takes up less space, but you need to be sure that it has the correct weight capacity for the van and that it is also capable of lifting the van high enough to change the wheel safely. A trolley jack will be easier to operate and will probably give you more lift but will take up more room and weight 

Lidl sell a great wheel brace like this http://shop.justkampers.com/product_info.php/products_id/10430 for about a 5ver - its about the same weight as a spider and can be stowed away - however, this will not give you the same leverage as one with an extending handle like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-Value-69661-Extending-Wrench/dp/B0001KA1EE - however you need to ensure that you have the correct size socket attachment.

For low speed punctures or stationary flats I recommend a can of Tyre-Weld -this is an aerosol that you plug directly into the tyre valve and it both inflates and seals the tyre.

Either way, IMHO its important that you do a 'dry run' and familiarise yourself with the tyre changing procedure on your van (including sussing out the safe jacking points) This could save a lot of grief and money and, most importantly, keep you safe!

1 is true

2 If it is an ordinary bulb then they will only work when on hook up.

3 I have never seen a caravan fitted with a jack as standard. The best solution is the alko jack available from Alko on line or from a caravan dealer, or much cheaper a standard scisors jack to be used under the chassis directly by the axle and then only with the caravan hooked up to the car and the steadies down ( better a broken steady or floor than a crushed body.

4 12v only does 12v, if you are desparate for 240v at low wattage then a small inverter will do the job for short periods of time. ( lie charging batteries on phoes or laptops )

5 Using the shampoo machines on caravan upholstery is fine

Hi

Regarding point 6 of your post, both our caravans have had this type of bunk and typically the Swift Group (including the Ace brand) have side/end pieces, a ladder - and separte mattress cushions.  So you may find you are missing the cushions too.

Lots of caravanners take all the loose bunk parts out of the van if they don't need them and put them in the garage/shed/attic.  I would suggest this has happened in your case.  If you don't have anything which reveals the previous owner's details (and usually the dealer makes sure you don't have this info!) - you might be able to ask the dealer to follow it up for you, to see if they still have them somewhere.

Either that, or you should be able to obtain replacements from any Swift Group dealer - but from previous experience, Swift parts are very expensive. Finally, you could put out a wanted advert for them - loads of people must've got them in their lofts!!

I have a ladder to sell

Brand new still in wrapping

Steve