Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning

Topic: Double Disaster

Page: 1 2

Doonass

04/4/2009 at 11:31pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 07/7/2008

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 16

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

We were on our way to Cork today to catch the ferry to France when I noticed smoke coming from one of the back wheels of the car. I stopped the car immediately and got out to look. There were flames coming from the area around the wheel. We got the kids out of the car as fast as possible and away from the side of the road.

Fortunately once the car was stopped the flames disappeared but there was still quite a lot of smoke coming out. I called the breakdown service and they arrived after about an hour. The mechanic was unable to make any repairs on the roadside but said that it looked like a caliper had seized. While getting the car serviced last week the brake pads were replaced on all 4 wheels and I suspect that they were not reassembled correctly.

At this stage it was too late to have any chance of catching the ferry. After discussing it with the breakdown service it was decided to take the car to a local garage to be looked at. There was not enough room in the truck for all of us so my wife had to stay with the children. I brought them down the embankment away from the roadside to a quiet spot where they could wait while I went with the mechanic. I had unhitched the caravan and left that at the roadside with a warning triangle.

The verdict at the garage was that the brakes had seized and would need new calipers, discs and pads which could not be got until Monday. He freed up the brakes so that I could drive far enough to collect the family and caravan and get home which was about 15 miles away.

I got back to where we had broken down and got everyone back into the car. I then hitched up the caravan and when doing my usual checks before driving away I noticed that the door was unlocked. This was unusual because I had put the wheel clamp on the caravan and checked it before leaving it but I didn't think any more about it and just locked the door and headed for home.

When we got home I opened the caravan to get the mover remote control when I noticed lots of the contents of the caravan thrown about. It suddenly dawned on me why the door of the caravan was open - we had been robbed while I was away getting the car checked and my wife was about 50yds away down the embankment with the kids. The scum took the step, my cordless drill, TV and laptop that were in a box together on the floor and the built-in car stereo. There's a few other things gone as well but I haven't got a full list together yet.

I think they must have stopped, thinking that they could just hitch up the caravan and drive away. The breakdown mechanic suggested putting on the wheelclamp which probably saved the caravan being stolen.

At this stage we are all devastated - not only has our holiday been ruined but these scum have violated our home. We are now hoping to get off next weekend for a shorter holiday but we're not going to let this beat us.

fwhiten

05/4/2009 at 1:26am
Location: Berkshire
Outfit: ABI Jubilee Viceroy-Volvo V70 T5

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 09/4/2007

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 54

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

It sounds like something out of a film! You seem to have bad luck like me, that's just the kind of thing that would happen to me, if it can go wrong, then it will! I feel so sorry for you and your family, I hope all will be well in the end. At least your family were unhurt and all are ok.

The garage who originally serviced all the brakes will have to put this mess right.

-------------
"A.C.L. - Three ways to tackle a problem. Accept it, Change it or Leave it."

Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!

UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

Mrs Mop

05/4/2009 at 8:18am
Location: Callington Cornwall
Outfit: Willerby Salsa

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/7/2006

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2525

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I feel so sorry for you all, I hope your going to take it up with the garage who did the service, I think they should pay you compensation.

snowy747

05/4/2009 at 8:33am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 12/6/2005

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3869
Tent Reviews: 4

Site Reviews Total:	5

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

What bad luck and how disgusting that somebody should rob the van. Utter lowlifes, hope their arms drop off.

Ali

Rizzo

05/4/2009 at 8:54am
Location: Southampton
Outfit: Swift Challenger 570SE & Kuga 2l TCDi

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/10/2002

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 7311

Site Reviews Total:	12

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

What scumbags! I hope you are insured and get to go on your holls soon.Take comfort in the fact that you did the righth thing by making sure your family were safe.

CaddyClan

05/4/2009 at 9:21am
Location: Mid-Wales UK
Outfit: VW + Bailey Pageant Burgundy 08

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/8/2005

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4075

Site Reviews Total:	23

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Oh gosh how awful! It's the kind of thing we all dread happening. I hope you get it all sorted soon & manage another trip soon x

-------------
Claire x

Jan 2013 - Skiing, Kühtai, Austria
May - Swiss Farm
Fforest Ffields
Aug - Saumur, France
Oct - Somewhere...
Jan '14 - Skiing, Les Houches

Sean P

05/4/2009 at 9:28am
Location: Norf
Outfit: Elddis

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 08/2/2006

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1027

Site Reviews Total:	13

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	2
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Sue the garage that did the service, calipers only seize when they have been fitted incorrectly. These thieves were 'just' casual druggies - after anything they could get. Commercial thieves, those which want to make proper money wouldnt have thrown the stuff around (as this causes more forensics) and would never rob a car stereo as they are worth nothing. Very very unlucky scum like that were around. Just be glad you and the family are fit and well - that is all that ever matters.

-------------
*:)

johnks

05/4/2009 at 9:54am
Location: Hampshire
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 17/10/2005

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1809

Site Reviews Total:	10

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

So sorry to hear your problems. One lesson learnt though. Never leave things like laptops, cameras and TV's in the caravan. Always keep them in the car when travelling.

-------------
John

Mrs. Bonce

05/4/2009 at 10:22am
Location: Luton (no jokes plea
Outfit: Coachman and Hyundai

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/6/2006

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 12700

Site Reviews Total:	384

Site Reviews 2024:	21
Site Reviews 2023:	26
Site Reviews 2022:	37
Site Reviews 2021:	26
Site Reviews 2020:	11
Site Reviews 2019:	30
Site Reviews 2018:	31

Site Nights 2024:	102
Site Nights 2023:	119
Site Nights 2022:	154
Site Nights 2021:	140
Site Nights 2020:	63
Site Nights 2019:	132
Site Nights 2018:	134

Oh no, how awful. I hop you get everyithing sorted out ok.

Anne

louise001

05/4/2009 at 10:42am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/8/2003

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 73

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

The swines, i'm glad this has not put you off caravaning. dont let the scums bet you.

-------------
If you want something said ask a man, If you want something done ask a woman

debcon

05/4/2009 at 10:53am
Location: west yorks
Outfit: Caravanett

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/8/2003

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 472

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	1
Site Reviews 2018:	1

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	2
Site Nights 2018:	1

how unlucky but why didnt the breakdown company take the caravan with you ?

mzzy

05/4/2009 at 11:11am
Location: West Midlands
Outfit: Karsten

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/7/2004

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3521
Tent Reviews: 5

Site Reviews Total:	10

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Thats terrible!!!

Good job your wife didn't see the thief tho, you never know what could have happened! Can't believe how low some people will stoop!

-------------
~*MZZY*~

madtrucker

05/4/2009 at 11:40am
Location: biddulph stoke on trent
Outfit: sprite quattro Mercedes ML 270

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 09/8/2008

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 227

Site Reviews Total:	6

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

what breakdown service do you use we use the green flag Mayday service though the caravan club and will take you car 5 passensers and caravan and even return you home if the car can't be fixed which they did 4 me last year and this only costs £85 a year for two car's which would have meant your van would have been safe hope this helps for the future.

zara

05/4/2009 at 11:45am
Location: stockport
Outfit: elldis 544 land rover defender

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 31/3/2004

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 190

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I feel for you , see what the garage has to say about it, but i cannot see them taking any blame.

soggy knees

05/4/2009 at 12:34pm
Location: Hull East Yorkshire
Outfit: VANGO TAMOR 500 (yet to be tested)

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 07/5/2006

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1074

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

OMG that is so awful, sometimes it feels like its not meant to be, Glad everyone is ok though, obviously apart from the severe disappointment.

-------------

Windy jo
Best keep off the baked beans

Jusy

05/4/2009 at 1:47pm
Location: Shopshire
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 18/5/2005

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6915

Site Reviews Total:	5

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

The thieving swines. Hope you get everything sorted.

-------------
2013.
Time to say goodbye

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Jump To Page: 1 2
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

6768 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder