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Going off a little, we have the 2004 Stirling Eccles and am very happy with the build quality, tow-ability and comfort over 6000 miles this year.

Hope this helps,  Stew

We got our new to us Sterling Elite yesterday too and have had to put it to bed til March, harumph!

Hope you have much fun.

Ali

Quote: Originally posted by geoki on 07/11/2009

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WAHAAY.....we've got it home! We've got it home!!!

As i type the kids beds are made....the family are watching the tv in the van....i'm sitting in the house finishing cooking the tea so that we can eat it in the van.


We've had tea and cakes with our friends this afternoon....and have only had one slight hitch [or not hitch!!]

We've not had an alko hitch before and the new fancy lock that you can travel with locked on proved a bit of a problem in that once the van was leveled on our front garden, we couldn't for the life of us get the flaming thing off. We phoned the dealer, who talked us through how easy it was to lift off...but no. So with the promise that he'd come past after he closed at 4 this afternoon, we put all our bits and pieces in the van and, as I said did a spot of entertaining.

At 4.15 the dealer appeared [oh with the corner jack as well as there wasn't one!]. He too tried to get the lock off...but couldn't. He then said to OH..'Err could you just pull your car forward a tiny touch..don't move the van though!' So he jumped in the car and edged it forward...and the hitch head moved forward about 5cm's....and the lock just lifted off
DOH!!!!!

So we've learnt a valuable lesson....and as Ian said...at least we were at home and not away down to Pitlochry or something...oh and he's added a handy hint to his repertoire as well!!!!

So here's to our new 'van....and a new chapter in our 'vanning future...oh and roll on Easter when the caravan sites up here open again!!!!!

Post last edited on 07/11/2009 19:07:27

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We had exactly the same thing happen when we got back last Sunday night on our drive after being away in our caravan for the first time.  OH had problems releasing the alko hitch from the car (it was firmly locked on) after a while (& as a last resort) he told me to get into the car and release the hand brake and edge the car forwards by a few cm, BINGO it worked . We know now what to do if it happens again.  I am now wondering if this is a common problem.

Enjoy your van