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Topic: Buying a freedom 1975

mandyp

09/10/2014 at 8:58pm
Location: Suffolk
Outfit: Vauxhall vivaro camp

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We are going to look at a freedom caravan1975 model, is there anything we need to check out or look for.This will be our first van and really excited but dont want to make a big mistake.
Thanks for any advice.

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Mandy

Grampian91

10/10/2014 at 1:31am
Location: Midlands
Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram

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Damp... Rust underneath.

Date on the tyres? Brakes and hitch damper working?

Are you sure 1975? If its a date, I didnt think they were around that long ago?

Not a model number i have come across before.

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mandyp

10/10/2014 at 8:07am
Location: Suffolk
Outfit: Vauxhall vivaro camp

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I ve been told its a microlite popular 1970's era.
Going to view at weekend.
These vans seem to get snapped up but i dont want to buy something which will cost us money to fix.
Thank you for the advice,it will come in useful and be on my list to check.

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Mandy

ferretlady

10/10/2014 at 8:38am
Location: Mid Wales
Outfit: Coachman Vip 520

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Hi mandyp, i have a 12 month old Freedom. The main issue with Freedoms are the roof linings sagging. Just do the usual checks for damp and spongy floors. The body is made of grp and in one piece, so are quite good at not getting damp. You will need to make sure it has had a gas check. If the roof lining is sagging, this can be fixed either at a dealers or quite a few do the repair themselves. The lining needs to be foam backed as this is the insulation.
We love our little van, and wouldn't change it for anything. I'm sure you will get a lot of enjoyment!
let us know how you get on!

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Enjoy life while you can, none of us know what's round the corner!

plasticnut

10/10/2014 at 9:20am
Location: St Helens Merseyside
Outfit: Freedom Microlite Sport

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Check the grab handles front and back as these are a source of water ingress as the handles break down. About £12 each to replace.
Check inside the top lockers front and back as these can be damp area. some times caused by leaks from the rail above the windows.
Check inside the lower side lockers and wardrobe locker for damp.
If you can, have a look at the roof and check carefully any part of the out side which has additions i.e holes made by previous owners for aerials etc as these are also areas where water can get in.
AS previous post check underneath carefully as it probably won't be galvanized.
Hope this helps

Camper Colin

10/10/2014 at 2:57pm
Location: Leeds
Outfit: Elddis Xplore 504 Trigano Tribute 669

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Maybe take a camera and take some pictures, then if you're not sure of something, the knowledgeable people on here could advise you(provided seller is ok with that of course)?

mandyp

11/10/2014 at 7:06pm
Location: Suffolk
Outfit: Vauxhall vivaro camp

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We did all the above checks and both took a turn at towing home 100mls(first time towing for both of us).
Yes as you guessed we purchased the van,we took so long doing the check that we were offered a cuppa.Very nice people.
We love our Freedom who has been named Hilda as the car is Herbie.
Cant wait for the first use.
Many thanks for all the advice.

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Mandy

navver

11/10/2014 at 8:23pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

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Did you check the..... Oh, too late never mind. Just joking.

Our first van was a Freedom Sunseeker and we loved it. They should last much longer than normal caravans as they are made of GRP with a galvanised chassis.

VangoMan02

11/10/2014 at 8:51pm
Location:
Outfit:

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Enjoy your new caravan

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It is a wise man who has something to say.
It is a fool who has to say something.

ferretlady

12/10/2014 at 12:26pm
Location: Mid Wales
Outfit: Coachman Vip 520

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Ah so pleased you love your little Hilda. We were on a site last week and there were quite a few small vans. There was an Eriba, 2 Freedom Sunseekers and a Tab. It was like a little convention! Lol

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Enjoy life while you can, none of us know what's round the corner!

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