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Subject Topic: Disaster! Almost... Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonMiriH
15/7/2015 at 4:51pm
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I bought an old ABI Monza a few weeks ago (my first caravan). I knew it wasn't in perfect condition but it was totally damp-free (I had it professionally tested before I bought it) and only cost £500, so seemed like a bit of a bargain.

Anyway, upon having it serviced it appears that everything else is totally stuffed. It's dry, certainly, but the gas hob and electrics have both been condemned (not to mention to tyres and fridge).

I don't want this thing to become a money pit as there's just no point when we'll probably upgrade next year anyway. But I do plan on living in it for at least a month or two this summer, so I could do with working my way around the electric and gas issues. So, a brief question -

What's the best way to use our leisure battery and solar panel now we can't connect it to the caravan itself which is apparently 'flat-wired' and therefore dangerous? Is it just a case of getting an inverter?

Also, I presume sourcing a new hob for a caravan of this age (late 80s) would be out of the question? It's built in to the sink unit, and the problem does appear to be with the hob/grill itself. Apparently a foot-high flame shot out of one of the hob rings when the guy testing it lit the grill.. We'll probably just end up using our normal camping stove instead.


Personjohn#mel#3kids!
15/7/2015 at 5:25pm
 Location: west yorks
 Outfit:  Vango inspire 600xl 5m bell tent View john#mel#3kids!'s Profile View Profile   Reply to john#mel#3kids! Reply   Quote john#mel#3kids! Quote  
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If you plan to live in the van for a while I would put up an awning and run electric straight into there for fridge ect,and then into the van for lamps, telly, as for cooking get one of the round electric pans from b+m bargains, £20,we use ours for loads of things from a full English to a Chinese stir fry.


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PersonAVON EAGLE
15/7/2015 at 5:41pm
 Location: Blackpool
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If there was a foot high flame coming out of the gas hob - it is most probably your gas regulator that needs changing. You may be able to use it - if you change it. Make sure it is the correct regulator for the gas you are using - Blue for butane - Red for propane.

You could also run a battery charger to top up your caravan battery - get an intelligent one.


Personjanus
15/7/2015 at 5:47pm
 Location: Rochdale
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 470 Mondeo titanium 140tdc View janus's Profile View Profile   Reply to janus Reply   Quote janus Quote  
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For electrics I would just go out and by a hook up lead intended for a tent then a fan heater for heat and run the fridge on gas. As has been said a new regulator should sort the gas out. If you then run a reasonably smart battery charger from the hook up you will have everything running that you need.

Just what do they mean by flat wired? Is the consumer unit working? If it is then your problems with the electrics are minimal.

-------------
Bill

For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013

Mondeo Titanium 140 tdci


PersonMiriH
15/7/2015 at 5:55pm
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I've just spoken to the person who serviced the van - apparently it's the 230v system which is no good, and that's no issue because we'll only be using the 12v system with our battery and big solar panel kit. All we need is a few interior lights and phone charging. So that's good - phew.

He also said that he tested the hob with a new gas bottle and regulator and so it does sound like it was the hob/grill. There was a gas leak detected also, which he presumed was down to the hob/grill.

I'm a bit happier now I know we can use the battery. Just wish the gas was working!


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Personkazo2014
15/7/2015 at 8:41pm
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try looking on ebay, I have just found this cooker/sink unit and I presume yours is the same http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Camper-van-caravan-sink-gas-hob-grill-unit-fellows-/301683696675?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item463dbfe423 it wouldn't be hard to run a new set of pipework to get it working safely, along with a new regulator I reckon maybe £60 max would sort that out


Personandy monty
17/7/2015 at 4:49pm
 Location: Gods Own Country
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Quote: Originally posted by MiriH on 15/7/2015
I've just spoken to the person who serviced the van - apparently it's the 230v system which is no good, and that's no issue because we'll only be using the 12v system with our battery and big solar panel kit. All we need is a few interior lights and phone charging. So that's good - phew.

He also said that he tested the hob with a new gas bottle and regulator and so it does sound like it was the hob/grill. There was a gas leak detected also, which he presumed was down to the hob/grill.

I'm a bit happier now I know we can use the battery. Just wish the gas was working!



find a local gas man or just use a stand alone hob/ camping kitchen in the awning??


Personjanus
17/7/2015 at 5:14pm
 Location: Rochdale
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 470 Mondeo titanium 140tdc View janus's Profile View Profile   Reply to janus Reply   Quote janus Quote  
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Quote: Originally posted by MiriH on 15/7/2015I've just spoken to the person who serviced the van - apparently it's the 230v system which is no good, and that's no issue because we'll only be using the 12v system with our battery and big solar panel kit. All we need is a few interior lights and phone charging. So that's good - phew.

He also said that he tested the hob with a new gas bottle and regulator and so it does sound like it was the hob/grill. There was a gas leak detected also, which he presumed was down to the hob/grill.

I'm a bit happier now I know we can use the battery. Just wish the gas was working!


When he says the 240v system is no good exactly what does he mean. Does he mean that it does not reach current installation standards, which the vast majority of vans over two years old would fail to meet. Or does he mean the the whole electrical system probably meets the standards required when they were installed but are not inherently dangerous,. Or does he mean that the installation is dangerous and it's use would pose a threat to life if used.

A competent caravan engineer would be able to sort out the gas installation and if necessary have it checked by a registered gas person.


-------------
Bill

For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013

Mondeo Titanium 140 tdci


Personromany girl
17/7/2015 at 10:05pm
 Location: Derbyshire
 Outfit: ElddisAvante462 Honda CRV SE2.2 i-Dtec View romany girl's Profile View Profile   Reply to romany girl Reply   Quote romany girl Quote  
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Whatever you do, do not use your camping hob inside the enclosed space of your caravan, as you risk carbon monoxide poisioning from doing so as this type of cooker is not fitted with an external flue, and is designed for use in well ventelated open spaces only.

Julia

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Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife

Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!


Personjanus
18/7/2015 at 12:53am
 Location: Rochdale
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Quote: Originally posted by romany girl on 17/7/2015
Whatever you do, do not use your camping hob inside the enclosed space of your caravan, as you risk carbon monoxide poisioning from doing so as this type of cooker is not fitted with an external flue, and is designed for use in well ventelated open spaces only.

Julia

Are any caravan hob units fitted with an external flue? It would be very very difficult to manage. Every one that I have seen has bare flames burning inside the caravan, just as you would get from a tent camping hob sat on top of the omitted caravan hob.



-------------
Bill

For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013

Mondeo Titanium 140 tdci


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Personbilly
18/7/2015 at 10:35am
 Location: North Essex
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No caravan hobs have a flue so ok to use portable stove inside caravan with vetilation. Don't go to sleep with it burning, obviously.


PersonGrampian91
19/7/2015 at 3:36am
 Location: Midlands
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I wonder if they just wired it directly to some sockets and no circuit breaker fitted?
Ive seen that a few times.

Inverters work but they are not that efficient, i tested 2 a couple of weeks back and powering a 100w bulb one peaked at 156w and settled back to a continuous 136 watts.

Not very efficient, your much better off with dedicated 12v electrics.


Personnaturlist123
20/7/2015 at 1:02am
 Location: Southport
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Last week Aldi had two plate electric hobs for under £25 one I kilowatt one 2 kilowatt both adjustable about 18" x 10" over all which can be used in your awning or van but youll need a EHU.



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