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Subject Topic: Off Road Caravan moving advice Post Reply Post New Topic
04/1/2019 at 2:23pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
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Hi Guys

I recently purchased a 1973 Sprite 400 and I love it. only issue I have to move it 40miles and its not road worthy.


I have hired a self drive car transporter, any advice on her to strap her down? she is 10ft by 6ft :)


thanks


04/1/2019 at 3:14pm
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strap wheels down, use rachet straps to get a good tight twang on the strap, same on the a frame and if you can also the rear end of the chassis as far back as you can, your only issue would be I presume the transporter you have hired is a twin axle? and that is going to cause problems with the width of the hired trailer getting the caravan on it as your caravan will be of thee same width as the hired trailer


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06/1/2019 at 5:21pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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As above, it all depends on the trailer. If its flat and above the wheels then no issue.

Is its 2 beams the width of car wheels then you may struggle with the trailer wheels being in the way.

Blocks or ramps to get past them or try the caravan on the opposite way around. You need need to be careful with the trailer noseweight.

There maybe issue with the jockey wheel/drawbar also. But you maybe able to put the caravan legs down instead.

Make sure you have plenty of daylight to test different options out. It maybe a totally flat bed and an easy task but dont leave it until the afternoon when it gets dark quickly.



06/1/2019 at 7:30pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
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Re-reading the O/P I see the phrase "self-drive car transporter", which I presume is a truck rather than a trailer. With his sort of vehicle the back is usually a flat bed, so there should be no issues with width and the wheel track.

I would have thought that these would come with ratchet straps which could be used to strap down the axle, probably via the caravan's wheels. I would also strap down the tow hitch to a central point at the front of the transporter to stop any tendency of the caravan to swivel on the bed. For extra security you could try to find somewhere at the rear of the caravan chassis to strap down, again using ratchet straps. However, if the axle is securely strapped, and the hitch secured, strapping down the rear end is probably a bit belt and braces.

Take it steady, drive carefully, and be aware of the increased height when planning your route. Hope all goes well.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


06/1/2019 at 8:32pm
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use as many straps as possible. Use the chassis / axle / a frame as anchor points but first check the integrity fo the metal as it may deform if heavily rusted when tightening the straps...
I would also recommend strapping the wheels , doesn't matter of tyres are flat ...just go careful as its an old van.

I would also check that the body is firmly fixed to the chassis of the caravan too.


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06/1/2019 at 11:43pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo
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The Sprite 400 is only about 8 feet long so very little overhang at the back


09/1/2019 at 3:55am
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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Ahh the baby one, i wasnt sure how big the 400 was OP says 10ft, inc drawbar maybe?

Add another 3 feet for the drawbar if not though?

Just need to get a 1970's Austin Maxi to tow it

Or maybe I am mad? Always wanted a Maxi to tow the old Sprite Musketeer. Seen the outfit on a carry on film



09/1/2019 at 1:45pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
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Back in the 70s and early 80s I used to tow my Sprite Musketeer with a Mk2 Cortina. It seemed to be a good combination. I had an Alpine before the Musketeer, they were great old caravans.

I'd love to see some pictures of the 400. I loved the old Sprites as I always considered that they brought caravanning to the masses.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


09/1/2019 at 1:57pm
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That was Sam Alpers intention - mass production / low cost products which unfortunately nowadays results in low quality products


09/1/2019 at 5:28pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
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Quote: Originally posted by moorlander999 on 09/1/2019
That was Sam Alpers intention - mass production / low cost products which unfortunately nowadays results in low quality products



Right on both counts Moorlander999. I saw a TV programme about Sprite caravans not so long ago.

Sadly today's mass production methods seem to leave a lot to be desired. My 1992 Elddis seems to be better than many caravans produced in the last few years. The problems with new and nearly new caravans I have heard about on here I would find unacceptable in a £1,000 caravan like mine.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


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09/1/2019 at 7:18pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo
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Possibly something like this

http://geoffreythesprite.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-finish.html?m=1


10/1/2019 at 9:08am
 Location: Worcestershire
 Outfit: Buccaneer Cruiser
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As a matter of interest, why is it unroadworthy?



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