Back to the fold....
Discussion
Well, it's almost a year since I bought my Rimor Superbrig and 9months since I sold it. Couldn't stay away.....
Today I finalized a deal on a superb little Hymer Starline B640 of 2001 vintage. One owner from new and supplied by Travelworld and our very own Pistonheads motorhome guru - Nagsheadwarrior. It's been an absolute pleasure dealing with him both by email and finally meeting him today up in Telford. And the van's a beaut too!
A bit of snagging to sort, a service and Hab check and she'll be ours in a little over four weeks. Can't wait!
The Hymer is in a Merc 416CDI manual chassis with just 36k on the clock. Lots of extras (solar, cab aircon, satnav, reversing camera, dual leisure batteries) - we're adding LED lights and 2x11kg Gaslow.
It's going to be a long wait!
I would urge anyone in the market for a motorhome to give nagsheadwarrior a shout - top chap and Travelworld is a superb place - like the proverbial sweetshop. At one point I was considering remortgaging the house!
Today I finalized a deal on a superb little Hymer Starline B640 of 2001 vintage. One owner from new and supplied by Travelworld and our very own Pistonheads motorhome guru - Nagsheadwarrior. It's been an absolute pleasure dealing with him both by email and finally meeting him today up in Telford. And the van's a beaut too!
A bit of snagging to sort, a service and Hab check and she'll be ours in a little over four weeks. Can't wait!
The Hymer is in a Merc 416CDI manual chassis with just 36k on the clock. Lots of extras (solar, cab aircon, satnav, reversing camera, dual leisure batteries) - we're adding LED lights and 2x11kg Gaslow.
It's going to be a long wait!
I would urge anyone in the market for a motorhome to give nagsheadwarrior a shout - top chap and Travelworld is a superb place - like the proverbial sweetshop. At one point I was considering remortgaging the house!
Thank Rosscow. As Jody will attest, I spent a lot of time quizzing on the issue of damp - Hymers aren't known for it due to the construction method of their bodywork/skin and any leaks if they do happen are very obvious and easy to treat.
All the other things which were an issue in the Superbrig shouldn't be here. We spent an absolute age inside and outside the vehicle going over all the bits and bobs which caused angst during the last period of ownership.
For instance.....
- this van has nearly new tyres (all 6 plus spare, Conti Vanco matched)
- cab aircon & leccy pax window in the cab (which Superbrig didn't)
- all cupboards, catches etc work perfectly.
- shower-room solid and free from issues
- gearbox and clutch work beautifully (from cold aswell as when warm)
- slight play in steering, but to be investigated
- no strange noises, pulling or behaviour from the chassis
- has Nature Pure water filter already fitted
- solar panel fitted to trickle charge batteries since it's stored offsite and no hookup available when not in use
- payload - around 1,000kg rather than the c. 50kg of the Superbrig!!!
I think those were the main bits which bothered us and spoilt the Superbrig ownership experience. It's fair to say we went in to this with our eyes almost pegged open since we were so badly scalded by the last van. Also, buying from Travelworld, with their backup, minimises the potential for sleepless nights.
It's still a lot of money for us and there is that to consider, but I firmly believe we've bought the right van for the next couple of years and also convinced that if the plan were to go spectacularly pete tong, we'd get the vast majority of our capital outlay back.
All the other things which were an issue in the Superbrig shouldn't be here. We spent an absolute age inside and outside the vehicle going over all the bits and bobs which caused angst during the last period of ownership.
For instance.....
- this van has nearly new tyres (all 6 plus spare, Conti Vanco matched)
- cab aircon & leccy pax window in the cab (which Superbrig didn't)
- all cupboards, catches etc work perfectly.
- shower-room solid and free from issues
- gearbox and clutch work beautifully (from cold aswell as when warm)
- slight play in steering, but to be investigated
- no strange noises, pulling or behaviour from the chassis
- has Nature Pure water filter already fitted
- solar panel fitted to trickle charge batteries since it's stored offsite and no hookup available when not in use
- payload - around 1,000kg rather than the c. 50kg of the Superbrig!!!
I think those were the main bits which bothered us and spoilt the Superbrig ownership experience. It's fair to say we went in to this with our eyes almost pegged open since we were so badly scalded by the last van. Also, buying from Travelworld, with their backup, minimises the potential for sleepless nights.
It's still a lot of money for us and there is that to consider, but I firmly believe we've bought the right van for the next couple of years and also convinced that if the plan were to go spectacularly pete tong, we'd get the vast majority of our capital outlay back.
Thanks guys. Getting really excited....just damned trade shows getting in the way of me getting my van! 
In terms of sleeping arrangements, not optimal with a 2yr old, but we'll make it work. The sofa does extend another 6inches or so to widen the sofa from a wide-ish single to a narrow double. The ideal is that little'un will sleep there, whilst we lounge on the captains chairs (or ideally outside). We'll pop a little bedguard up so that she can't fall out (unless she drifts DOWN the bed!). However, I can easily foresee that she might end up in the pull-down and with either myself or wife sharing with her and one of us on the single! We'll see. To be honest, I'm quite relaxed on it. Once she gets a bit older then we'll want a bit more space but for the next year or two, it'll be fine. At this juncture it was more about getting a solid and dependable van at around this price point, that wouldn't loose us much money, so that in time we could px against a bigger/newer/more appropriate van when the time comes.
In terms of sleeping arrangements, not optimal with a 2yr old, but we'll make it work. The sofa does extend another 6inches or so to widen the sofa from a wide-ish single to a narrow double. The ideal is that little'un will sleep there, whilst we lounge on the captains chairs (or ideally outside). We'll pop a little bedguard up so that she can't fall out (unless she drifts DOWN the bed!). However, I can easily foresee that she might end up in the pull-down and with either myself or wife sharing with her and one of us on the single! We'll see. To be honest, I'm quite relaxed on it. Once she gets a bit older then we'll want a bit more space but for the next year or two, it'll be fine. At this juncture it was more about getting a solid and dependable van at around this price point, that wouldn't loose us much money, so that in time we could px against a bigger/newer/more appropriate van when the time comes.
Thanks for that, Simes. Great to hear that it works for you and also that I might be able to hold onto it for a good few years.
BTW - checked your van out on some other threads - looks awesome and in amazing condition for its age. Also, as you say, a very similar setup, aside from the bed at the rear.
BTW - checked your van out on some other threads - looks awesome and in amazing condition for its age. Also, as you say, a very similar setup, aside from the bed at the rear.
7 days to go until collection and getting stupidly excited now.
House is full of various bits and bobs I should never have sold with the last van (elec hookup cable & adaptors, drinking water hose, toilet chemicals etc) and have treated my daughter to a new sleeping bag and a Duvalay Gold mattress topper to help the sofa (which will be her bed) be that much more comfy and supportive.
Just paid the insurance - 450quid, which seems toppy but also includes EU Breakdown Cover - also for our weight of van, which is important, given it's 4.6t fully laden. The company is mirroring my NCB on the car, but once I start building motorhome NCB, it should come down a bit.
Storage yard booked - will be paying my first months subs tomorrow (50quid pcm) - Gold Rated security which helps with the insurance and also just 1.5miles from the house, so easy to get to.
I managed to procure an original owners manual (think mine might come with it, I know the document pack was extremely good but bought this anyway) from a former Hymer dealer off eBay. It's brilliantly comprehensive; details on location of all the main equipment and what to do when commissioning or laying up and how to look after the paintwork, interior and ancillary bits and bobs etc. Didn't have anything like this for the previous motorhome, so was always finding things out by doing - not always great and sometimes at the expense of breaking things! Best bit was, this manual was only 7quid!
Anyway, plan is that I'll be picking her up from Telford next Friday. I'll hire a car given all the kit I'm taking with me then drop it off in Telford. I'll have a short handover and then I'll be kipping in the yard nextdoor (a nice night away from wife & baby) and go about chilling (popping some beer in the fridge! ) and getting to know the van, checking that everything works; any snagging will be sorted out by Travelworld in the morning.
Trips so far planned:
- 22nd - 25th May - Canterbury
- 29th - 31st May - Rutland Water
- 5th - 7th June - Hayfield, Peak District (me and my mountainbiking mates)
- 19th - 21st June - TBC
- 11th - 25th July - France (heading for Biarritz and possibly over to Bilbao way but crossing the channel at Dover-Calais on the ferry and driving down).
Can't wait!
House is full of various bits and bobs I should never have sold with the last van (elec hookup cable & adaptors, drinking water hose, toilet chemicals etc) and have treated my daughter to a new sleeping bag and a Duvalay Gold mattress topper to help the sofa (which will be her bed) be that much more comfy and supportive.
Just paid the insurance - 450quid, which seems toppy but also includes EU Breakdown Cover - also for our weight of van, which is important, given it's 4.6t fully laden. The company is mirroring my NCB on the car, but once I start building motorhome NCB, it should come down a bit.
Storage yard booked - will be paying my first months subs tomorrow (50quid pcm) - Gold Rated security which helps with the insurance and also just 1.5miles from the house, so easy to get to.
I managed to procure an original owners manual (think mine might come with it, I know the document pack was extremely good but bought this anyway) from a former Hymer dealer off eBay. It's brilliantly comprehensive; details on location of all the main equipment and what to do when commissioning or laying up and how to look after the paintwork, interior and ancillary bits and bobs etc. Didn't have anything like this for the previous motorhome, so was always finding things out by doing - not always great and sometimes at the expense of breaking things! Best bit was, this manual was only 7quid!
Anyway, plan is that I'll be picking her up from Telford next Friday. I'll hire a car given all the kit I'm taking with me then drop it off in Telford. I'll have a short handover and then I'll be kipping in the yard nextdoor (a nice night away from wife & baby) and go about chilling (popping some beer in the fridge!
) and getting to know the van, checking that everything works; any snagging will be sorted out by Travelworld in the morning.Trips so far planned:
- 22nd - 25th May - Canterbury
- 29th - 31st May - Rutland Water
- 5th - 7th June - Hayfield, Peak District (me and my mountainbiking mates)
- 19th - 21st June - TBC
- 11th - 25th July - France (heading for Biarritz and possibly over to Bilbao way but crossing the channel at Dover-Calais on the ferry and driving down).
Can't wait!
So, that's it.....I'm a motorhome owner again and it feels great! Not driven it yet, but proudly sitting in "Harry" having scoffed a bucket load of chilli con carne and enjoying my first cold Stella in him!
All I can say is that I can highly recommend both Jody (nagsheadwarrior) and Travelworld. The experience today has been great and although there's been a bit of snagging necessary, 99% of the original list has been done and just waiting on a last bit tomorrow, which is part of the reason why I'm parked up in their yard spending my first night here, seeing what else I can break!
I was a little nervous picking up the van today; I was pretty darned sure that it was the right decision but it's still a bucket load of money for us and, having just had to sell the X5 to release a bit of cash to maintain the house, I wondered if this was a step too far for us. I needn't have worried since the moment I stepped into Harry, I immediately felt at home. He was everything I remembered........just better. The guys at Travelworld have done a great job at prepping and valeting the van; he's 15yrs old and whilst that's noticeable when parked up next to much newer machinery costing £50k+ more, he looks great and exudes quality. When I think about my Rimor I bought last year, there's just no comparison.
By the time the handover and payment was finished, there was no time for a drive, but plenty tomorrow since I've got another 175mile return journey in him tomorrow. And that was another positive from today - we'd been bemoaning our change from E70 X5 40d to F20 118d - the change seeming a stark one. We're still waiting to take delivery of it (it's at a dealer in Scotland and we live in Essex!) but I had the pleasure of a F30 320d for the trip up today. What a motor? I've always been of the opinion that anything less than a 6-cylinder is not a true BMW but this thing was great. Punchy enough when needed and I averaged 63mpg on the way up. If our 118d is as competent as the 320d then I'll be very happy with the change.
So all in all a good day. A bit strange spending the first night in Harry on my own without the family but I think necessary as today and tomorrow morning would've been too much waiting around for my two year old daughter. But I've got a good feeling about this episode of our motorhoming career and can't wait to use him for what he's intended. Only has 35k on the clock so needs and can afford some usage!
All I can say is that I can highly recommend both Jody (nagsheadwarrior) and Travelworld. The experience today has been great and although there's been a bit of snagging necessary, 99% of the original list has been done and just waiting on a last bit tomorrow, which is part of the reason why I'm parked up in their yard spending my first night here, seeing what else I can break!
I was a little nervous picking up the van today; I was pretty darned sure that it was the right decision but it's still a bucket load of money for us and, having just had to sell the X5 to release a bit of cash to maintain the house, I wondered if this was a step too far for us. I needn't have worried since the moment I stepped into Harry, I immediately felt at home. He was everything I remembered........just better. The guys at Travelworld have done a great job at prepping and valeting the van; he's 15yrs old and whilst that's noticeable when parked up next to much newer machinery costing £50k+ more, he looks great and exudes quality. When I think about my Rimor I bought last year, there's just no comparison.
By the time the handover and payment was finished, there was no time for a drive, but plenty tomorrow since I've got another 175mile return journey in him tomorrow. And that was another positive from today - we'd been bemoaning our change from E70 X5 40d to F20 118d - the change seeming a stark one. We're still waiting to take delivery of it (it's at a dealer in Scotland and we live in Essex!) but I had the pleasure of a F30 320d for the trip up today. What a motor? I've always been of the opinion that anything less than a 6-cylinder is not a true BMW but this thing was great. Punchy enough when needed and I averaged 63mpg on the way up. If our 118d is as competent as the 320d then I'll be very happy with the change.
So all in all a good day. A bit strange spending the first night in Harry on my own without the family but I think necessary as today and tomorrow morning would've been too much waiting around for my two year old daughter. But I've got a good feeling about this episode of our motorhoming career and can't wait to use him for what he's intended. Only has 35k on the clock so needs and can afford some usage!
Edited by Spuffington on Friday 8th May 18:24
Thanks for the info, Glen. I need to do a bit more research then regarding our plans for July and S. France. The problem is, neither my wife or I are brilliant sailors - we're ok with a short trip Folkestone to Calais, but can imagine anything more might be a struggle. May have to just bite the bullet on the tolls and accept that we're to be bent over!
Harry is going great though. We've spent virtually every free day in him that we've had. Still only had one overnight, but we've had a couple of day trips over to local C&CC site in Hertford to get out in the fresh air and get little lady used to him (she absolutely adores being out) and has given us all a good chance to have a play and get used to things before we head out for the first proper outing this weekend to Canterbury for the Bank Holiday. Went down this morning to turn on the gas for the fridge and have just negotiated with my neighbour to get Harry back and put on the drive tonight so we can plug him in and get everything cooled down and commissioned before we head off tomorrow morning.
Next weekend we're up in Rutland Water with my Uncle who's just bought a Hymer 680S Starline with Goldschmidt bits, so a little Hymer meet there. And then off up to the Peaks with the lads mountain biking.
So far Harry is averaging around 22mpg on the motorways, but that was cruising at 70mph, so will knock it back a touch on future journeys. But pretty quiet for what he is and a very comfortable cruiser. If I want to change anything at this stage, it would be a 6 speed box - just a tad noisey with 3k rpm on at 70mph, but will be solved as above. And must sort out the cruise control, as it'll make it much more pleasant to drive over longer distances. Other than that - lovely!
Some pics; mainly from first night overnighting at Travelworld, but one pitched up at Hertford for the day.
Harry is going great though. We've spent virtually every free day in him that we've had. Still only had one overnight, but we've had a couple of day trips over to local C&CC site in Hertford to get out in the fresh air and get little lady used to him (she absolutely adores being out) and has given us all a good chance to have a play and get used to things before we head out for the first proper outing this weekend to Canterbury for the Bank Holiday. Went down this morning to turn on the gas for the fridge and have just negotiated with my neighbour to get Harry back and put on the drive tonight so we can plug him in and get everything cooled down and commissioned before we head off tomorrow morning.
Next weekend we're up in Rutland Water with my Uncle who's just bought a Hymer 680S Starline with Goldschmidt bits, so a little Hymer meet there. And then off up to the Peaks with the lads mountain biking.
So far Harry is averaging around 22mpg on the motorways, but that was cruising at 70mph, so will knock it back a touch on future journeys. But pretty quiet for what he is and a very comfortable cruiser. If I want to change anything at this stage, it would be a 6 speed box - just a tad noisey with 3k rpm on at 70mph, but will be solved as above. And must sort out the cruise control, as it'll make it much more pleasant to drive over longer distances. Other than that - lovely!
Some pics; mainly from first night overnighting at Travelworld, but one pitched up at Hertford for the day.
So, all was going nicely............yesterday. Today has, however, been a bit of a calamity.
Started off on our way down to Canterbury yesterday - the van was running like a dream; quiet and smooth at my new chosen cruising speed - 60mph, with plenty in reserve. A lovely afternoon had at the Club site - little'un playing on the swings and adventure playground and Mrs Spuff and I enjoying a late G&T and beer at sunset, before retiring to the captains seats whilst Spuff Jnr was in bed, as planned, on the sofa with her memory foam topper.
All good apart from the fact she went to bed with the sniffles and a temperature but awoke at 2am with a 39.5deg C fever! Queue lots of calpol and a bed swap with me on the sofa and baby in bed with Mum. Same again in the morning, so reluctantly decided we'd be better at home in the event she needed to see a doctor. Shame since the weather was looking nice.
Cruising back up the M2 was a breeze, but as we were leaving the Dartford Tunnel on the Essex side, the power fell off and although I thought it might've been because of the incline, we'd had no such problems previously with our 416cdi unit. Anyway, it was when an HGV started getting away from me with my foot floored to the firewall, that I realised something was wrong. I managed to coax Harry back the next 30miles home with speed falling to 39mph at one point up the M11 with throttle buried in fourth.
Symptoms, completely flat >2,000rpm and like driving through mud. I'm presuming the turbo has gone since it drives ok otherwise. It seems relatively fine below 2k but a real effort to get it to spin up any further than that. I had a quick look under the hood when I got back and although one pipe from the manifold to the turbo looks like it's coming off, when I wiggle it, it feels secure and can't be pulled off or on the pipe further. So it either is this pipe or the turbo has gone.
Anyone any good with Sprinters? Harry is a 2001 on the 906 type and is the 2.7 5-cylinder 163bhp model. He has 35,800 on the clock.
I have RAC cover with my insurance so will get someone called out tomorrow, otherwise I need to find another garage to try and start the warranty cover Travelworld supplied.
Thoroughly disappointing weekend and if I can't get it sorted this week (unlikely since I'm in Germany all week) then we're going to miss our Rutland Water weekend next week too.
Started off on our way down to Canterbury yesterday - the van was running like a dream; quiet and smooth at my new chosen cruising speed - 60mph, with plenty in reserve. A lovely afternoon had at the Club site - little'un playing on the swings and adventure playground and Mrs Spuff and I enjoying a late G&T and beer at sunset, before retiring to the captains seats whilst Spuff Jnr was in bed, as planned, on the sofa with her memory foam topper.
All good apart from the fact she went to bed with the sniffles and a temperature but awoke at 2am with a 39.5deg C fever! Queue lots of calpol and a bed swap with me on the sofa and baby in bed with Mum. Same again in the morning, so reluctantly decided we'd be better at home in the event she needed to see a doctor. Shame since the weather was looking nice.
Cruising back up the M2 was a breeze, but as we were leaving the Dartford Tunnel on the Essex side, the power fell off and although I thought it might've been because of the incline, we'd had no such problems previously with our 416cdi unit. Anyway, it was when an HGV started getting away from me with my foot floored to the firewall, that I realised something was wrong. I managed to coax Harry back the next 30miles home with speed falling to 39mph at one point up the M11 with throttle buried in fourth.
Symptoms, completely flat >2,000rpm and like driving through mud. I'm presuming the turbo has gone since it drives ok otherwise. It seems relatively fine below 2k but a real effort to get it to spin up any further than that. I had a quick look under the hood when I got back and although one pipe from the manifold to the turbo looks like it's coming off, when I wiggle it, it feels secure and can't be pulled off or on the pipe further. So it either is this pipe or the turbo has gone.
Anyone any good with Sprinters? Harry is a 2001 on the 906 type and is the 2.7 5-cylinder 163bhp model. He has 35,800 on the clock.
I have RAC cover with my insurance so will get someone called out tomorrow, otherwise I need to find another garage to try and start the warranty cover Travelworld supplied.
Thoroughly disappointing weekend and if I can't get it sorted this week (unlikely since I'm in Germany all week) then we're going to miss our Rutland Water weekend next week too.
Edited by Spuffington on Sunday 24th May 14:50
So, turns out to be a complete electrical glitch. Mr AA man took a look and no snagged, loose or perished hoses. No funny sounds or anything it be worried about and no ability by the the side of the road to adequately interrogate the ECU. Anyway, took it out for a spin and it spooled up perfectly with no flat spots or difficulties. Hmm.....
Anyway, all booked to go up to Rutland for the weekend, so here's hoping there's no repeat to the turbo issue, once I get back, I have a week at home in Blighty so will get it checked out. But in the meantime, still have a serviceable van!
Anyway, all booked to go up to Rutland for the weekend, so here's hoping there's no repeat to the turbo issue, once I get back, I have a week at home in Blighty so will get it checked out. But in the meantime, still have a serviceable van!
Thanks for that.
Unfortunately, it's struck again! The trip to Rutland was uneventful, but took us three hours to negotiate the M11 at 4pm on Friday night! Never again! Was horrible. Got stuck pretty much from the Stansted turnoff all the way through to the bottom of the A1(M). After that, we motored, but until then it was stop-start and crawling. Unfortunately put pay to my ideas of an "economy run" since once I was free to cruise I did the last 30miles at 70mph.
The return journey started off uneventful - the first 30miles despatched easily, but half way down the A1(M) the same symptoms as before crept back in - I pulled over onto the hard shoulder, shut the engine off, withdrew the ignition key, restarted and set off again........no problem. And no problem for the rest of the journey.
Anyway - big trip to the Peak District (via dropping the wife off in York) on Friday so need it sorted. Also desperately need cruise control as the position of the seat is doing my right ankle in over long distances. Also wonder whether it is also the reason my mpg is ghastly at 20.5mpg?!
So, booked in at S&B Commercials (Merc dealer) on Thursday for OEM cruise control retrofit for 340quid (which I didn't think was too bad) and plugging into the diagnostics to work out what's going on with this power drop. Hopefully it can be rectified both easily and relatively cheaply since I'm not sure the 3rd party warranty which Travelworld have provided will fully cover main dealer prices!!
Aside from that, the van is running well, if not juicy. Once everything is resolved I may look into a remap - not for power (has plenty of that on a good day!) but for economy. Even if I could get it up to c. 25mpg, that would be a big improvement over the mileage we anticipate for this year.
Had a lovely time in Rutland, parked up with my Uncle in his 2015 Hymer B680 Starline S, dripping with Goldschmitt goodies! Interestingly though, as much as I wouldn't turn his down, I didn't yearn for it either. Mine's just as lovely, if not a little agricultural. But absolutely loving it and so is the wife and daughter. So far we're enjoying spending as much time in "Harry" as possible.
Let's see if that changes after Thursday!
Unfortunately, it's struck again! The trip to Rutland was uneventful, but took us three hours to negotiate the M11 at 4pm on Friday night! Never again! Was horrible. Got stuck pretty much from the Stansted turnoff all the way through to the bottom of the A1(M). After that, we motored, but until then it was stop-start and crawling. Unfortunately put pay to my ideas of an "economy run" since once I was free to cruise I did the last 30miles at 70mph.
The return journey started off uneventful - the first 30miles despatched easily, but half way down the A1(M) the same symptoms as before crept back in - I pulled over onto the hard shoulder, shut the engine off, withdrew the ignition key, restarted and set off again........no problem. And no problem for the rest of the journey.
Anyway - big trip to the Peak District (via dropping the wife off in York) on Friday so need it sorted. Also desperately need cruise control as the position of the seat is doing my right ankle in over long distances. Also wonder whether it is also the reason my mpg is ghastly at 20.5mpg?!
So, booked in at S&B Commercials (Merc dealer) on Thursday for OEM cruise control retrofit for 340quid (which I didn't think was too bad) and plugging into the diagnostics to work out what's going on with this power drop. Hopefully it can be rectified both easily and relatively cheaply since I'm not sure the 3rd party warranty which Travelworld have provided will fully cover main dealer prices!!
Aside from that, the van is running well, if not juicy. Once everything is resolved I may look into a remap - not for power (has plenty of that on a good day!) but for economy. Even if I could get it up to c. 25mpg, that would be a big improvement over the mileage we anticipate for this year.
Had a lovely time in Rutland, parked up with my Uncle in his 2015 Hymer B680 Starline S, dripping with Goldschmitt goodies! Interestingly though, as much as I wouldn't turn his down, I didn't yearn for it either. Mine's just as lovely, if not a little agricultural. But absolutely loving it and so is the wife and daughter. So far we're enjoying spending as much time in "Harry" as possible.
Let's see if that changes after Thursday!
So, after a bit of a false start yesterday, looks like we're on the road to sorting the turbo issue. S&B Commercials at Stansted have traced the fault to the turbo transducer valve (boost solenoid to non-Merc people evidently). A bit of a pain to get to, they've had to remove the front bumper and grill, but they're convinced following the Star diagnosis that that's the culprit. Thankfully they have the part in stock and are able to fit it now since I was supposed to be on my way to the Peak District this morning for my annual mountain biking weekend with the boys!
Yesterday S&B tried fitting the cruise control and were supposed to be doing diagnosis then too. Sadly the cruise control part came with only half the required wiring loom, so they ended up having to fabricate their own, so they ran out of time to code it in and sort out this faulty valve, so we really are up against it time-wise.
I'm promised I can get out of here by midday, which will give me just enough time to get home, pick up the bike and last bits for the van and can then get on the way up the A1 to drop wife & daughter in Yorkshire and me then make my way across to Hayfield before the site closes for the night!
Stressful!
Yesterday S&B tried fitting the cruise control and were supposed to be doing diagnosis then too. Sadly the cruise control part came with only half the required wiring loom, so they ended up having to fabricate their own, so they ran out of time to code it in and sort out this faulty valve, so we really are up against it time-wise.
I'm promised I can get out of here by midday, which will give me just enough time to get home, pick up the bike and last bits for the van and can then get on the way up the A1 to drop wife & daughter in Yorkshire and me then make my way across to Hayfield before the site closes for the night!
Stressful!
Thanks BB.
We got away in the end, but at one point I was really thinking that the gods were telling us not to do so!
I ended up leaving S&B at 11:45, which was remarkable work from the chaps. Left there 826quid lighter but at that moment in time, I cared not and just wanted to get the 25mins home to get packed and away.
Instead I ended up resting on the sofa for 2.5hrs as the M11 had been shut due to an accident! I only needed to go 8miles (one junction) but got firmly stuck! In the end, I managed to get home at 14:20 - threw everything in the van.........sods law then dictated that the bike rack I thought was servicable was anything but. So the bike had to stay at home!
Dashed up the M11-A14-A1M to Ferrybridge - did a quick drop off of the wife and daughter and then wound my merry way back across the M62, M1 and A628 to Hayfield in the Peak District, arriving at 20:30, much to the disappointment of the Site Manager. But ended up having a lovely weekend. Missed out on the mtbing, which was the primary reason for going, but I proved popular with my mates for turning up with a fridge full of cold Stella, sausges, bacon, eggs and chocolate!
Van performed faultlessly and tackled the hilly Peak District with aplomb and shamed many hatchbacks in the way it effortlessly schlepped up the hills. Cruise Control is also my new favourite toy. I set it at 60mph for the entire journey down the A1-A14-M11 yesterday from Ferrybridge and don't think I touched accelerator or brake for the entire 3hr journey! Awesome and really makes the van a long distance mile muncher.
Crossed the threshold of 1,150 miles in Harry since we bought him a month ago. In that time, I've spent 6 nights in him and the family 4. Everyone is loving him - wife & daughter particularly, but even sceptical mtbing mates all loved huddling in there over a fry-up on Saturday morning and then sheltering from the biting wind on Saturday night with a few tins. Managed to squeeze five big lads in for breaky, which was good going and plenty of room for another one if need had have been there.
In short, wish I'd bought Harry 10yrs ago (not that I could've afforded it). If we continue the way we are, we'll put a decent amount of miles on him this year.
Not much coming up in June but 11th July cues the epic trip to the Pyrennes and SW coast of France. Can't wait, now I have a working turbo and the wonderful gadget that is cruise control!
We got away in the end, but at one point I was really thinking that the gods were telling us not to do so!
I ended up leaving S&B at 11:45, which was remarkable work from the chaps. Left there 826quid lighter but at that moment in time, I cared not and just wanted to get the 25mins home to get packed and away.
Instead I ended up resting on the sofa for 2.5hrs as the M11 had been shut due to an accident! I only needed to go 8miles (one junction) but got firmly stuck! In the end, I managed to get home at 14:20 - threw everything in the van.........sods law then dictated that the bike rack I thought was servicable was anything but. So the bike had to stay at home!
Dashed up the M11-A14-A1M to Ferrybridge - did a quick drop off of the wife and daughter and then wound my merry way back across the M62, M1 and A628 to Hayfield in the Peak District, arriving at 20:30, much to the disappointment of the Site Manager. But ended up having a lovely weekend. Missed out on the mtbing, which was the primary reason for going, but I proved popular with my mates for turning up with a fridge full of cold Stella, sausges, bacon, eggs and chocolate!
Van performed faultlessly and tackled the hilly Peak District with aplomb and shamed many hatchbacks in the way it effortlessly schlepped up the hills. Cruise Control is also my new favourite toy. I set it at 60mph for the entire journey down the A1-A14-M11 yesterday from Ferrybridge and don't think I touched accelerator or brake for the entire 3hr journey! Awesome and really makes the van a long distance mile muncher.
Crossed the threshold of 1,150 miles in Harry since we bought him a month ago. In that time, I've spent 6 nights in him and the family 4. Everyone is loving him - wife & daughter particularly, but even sceptical mtbing mates all loved huddling in there over a fry-up on Saturday morning and then sheltering from the biting wind on Saturday night with a few tins. Managed to squeeze five big lads in for breaky, which was good going and plenty of room for another one if need had have been there.
In short, wish I'd bought Harry 10yrs ago (not that I could've afforded it). If we continue the way we are, we'll put a decent amount of miles on him this year.
Not much coming up in June but 11th July cues the epic trip to the Pyrennes and SW coast of France. Can't wait, now I have a working turbo and the wonderful gadget that is cruise control!
Poor old Harry - not had much use since the Peaks, but then poorly again.
He needed a new windscreen, down to a pesky stone-chip, which although fixed by Travelworld, then reappeared and started splitting, right in the drivers view line. Thankfully all fitted well by Autoglass and "just" £100 to pay (rather than the £1,700 the Autoglass chap said they cost retail!).
Then on a trip over to Hertford for a close night away, the turbo issues started again. This is in spite of the repair carried out last month and the 400, uneventful miles I drove following the repair. This time, in the space of 7miles, I had to restart him three times to clear whatever the fault is. Although funnily enough, there was no repeat of the problem on the way home yesterday. Hmmm.
Once hooked up on site at Hertford, all was well. But trying to boil the electric kettle the following morning showed the 240v hookup wasn't working. After trawling through the hookup RCD's both at the post and in the van and checking every fuse in the electrobloc, I couldn't trace any issue. I also tried three other stands, to no avail. The cable is brand new so I don't believe it's that, so there's some problem in the van.
Sooooo annoying.
And all this just 6 days before we are supposed to be heading to France for a 2k mile trip. Not confidence inspiring and somewhat upsetting. I acknowledge it's a 14yr old van but having had the warranty company decline the turbo boost controller invoice and now facing a similar issue, I'm worried about running down my reserves again. Although I have asked Travelworld to compensate for the turbo. We'll see.
So, Harry is now booked in at M&G Caravans in Royston for investigation of the electrical issue on Wednesday. And Thursday back with S&B Commercials in Stansted for the turbo.
Really not the ideal preparation for Saturday. If we can't get Harry fit and well then we'll be going in the 118d, which wasn't the intended plan. Good job we'll be heading for my Uncle's place, which has a pool. If we end up in the 1er, then we'll be spending two weeks there instead of travelling around, which isn't such a bad thing but not my vehicle of choice for such a long journey (although I'd focus on the £350 fuel saving!).
Fingers crossed we can get Harry sorted and this is the end of the issue. I really DON'T want to break down in France!
He needed a new windscreen, down to a pesky stone-chip, which although fixed by Travelworld, then reappeared and started splitting, right in the drivers view line. Thankfully all fitted well by Autoglass and "just" £100 to pay (rather than the £1,700 the Autoglass chap said they cost retail!).
Then on a trip over to Hertford for a close night away, the turbo issues started again. This is in spite of the repair carried out last month and the 400, uneventful miles I drove following the repair. This time, in the space of 7miles, I had to restart him three times to clear whatever the fault is. Although funnily enough, there was no repeat of the problem on the way home yesterday. Hmmm.
Once hooked up on site at Hertford, all was well. But trying to boil the electric kettle the following morning showed the 240v hookup wasn't working. After trawling through the hookup RCD's both at the post and in the van and checking every fuse in the electrobloc, I couldn't trace any issue. I also tried three other stands, to no avail. The cable is brand new so I don't believe it's that, so there's some problem in the van.
Sooooo annoying.
And all this just 6 days before we are supposed to be heading to France for a 2k mile trip. Not confidence inspiring and somewhat upsetting. I acknowledge it's a 14yr old van but having had the warranty company decline the turbo boost controller invoice and now facing a similar issue, I'm worried about running down my reserves again. Although I have asked Travelworld to compensate for the turbo. We'll see.
So, Harry is now booked in at M&G Caravans in Royston for investigation of the electrical issue on Wednesday. And Thursday back with S&B Commercials in Stansted for the turbo.
Really not the ideal preparation for Saturday. If we can't get Harry fit and well then we'll be going in the 118d, which wasn't the intended plan. Good job we'll be heading for my Uncle's place, which has a pool. If we end up in the 1er, then we'll be spending two weeks there instead of travelling around, which isn't such a bad thing but not my vehicle of choice for such a long journey (although I'd focus on the £350 fuel saving!).
Fingers crossed we can get Harry sorted and this is the end of the issue. I really DON'T want to break down in France!
Yeah, is feeling a bit like history repeating itself.
Thankfully Travelworld have responded to my email about the turbo so we'll see whether they are able to help out with that. I will also be mentioning the other things which have happened since.
Today was calamitous too - popped down to delivery a few bits and bobs to the van and decided to take it out to check the tyre pressures as feared the front was low. Absolutely right - front o/s was down to 2.1bar instead of 4.5 so wonder about a puncture there. And then sliced my finger trying to get the valve for the double rear wheels and can't get the trim off, so need to get some help sorting those out.
To make matters worse, got back to the yard and was so busy concentrating on not reversing into the caravan parked next to my pitch that I ended up reversing into my 1er! Doh! Thankfully I only grazed it but still put 4inch scratch down the rear locker of the Hymer and took all the paint off the corner of the rear bumper. Could've been worse, but still massively annoying. IDIOT!
Let's hope there's some better luck coming soon.
Thankfully Travelworld have responded to my email about the turbo so we'll see whether they are able to help out with that. I will also be mentioning the other things which have happened since.
Today was calamitous too - popped down to delivery a few bits and bobs to the van and decided to take it out to check the tyre pressures as feared the front was low. Absolutely right - front o/s was down to 2.1bar instead of 4.5 so wonder about a puncture there. And then sliced my finger trying to get the valve for the double rear wheels and can't get the trim off, so need to get some help sorting those out.
To make matters worse, got back to the yard and was so busy concentrating on not reversing into the caravan parked next to my pitch that I ended up reversing into my 1er! Doh! Thankfully I only grazed it but still put 4inch scratch down the rear locker of the Hymer and took all the paint off the corner of the rear bumper. Could've been worse, but still massively annoying. IDIOT!
Let's hope there's some better luck coming soon.
DOH! And another - o/s front tyre sprung a puncture. Thankfully ATS to the rescue. Two guys grappled with the very good looking, but ball-ache to remove, Euroliner trims and finally managed to get the trim and wheel off.
Turns out a thorn had made its way through the carcass and therefore causing a slow puncture. All repaired and all tyres nicely topped up. £22 lighter, but less than the cost of a new tyre. Although I will need a new set soon - current set look almost new but are in fact 2008 vintage.
ATS chap quoted me £600 fully fitted and old ones disposed of for Michelin Agilis Alpin's. Ok, so running winter tyres all year round might result in more wear, but at least safer during the winter. Will steel myself for a new set come September/October.
Have fitted LED bulbs throughout the van now, since if the 230v is irreparable tomorrow, then at least we'll be kind to our leisure batteries.
We'll see what tomorrow brings to the Hab side of things and Thursday with the turbo - although touch wood, no further issues since Saturday. Interestingly, this seems to happen after I've filled up with Premium Diesel!!
Turns out a thorn had made its way through the carcass and therefore causing a slow puncture. All repaired and all tyres nicely topped up. £22 lighter, but less than the cost of a new tyre. Although I will need a new set soon - current set look almost new but are in fact 2008 vintage.
ATS chap quoted me £600 fully fitted and old ones disposed of for Michelin Agilis Alpin's. Ok, so running winter tyres all year round might result in more wear, but at least safer during the winter. Will steel myself for a new set come September/October.
Have fitted LED bulbs throughout the van now, since if the 230v is irreparable tomorrow, then at least we'll be kind to our leisure batteries.
We'll see what tomorrow brings to the Hab side of things and Thursday with the turbo - although touch wood, no further issues since Saturday. Interestingly, this seems to happen after I've filled up with Premium Diesel!!
Thanks Livster.
Thanks Glen - problem is, I need 7 of the buggers! Well, six at least. Did manage to get ATS to quote under £500 for equivalent summer tyres. Decisions, decisions.
I run summers and winters on my BMWs but don't have the space (or patience) to run a second set for the motorhome, so hence considering going winters all year round on the motorhome.
Thanks Glen - problem is, I need 7 of the buggers! Well, six at least. Did manage to get ATS to quote under £500 for equivalent summer tyres. Decisions, decisions.
I run summers and winters on my BMWs but don't have the space (or patience) to run a second set for the motorhome, so hence considering going winters all year round on the motorhome.
GlenMH said:
chopper602 said:
In my experience outside screens are more effective than inside, especially when it's cold outside (winter use). Silver screens are the brand of choice . . .
Thanks!£299, not cheap, but next day delivery and seem well made and pack down nicely into their own little bag. Small enough I can pack them easily under the sofa. Top product so far.
Well, that was annoying. Just got the van back from M&G caravans in Royston (thoroughly nice people, BTW). Nothing obviously wrong with it, but checked all the sockets and connections and everything was working ok.
Got some time on my hands (can't go back home as we've got house viewings, trying to sell the house ATM) so head back to Hertford C&CC site. Having a nice chat with the lady and she mentioned how much of a pain it was the electrics going down on Sunday!!!! Turns out the fault was not with my van but the bloody site!
Suppose it serves me right not checking the hookup at home before I booked it in for a repair, but never even conceived that the electrics had gone down at the site.
Anyway, £60 lighter but at least a fully working van. Just the turbo to get checked now and hopefully we'll be on our way on Saturday.
Got some time on my hands (can't go back home as we've got house viewings, trying to sell the house ATM) so head back to Hertford C&CC site. Having a nice chat with the lady and she mentioned how much of a pain it was the electrics going down on Sunday!!!! Turns out the fault was not with my van but the bloody site!
Suppose it serves me right not checking the hookup at home before I booked it in for a repair, but never even conceived that the electrics had gone down at the site.
Anyway, £60 lighter but at least a fully working van. Just the turbo to get checked now and hopefully we'll be on our way on Saturday.
Gassing Station | Tents, Caravans & Motorhomes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff