Fulltiming in a motorhome - a blog
Discussion
chasingracecars said:
Spuff,
Try and see if you can get one of these...
https://www.thetford-europe.com/product/toilet-fre...
also worth giving the cassette locker a good clean as the seals on old cassettes can leak...Try and see if you can get one of these...
https://www.thetford-europe.com/product/toilet-fre...
chasingracecars said:
Spuff,
Try and see if you can get one of these...
https://www.thetford-europe.com/product/toilet-fre...
Thanks mate - I bought one of those kits for Harry so I had a spare cassette for wildcamping. I'm going to try using that cassette next empty to see if it improves things. I'll be keeping it anyway, exactly for wildcamping but might buy another if I can't clean the old tank.Try and see if you can get one of these...
https://www.thetford-europe.com/product/toilet-fre...
custardkid said:
double check these are the right ones, often motorhomes need specific high pressure tyres
eg michelin agilis normal/van = 60psi
michelin agilis CP = 80psi
Good point. I'll check that. The handbook states 68psi for the rears and 63psi for the fronts for the 616 chassis.eg michelin agilis normal/van = 60psi
michelin agilis CP = 80psi
I chose the Conti not just because of the value vs. the Michelins but because the fuel consumption was rated C on the Michelin and the Conti's are B. Given I'm only getting 17mpg, I couldn't afford to loose anymore off that!!!!
custardkid said:
Thanks, sadly not. I'd also been trawling Seals Direct who have hundreds (if not thousands) and no matches. 
custardkid said:
you can also get all the seals for the standard 'picture frame' thetford locker doors - but a assume your garage ones are bespoke Yeah sadly, all the hatches (inc. the toilet one) are bespoke. As, it seems, are the seals which go around them too. They're double-sealed - an inner which i guess does the majority of the job of keeping water out and an outer seal which prevents water coming into contact with that seal in the first place. Guess it's also down to keeping the Thing insulated given all of the hatches are between the hab floor and the chassis floor.
Clever and effective. But a pain and expensive!
Clever and effective. But a pain and expensive!
Spuff
We have the SOG system on our Hymer
There are no smells inside the MH whatsoever, I would check the operation and deep clean the cassette. I did buy another as a spare the old one did not smell though.l
Plus check the water filter cartridge replacement carefully they were re designed and the U.K. Distributor was selling the wrong sort that did not filter to enough microns,
A Google search will show up the info.
Cartridges are £60ish
We have the SOG system on our Hymer
There are no smells inside the MH whatsoever, I would check the operation and deep clean the cassette. I did buy another as a spare the old one did not smell though.l
Plus check the water filter cartridge replacement carefully they were re designed and the U.K. Distributor was selling the wrong sort that did not filter to enough microns,
A Google search will show up the info.
Cartridges are £60ish
Spuff good luck with the new van.
A couple of tips from a main dealer caravan and motorhome technician. A thetford fresh up kit is well worth the money gives you a new cassette and toilet seat we fit one to every used van we sell.
For leaks and pointing up see if you can get your hands on some soudal RV61 sealant. Its what we use in the trade and is one of the most commonly used sealants amongst the manufacturers. Also see if you ca get your hands on a tin of simpsons Prep M. Wipe some over the area you wish to seal or bond 10 mins - a n hour before you want to seal it and it will help etch the sealant into the paint/fibreglass/plastic in a non damaging way but will certainly stop it just peeling off or leaking in the future.
Keep up the posts it makes great reading!
A couple of tips from a main dealer caravan and motorhome technician. A thetford fresh up kit is well worth the money gives you a new cassette and toilet seat we fit one to every used van we sell.
For leaks and pointing up see if you can get your hands on some soudal RV61 sealant. Its what we use in the trade and is one of the most commonly used sealants amongst the manufacturers. Also see if you ca get your hands on a tin of simpsons Prep M. Wipe some over the area you wish to seal or bond 10 mins - a n hour before you want to seal it and it will help etch the sealant into the paint/fibreglass/plastic in a non damaging way but will certainly stop it just peeling off or leaking in the future.
Keep up the posts it makes great reading!
Regarding the stink of pee (what a lovely subject to write about at lunch time!) you might want to check and clean behind the back of the toilet seat and lid hinge. When we bought our motorhome, the previous owners had done a lovely job of cleaning it before sale but had missed this bit. Very gross, a proper "never attempt anything without the gloves" job. It gets missed because it's very difficult to even see when the seat and lid are fitted; you have to remove the two plastic retaining pins to remove the seat and lid, then you'll be able to get behind to clean.
Hopefully this makes sense and you can find out the area I'm talking about.
Furthermore I am sure a lack of proper use really does not help ANY aspect of motorhomes, including the toilet. If it hasn't had chems in it, hasn't been cleaned, had air going in and out etc., then no doubt it will get stale and gross. A few flushes through with bleach and warm water will help no end, and it will continue to improve with use, I'm sure of that.
So glad to see things are working out and looking up. Who'd have thought you'd find yourself in a Concorde?!
Hopefully this makes sense and you can find out the area I'm talking about.
Furthermore I am sure a lack of proper use really does not help ANY aspect of motorhomes, including the toilet. If it hasn't had chems in it, hasn't been cleaned, had air going in and out etc., then no doubt it will get stale and gross. A few flushes through with bleach and warm water will help no end, and it will continue to improve with use, I'm sure of that.
So glad to see things are working out and looking up. Who'd have thought you'd find yourself in a Concorde?!
Hi all,
Many thanks for the hints and tips and general great PH support, as ever.
I got Carrie back from All Klasse Autos yesterday with a clean bill of health. I'm so glad I got the service done. The previous owner had promised it had been done recently, but had obviously not reset the service indicator as it had 800miles to go when I took it in yesterday. Alex told me when I picked it up that the oil had indeed probably been serviced recently - the oil filter was new-ish but a dreadfully cheap pattern part. The air filter had also been changed at some point for another cheap part but that was the extent of it - the air filter was a lot older and well clogged. The cabin air filter had never been changed and neither had the fuel filter, which was evidently hanging by one of the two clips. One of which had broken off and needed replacing. So all in all, I'm very grateful I went with gut feel and got it all done. Peace of mind now.
Alex said the rest of the van was in good nick and he has no concerns in recommending just to bring it back for a simple oil and filter change next year with no other work needing scheduling, so far as he can see at this stage.
He also replaced the combination switch for the wiper & indicators, which means the wipers now work in all settings. And thankfully the issue with the aircon was solved just with a regas. No leaks found. It was blowing lovely and cold on the way home and Carrie was pulling a lot smoother on the way back too. Some of it might have been Placebo but if the air filter really was that old and clogged, then I dare say a tiny bit of the responsiveness was down to the improved airflow. Maybe even could expect a couple of mpg more? We'll have to see.
Although I was removed of 797quid for the privilege, I'm pleased that Carrie has a clean bill of health and is now looked after as I would want. My attention now just turning to tyres and the internal issues. I went around the van yesterday counting LEDs. Some of the halogen bulbs have blown and been left and some have been replaced with super bright white LEDs which are completely out of character with the van. I counted 18 of the flat side- connection bulbs being needed inside the van, plus two end-connector barrel types for the bathroom. I have therefore ordered a complete set of warm white LEDs to replace everything, making it consistent and also lowering energy consumption from when I'm wild-camping. That was 100quid for the set.
I've also bought two door retainers since one is broken on the offside for one of the lockers and the one on the nearside has seen better days. 10quid.
I still forgot to take the chassis number to phone Southdowns with - will have to wait until the end of the week as I'm in Frankfurt until Friday.
I think I will take the plunge and replace the toilet cassette. Point also taken on giving the toilet itself a super-thorough clean too.
And to the question about being in a Concorde - no, I never thought it a possibility. I still can't quite believe it and spend a lot of time gawping at her and being overwhelmed by the sheer scale of her when I'm outside and walking around, but then marvelling at how comfortable and home-like she is inside. Simple creature comforts like a Nespresso machine feel opulent in a motorhome but also make it feel so much more like home and tolerable over the medium term.
I'm looking Forward to having leave next week to treat her to a light dual-action polish, coat of Collinite Marque-de-Excellence wax and maybe try and remove the scratches from the perspex windows to complete the rejuvenation.
When more funds are available I might buy some self-adhesive LED strips to line the cavities above the lockers in the lounge and kitchen area to make it feel cosy of an evening. That's a 150quid Investment which doesn't need to be made right now though.
Many thanks for the hints and tips and general great PH support, as ever.
I got Carrie back from All Klasse Autos yesterday with a clean bill of health. I'm so glad I got the service done. The previous owner had promised it had been done recently, but had obviously not reset the service indicator as it had 800miles to go when I took it in yesterday. Alex told me when I picked it up that the oil had indeed probably been serviced recently - the oil filter was new-ish but a dreadfully cheap pattern part. The air filter had also been changed at some point for another cheap part but that was the extent of it - the air filter was a lot older and well clogged. The cabin air filter had never been changed and neither had the fuel filter, which was evidently hanging by one of the two clips. One of which had broken off and needed replacing. So all in all, I'm very grateful I went with gut feel and got it all done. Peace of mind now.
Alex said the rest of the van was in good nick and he has no concerns in recommending just to bring it back for a simple oil and filter change next year with no other work needing scheduling, so far as he can see at this stage.
He also replaced the combination switch for the wiper & indicators, which means the wipers now work in all settings. And thankfully the issue with the aircon was solved just with a regas. No leaks found. It was blowing lovely and cold on the way home and Carrie was pulling a lot smoother on the way back too. Some of it might have been Placebo but if the air filter really was that old and clogged, then I dare say a tiny bit of the responsiveness was down to the improved airflow. Maybe even could expect a couple of mpg more? We'll have to see.
Although I was removed of 797quid for the privilege, I'm pleased that Carrie has a clean bill of health and is now looked after as I would want. My attention now just turning to tyres and the internal issues. I went around the van yesterday counting LEDs. Some of the halogen bulbs have blown and been left and some have been replaced with super bright white LEDs which are completely out of character with the van. I counted 18 of the flat side- connection bulbs being needed inside the van, plus two end-connector barrel types for the bathroom. I have therefore ordered a complete set of warm white LEDs to replace everything, making it consistent and also lowering energy consumption from when I'm wild-camping. That was 100quid for the set.
I've also bought two door retainers since one is broken on the offside for one of the lockers and the one on the nearside has seen better days. 10quid.
I still forgot to take the chassis number to phone Southdowns with - will have to wait until the end of the week as I'm in Frankfurt until Friday.
I think I will take the plunge and replace the toilet cassette. Point also taken on giving the toilet itself a super-thorough clean too.
And to the question about being in a Concorde - no, I never thought it a possibility. I still can't quite believe it and spend a lot of time gawping at her and being overwhelmed by the sheer scale of her when I'm outside and walking around, but then marvelling at how comfortable and home-like she is inside. Simple creature comforts like a Nespresso machine feel opulent in a motorhome but also make it feel so much more like home and tolerable over the medium term.
I'm looking Forward to having leave next week to treat her to a light dual-action polish, coat of Collinite Marque-de-Excellence wax and maybe try and remove the scratches from the perspex windows to complete the rejuvenation.
When more funds are available I might buy some self-adhesive LED strips to line the cavities above the lockers in the lounge and kitchen area to make it feel cosy of an evening. That's a 150quid Investment which doesn't need to be made right now though.
Might well make a difference with the Air Filter. Many years ago I left a firm then rejoined, getting the same car. Fuel consumption had dropped by 5mpg.
After a bit of yoyo between me and the dealer they discovered the air filter was well gummed up (had been idling in a paintshop I suspect). Instant MPG increase by 5...
After a bit of yoyo between me and the dealer they discovered the air filter was well gummed up (had been idling in a paintshop I suspect). Instant MPG increase by 5...
oblio said:
Did you sell Harry in the end Spuff?
oblio said:
Did you sell Harry in the end Spuff?
Not yet mate. Have a chap who's coming to see him when he gets back from holiday. Decided against relisting after that other fella messed me around. We'll see what comes of this chap and if not then I'll see about relisting or just holding on until Spring when I'm in a better bargaining position. Grahamdub said:
Spuffington, I'm sure someone must have said before, but you really should consider putting your blog into print, even if only as a Kindle book. I've been gripped by your exploits as I'm sure many beyond the realms of PH would be too.
Thanks! Not sure how I could construct it but nice to know it's entertaining. So a quick update:
Ordered the tyres and ended up going with Conti Campers. Chap turned up to fit them on Friday and promptly had a sense of humour failure. His jack is only rated to 2.5t and although he tried lifting the rear axle, it just farted and barely moved it. So in spite of me listing the vehicle as a Sprinter 616CDI, no one thought to kit their drivers out with heavy duty jacks. Chap left pretty angry. I tried to buy the tyres off them to take them to a local truck place. But there was barely any profit in them so wouldn't relinquish them!
I'll sort out tyres with ATS Euromaster when i get a chance.
I finally managed to track down the urine smell. It was a failed seal on the old cassette. If you filled the pan with water and then went back about 5mins later, it was all gone. Given how old the cassette looks, I'll just replace it as I'm not fishing around in it to replace the seal!
Ordered the tyres and ended up going with Conti Campers. Chap turned up to fit them on Friday and promptly had a sense of humour failure. His jack is only rated to 2.5t and although he tried lifting the rear axle, it just farted and barely moved it. So in spite of me listing the vehicle as a Sprinter 616CDI, no one thought to kit their drivers out with heavy duty jacks. Chap left pretty angry. I tried to buy the tyres off them to take them to a local truck place. But there was barely any profit in them so wouldn't relinquish them!
I'll sort out tyres with ATS Euromaster when i get a chance.
I finally managed to track down the urine smell. It was a failed seal on the old cassette. If you filled the pan with water and then went back about 5mins later, it was all gone. Given how old the cassette looks, I'll just replace it as I'm not fishing around in it to replace the seal!
Thurbs said:
I have a sprinter 518 based van and could only get van tyres for it. The camper tyres were not in the right size. Do you remember what size you got?
Sorry, I didn't end up sorting out the tyres. Still on the to do list once I sort out logistics. Also wondering in view of the fact I'm a bit skint whether, given the van won't be moving any significant distance for a while, whether i leave the tyres until the finances improve.From memory, the sizes I was looking at were 215/75 R16.
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