TOURING CARAVAN EXTRA ROAD TAX/RADIO DEVON

[iandouglas]

HI
listerning to radio devon last week while on holiday at torquay .
local people ranting on about roads being blocked up by caravans /motor homes .
comment`s of they should pay more road tax ,should only be allowed to travel between 11 pm and 4 am.
caravans should be made to have an MOT .
drivers towing caravans should be made to take a driving test .

caravan owner on holiday down there replied with "we already pay more by way of extra fuel costs ,larger car /4x4 to pull caravan.

has his caravan serviced before holiday season.

impractical to travel late at night with young children.

drivers who passed there test after a set date ,have to pass a seperate test to tow a caravan .

ANYONE WOULD THINK CARAVANERS WER`NT WELCOME IN DEVON.

judging by some of the phone calls they recieved .

Coming home Saturday we counted 45 caravans/camper vans in 5 miles.

How much money was going into the Devon coffers ?

how much would they loose if we all sold our caravans, and took our holidays abroad.
rgds.iandouglas

[jace]

i do think trailers and vans should need some kindve test not everyone responsible enough to have vans serviced! just work how much youve put into devons coffers multiply that by 45 you saw soon be shocked if you 46 boycotted devon!

[mr-gadget]

I have to say my experience of Devon and Cornwall I would never go back.. as an outsider you are only welcome if you spend money. after that they are very rude and jumped up. I will NEVER return to the south west... Parts of Wales are very similar...

[jace]

wonder if jeremy clarkson is from devon and cornwall lol

[dexterlevi]

Devon and Cornwall provide hundreds of caravan and camping sites so for some people we are clearly welcome. I am originaly from Devon so I can speak as a local. I am hoping to move back to the southwest in the near future and I will continue to welcome caravaners.

I am sure us vanners pour millions into the local economy.Whilst Devon and Cornwall are beuatiful counties, unfortuanatly the have very little else to offer except as a tourist attraction. How quickly the locals forget the boost to their economy we provide.

I have toured all over the UK and one area I have always received a very warm welcome is in North Yorkshire.I have always found the locals to be very welcoming on evey visit I have been on, so I would highly recommend this as an area if you have never been before.

[drivewasher]

I agree that all trailers wether a little box for tip or a caravan should have an mot test. As hgv trailers have to.
Just think about it if it wasn't for mot test on your cars how many of us would be riding round with faults and putting up with them till we get time, I think it's the same with trailers use em then put them away till next time

I am astounded that my sons minibuses have to have a strict vosa test and a certified and documented saftey inspection ( i think its evey 3 months) on time evry time and yet he can tow a box van trailer full of luggage for 16 or 18 passengers and the trailer can be a right old shed.

[jace]

my mate runs minibuses has brand new luggage trailers vosa stopped him once measured distance from rear doors to trailer it had to be enough at any angle for passengers to escape from rear doors luckily for him it passed or they were gonna make him unhitch and leave on side motorway!

[drivewasher]

When my lad took his bus to vosa for its coif ticket (certificate of initial fitness) they saw the tow hook and gave him an advice sheet re towing a trailer and rear doors. It said basically that in the event of an accident if trailer hindered any rescue actions then he could be held liable, other than that no specific dimensions were given.
I suppose a stop and check would be just the same as if you had luggage in the isleways, they would make you move it

[jace]

he also had ticket of old bill for being in fast lane motorway with trailer!

[robobone]

i also agree to a certificate of worthiness but what would be better is a certificate to say it has had a yearly service by a recognised service agent appointed by the goverment like mot as apposed to just a mot.
that way it would depend on size, style etc not just a one figure cost also it would ensure all trailers are seviced by a recognised service agent

[jace]

it would be a god selling point you could feel safer buying a van that someone has looked after and at least some govt input to say its safe of course everything is open to abuse some mot testers not as strict as others but think at least basics like tow bar and brakes tyres should be checked gas water electric just a dangerous but its your life most at risk with those

[drivewasher]

i also agree to a certificate of worthiness but what would be better is a certificate to say it has had a yearly service by a recognised service agent appointed by the goverment like mot as apposed to just a mot.
that way it would depend on size, style etc not just a one figure cost also it would ensure all trailers are seviced by a recognised service agent

NO NO NO!
We already have enough of this certificate rubish like part P for electrics
That would mean only a garage can do your service. I'm definatley NOT suggesting only professionals can do the work. Take the mot on your car anyone can do the work it just has to pass a yearly test of the specified components. That would be enough in my view to keep trailers roadworthy

The way we are going you'll need a certificate to put diesel in yer motor soon a complete load of rubbish.

[robobone]

i also agree to a certificate of worthiness but what would be better is a certificate to say it has had a yearly service by a recognised service agent appointed by the goverment like mot as apposed to just a mot.
that way it would depend on size, style etc not just a one figure cost also it would ensure all trailers are seviced by a recognised service agent

NO NO NO!
We already have enough of this certificate rubish like part P for electrics
That would mean only a garage can do your service. I'm definatley NOT suggesting only professionals can do the work. Take the mot on your car anyone can do the work it just has to pass a yearly test of the specified components. That would be enough in my view to keep trailers roadworthy

The way we are going you'll need a certificate to put diesel in yer motor soon a complete load of b*****ks

a bit strong there it was only an idea as there is no regulations to cover caravans and just like the gas and carbon monozide you need qualified registered gas engineers in you home to work on your gas system so you should in a caravan

and quite a lot of caravaners are " senior people" who arnt agile enough to climb around vehicles.

a caravan is a luxuary so if you cant afford to service by qualified person then you shouldnt be pulling one.

and i wasnt saying you cant work on you van but have a registered service by a registered person once a year
is not a great hardship in my opinion.

as to regards cert for filling up your tank be sensible :!: :!: :!:

[jace]

over on caravaning4u i was suprised to see disabled caravans wider doors fold down ramps etc i was ashmed to admit i never thought such a thing existed!

[iandouglas]

hi play mates.
it troubles me that SOME caravan owners just collect there van out of storage ,maybe kick the tyres and then off they go .

i keep mine on a hard standing on the back garden ,and i still KICK the tyres.,the rear lights , the dog well try anyway keeps running of with the air line..
i jack it up spin wheels to check for free running wheel bearings .TAKE GREASE CAPS OFF PUT SOME GREASE IN AND REFIT shake wheel same as you would for checking wheel bearing free play on your truck. CHECK TYRES FOR CRACKING SIDE WALLS ,NAILS .ECT
take wheels off take brake hubs off ,clean out brake dust adjust brake shoes put hubs back on DO NOT TURN WHEELS BACKWARDS WHILE ADJUSTING >
grease hitch check handbrake operation and over run MAKE SURE BOTH BRAKES COME ON TOGETHER .
HAVE A LOOK AT RUBBER GAS PIPES ANY CRACKING ,PERISHING .
REPLACE.
HAVE YOUR GAS /ELECTRIC /MAINS CABLE/ PLUGS/ APPLIANCES CHECKED OVER .
SOUNDS LIKE A PRE MOT DONT IT.

LOOK IN YOUR CARAVAN HANDBOOK FOR THE DETAILS LISTED ABOVE SEE IF ANY SPECIAL RECOMENDATIONS./DIFFERANCES.

NEED ADVISE ASK ON HERE .CARAVANS AND TOWING .

RGDS.IANDOUGLAS

[jace]

i am as guilty as most whenever i needed to move my nearly two tonnes caravan i kicked tyres made sure windows were shut ariel down yep jobs a good un ! resulted in wheel falling off and having to jack caravan up an nick stud outve each wheel to put 4th wheel back on! an if that aint a reason to take ians advice nothing is!

[Terranosaurus]

The idea of a compulsory service by "qualified technicians" is ludicrous. I would never entrust my life to the monkeys that work at garages of any description, Main dealers, back street garages or "caravan specialists". The quality of work that I have seen coming out of such places is often shocking. On the few occasions I have had work done on my car for me by "professional", I have usually ended up doing it again or telling them how to do it in the first place. This countries mechanics have been replaced by a bunch of part swappers with no diagnostic capabilities unless it runs on windows or similar.

There are of course some exceptions, but far too few.

[jace]

i know what your saying but at least youd have some kindve safe guard if garage/dealer had fitted my wheel id have dragged caravan over to them on three wheels jumped up and down throwing a wobler! (an so long as it aint running vista we should be ok lol!)

[drivewasher]

Yes Ian thats exactly what I mean, If you have taken the trouble to do all that then I don't see aproblem taking the trailer (NOT just caravans) then a yearly test and an issue of a road worthyness cert wouldn't be a problem

I'm not refering to gas appliances or even electrical (mains) connections in trailers, just the genrall ability to go on a public highway without putting any other road user in danger.
Just go to your local tiop and sit there for an hour, you will see some right old sheds unfit for road

Yes I was being sarcastic about putting derv in yer car, but mark my words I'm not far out, won't be long before you have to take your car to a garage to have the oil changed. So any suggestion to compulsory have a garage do work on your van (trailer) makes me seethe, we are all being slowly stiched up believe me.

[iandouglas]

HI DRIVEWASHER.
ONLY TROUBLE WITH WHAT YOU SAY IS.
THIN END OF THE WEDGE.
OR PUT ANOTHER WAY DONT TRUST GOV TO DO SOMETHING WITHOUT SCREWING US OVER IN THE PROCESS.
rgdsiandouglas

[drivewasher]

Thanks Hummingbird, at least someone can see where I'm coming from!

Jace,
Any driver has a duty to the public checking wheel nuts is part of a daily check list, If you loose a wheel by wheel nuts coming off you will get a ticket, if the hub comes off with it it's a mechanical malfunction and genrally not an offence by the driver. So if it was day after you aint got a leg to stand on even more checks should me made after a wheel change

Before I take a truck through the gatehouse I have to hand in a drivers daily check sheet signed and dated, every time I go out not just once a day.
I have ticked all the items on this sheet ranging from fluid leaks, air leaks through washer lights, trailer secure mot certs service week not overrun to wheel nuts and tyre treads. They call it zero defect operations, even a sidelight out in daytime has to be fixed before truck can leave

[jace]

i was reading today that car mot up fo review govt want 2yr intervals as carrot to mot stations thinking scrapping compulsory charge letting them charge what they want then hitting us with vat ontop fee all up for consultation this month!

[drivewasher]

Yes Ian your'e right there.

This all started with our american friends claim claim claim society Like the blokes widow sued the aluminium ladder makers cos it didn't say that they conduct electric on them, her idiot husband rested them on a power line!

The part P was rushed through parliment as a ministers daughter was involded in a house fire or similar incedent after a large kitchen sales firm fitted a kitchen and connected to the wrong cables causing a fire. If that had beed your or my daughter god forbid do you think we#'d have a part P now, no we wouldnt

Went to visit me mum in law in hospital tonight, wifey said she's not getting the attention she needs all staff are milling around doing summut else. YES they are they are doing paperwork and computor entries to cover thier backs in case of a future claim against them, years ago they would just get stuck in and do the job they should/want to do.
The countrys run by pen pushers paid for by more pen pushers. Not entirely a bad thing but it's getting a bit ridiculos now

[jace]

we should all re train as h&s inspectors and join the gravy train eh lads!

we should all re train as h&s inspectors and join the gravy train eh lads!

Your probably not far wrong there, definatley more lucrative than working for a living.

[dinky]

My caravan is serviced every 12 months by a caravan council registered fitter,he does everything.For insurance claims if van not regular serviced will effect it when claim is made.The new rules from the caravan council make the service like a mot.You will soon have to display a sticker saying the van has been serviced.Dinky

[robobone]

My caravan is serviced every 12 months by a caravan council registered fitter,he does everything.For insurance claims if van not regular serviced will effect it when claim is made.The new rules from the caravan council make the service like a mot.You will soon have to display a sticker saying the van has been serviced.Dinky

looks as if my idea is already started :wink:

[drivewasher]

So how long before you HAVE to take your car to a garage to do work for mot then?????

Tell you we're all going to get turned over.

[robobone]

can i remind you there was a post with reference to using *** instead of swearing and i beleive and i am sure admim and mods agreed it shouldnt be used

but if i am wrong then again the powers that be will clarifiy this.

[robobone]

http://www.nationalcaravan.co.uk/search/searchdetails2.asp?id=24

intesting web page

[Terranosaurus]

Spoke to one of my customers about this (caravan sales and servicing oufit) and they have heard nothing official, only rumours.

[rustic]

http://www.nationalcaravan.co.uk/search/searchdetails2.asp?id=24

intesting web page
This is not just confined to caravans, boats on inland waterways have to have a boat safety certificate, this is like a safety MOT and is required every 4 years.
If your boat has a petrol outboard, gas cooker, heater, gas fridge, then the inspector really goes for it. With pressure testing, leak testing etc. Also checking there is adequate ventilation, there have been many instances of Carbon monoxide poisoning.
It has been known that a few boaters have filled their petrol tank while in a lock and the vapour has been ignited by the pilot light in the fridge or water heater, or in fact by a cigarette held in the lips of the guy pouring the petrol.. ok not a problem in a caravan, but if there is a gas leak the same applies..

Several people have been killed on boats, so safety is taken very seriously indeed.
The problem is with DIY bodgers, the sort of guy who wraps a piece of foil around the fuse and insets it again... or uses the wrong type of gas hose that perishes when in contact with LPG
Batteries not secured, no fuses or the wrong gauge of cable or cables that run over sharp edges...
240 volts is another issue, on boats you can have 240 volts next to water, provided the correct isolation equipment is used, just like with a caravan.
All in all, maybe an inspection every 4 years for a caravan may be a life saver.. especially if you have bought a second hand one.
Any thoughts...?

best regards, Rustic

[robobone]

thats why i totally agree in leglistration there is a need to ensure the saftey of all arouund not just the owners of the van.

i really think the idea of a safety cert given with an annual service is the way forward as it then varies on the amount of stuff needing checking ie mains 12v gas etc.

then a small trailer which is basicly a pair of wheels and a fram(poetic license) wouldnt cost the same to service.

a fairer way alround.

also scrap the mot and include it as a saftey cert again with a full and proper service from a goverment recognised garage.

sorry dishwasher we will have to agree........to disagree on this one :wink:

[SteveN]

I can't see the problem with tests to be honest, just a fact of life once you get used to them.

Our fairground rides, like all of them have to have three separate tests to get a safety certificate for a year. There are some rides that have to be tested after x amount of hours use, although these rides involve high stress levels on certain parts.

cheers
STEVE

[Terranosaurus]

Don't think theres anything wrong with an MOT style test for trailers and caravans, bt compulsory servicing by an authorised body - sorry but no see my earlier post about qualified mechanics etc

Have you seen the mechanics the tech colleges are turning out? Some are fine but others only end up on the course because they are basically regarded as too stupid to do anything else - I've seen them myself but I used to rent a room fom the head of the department at a certain midlands college and that was what he said.

As for boats, they do tend to have a bigger problem with gas and petrol fumes as the the vapours are denser than air and sink into the bilges, where there can't be direct venting because that would mean a hole in the hull. This is much less of a problem with a caravan.

[rustic]

As for boats, they do tend to have a bigger problem with gas and petrol fumes as the the vapours are denser than air and sink into the bilges, where there can't be direct venting because that would mean a hole in the hull. This is much less of a problem with a caravan.
When we first got our boat, before the Boat Safety Scheme started, the metal petrol tank sat above the battery with a piece wood acting as a loose shelf and insulator. It was like this for all of 5 minutes after I bought the boat.. I then set to work constructing a suitable locker that drained to the outside. (yes above water level) The same with the gas locker.
When gas leaks do occur on boats, which can happen from the cooker hob, as flame failure devices are NOT compulsary on older boats.. I have seen people bailing out the gas with a bucket, it must look very odd for someone tipping what looks like an empty bucket over the side..
And they thought 4x4 drivers were odd.. :lol: :lol:
Also the main problems for boats is that there may be no where to go if there is a fire.. can't always run away...

So if 4 years for a safety certificate is ok for a boat then why not 4 years or more for a caravan, as there are less risks.
Of course brakes and corrosion and hitch wear are a major issue on road safety and so every 4 years may not be enough for the running gear..

In USA the trailers (caravan, camping, boat) each are registered and have their own registration number. Better tracking can be made. I'm not sure if they pay a fee for road use or not.

[drivewasher]

Thanks Rustic,
As Iv'e said before I'm all for saftey and even a compulsory test.
But I am all aginst the notion that the work required to meet that saftey standard has to be done by a garage.
The mot for cars and trucks works well now even more so with the police number plate recognition camera systems, as long as your motor meets the ministry minimum standard a cert is issued.

WITH THE EXEPTION of gas and electrics especially in caravans and boats as bottle gas has different properties than natural gas ity's even a different section of CORGI regs to do work o bottled gas (It's heavier than air so settles in low places a boat is just a big empty gas bottle!)

[rustic]

I did all the work on my boat for the boat safety certificate, and the exact words from the boat inspector was.. " I wish you checked all the boats before I inspect them, then I wouldn't have to fail them"
Mine was the first boat that passed first time. I do all the servicing on my cars and they pass MOT first time as well.
It is attention to detail and understanding the "spirit" of the regulations, too many people go "overboard" (sorry about that) with getting everything to the letter of the law doing more work than is required. Typical British bureaucracy, that's why we cannot compete in Europe. Europe give us guidelines, the government then make the law. This law will differ from how the French say interpret it.
What do the Europeans do re trailer MOT's?
Poland don't seem to bother with their trucks let alone caravans, since 60% are unroadworthy when the stopped them at Calais last month..