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1187515 Post Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 6:08 am Thank this member for this postReply with quote Back To Top

sallytrafic Subscriber 26/01/2013 


Joined: Jan 17, 2006

Posts: 13986

MH: Chausson Flash 02

Usage: 36 day(s)

Campsites

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Location: Salisbury

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hampsterracing wrote:
Good idea i think that will work on my mooveo as well but i may try a small stainless "R" clip as it can live in the hole when not in use without fear of losing it.


I thought of that and for many it would be the ideal solution but the catch is too high on the Chausson for anything fiddily

______________________________________________________________
Regards Frank - - please follow me on twitter @FrankieBryant
Denn wir haben nichts in die Welt gebracht; darum offenbar ist, wir werden auch nichts hinausbringen.
RIP Peter and Fiona wave Our thoughts are with you Chris and Graham. Fighting with Mavis and Ray We're Coming For YOU
Plusnet, Safari 5, G5 PowerPC iMac running OSX 10.5.8, Salisbury UK : Get behind early - it gives you more time to catch up.
 
1187519 Post Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 6:54 am Thank this member for this postReply with quote Back To Top

sallytrafic Subscriber 26/01/2013 


Joined: Jan 17, 2006

Posts: 13986

MH: Chausson Flash 02

Usage: 36 day(s)

Campsites

Gender: Male

Location: Salisbury

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Haven't updated this list for over 6 months You will see that not all of my improvements have been successful first time Smile
Main PHOTOS ARE ON PAGES 21 and 22 OF THIS THREAD
Improvements
1. Name Van: Chatham Completed
2. Add towel/drying rails. Completed
3. Design and fit cupboard shelving. Completed
3a Modify shelf supports. Completed
3b New Varnished shelving also see 34 Completed
4. Fit rubber glove and tea towel holder. Completed
5. Fit gas lighter holder.Completed
6. Design and fit partitions under bed. Completed
6b Move box retainer strip 5mm forward and added another Completed
7. Replace halogens with LEDs. Completed
8. Add shurflo accumulator to water system.Completed
9. Soap dispenser in Bathroom (Fiamma) Completed
10. Awning Light. Completed
11. Extra mains sockets Completed
12. Bed end cupholders Completed
13. Job Deleted
14. Hook for rubbish bag. Completed
15. Make fitted cover for bench seat. Completed
16. Get winter covers for fridge and grill. Completed
17. Cut up carpet to retain some. Completed
18. Wet clothes hooks over door Completed
19. Fitted Kyocera 130W solar panel Completed
19a Fitted Amperor Power Integrator Completed
20. Fit two larger batteries Completed
21. Fit Nasa BM1-C battery monitor. Completed
22. Make EHU cable stowage. Completed
22a New Strengthen cable supports Completed
23. Sound insulation for water pump. Completed
24. Improve run of pipes and cables. Completed
25. Replace luminaire over cooker for LED type Completed
26. Added Battery LED lights to door and rear locker Completed
27. Added boot/shoe storage to underbed area Completed
28. Added Thermowrap insulation to front grp moulding Completed
29. Added mcb for battery charger Completed
30. Added external dc socket for telescope electronics etc Completed
31. Add red interior lighting (for night vision) Completed
31a Remove 2D innards and replace with white and red LCD panels Completed
32. Added fused supplementary dc distribution. Completed
33. Add wardrobe catch clothes protection Completed
33a New Fiddled with clothes protection now back to plan A Completed
34. Added shelf in 'dog cupboard Completed
34a Move shelf support 20mm aft Completed
34b New Moved shelf support back to original position Completed
34c New Varnished shelf Completed
35. Transferred to pending 5
36. Add extra DC socket at floor level Completed
37. Add light for driver's seat Completed
38. Add Hooks and clips in Propane gas cupboard for 'gas' tools Completed
39. Fit waste pipe for emptying waste tanks when no MH disposal point. Completed
40. Clips for awning opener underbed Completed
41. Headlamp diverters and vehicle spare lamp box Completed
42. Make longer dc cable for telescope mount Completed
43. Transferred to pending 7
44. Investigate child seat fitment. Completed
44a Have firmer seat squab made Completed
45. Fit new shower tap hoses and head. New one doesn't fit so Plan B
46. Fit Gaslow SS flexible pigtail Completed
47. New Replace Grill with Cupboard Completed
48. New Stowage for awning winder Completed
49. New Retaining pin for door open catch Completed

Snags
1. Replace curtain hooks. (poor quality) Completed
2. Fix over bedhead shelf properly. Completed
3. Seal side of worktop
4. Get English language versions of some manuals. Asked Discover - no response, bought one from Ford the other from eBay Completed
5. Fit new outside door clip Completed
6. Investigate thin glass fibre Completed
7. All sealant removed from roof seams, resealed with Körapur Marine. Completed
8. Staple velcro for head rest. Completed
9. Charger repair. Completed
10. Check water pipe route and insulation near fridge. Completed
11. Fix Fridge door lock Completed
12. Move lower Table support to correct position. Completed
13. Snag deleted
14. Shower hose fouling rear of cupboard and other hoses, also leaking. Completed
15. Shower door lower catch not operating. Completed
15a New Catch failed again removed bottom part of catch Completed
16. New 'O' rings and hose clips fitted to Truma water boiler Completed
17. New lower Fridge vent replaced holding catch broken Completed
18. Water pressure reducer fitted to Thetford flush Completed
19. Remove mastic from inside water filler hose. Completed
20. Get first service done. Completed
21. Report change of ownership to Chausson. Completed
22. Improve poor mounting of bench seat. See also 44a Completed
23. New Add extra rivets to join at rear of cab doors Completed

Accidents
1. New Hit parked car extensive damage to fairing and underskirt on one side Completed by Highbridge Caravans
2. New Hit gate post damage to rear corner vertical aluminium extrusion Completed by Highbridge Caravans

Pending
1. See 10
2. See 44a
3. Deleted
4. See 39
5. Investigate dog restraint cage. This is now tied in with child seat and child's sleeping arrangements. The fitment of a child seat will prevent the use of restraint harness which only one dog will tolerate anyway. The child's bed can be formed from the lowered table which is also the dogs travel area a net wall of mesh might also prevent child falling from bed.
6. Fit TV We have managed for 2 years without a TV since fitting the solar panel on the previous van in Feb 2009. I can see where an aerial might easily be mounted, accessed from the heki rooflight and can see a suitable site for my small flatscreen TV. Its not a priority for us though.
7. Investigate move of Webasto Thermostat Well it does work after a fashion where it is, so might just put up with it being not a very precise controller of temperature.
8. See 47

______________________________________________________________
Regards Frank - - please follow me on twitter @FrankieBryant
Denn wir haben nichts in die Welt gebracht; darum offenbar ist, wir werden auch nichts hinausbringen.
RIP Peter and Fiona wave Our thoughts are with you Chris and Graham. Fighting with Mavis and Ray We're Coming For YOU
Plusnet, Safari 5, G5 PowerPC iMac running OSX 10.5.8, Salisbury UK : Get behind early - it gives you more time to catch up.
 New thought
1190815 Post Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 8:13 am Thank this member for this postReply with quote Back To Top

sallytrafic Subscriber 26/01/2013 


Joined: Jan 17, 2006

Posts: 13986

MH: Chausson Flash 02

Usage: 36 day(s)

Campsites

Gender: Male

Location: Salisbury

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When loading the van last night I was filling a low down cupboard with beer and other heavy items when for the first time it struck me that my gas manifold and some gas pipes are mounted on the forward inside of that cupboard.



All the pipes are steel brake pipes rather than copper but having beer bottles banging on them might disturb the joint at the manifold and beer bottles on steel might also be one of extra noises from that cupboard. So what I propose is three lightweight wooden battens to protect the pipes and my beer Smile like this:


______________________________________________________________
Regards Frank - - please follow me on twitter @FrankieBryant
Denn wir haben nichts in die Welt gebracht; darum offenbar ist, wir werden auch nichts hinausbringen.
RIP Peter and Fiona wave Our thoughts are with you Chris and Graham. Fighting with Mavis and Ray We're Coming For YOU
Plusnet, Safari 5, G5 PowerPC iMac running OSX 10.5.8, Salisbury UK : Get behind early - it gives you more time to catch up.
 
1190830 Post Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 9:13 am Thank this member for this postReply with quote Back To Top

Kev_n_Liz Subscriber 14/10/2012 


Joined: Sep 25, 2008

Posts: 6721

MH: Relay XLWB, 07, about to start self build, HELP !!

Campsites

Gender: None specified

Location: Leeds, Gods County.

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Status: Offline

Oh Frank Frank Frank Frank Frank, you have a lot to learn mate Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes


Simple solution, just drink the beer. Laughing Laughing Laughing
 
1225146 Post Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:37 am Thank this member for this postReply with quote Back To Top

frirl  


Joined: Feb 07, 2009

Posts: 5

MH: Wanderer

Campsites

Gender: None specified

Status: Offline

Hi Frank, hurry back on here and tell us more about your adventures & mods! I went to the Algarve in my Chausson in late November, just got back home a few days ago. My awning winder stayed put where you suggested, no retaining clip, for the entire expedition! (3 months)
I have done no mods. I got average 29.5 for the trip. Cab battery does not charge on EHU, but poses no problem, zig unit does show it's state of charge (prob just voltage)
Good luck in everything!
Frank
 
1226865 Post Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:05 am Thank this member for this postReply with quote Back To Top

sallytrafic Subscriber 26/01/2013 


Joined: Jan 17, 2006

Posts: 13986

MH: Chausson Flash 02

Usage: 36 day(s)

Campsites

Gender: Male

Location: Salisbury

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Status: Offline

frirl wrote:
Hi Frank, hurry back on here and tell us more about your adventures & mods! I went to the Algarve in my Chausson in late November, just got back home a few days ago. My awning winder stayed put where you suggested, no retaining clip, for the entire expedition! (3 months)
I have done no mods. I got average 29.5 for the trip. Cab battery does not charge on EHU, but poses no problem, zig unit does show it's state of charge (prob just voltage)
Good luck in everything!
Frank


Thanks for wanting me back Smile

Well as it happens.....



I only have room for one gas bottle in the gas compartment 11kg propane. So I carry a camping gaz 907 that can temporarily feed the van if I run out at night or away from a flogas dealer and to power a small bbq. I've stuck a gas label on my rear locker door ages ago and fitted a cylinder base mounting point but have been meaning to make a gas drop vent. Well yesterday I fitted one and gas proofed the joints in the rear locker. Note this is just for the unlikely event of gas leaking from the cylinder when securely closed.

The place chosen misses the waste water tank and chassis members and because a steel framed chair is stored over the top of it cannot be blocked by any miscellaneous items I put in the locker.

______________________________________________________________
Regards Frank - - please follow me on twitter @FrankieBryant
Denn wir haben nichts in die Welt gebracht; darum offenbar ist, wir werden auch nichts hinausbringen.
RIP Peter and Fiona wave Our thoughts are with you Chris and Graham. Fighting with Mavis and Ray We're Coming For YOU
Plusnet, Safari 5, G5 PowerPC iMac running OSX 10.5.8, Salisbury UK : Get behind early - it gives you more time to catch up.
 
1228310 Post Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 7:46 am Thank this member for this postReply with quote Back To Top

sallytrafic Subscriber 26/01/2013 


Joined: Jan 17, 2006

Posts: 13986

MH: Chausson Flash 02

Usage: 36 day(s)

Campsites

Gender: Male

Location: Salisbury

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Status: Offline

Here we are in April and not much new is happening by way of mods and improvements but here is the updated list which was falling behind reality

We are continuing to get good use out of our motorhome. In 2011 we got 95 nights away. So far this year we have been away 16 nights with our earliest ever trip out (in any van) at the end of January. By the beginning of June the total should be up to about 60 with Dutch and Irish ferries all booked.

Main PHOTOS ARE ON PAGES 21 and 22 OF THIS THREAD


Improvements
1. Name Van: Chatham Completed
2. Add towel/drying rails. Completed
3. Design and fit cupboard shelving. Completed
3a Modify shelf supports. Completed
3b New Varnished shelving also see 34 Completed
4. Fit rubber glove and tea towel holder. Completed
5. Fit gas lighter holder.Completed
6. Design and fit partitions under bed. Completed
6b Move box retainer strip 5mm forward and added another Completed
7. Replace halogens with LEDs. Completed
8. Add shurflo accumulator to water system.Completed
9. Soap dispenser in Bathroom (Fiamma) Completed
10. Awning Light. Completed
11. Extra mains sockets Completed
12. Bed end cupholders Completed
13. Job Deleted
14. Hook for rubbish bag. Completed
15. Make fitted cover for bench seat. Completed
16. Get winter covers for fridge and grill. Completed
17. Cut up carpet to retain some. Completed
18. Wet clothes hooks over door Completed
19. Fitted Kyocera 130W solar panel Completed
19a Fitted Amperor Power Integrator Completed
20. Fit two larger batteries Completed
21. Fit Nasa BM1-C battery monitor. Completed
22. Make EHU cable stowage. Completed
22a Strengthened EHU cable supports Completed
23. Sound insulation for water pump. Completed
24. Improve run of pipes and cables. Completed
25. Replace luminaire over cooker for LED type Completed
26. Added Battery LED lights to door and rear locker Completed
27. Added boot/shoe storage to underbed area Completed
28. Added Thermowrap insulation to front grp moulding Completed
29. Added mcb for battery charger Completed
30. Added external dc socket for telescope electronics etc Completed
31. Add red interior lighting (for night vision) Completed
31a Remove 2D innards and replace with white and red LCD panels Completed
32. Added fused supplementary dc distribution. Completed
33. Add wardrobe catch clothes protection Completed
33a Fiddled with clothes protection now back to plan A Completed
34. Added shelf in 'dog cupboard Completed
34a Move shelf support 20mm aft Completed
34b Moved shelf support back to original position Smile Completed
34c [Varnished shelf Completed
35. Transferred to pending 5
36. Add extra DC socket at floor level Completed
37. Add light for driver's seat Completed
38. Add Hooks and clips in Propane gas cupboard for 'gas' tools Completed
39. Fit waste pipe for emptying waste tanks when no MH disposal point. Completed
40. Clips for awning opener underbed Completed
41. Headlamp diverters and vehicle spare lamp box Completed
42. Make longer dc cable for telescope mount Completed
43. Transferred to pending 7
44. Investigate child seat fitment. Completed
44a Have firmer seat squab made Completed
45. Fit new shower tap hoses and head. New one doesn't fit so Plan B
46. Fit Gaslow SS flexible pigtail Completed
47. Replace Grill with Cupboard Completed
48. Stowage for awning winder Completed
49. Retaining pin for door open catch Completed
50. New protection strips for gas pipes to be fitted.
51. New Retention and gas drop vent for storage of 907 cylinder. Completed

Snags
1. [color=green]Replace curtain hooks. (poor quality) Completed

2. Fix over bedhead shelf properly. Completed
3. Seal side of worktop
4. Get English language versions of some manuals. Asked Discover - no response, bought one from Ford the other from eBay Completed
5. Fit new outside door clip Completed
6. Investigate thin glass fibre Completed
7. All sealant removed from roof seams, resealed with Körapur Marine. Completed
8. Staple velcro for head rest. Completed
9. Charger repair. Completed
10. Check water pipe route and insulation near fridge. Completed
11. Fix Fridge door lock Completed
12. Move lower Table support to correct position. Completed
13. Snag deleted
14. Shower hose fouling rear of cupboard and other hoses, also leaking. Completed
15. Shower door lower catch not operating. Completed
15a Catch failed again removed bottom part of catch Completed
16. 'O' rings and hose clips fitted to Truma water boiler Completed
17. Lower Fridge vent replaced holding catch broken Completed
18. Water pressure reducer fitted to Thetford flush Completed
19. Remove mastic from inside water filler hose. Completed
20. Get first service done. Completed
21. Report change of ownership to Chausson. Completed
22. Improve poor mounting of bench seat. See also 44a Completed
23. Add extra rivets to join at rear of cab doors Completed

Accidents
1. Hit parked car extensive damage to fairing and underskirt on one side Completed by Highbridge Caravans
2. Hit gate post damage to rear corner vertical aluminium extrusion Completed by Highbridge Caravans

Pending
1. See 10
2. See 44a
3. Deleted
4. See 39
5. Investigate dog restraint cage. This is now tied in with child seat and child's sleeping arrangements. The fitment of a child seat will prevent the use of restraint harness which only one dog will tolerate anyway. The child's bed can be formed from the lowered table which is also the dogs travel area a net wall of mesh might also prevent child falling from bed.
6. Fit TV We have managed for 2 years without a TV since fitting the solar panel on the previous van in Feb 2009. I can see where an aerial might easily be mounted, accessed from the heki rooflight and can see a suitable site for my small flatscreen TV. Its not a priority for us though New I have bought a suitable aerial!.
7. Investigate move of Webasto Thermostat Well it does work after a fashion where it is, so might just put up with it being not a very precise controller of temperature.
8. See 47

..... and I have been promising to show my improved cable stowage See 22 and 22a but keep forgetting so here it is:



If your walls are made of expanded polystyrene and thin ply then any fixture needs load-spreading and glue to supplement any screws used.

______________________________________________________________
Regards Frank - - please follow me on twitter @FrankieBryant
Denn wir haben nichts in die Welt gebracht; darum offenbar ist, wir werden auch nichts hinausbringen.
RIP Peter and Fiona wave Our thoughts are with you Chris and Graham. Fighting with Mavis and Ray We're Coming For YOU
Plusnet, Safari 5, G5 PowerPC iMac running OSX 10.5.8, Salisbury UK : Get behind early - it gives you more time to catch up.
 
1228318 Post Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 8:05 am Thank this member for this postReply with quote Back To Top

Kev_n_Liz Subscriber 14/10/2012 


Joined: Sep 25, 2008

Posts: 6721

MH: Relay XLWB, 07, about to start self build, HELP !!

Campsites

Gender: None specified

Location: Leeds, Gods County.

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Status: Offline

Cool shoes mate Smile Smile
 
1228500 Post Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 3:00 pm Thank this member for this postReply with quote Back To Top

LovesickFerret Subscriber 24/03/2013 


Joined: Mar 20, 2012

Posts: 76

MH:

Campsites

Gender: Female

Location: Cornwall

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Status: Offline

Wow, what a fabulous thread. Frank you are a man after my husbands heart! Before we have even bought a motorhome I banned him from doing "improvements" but after reading this thread it has even inspired me and I will look forward in anticipation to seeing what he can find to do and if he can't think of a solution I now know who to send him to for ideas and advice. Thank you.

Please don't end this thread, continue letting us all know how your work is progressing. You are an inspiration and achieve far more than the average motorhome owner. Anyone who leaves a "snipe" is either useless at DIY or jealous of your abilities. If you don't like a thread don't read it, but let everyone who is enjoying it continue to look forward to more of Franks expertise.

Keep up the good work Frank, it's brill Very Happy and thank you for sharing.
 
1228526 Post Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 3:52 pm Thank this member for this postReply with quote Back To Top

raynipper Subscriber 17/11/2013 


Age: 8

Joined: Aug 04, 2008

Posts: 5375

MH: Hobby 750 FMSe

Campsites

Gender: Male

Location: Normandy

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Status: Offline

Hi Frank.
Looking at how neat and tidy your van and storage places are, maybe you could start on mine if you ever get a spare mo......... Embarassed Ray.

______________________________________________________________
The FSA licensed a twice convicted fraudster to handle our life´s savings. Guess what? He robbed us. http://raynipper.com
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