DIY and Asbestos

**Tank** · 24th March 2010, 19:36

Originally Posted by BiK3RChiK

I got quite a shock yesterday when I asked a mate to come around and check out a caravan we've been given, as it needs re-furbishing and I wanted his opinion since he's in the trade, kind of...

We talk about the chassis and ceiling and lining ......

I got to say - sounds like a very fun project (excluding the bad stuff) - always fancied restoring a combi van - but I love the 'older' style caravans also - tons of character.

**CookMySock** · 24th March 2010, 19:38

Originally Posted by Tank

Swingers roadshow?

Sleeps six!

No, you can't come - no fat people allowed!

Steve

**Tank** · 24th March 2010, 19:43

Originally Posted by DangerousBastard

Sleeps six!

No, you can't come - no fat people allowed!

Steve

ooohhh cutting. pfft if I was the swinging kind (and Im not) - Id like to think despite being fat - I could do waaaaaay better than you and the clan.

**BiK3RChiK** · 24th March 2010, 19:45

I'm a huge fan of DIY and it's going to be a fun project for sure...

At 22ft, it's quite dangerous towing at speed. Steve can do the driving as far as I'm concerned! He's tried to give me specific instructions on towing it, but I don't want to know!

It'll be a little while before it moves off the lawn at any rate... it's quite some project, since it's been parked under a hedge for way too long!

**Tank** · 24th March 2010, 19:48

Originally Posted by BiK3RChiK

I'm a huge fan of DIY and it's going to be a fun project for sure...

We need a before pic , progress pics, and an after pic.

**CookMySock** · 24th March 2010, 19:51

The tow ball on the surf is a little high, and it gets a wicked, wicked swing on over 85k. Roll off down a hill and touch 100 clicks and it will reach around and bite your leg off. Emphatically not amusing. Great levels of concentration required. We won't be going far with it.

Steve

**BiK3RChiK** · 24th March 2010, 19:54

Hadn't thought of before, during and after pics...

Could be done

**Tank** · 24th March 2010, 19:55

Originally Posted by BiK3RChiK

Hadn't thought of before, during and after pics...

Could be done

you put in all the effort - nice to be able to look back.

**Mom** · 24th March 2010, 19:59

Originally Posted by Maha

oh and its 80kph when towing aint it Steve?

Try the new speed differential amendment to that rule lovely man...90kph I tink you will find. Mind you, even that is too fast pulling our van

Originally Posted by Tank

I got to say - sounds like a very fun project (excluding the bad stuff) - always fancied restoring a combi van - but I love the 'older' style caravans also - tons of character.

You want to watch out for the characters in the vans as much as the character of the van

Originally Posted by BiK3RChiK

I'm a huge fan of DIY and it's going to be a fun project for sure...

At 22ft, it's quite dangerous towing at speed.... it's quite some project, since it's been parked under a hedge for way too long!

At that length it will have double axles and trailer brakes. Trust me on this, it is easy as to tow one. Gather up speed from stop in a steady way. Gain your cruising speed and maintain it. You will find it easy to get up to speed and once you are underway you should not notice the extra weight. Do not go faster! If you do you will find the van might attempt to take over the control of your towing vehicle. That is an interesting experience, the steering of your car has a mind of its own. Really satisfying to control.

The trailer brakes come into their own when you button off the gas. Going down hill the trailer brakes should keep everything in line. Allow extra room to stop at intersections.

As far as doing one up goes. I have done it. Dont scrimp. Spend the money you need to. I promise you many rewarding vacations in it.

**SMOKEU** · 24th March 2010, 20:03

Soak it with a hose and wear a painters mask and you'll be sweet.
Or skip the above and just don't breathe.

**AllanB** · 24th March 2010, 20:20

I watched a caravan get way sideways earlier this year - every time he got over 90 it went out of control. Scary stuff.

Talking to some 'vaners' at the camp later and several suggested filling the water tank to add weight down low for towing. No ideal if this is correct.
Mass centralisation for your caravan!

**pete376403** · 24th March 2010, 20:48

I recall being told by a engineer with Trojan Engineering (they of the Duratorque trailer axles, many years back) then trailers handled best with about 100lbs (or 50kgs if you must) weight on the towbar. THey did lots of experiments at quite illegal speeds with a 'van towed by an XJ6, inducing sway and then seeing how to get out of it. Most of the time they were successful...