Chart-topping 'van
One of the most frequently asked questions is: "Which is the biggest-selling base vehicle on which 'vans are built?"
When first asked this, my immediate reply was the ubiquitous Ford Transit. But as with many common-sense replies based on little more than casual observation, it was factually incorrect. Although the Transit has been a consistently strong seller in Europe, it is a long way short of the world-wide winner which is America's
E-series Ford.
The origin of the 'E' is that
it is an abbreviation of early models' full name, Econoline. For more than 40 years the
E-series Econoline has been the top-selling light commercial van in the world.
Has spring sprung?
Actually, it's almost impossible to tell whether it has or hasn't because of the realignment of the seasons. The new February imitates the old October, the new March is likely to become the old February, with the old November, December and January now a thing of the past. Incredibly our neighbour's garden has had roses in bud and bloom throughout the winter which, of course, is not winter any more but autumn.
But whatever season it should be, it's that time of year for a spring clean and so here are some top tips.
I am not going to insult
your intelligence by giving a step-by-step guide as I am sure you can all operate a sponge and a vacuum cleaner. If you have not yet done so, then you are probably showing this to your butler.
The job actually starts the weekend before the work proper. Go right through the 'van's interior and note down anything that requires specific attention such as that sticking blind, wonky cupboard catch, or blown light bulb. Then, fix everything over the next week.
Catches and locks usually require only a drop of WD40
if they are stiff (or some slightly fatter screws) if they have come loose.
A common problem is sticking curtains on 'vans fitted with plastic curtain tracks. It is usually caused by a build-up of cooking grease which then attracts dust and causes the track to grab onto the sliders. It's easy to fix: remove the track and sliders and soak them in a bucket filled with hot water, washing-up liquid and a measure of soda crystals; clean thoroughly and, when dry, buff all components with a lint-free cloth. But make sure you don't add any lubrication.
Broken locker handles can sometimes be glued together if you've got all the pieces. Providing it is no more than five years old, the nearest appointed agent for the converter should be able to order a replacement. However, experience has taught me that frequently they can't
or won't.
A hard-working and
long-suffering spares manager at a well-known dealership said that a delivery time of six weeks was about the best that any of the manufacturers, for whom they were agents, would be able to manage which is embarrassing for him and extremely annoying for the customer. This was a major factor in our choice of an Auto-Sleeper as their direct-to-customer spares service is absolutely first-class.
Local hardware superstores such as Focus DIY, stock a wide range of handles and it is possible that a close match might be found. If the broken one is highly visible, change it with another that is less so, to stop the replacement sticking out like a sore thumb. Finally, you can visit a caravan and motorhome breaker to source a replacement. I'll provide
a list of these next month.
The full ramblings can be found in the April 07 issue of Practical Motorhome
Happy motorhoming!
Jack Bancroft |
