What Can Go WRONG With Older Caravans?

In this video, I get to hang out in the workshop at Stowford Farm Meadows in North Devon. I've got a 10 year old caravan back in New Zealand and I was keen to learn what can go wrong with older caravan and talk about some of the things that have broken in my caravan. We talk about the Truma heater, the fake wood, soft flooring, the hitch, the wheel issues and the fridge.
What question would you have asked?
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The campground is Stowford Farm Meadows: stowford.co.uk/
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[@vince_martyn]

What a great guy. He was explaining things very well for the target audience. I had a problem with my room heater like this one, it wouldn't work on mains hookup. Getting to the circuit board was a very fiddly job and rather than spend upwards of £100 on a replacement, I was lucky enough to fault find it and change one transistor at a cost of 50p (plus at least 4 hours of my time).

[@TravellingK]

That’s great to hear you could replace a transistor and fixed the problem! I’d be lost...

[@williambranham6249]

Good information. Thank you both. I would consider taking him along on my next trip!

[@TravellingK]

Yes, I’ll agree to that 😀

[@johninokla2635]

@@TravellingK I bet you would enjoy having your own handy man along.😁

[@mikeweaver6242]

That dude was bloody informative. I knew about the floor , as we had to do that to our senator, but everything else was handy to keep in the memory bank

[@TravellingK]

Yes, so much helpful information 😀

[@rwiliamson8051]

Best tip... Use all the appliances on each fuel occasionally.

[@TravellingK]

Yes, I probably should do that myself!

[@stephenlittle7534]

What a Great Guy and very Helpful. And Your Questions were spot on. You have helped a lot of folk gain knowledge on their caravans now.

[@TravellingK]

Yes, such helpful information from Aeron 😀

[@johninokla2635]

Well, no matter what some of the commentors say I enjoyed the video along with the barnyard sounds and icons. 😀 When I read the title my first thought was the video was going to be about the other caravan.

[@TravellingK]

Bit of confusion with the icons 🤣 I was really keen to get done tips about my own caravan... so helpful.

[@henrybarnett1063]

A few yrs ago my son in law had probs with there fridge No power, called out a mobile caravan repair man and he found that they had put pots and pans on the switch under the cooker and switched it off (£70 to switch it back on) plus call out fee !!.

[@TravellingK]

🤦‍♀️Ouch. That would have been a painful day.

[@2wheelsdown131]

Always love watching your vids, nice see your in north Devon east Devon here looking forward to being back on the road my self. Hope you enjoyed your travels around the UK

[@TravellingK]

Great to hear Gary! And I’m sure you’re keen for winter to finish.

[@andrew-karens-adventures]

Hi Karen - that's a really helpful workshop technician he is willing to give you some great information on issues that can be rectified - Great video

[@TravellingK]

Yes, so generous with his knowledge!

[@altacat9702]

Outstanding ...I have been messing with my fridge for years ...learned a lot : )

[@TravellingK]

That’s great to hear!

[@altacat9702]

@@TravellingK Thank You for all your work ...and have fun along the way : ) ... perfect perfect ...

[@eyelidman09]

Very informative indeed, Karen. A lovely chap who had a clear explanation for all of your questions. Thanks a million for all of your videos - they’re great. Seasons greetings and here’s to more adventures in 2020. 🐄🐔🌅🧰🔮

[@TravellingK]

Yes, very clear explanations 😀 And seasons greetings to you too 🌲🐓

[@anitaagler9844]

Very helpful man. In the US the tiny houses have become very popular I wonder how much of this info crosses over.

[@TravellingK]

That’s a good point. I imagine there are some similarities!

[@christinegibbins6105]

Thanks Kay, found that so useful, will copy the link to this for reference, The lad explained the problems and fixes very clearly.

[@TravellingK]

So great to hear!

[@disabledmotorhomer7883]

its good to watch someone who knows what they are talking about. Good video. Charles

[@TravellingK]

Glad you enjoyed the video Charles. Aeron certainly knew his stuff!

[@pfsmall]

Great video!! Towing outside of North America is so different. Good advice that I have always done is run every thing once in a while. Good advice!

[@TravellingK]

I would be interested to one day see the differences in North America!

[@alandray5282]

Understanding more about damp. .as I have some at the front of our van..we have stopped the water getting in, just got to repair the rot now. ..Alan.

[@TravellingK]

Yes, it sounds like a whole video could’ve about damp! Sounds like you’ve got a challenge on your hands...

[@user-tp3oj4xy9o]

didn't know about the battery in the fire,the info on the fridge was very useful

[@TravellingK]

I asked many many questions about the fridge 🤣

[@flybyairplane3528]

Travelling K those refrigerators,,work, by a chemical process, which needs a heat source to,operate,,, for THAT REASON THEY NEED TO BE BASICALLY LEVEL, they are an ABSORBTION TYPE REFRIGERATOR, , LARGE ONES USED TO USED IN HOMES WITH NO ELECTRICITY, AN USED KEROSENE, IN USA the band was SERVEL, in EUROPE was ELECTROLUX, which now owns SERVEL, and now only made to use PROPANE.., MERRY CHRISTMAS,,and CHEERS FROM, NJ. USA🇦🇺🇺🇸

[@happycampervan]

Hi been watching your videos and think your amazing iv just coming to the end of building my own campervan and some of the places you been commenting on have been taken onboard and will definitely try to get Really enjoyed watching and very informative

[@TravellingK]

Oh how exciting! And amazing that you’ve built your own campervan. Glad the videos have helped with travel ideas.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Thanks that was some useful tips there. Was interesting all those points about the fridge. I also like the point about the damper at the front.

[@TravellingK]

Yes, I never knew about the hitch info!

[@flybyairplane3528]

Travelling K , oh ? Show did you thinks the caravan brakes , were to operate ? Cheers From NJ...USA🇦🇺🇺🇸

[@kevdefender6976]

Great video, my ovens new but it goes out after 15mins If you watch it the flame starts to flicker and if you open the door slightly the flame comes back to life

[@TravellingK]

That sounds annoying!

[@MadMonk_]

Having had a few really old vans - one of the important issues is water leaking around the roof vents - especially if the van is wooden framed and not the modern insulated panels.... I've had to reframe a whole section of the roof as the frame had rotted away.... not an easy job... The best tip, as ~Aaron mentioned, is to treat damp early, this will save in the long run !!!

[@TravellingK]

Yikes! Sounds like it would have been a challenging job for you!

[@MadMonk_]

@@TravellingK I was a lot younger lol

[@nanrod981]

Always informative, helpful and a delight

[@TravellingK]

Glad to hear that 😀

[@justinaddis1505]

Useful thank you. Interesting to know about the fridge. CPU went on my old van replaced under warranty. Thankfully. Issue I now have is with door to battery compartment not opening properly just doesn’t seem like a good fit.

[@TravellingK]

Oh that sounds frustrating! I really need to clear out my fridges flue...

[@GrrMeister]

4:40 *Good idea as I do, is to use a Dehumidifier over winter to keep moisture levels low, and keep Caravan (Or MotorHome) dry and prevent later problems. Check occasionally and empty container of any water. Can get a second hand one on EBay as I did for less than £30 which will do the job. (Mains Connection Required) If in Storage there are some 'desiccant' moisture absorbers, but only effective for a short period of time.*

[@TravellingK]

That’s a good tip. I just use the budget absorbers 🤣

[@rolanddenis4152]

Hi, For heater ignition problems, you can change the AA or in case of piezzo , verify if electric earth is good, this problem was fix in a BURSTNER caravan 30 years old and the heater go very well since. Bye

[@TravellingK]

Oh that’s a great tip! Thank you 😀

[@huiawalker203]

Amazing advice!

[@jesusmota5158]

Travelling your channel is great!!!!!

[@TravellingK]

Thank you!

[@shalomweston6562]

I like the cow's helpful tips "moo!"

[@TravellingK]

I couldn’t resist including the cow’s 🤣

[@waynecompton7612]

Good morning Karen, Thank you for the video and Take Care 👍😎🇬🇧.

[@TravellingK]

Thanks Wayne!

[@GaetanHobby]

Thanks Karen for a very different vidéo 😉

[@TravellingK]

It is a little different this week!

[@paulandsarahcaravanlife]

Well i didnt realise that the car had to be running to get the code 10 to stop showing. Thank you x

[@TravellingK]

Glad the tips were helpful 😀

[@everyday1495]

Hes a keeper.

[@TravellingK]

So true!

[@muddymarvellous]

Oh Dear..it's Aeron love x

[@TravellingK]

Haha I noticed as I edited... but too late by then!

[@alisterwest6987]

Never knew about the battery 🤔useful video good idea too 👍

[@TravellingK]

Glad you found the video useful!

[@simonaldridge82]

There is a big difference between your van and others. Your living in yours full time, others are mainly used for holidays or short breaks.

[@TravellingK]

So I get the quirky issues? 🤣 That does make sense.

[@p.santos6644]

🎁🎁🎁Want to wish you and family a merry Christmas 🎁🎁🎁

[@davethompson6726]

Nice video Karen picked up a couple of things how come you travel thousands of miles to get to the UK and you find a techo who gives free information to general questions and shows other faults on caravans I think we will travel to New Zealand and look for a caravan techo so we can get some help (Only Joking) Thanks again Dave

[@TravellingK]

Hi Dave, you have a point 🤣 I was keen to see what a UK workshop is like for UK caravans! Then compare with back home

[@derekmills5394]

Karen's eyelashes probably flutter faster than yours Dave!

[@1Polglen]

That was very interesting.

[@TravellingK]

That you found it interesting Glen 😀

[@kf-dk5pb]

Very useful tips thank you x

[@TravellingK]

Glad you think that 😀

[@carycoombe3380]

How about how to grease your bearings? How often does it need to be done? Are there such things as "factory sealed bearings"?

[@TravellingK]

Oh some great questions!!!

[@coaltit1]

Isn't it good if you just get a nice person explaining problems and possible solutions.

[@Tomcroese]

Mappy Christmas. I hope that you have some "nisser" in the caravan!

[@TravellingK]

Nissers? Merry Christmas Tom! I’m currently with family 😀

[@Tomcroese]

@@TravellingK Nice, good to hear!

[@PixiesChannel12345]

Sounds like you were in a farm lol with it being just next door, He sounded like he knew quite a bit, Kidnap him and take him with you on your travels just in case you need him lol

[@TravellingK]

Hehe a great plan 🤔

[@johninokla2635]

Pixies, If you have watched any of her videos you know she would need him. Does he cook as well? lol

[@jasewest]

What a great fella

[@TravellingK]

So helpful 😀

[@mickkingston1450]

All good tips. 🇬🇧👌

[@TravellingK]

Glad you found them helpful 😀

[@audreyfforbes-hamilton]

I think the most useful tip is that a AA battery might fix your heater!

[@millomweb]

Are you sure that was an AA ? It looked bigger to me !

[@johninokla2635]

@@millomweb That is what he said it was. 1:02

[@millomweb]

@@johninokla2635 And it appears to be in Truma video but again, they' don't specify ! so I'm just comparing with human fingers holding it !

[@TravellingK]

Glad that was a helpful one! Something you wouldn’t expect either...

[@millomweb]

@@TravellingK Surely it's mentioned in the handbook for the heater ? Don't people read them (handbooks) when things don't work properly ??

[@chrishague1129]

Awesome Kaz great vid

[@TravellingK]

Thank you Chris!

[@chrishague1129]

You back in New Zealand now caz

[@michaelhodges2448]

Could do with this lad at my works

[@TravellingK]

So nice to hear!

[@truckeemick2486]

Aaron.! he said.

[@TravellingK]

haha mucked that up!

[@brainclerk4431]

hahaha karen i thought every time i saw a cow come up you were indicating he was talking Bull lol then i got confused when i saw a chicken , i soon worked it out. great insight into problem solving !

[@TravellingK]

Haha someone else thought the same!! Didn’t even cross my mind when adding them in.

[@rageonhigh]

Hi Kay where is this place please so I can call them.

[@rageonhigh]

Sorry I just realized this is the UK lol

[@TravellingK]

Stowford Farm Meadows campground had this workshop too 😀

[@TraceUK]

I really enjoy your content besides the creepy music in the background... Really is creepy. Could you possibly change it to something a little more upbeat? I have to stop watching after a while as I find it makes me feel depressed 😕 Just meant as constructive criticism, no offence intended

[@TravellingK]

I had the music so quiet on this video I could hardly tell it was there! Music is a tricky one... everyone has their own preference.

[@TraceUK]

With respect - I don’t think creepy music is anyone’s preference. I truly believe if you changed it to something a little more upbeat, even just slightly, you’ll gain more subscribers

[@Dan_Beed]

🙌

[@maddrivers1018]

well don good vote

[@TravellingK]

Helpful stuff - right!

[@jesusmota5158]

First in the comments From Dominican Republic!!!!!

[@blimpcommander1337]

Wouldn’t it be nice to have your own caravan repairman? I’m following behind. Don’t you hate it when work interferes with your KZbin watching?

[@TravellingK]

Would simplify life!!! Hehe annoying work 😉

[@jamessymons5916]

😎

[@Parknest]

Karen, I've done a floor repair on my 1994 Lunar in one of my videos (kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4i9iWeshL-rhrc). I used the "top down" method. It had been repaired previously in 2004 (judging by the newspapers left there) so I pulled up the carpet, drilled out the dowels from the previous repair, filled the holes with a one part epoxy and fitted new dowels. It worked a treat.

[@TravellingK]

That’s interesting!! Glad it went smoothly for you.

[@gregbolitho9775]

not bad m8, woulda liked to visit the pettin zoo. next time, maybe eh!

[@TravellingK]

hehe I'll agree, I should have had a look!

[@cocobunjee6676]

I would have asked for his telephone number. Gorgeous!!

[@TravellingK]

Haha a great comment!!

[@Tomcroese]

Ok, thats a lot of info. I wonder do the Santa find you? He dont have av adres?

[@TravellingK]

Haha a challenge for Santa!

[@jayleigh7285]

How much commission u on womble😎

[@TravellingK]

You’ve lost me?!?

[@johninokla2635]

@@TravellingK I wonder if he means are you getting a commission from the repair shop for making this video.

[@jayleigh7285]

@@TravellingK Sorry K wrong person lol, happy new year

[@murshidanajnin3694]

Ssssse

[@Solderwire]

U.K vans are all crap, i know i have one quality is shocking,

[@RA-tb7jx]

Not everyone wants to support the German economy.

[@TravellingK]

People seem to have different experiences 🤷‍♀️

[@dianahayward3905]

Our Adria is the best van we have ever owned

[@anitaagler9844]

Very helpful man. In the US the tiny houses have become very popular I wonder how much of this info crosses over.