Pogo2

Heki roof-light & roof rail repair

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Pogo has a Heki roof-light over the double bed, we suspected that there might be a small drip after I removed the frame to fix the roller blinds. The roller blinds needed tightening up so they run smoother back to the closed position.

I removed the trim easily enough, 4 screws, slowly lowered the frame and this is what we saw.

heki drip2

Well I need to fix that!

Removed some more trim, stood on the bed and took the grey smoke roof light off. It was held on by two plastic removable clips.

heki

Stripped back, canopy & shelving

heki drip1

Where is that coming from?

Popped my head through the wider opening so I can work on the roof from the outside.

sky drip2

Close up shot

I spent the next 3 hours removing the black sealant outside, the wrong type of sealant might been used previously. I need a very clean surface to apply the correct sealant to.

IMG_1649

Took ages to remove this black gunk, used white spirit and a pan scrub

Advice taken from the Motorhome Fun forums reference the correct type of sealant to use, recommendations were Sikaflex EBT from Screwfix and W4 Mastic Sealing Strip available widely from caravan accessory shops in different size widths.

Just took my time, thoroughly cleaned it all off, applied the W4 tape, and place the outside frame on top of the tape, fastened the frame up from the inside so it squeezed both the inside and outside together to form a tight, perfect seal. Then I used the Sikaflex EBT to seal the frame to the roof on the outside.

It looks good hopefully it has cured the problem.

On one of our outings we checked the repair I had done and it seems there is a very small amount of water seeping in and settling inside the roof light frame once again and some towards the front sloping headlining.

Once we got home we decided to water test the front roof rail by spraying water on the roof rail and testing the inside.

water test

Water testing in the rain!

 

The roof rail might not be water tight, I’ll have another look in the dry weather.

Next steps were to remove the black plastic weather strip and check it properly. I stand on the bed and put my body through the roof light so I can work on the rail.

rubber strip

Clean up and reseal required!

I am doing another cleaning up and old sealant removal on the rubber plastic strip and the metal rail, it took a few hours, but cleaning it thoroughly is the only way to provide a good clean seal.

During the cleaning and a very close inspection I think that water is creeping in through this hole, it looks like another screw has been used next to the original hole.

culprit1

Could this be the problem?

I find two holes like this, hopefully this is the problem and I can now make a permanent repair.

Taking my time I clean it all back including the rubber strip, let it dry off, applied  Sikaflex EBT and filled the whole rail from left to right all the way across, pushed the black rubber strip down back in place and sealed that as well.

clened up

Cleaned up ready for fresh sealant

 

Let it dry off for a few days, completed a water hose pipe test once more, fingers crossed, a close inspection inside and no signs of water ingress, breathe a sigh of relief as it looks like it has cured the problem.

Our perseverance has paid off!

Dave

 

 

 

 

 

Water system in Pogo isn’t working!

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Here we are at Cathy’s sisters house in Oxfordshire, parked up on their drive for a family visit and party.

We go straight inside to greet everybody and after a few hours I go back to the van to set it up for the night, we are sleeping in it.

Now I discover the water system isn’t working, no flow of water, no pressure and I can’t  fill the Truma hot water heater. It is not essential for tonight but it is annoying all the same though, we put the EHU (electric hook up) on.

I’ll look at it again tomorrow.

Please look here at our Weymouth trip to continue with the story.

Dave

Whale Water Pressure Switch

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We knew there was a problem with the low pressure in the water system, the toilet flush was weak, the kitchen sink taps and shower head flowed slowly.

When the mobile repairer came to fix the list of jobs including the badly wired 240 volt electric socket, the above problems were on the list to remedy (August 2017)

He discovered the micro switch in the shower tap was faulty and has to be replaced, circa £30, whilst we considered what he had told us, he mentioned that if the other tap micro switches fail it will be £30 each time, there are two kitchen and two bathroom taps with micro switches.

Whilst Cathy and I talked about this latest problem, the repairer suggest that we could fit an in-line Whale water pressure switch, the benefit being that even if the other tap micro switches fail later on, the pressure in the water system would remain the same and continue to work as normal.

Well that’s it then, lets fit the in-line pressure switch and eliminate any potential problem further on, how much will it be ? £35 including fitting came the reply, ok please do that then.

The repairer cut the water pipe close to the water pump outlet, amended the wiring and installed the pressure switch.

pressure6

Whale Water Pressure Switch

In our outing to Oswestry in October 2017, we felt there was a difference but only slightly in the water pressure and flow. It was reassuring though that any potential problems with micro switches will not affect the water system.

Dave

 

Sat Nav – Garmin Camper 760 LMT- D

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Well we need a good Sat Nav for our journeys in the UK & Europe, one that works using specific vehicles dimensions, height, weight, and width and this Garmin model fits the bill.

garmin

£259.50 from Ebay

Bought this one from eBay, brand new still in the box, never been used for £259.50 including P & P in July 2017.

rev cam sat nav

A large colour 7″ screen, Cathy can see it from her seat easily enough as well!

When you exceed the speed limit the mph display turns red, mobile speed trap warnings, displays motorways lanes you should be in, especially useful where motorways merge across 4 or 5 lanes. Plus it is pre-loaded with ACSI camp sites data base.

It is positioned close the reversing camera, we are pleased with it so far.

Dave

 

 

 

Starter battery replaced

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It transpires that the starter battery needs replacing, it’s not holding enough charge to start the engine, we did a few tests and yes we need a new one (October 2017).

Go on the PC to source a suitable replacement battery, again we went on the Motorhome Fun forums, lots of advice, tips, prices, technical info and best places to buy.

Popped the bonnet to get the specifications of the old battery, jotted them down and back to the computer to purchase a new starter battery.

Current Battery Info & Dimensions

355mm length

175mm width

190mm height

90 Ah

C.C.A. = 800 (Cold Cranking Amps)

Unusually there wasn’t a date stamp on the battery.

Whilst researching and checking out prices and suppliers I saw a comment about the terminal layout on the battery, urmm what does that mean exactly? A bit more checking and I need the terminal layout to be RH+ (right hand positive).

Ok, this is the right one for us, Varta Silver Dynamic H3 600 402 083. The correct sizes & dimensions, with higher CCA at 830, 100Ah and with RH+ terminal.

I called Battery Megastore to confirm that it’s the correct battery, and their price was £113.95, back on eBay and the exact same battery from Battery Megastore – same company, was only £107.95 including free next day delivery. Saved £6!

varta battery

Fitting a new battery

It took me about 30 mins to fit, how I did it is here on Motorhome Fun

Another job done and I am pleased with myself!

Dave

 

12 volt USB & Cigarette Lighter Points & Switch

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We decided to fit a 12volt USB point near the dining table so we can we can be plugged in and charging whilst we use our mobile devices, iPads and other equipment.

I bought the parts from eBay and wired this in to the van 12 volt electrics myself including the switch and an in-line 3 amp fuse.

usb1

Conveniently there is a 12 volt junction box in the wardrobe, out with the multi meter checked the circuits, etc. I turned the 12 volts off at the control panel, wired the USB and switch together, tested it before fixing them in to the wood panel, it makes sense really.

The reason for turning the 12 volts off is that it prevents me blowing a fuse whilst working on it “live” and if a fuse blows it makes it easier to locate the problem.

It was relatively straightforward, I was a little nervous making holes in the van wood panel, but I just took my time.

The 240 volt socket in the photo was installed by the mobile repairer using CBE parts, it is handy there for our 2 kw electric heater when we are on sites with 240 volt hook up.

(PS  – ensure to use the correct cable flex for this type of circuitry 12 volts, purchased from Auto Electrical Supplies here part no.010723 @ 68 pence per metre)

A few months later I decided to install another 12 volt aux point this time a dual one with a cigarette lighter style and USB.

usb cig

Behind the passenger seat

We needed a 12 volt cigarette lighter charger point that runs off the leisure batteries fed by the roof mounted solar panels for our laptop, our portable Bose speaker and the other 12 volt equipment, we didn’t want to use the cigarette lighter point in the cab as it draws power from the vehicle battery. I mounted it in a discreet position, easy access and close enough not to over stretch the devices charging cables.

Dave

 

 

 

Dodgy 240v socket wiring

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The habitation report that was done on the motorhome in August 2016 noted that the 240v electric socket didn’t work when tested, so we knew it needed repairing. There were a few other jobs that needed to be done as well so we contacted a local mobile motorhome repairer.

P1120286

no earth!

The strange thing is that under the worktop there is a factory fitted 240v junction box, this meant it was an easy fix with discreet wiring that can’t be seen.

We are safe now and it’s another job done.

Dave

Dash Cam purchased & installed

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We had a dash camera installed at the same time as the reversing camera by Lee of DB Audio as it seemed to make sense to have both jobs done at the same time (September 2017).

My mind was on european driving and if were involved in an incident, hopefully we won’t, but having a recording could make our lives a whole lot easier.

I bought a Nextbase dash cam model No. 212 via eBay, it was a refurbished unit from a recommended seller for just £36 against a new unit for £69. it arrived and it looked brand new with no marks or scratches, it even had the the thin film over the screen.

dash cam1

Also purchased a genuine Nextbase hard wire kit for the dash cam via eBay for £11.99 saving £8 against the normal price of £19.99.

Having it hard wired to the vehicles ignition meant that I don’t have to fiddle about with 12v chargers leads, cigarette lighter points and messy wires. Wanted it to be easy to use with a minimum of fuss, it’s a great little unit and don’t forget to buy the correct SD micro card.

dash sat nav

Once mounted it does not obscure our view through the massive windscreen and we don’t notice it’s there now.

The installation and hard wiring by Lee at DB Audio cost £110 and he did a very neat and tidy job with no wires on view, thanks Lee.

Dave

Exhaust problem!

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During September 2017 I was casually looking around Pogo and spotted a weak rusty exhaust bracket, looks like yet another repair is needed.

Later that day I took the van to the local ATS, about 5 miles away for an inspection and get the bracket replaced before the exhaust fell off. The guy at ATS said the exhaust is unusual because it’s a right hand system that been adapted for the left hand drive vehicle, urm I am not sure about that I thought. Next he said the bracket can’t be purchased separately as it is part of the exhaust system, therefore I need a whole new exhaust system or maybe have it welded, ok I said can you weld it please? Ah, we don’t do welding here, you need to find someone else. Can you recommend anybody, err, no sorry.

Once more we have a problem to sort out, I started ringing around and the MOT station I used last month said they would have a look and if it can be done, give me a quote. Made an appointment for next week, they are too busy this week.

I drove Pogo to the MOT station the following week and they quote me 1-2 hours work to weld and make good, using a knurled bar and some skill, can you bring the van back in 5 days time.

Job done a few days later, the welding is of a high standard and I am pleased with the work undertaken by Dan at MOT Northwest, cost £54 including VAT, I am happy once more!

exhaust1

A neat welding job

It’s great having a local, friendly company nearby that can do jobs like this.

Dave

 

 

 

Alternator problem!

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During August 2017 our motorhome went in for the annual MOT, although it passed the tester called me over, we got under the van and he highlighted a potential problem.

Using his torch he pointed upwards and said can you see the alternator up there? yes, well the long bolt holding securing it to the sub frame has worked loose and it’s just hanging on, that’s an accident waiting to happen!

Can you fix it here? No sorry we don’t do that type of work, ok I said. Called Peter at GEP Motors and arranged for it to be repaired there next week, but I didn’t fancy driving the van to be honest.

A week later after the repair we went to collect Pogo, Peter showed me the alternator belts and said we were lucky as they were badly damaged and it was only a matter of time before they snapped off or the alternator fell off.

altenator

The bolt has slipped to the right, no nut, dangerous!

 

I felt better now that this potential problem has been fixed and we can drive with peace of mind, this could have fell off on our journey to Lincoln a few weeks ago and that’s a scary thought, maybe we had a lucky escape!

The repair cost was £119 including VAT, once again great service.

A few days later I popped back to MOT Northwest with a four pack of lager for the Paul the tester, I explained I was grateful to him for discovering the problem, he was surprised and taken aback, well it’s not often customers come back with gifts!

I didn’t know then that I would be back for more repair jobs!

Dave