Author: ngow

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SMC Hab and Service

Our first trip in the van since lockdown started, set off 8:00 to arrive at SMC just after 9am, booked in for 9:30. Easy journey the vision splash on the RH side window has eased driving alone.

There is not a great deal to do, but wanted the previous warranty bits dealing with. Primarily wanted Frankia warranty stamp Thermoguard, Hab check and first 20k/2 year fiat warranty doing.

  • Frankia warranty
  • Fiat warranty
  • Fiat 20k service
  • Seat cover replacement
  • Checkout the crazed spot on the roof
Star crazing on roof

We were supposed to pick it up the next day, but as usual SMC didn’t manage it ended up picking it up late Friday. They faffed around doing upholstery and washing the van saved us a job, although we do need to clean it wax soon.

They also spotted some damaged decals so added that to the crazing warranty claim. Easy return journey actually very quick. Also by the following Tuesday the warrahty claim had been approved, just waiting on the decals.

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Fridge fans

Worked through a variety of ways to incorporate fans into the fridge vents to exhaust the hot air for when very hot outside or vents are in the direct sunlight.

Had already bought a controller, 2 fans, fuse and wire so had all the bits.

Initially, built a detachable shade that fixed to the upper vent with in built solar panel generating enough to drive the 2 fans. Though I would fix the fans to the shade and then attach when required. But fixing fans to effectively exhaust hit air was very tricky.

Then decided fans have to fit inside vent and solar feed from the attched shade need to go through vent and be detachable. This prove possible but also could see the vent becoming damaged over time.

The tricky bit for me with fitting the fans etc was where to put the controller with damaging the van and fixing the fans. The connection to the vans 12v was the easy bit as was routing most of the wiring.

Drilled a hole through to the cupboard above he fridge fed the wire though and connected up the controller to the fans, the thermostat and power.

May keep a detachable shade for the upper vent as it does seem effective, when in direct sunlight and will give us a bit more flexibility on parking as we tend to try to park the vent with a bit of shade if possible.

Not sure of the best controller settings yet but upper 36 seems good start. Think it is turned off by default.

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Hatton Country World

Another possible summer camp location. Area is ideal but the actual camping area although staff flexible is not ideal.

Walked to the pub got lost, nice meal not spectacular but not run of the mill either.

The garden centre and shops were interesting bought a succulent garden container for Lorna’s birthday and had a stroll round the other shops, interesting sweet shop, gin bar, bike shop and some jewellery places. The pool looked inviting but to be honest the opening times and access was so confusing just ignored it. If young kids then a great polace to go as there is a Playgound adventure world I think the main attraction.

Facilities are basic so EHU and water and waste although long hose required. The WC is in the shopping area and closed evening overnight.

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Blackpool

Left on the Friday to stay at Blackpool for a Ceilah at the Tower ballroom with the Vatasay boys.

Sandra asked if we could pick up a TV on the way, so popped to Oakworth Steve and house.

Arrived at Hampton Road Social club around 16:00, van is disgusting very grubby now.

New had booked a table at Wetherspoons for 11 people so fish and chips and then popped into the Social club.

Day 2

Up at night briefly then back up at about 8:30. Had breakfast at the Social club, all cooked to order s decent breakfast for 4.50 including tea toast.

Took tram to the Tower to have a look around. Very very windy, all the piers closed, shopping area tired. Wetherspoons for a coffee and biscuit.

Back to van for a rest cleanup and G&Ts. Then back onto tram and into the Tower ballroom, for the night.

Tressle tables.

The dancing was actually really good thoroughly enjoyed it, Vatasay boys were ok but sound system was crap.

Interval Scottish dancing was not to my tastes. Back home at midnight, via tram.

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Bonny-sur-Loire, Aire

Nice Aire, service post ehu water available at cost via card. WC and waste empty available, strong flush on WC close the lid!!

Small town few shops bit of road noise but not too intrusive.

Nice church and fortified walls.

@park4night : http://park4night.com/lieu/8896/Motorhome terminal with very quiet parking, edge of a stream and shops nearby, perfect I recommend. there is no payment card and empty and free water in 2016#prettyPhoto