Decisions decisions

Fossi
Fossi Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited July 2019 in Caravans #1

Hi all

we have just changed from a Motorhome to a caravan and have two decisions to make .. we have registered with CRIS but are wondering if ‘vin chip’ which has electronic RFID is a good idea

also we had a motor mover fitted but hadn’t realized it was difficult to use on our gravel drive but it has a jockey wheel and it’s been suggested we change to a pneumatic tyre does it make a difference would welcome your thoughts on this thank you 😊   

Comments

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2019 #2

    Welcome to the world of having a support vehicle with you wink it depends how deep the gravel is, inflatable tyre on jockey wheels can be unreliable, we have an alko jockey wheel which has a wider tyre and find it works ok when useing the motor mover on gravel hardstands

    do not know about the electronic chip? our van was chipped at manufacture as part of the cris number and registration

  • stephen p
    stephen p Forum Participant Posts: 194
    100 Comments
    edited July 2019 #3

    The RFID chip helps the police identify a stolen caravan quickly if (Big IF) it is recovered. It also adds one extra hurdle for the thief.

    I have always thought that an aftermarket Tracker, in an unusual location in the van, would be good, because the thieves know where the factory fitted ones are and can disable them quickly.

    My caravan came with a moulded plastic wheel/tyre Jockey wheel and it would just dig in on gravel like a plough. I changed mine for a plastic wheel with a rubber tyre (about £12) , the rubber grips the stones and climbs up onto the top of the gravel.

    The other trick is to get the weight off of the jockey wheel, putting the awning and wife in the back of the caravan can help get off of a muddy field.

  • Shuttleworths
    Shuttleworths Forum Participant Posts: 69
    edited July 2019 #4

    Blimey, I hope your good wife doesn't read this!!

  • Merve
    Merve Forum Participant Posts: 2,333
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2019 #5

    Best laugh I’ve had all day🤣🤣- I always found that pneumatic tyres were good across difficult terrain. 

  • Wellys and Mac
    Wellys and Mac Forum Participant Posts: 447
    100 Comments
    edited July 2019 #6

    I wouldn't bother with the chip or tracker.

    Simply because would you actually want your caravan back if stolen? 

    Not me, who knows what abuse the thing has had.

     

    Our standard jockey wheel has lasted 3 years and is still going strong, we nearly always go on gravel, it does sink in and make's a load of noise, but so what, it's doing its job.

    There isnt really a good jockey wheel, if it bothers you you could try those anti slip mats designed for tyres, cant remember the actual name, their two strips of grey plastic that can clip together to form a longer length. It's a caravan product.

     

  • Wellys and Mac
    Wellys and Mac Forum Participant Posts: 447
    100 Comments
    edited July 2019 #7

    Here you go.

     

    https://www.caravanaccessoryshop.co.uk/product/grip-track/417

     

    Not sure if these ones clip together, but these are the type of thing we have, never used them, seemed like a good idea at the time of purchase 

    🤣🤣🤣

  • Fossi
    Fossi Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited August 2019 #8

    Thanks for all your advice it’s much appreciated and we’ve decided to see how it goes with the jockey wheel now looking at awnings ... standard versus inflatable

  • compass362
    compass362 Forum Participant Posts: 619
    500 Comments
    edited August 2019 #9

    Sorry.. I don't want to burst your bubble so to speak. 

    Our last 2 outing this last month... one at Meathop fell , the other at a cl in the Peak District 2 unlucky members both had their air awning go pop. 

    The meathop member was able to order a replacement inner tube part but left his holiday early.

    Apparently it, the awning was approx 18 months old. 

    The other on the CL.... was brand new & first time out. 

    We don't use an awning just sun canopy so couldn't advise you. 

    But I'm sure other members can add any possible pitfalls & concerns if  any to aid a decision. ✔️

     Ps no idea of the brands. 

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2019 #10

    Isn't it advisable if temperatures get a little high to deflate air awning a little to give the air inside more room to expand.

  • moulesy
    moulesy Forum Participant Posts: 9,402 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2019 #11

    If it's a porch awning you're looking for rather than a full one, we can recommend this - 

    http://www.sunncamp.co.uk/products/show/1479

    Dead easy to put up single-handed and no poles in contact with the side of the van. smile

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