Caravan Care Tips

When caravans are kept static that's when they stand the risk of extended damage. There are a number of steps you'll need to take in order to ensure that your static / standing caravan does not become a liability when the summer returns. The first thing you need to start with is annual servicing of your caravan's gas lines to keep them running efficiently. A fresh coat of paint should be enough in most cases to take care of cosmetic blemishes. Caravan owners should also drain the static in order to prevent rust and blockages.

Servicing

Off road and touring caravans should be serviced at least once a year. This will enable caravan owners or the service person to spot potential problems with it. Regular damp testing helps to keep often expensive repairs at bay. You can also opt to get your caravan serviced in winter because it is then when workshops are not as busy but gives you a chance to get everything ready in time for upcoming spring.

The Tires

During the winter a caravan will end up standing in one place for an extended period of time. This will cause the walls as well as the inside threads of your caravan to crack. In order to prevent this from happening the wheels will need to be turned on a regular basis, this will require a tire saving device underneath it.

Electricity and gas

All lights on the inside need to be checked on a regular basis, failing bulbs and holders should be replaced immediately. This is because a flickering fluorescent light can cause extended damage to the fitting. Ideally, caravan owners may want to consider switching to LED since with LED they can get longer backup time on battery.

External lights also need to be checked because many states will require that these lights be operating properly. Check external lights for dirty lenses, damage, and cracks. Also fuses and dim bulbs should be replaced on a regular basis. Occasionally spray the contacts of plugs and leads with WD40, and the battery should be charged every 5-6 weeks when the caravan is not being used. Also when not in use gas bottles as well as other appliances need to be turned off and winter covers should be used to cover the caravan.

Hitching and braking

The breakaway cable needs to be in perfect condition. Check the fastening mechanism and cover it with WD40 so that it does not become rusty. The handbrake and jockey wheel should also be operated a few times a week just to keep things running. The jockey wheel shaft should be re-greased if it feels stiff.

Blinds and furnishing

When your caravan is not being used the blinds shouldn't be left in the down position since this will put lots of pressure on the mechanism. Blinds are also reflective so leaving them down can melt plastic windows owing to the buildup of heat. Moisture traps should be setup around furniture and the kitchen to prevent damage from moisture.

Getting the Best Gas Mileage Out Of Your Conversion Van

Conversion vans do not boast best-in-class fuel mileage numbers like they boast the number of fun adventures had, but they can offer fuel economy if maintained regularly. The typical conversion van will get approximately 12-16 miles per gallon (mpg), depending on the model. Let's explore factors that effect fuel economy and how to get the best gas mileage out of your van.

Conversion Vans and Fuel Efficiency

Weight is a primary foe of fuel efficiency. Most safety technologies have added weight. Hauling around more weight means engines need to produce more power.

Mark owns a 2002 Chevy Express high-top conversion van. He drives the van roughly 70% on the highway with cruise control on, and the rest city driving. His van is equipped with a wheelchair lift, which adds weight. "My gas mileage is 10 mpg."

Susan owns a 2001 Chevy Express 15-passenger van on a 1 ton chassis. "I purchased it used with nearly 40,000 miles. About four years later, I got a tune-up at 91,000 miles. My van still averages 10-11 mpg." Her van's 30-gallon fuel tank allows for a total trip of 390-320 miles before she needs to stop for fuel.

According to The U.S. Department of Energy, Mark's and Susan's Chevy Express vans should be getting 14 mpg, combined city and highway.

If you ask different owners of the same conversion van models, they are getting 15 to 18 mpg. What is their secret?

Weather conditions (wind), van maintenance, road conditions (hills, traffic congestion, etc.) and driving city or highway are among the factors affecting your van's gas mileage. City driving brings the average down real fast. The only mileage that you can reliably compare between vans is highway mileage (with no city) at the same speed.

8 Helpful Tips for Conversion Van Gas Mileage

Gas mileage for any vehicle is affected by driving style (if you are an aggressive driver, for example), speed, driving conditions and vehicle maintenance.

Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas and can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is safer for you, pedestrians and other drivers, so you may save more than just gas money.

While each van reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds); gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph.

Each 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.25 per gallon for gas.

Here are tips for ensuring you get the best fuel economy:

1. Make sure your tires are inflated properly.


2. Verify that the engine air filter is clean.


3. Spark plugs. Do you have the right ones? Is the gap right? Check the three in the front; they are easiest to access.


4. Does the torque converter lock? When you're driving at a constant speed of about 40-45 mph the converter should lock, so the rpm's drop by about 500.


5. Check the engine oil and transmission fluid levels. Have oil changes been done regularly, or is the engine clogging up?


6. Avoid excessive idling. Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner (AC) use. Turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked. It only takes a few seconds worth of fuel to restart your vehicle.


7. Use cruise control. Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.


8. Remove excessive weight. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your mpg by up to 2 percent.

How to Calculate Your Conversion Van Gas Mileage

The best way to calculate your conversion van's gas mileage is to divide the miles driven (as registered on your odometer) by the gallons of fuel used. You can also use the trip computer miles-per-gallon calculation, if your van model is equipped with one.

Life Is More Fun With a Conversion Van

The family car may be reliable, but it isn't the most spacious and comfortable ride for long road trips and vacations. Sure, you could rent an RV, but that land yacht can be too expensive and it's nearly the size of a city bus!

A conversion van is your answer. It's a step down from an RV, but not in efficiency, style and comfort. If you like the aesthetic style of today's RV, consider the 2012 Chevrolet Conversion Van Explorer Hi-Top. It is a spacious van with a gorgeous exterior, black with a wrap-around ground effect. The front of the van has a mesh chrome grill, as well as 20-inch premium chrome wheels, giving it high-class style. The high-top roof provides more space and the ability to stand in the vehicle. On each side of the van, there are passenger doors allowing a more comfortable way of exiting the vehicle, similar to an RV.

Best of all, the van is affordable enough for purchase so that it can serve as a practical family vehicle. Although practical for a trip to the grocery store, it's an entertainment center on wheels ready to take the kids camping or tailgate at your sports event with friends.

A conversion van can be built to your specification. Even pre-owned vans can have luxury options added to suit your needs. Most are already equipped with a GPS navigation system, perfect for those road outings near and far.

If you search online for travel blogs created by enthusiasts, you quickly learn that these fun vehicles have a huge fan base. People love them!

"I bought my first van to go travelling back in 1997, before I found my career as a web programmer, so I hadn't considered using it as an office. Our current van I bought last year, mainly to use as a family campervan, but with the bonus that as I always work from a laptop, it makes a very good mobile office," said Rick Hurst, conversion van travel blogger. "It's no different than driving around in a minivan or SUV."

It's fall-time for football, which means tailgate parties, and a drive into the mountains to view fall foliage. Whatever your fancy, there's no time like the present to select your conversion van in order to enjoy these fall fun activities:

Tailgating. High schools, colleges, and professional arenas across the country hold football games this time of year. Tailgating is a tradition at football games, and there's no better addition than a conversion van. No need for friends to meet you at the game in separate vehicles; everyone can fit in the van along with a portable grill, cooler, camp chairs, blankets and sports team gear.

If your child plays sports or attends school or little league games, how cool would it be for you to roll up in your van decorated for the game? Kids and parents alike would enjoy visiting your van to share in the fun.

Fishing. Fall is a popular time for trout fishing. Alone or with friends and family, fishing trips are made better by a conversion van. You can travel in comfort. There's plenty of room for your fishing gear, grill, cooler, food and drink. Distance is no longer an issue because near or far, if you decide to stay overnight, there's no need for the expense of a hotel room or the chore of pitching a tent; you can sleep in the conversion van.

Road trip. You are hard pressed to find a better vehicle for road trips than the conversion van. It's smaller than an RV, making it easier to handle and park. You travel in comfort with everything you need, whether it is food and drink or a place to take a nap. The GPS navigation system will ensure you don't get lost on your adventure. If you don't want to miss your favorite TV show, you can park and watch from your van's LCD hi-definition television.

Are you a frequent traveler? If so, you can order a conversion van complete with a stove in order to save costs eating on the road.

Camping. We all need to escape the office, computer, cell phone, and daily grind. Camping is one way to get back to nature with family and friends, and relax. Erecting tents can be a chore, and sleeping on the ground quickly loses its appeal after the first night, especially if it rains. If you own a conversion van, you have a dry, cozy bed in your van.

Caravan Accessories for Your Second Hand Caravan

Are you looking to buy a second hand caravan? Do you need an affordable one?

If you answered YES to any of the above questions then the following tips should help you a great deal:

Scrutinize the Caravan

Here's what I mean: before thinking of buying a second hand caravan, ensure you survey both the inside and outside of the caravan for any damage that could cause you problem down the line. You should check for rust and structural damage.

What are you selling?

That's the first question to ask. Before paying for the caravan, ask the owner why they're selling as well as some documental proofs that they own the caravan in question. They should have the maintenance history of the caravan, its registration and if it's not a very old model then the handbook.

Always Ask for a Safe History

Before going for a second hand caravan, request a sale history from the caravan owner as that will provide you more in-depth information. Check the sale history for major accidents, theft and missing number plates. All of this decreases the value of a caravan and can be used to negotiate a lower price.

Check for Legal Issues

Before giving any money to buy a caravan, ensure you have it checked for legal issues. Take a note of the number plate and call the local police to confirm if the caravan was involved in any sort of criminal activity (or stolen).

Before you go around searching for a caravan make sure to keep the following in mind:

Plan Financially

Before you even take a look at second hand caravan, ensure you know exactly how much it's going to cost and make deliberate plans to get the funds.

Before buying anything, always ensure there's a budget. There' must be a set budget. This is to help you avoid over-spending.

You Need the Right Mindset

Before buying or going to look at a caravan, it's best to be in the right mindset. In fact, it's good to go with your gut instincts or seek specialist advice (whenever necessary, not at all times).

Have a Specialist Look over the Caravan

Before going to take a look at a second hand caravan, hire a specialist to look over the caravan (to ensure it's in a good state). If your specialist mechanic finds any issues ask the seller for an explanation. Also, you may want to walk away from purchasing a caravan with major issues.

How to Buy a Second Hand Caravan Online

Bid Wisely

Prior to making a bid on a caravan online find out everything about it. This is an essential part of buying online because once you make a bid it's difficult to back out.

Inspect

Before bidding you should ask the seller if you can inspect the caravan first. This way you can be sure the product is in a good state and is worth the bidding price.

How A Minivan Can Be A Great Choice For Your Family

During these modern times when you expect people to choose style over comfort or wants over needs, look around and you will notice that minivans are dominating the road fast. Although choosing to ride in a minivan does not mean that you lack style and it is not what you want, driving luxury cars are still on the trend but minivans are gradually overtaking the sales records just because this type of vehicle offers amazing benefits, especially to a family.

So, should you wish to forego your wanting for luxury or sports cars, you do not have to go any further and settle with a minivan. Actually, you can find a line of luxury minivans that are also hitting the sales of the manufacturers real good for the extravagant features they come along with.

Going to a destination as a group has become the trend recently. May it be to save time or fuel, you can surely tell that by riding in a minivan, you have the convenience to go altogether rather than to arrive and compromise schedule. Apart from that, one group does not have to miss out on all the fun the other group has just because they are not all in one car.

Being a car for a big group does not diminish the fact that it is very hip in all its features. Just when you think that you can only find a great sound system or TVs and DVD players in a sleek car, well, you can definitely have this kind of entertainment in your van. There are also vans that have swivel seats and a collapsible card table to complement with these features.

And of course, since the minivan has a family in mind with its design, your kids will definitely have security and safety in a minivan. Adhering to the country's safety standards in Australia, minivans are anti-bacterial so you will keep it completely sanitized for your kids. Also, there are cushy seats, climate control, lots of leg room, and many more features for safety that comforts, you can focus your eyes on the road as your drive as you let your kids enjoy the protection the van grants.

Now, since a minivan is largely for a family or group of people, the designers of the van also expect that you travel with cargo that needs a substantial amount of space. This is why the van is intended to supply the need for that space as it is able to hold enough for your things and for ease in movement among the passengers.

Conversion Van: What Does That Mean?

A conversion van is a product of third-party companies outfitting a new full-sized bare cargo van with various luxuries.

They are perfect for families, especially for road trips.

Ask current van owners about their van and they will tell you they "LOVE IT". Many would say it's the best kept secret in the car business. It holds a large family in comfort and they are just cool cars.

First, they're the same length of a suburban with the same engine block and transmission with a ton more interior room. They have infinitely more features than an Escalade, Navigator or Denali and cost less... yet hold their resale better than any of the other three.

Seriously, a conversion van is the way to do cross-country trips. Pull-out full size convertible sofa, sink, gas hob, fridge, storage space, and good sound system are just some of the basic features.

One huge draw for a conversion van is the plush seating, providing the opportunity to lie down or recline on long trips, which really helps when you have family members with arthritis or fibromyalgia, or kids.

Conversion vans came into style during the 1970s and 1980s. Unlike the VW buses the hippies made popular in the 60s, most were used for basic everyday transport.

After the mid-80s, luxurious interiors featuring thickly padded seats, wood trim and luxury lighting began to appear in conversion vans as families and retirees started using them for road trips and camping.

Conversion vans also started including things such as sleeping accommodations, cooking utilities, televisions and other items.

Today, conversion vans can be equipped with almost any electronic device and include infinite luxuries.

Conversion Types

Several different types of vehicles are classified as conversion vans.

Travel Van- These are the standard conversion vans and the only type offered with low tops as well as high tops. A typical travel van will accommodate seven passengers on one rear bench, and four captain's chairs. Often, the rear bench electronically folds flat into a bed. These vans normally have large windows with shades, storage cabinets, and flat screen monitors have eliminated the need for special cabinetry to hold the TV. High-end stereo systems and other electronics are typical, including multiple game systems.

Disability Vans- The van has any or all of the following structural modifications that enable a person in a wheelchair to use the van: raised roof to allow proper clearance through the door, or lowered or dropped floor to allow adequate head clearance. In all cases a platform lift is added to either the rear doors or passenger side doors to enable the person in a wheelchair to enter/exit the van. A lowered floor modification can be done just in the cargo area to save money whereas a full lowered floor is one in which both the cargo area and driver/passenger area are lowered. Standard lowered floor conversions are 6" and 9".

Office Vans- These vans are built such that the back is a small office with a desk and chair bolted to the floor, an electrical outlet, docking stations for your electronics, flat screen monitors and maybe one or two seats in the back for passengers. These are extremely popular for traveling salesmen and TV camera crews.

Motorhomes "Class B" Vans- Sometimes referred to as campervans, Class B vans are built on a full size cargo van and are sometimes lengthened a couple of feet. Lengths range from 17-20 feet. These vans have more features that enable traveling, such as a toilet, fridge, microwave, sink, side sofa, popup canvas top that allows standing up, and stove.

Things You Need To Know About Van Breakers

An online breaker's yard combines all the value of your local breaker's yard with all the convenience of online shopping. Online breakers save you the hassle of having to find a breaker with exactly the part you need when you need it. A quick search on van parts will bring up a wide range of options and many online breakers are now adapting their sites for smartphone use and creating smartphone apps so you can check out van spares without having to leave your van. Here are a few tips about making the most of online van breakers.

Check the shop's reputation

A shop's Google ranking is a good place to start. If a site has generated a lot of negative publicity, this is likely to be reflected in a lower ranking. Do a quick search on the shop's name and see if other people have made comments about it. Have a quick look around the site itself. Does it appear to have been designed with the customer in mind? Is it easy to navigate. Look for sites with a clear commitment to customer service. Their contact details should be obvious as should their policy on returns and any guarantees or warranties they offer.

Check shipping costs both for sales and returns

A good site will make these clear, but it's up to each customer to check for them. Ideally a site should offer a "no questions asked" return for a certain period after purchase and then a reasonable warranty period. It may well be, however, that you will need to pay return shipping costs if you decide you simply want to exercise your right of return and the seller may not refund you the original postage. Some sellers will only accept "no faults" returns in exchange for a credit note rather than a cash refund.

Check shipping methods

How quickly can you get the part if you need it in a hurry? How cheaply can you get it if you're not. Do they use a dedicated courier service or a service such as Yodel or Hermes, where the drivers are amateurs who fit deliveries into their spare time?

Check payment methods

The mainstream payment companies i.e. Visa, MasterCard and PayPal all have buyer protection policies in place, which means that even if you do have a bad experience with the seller, you still have a decent chance of getting your money back. If, however, the seller only uses more minor companies or even if they just recommend you to them, then it's worth being a bit more cautious. Please be aware that even if you use a Visa or MasterCard to fund another payment method, their protection policies only cover you for that transaction. For the actual transaction with the seller, you would need to depend on the policies of the company which transferred your money to them. You may still have the option of recovering your money through legal action but since most people would probably prefer to avoid this, it is best to look for sellers who accept the major payment methods in the first place.

Tips on Choosing the Right Van for Your Business:

Choosing the right van can be quite difficult, especially when there are a lot of models. There are some vans that would fit your requirement, others won't. It is very important to choose according to one's requirement. Different model fulfill different requirement. In order to get the right one, we are going to entail few important things you should consider.

Number of people to be transported:

There are three kinds of wagon available i.e. small, medium and large. The number of people which are to be transported should determine the size. Small one can transport 2 people, medium up to 5, and large one comes in different capacities. It is recommended to purchase the most comfortable. For this very reason Ford transit crew and Renault Kangaroo Maxi cab is highly recommended.

The Type of Cargo to be transported:

Most of them come with certain pre set requirement. Like the amount of weight to be loaded. If you are going to use it for transporting heavy items, then it is recommended that to choose the right one. This is important because if in case one is over loading it then a hefty fine could be imposed.

Fuel Economy:

Companies are mostly looking to decrease their expenses. Transport cost can be in thousands. For instance if a company owns 100 vans, the daily expense would be thousands of pounds. By purchasing a fuel efficient model over here, a huge difference could be made. It also depends on how one drives, but the bigger factor is the model. Ford transit achieves around 23 MPG. It is considered as the most efficient van.

The Access Point:

The point where luggage has to be entered is also very important. Different vans come with different excess points. Like in some, luggage could be entered from the back; side door could be used in others. Now if you are planning to move large items, then purchase one with a larger boot. On the other hand if this is not the case then go for a smaller one.

Budget:

Budget is also very important while purchasing a van. One should be able to choose the most appropriate one that fits their budget. Another way is to get them on lease. All you have to do is to pay monthly rental cost, and after 3 to 4 years those vans are replaced. This is lot cheaper then purchasing one. In this way the repair cost is saved.

How to Improve Your Van With a Fit Out of Van Parts

The specification of any van today is much improved compared to those manufactured some years back. With every year comes more and more extras for example, air conditioning, central locking systems, audio systems, power steering and windows, safety features, comfort packages and lighting options.

With all these features plus more optional extras designed to improve the life of the general tradesman, why consider improving further? Well, whilst the cab of the van has come a long way in terms of both design and functionality, the large space at the back of the van could be improved, fitted out and designed to suit the needs of the user.

The cost of any van is something that needs to be considered carefully by any tradesman or company. There needs to be a return on investment. The same goes for a fit out. Dependent on requirements, fit outs can be fairly costly so why bother? Well, there are many advantages. The van will be more suited to the users needs by increasing storage space, providing usable work bench space, protecting tools or cargo and providing easy access to tools or other items. The overall safety of the user may be increased due to a purpose built interior and the professionalism will shine through, improving the reputation of the company.

So if you are considering a fit out then what are the options? If you already own your van and would like to modify it, then fit outs for aftermarket vans can be installed. If you are purchasing your van new though, the option to have the van kitted out before you take ownership can be arranged also. One advantage of the latter is that everything for the van is made to measure and factory fit. This also means that when you come to resell the van, factory fitted options can be advertised and the warranty of the van usually covers these extras.

That isn't to say that warranties cannot be sought for aftermarket fit outs too. Many companies offering fit-outs for vans offer a warranty for their systems. An advantage to these also is that often there are more features, choices and options from which to avail.

There are many features to consider and if you are serious about a fit out for your van, a comprehensive design that covers the requirements of the user is highly recommended at the planning stage. Items to consider include racks, shelves, work benches, toolboxes, bins, trays, drawers, lockable cabinets, extra seating, pull outs, cable holders, mini fridges and washing facilities and many more.

Safety aspects should also be considered to ensure the users' ergonomic suitability and the fit out should include first aid kits and fire extinguishers, positioned at the most suitable exit.

Protection and return on investment are also key considerations. Coverings should be added to protect surfaces and the future scenario of changing vehicle should be considered whereby the fit out will be either be sold on with the vehicle or transferred to the new one.

The New Face of Conversion Vans

So many people confuse today's custom vans with the old VW with murals on the sides. If that's what you are picturing, you are not alone.

Though they have been around a long time-they're not limited to what your grandparents created in the 60s or even what your parents bought in the 80s.

If you haven't seen one lately, you are in for a big surprise. With today's custom van, the sky is the limit as far as amenities go. If you can conceive it, conversion companies can build it!

Whether you are looking for a travel, a camper or a wheelchair van, you should consider purchasing a conversion van, they start out as an empty shell direct from the factory, and are then professionally converted using your chosen design options.

Purchasing a new conversion van can be a little like purchasing a new home, but without all the costs. Custom conversion means exactly that -customized transformation of the vehicle.

You don't have to settle for one of a half-dozen cookie cutter models the manufacturer decides to offer. The vast number of options offered by the conversion company far exceeds anything from the manufacturer.

Conversions are extremely popular due to their variety of uses. You can choose any make or model of vans available on the market today and outfit your vehicle with everything you could ever desire to suit your style and taste.

Any van that has been customized for comfort can be considered a conversion van. These are really luxury vehicles used to transport 6-10 people in comfort. They can have some of the features of a "Camper Van" or "Class B Motorhome" but are typically more upscale and designed for daytime use and luxury transportation. These vans may have a raised roof, fancy paintjob, custom wheels, leather seats, Captain's chairs, dual stereo, TV/VCR combos, etc.

For a real luxury van, consider buying a Limo van conversion. These beautiful conversions offer the ultimate in comfort and style and are large enough for the entire family.

Conversion vans are even available via the Internet so that you can order your custom conversion van from the comfort of your own home and even have it delivered right to your door.

Choose your chassis and have your new Chevrolet va conversion, GMC van conversion, or Ford van conversion built to your exact specs. New conversion van orders typically take 2-4 weeks to be built.