Newish Member Introduction

Newish Member Introduction · by HuwEvans Tue May 27, 2014 8:48 pm

Hi - I believe I originally registered on this forum a few years ago, trying to find solve some problems. Ive just reset my password so am back again, but saw your appeal to do the decent thing and introduce myself first..so here goes

So Hi - Im a T4 Trident Diesel owner 1997 120K on the clock. Owned it since 2002 - 12 years. Been my best ever purchase. But it now is starting to need some TLC to keep it going for another 12 years. I Live in Hove Sussex but half a mile from the sea which I think keeps it out of salt water issues.

Have been stymied the past few years going to visit my dear sweet ol' mum in North Kent, which is just a few miles inside M25 and critically the London Emissions zone. But its only a few miles inside so have taken a bicycle on the back and parked up as close as possible. Ive spotted some camera free country lanes coming in so its probably low risk, but Im penalty fine averse!

Its been our sole vehice for 10 of those 12 years personally driven 100,000 miles in it. Driven to Italy, done the Expensive August Ferry to Bilbao then round north Spain and Portugal and a good few trips to Northern France. Have yet to experience Highlands and Islands of Scotland which would be my dream, or indeed Scandinavia. Ive previously commuted in it for years, used it for accomodation whilst working 9-5 on remote contract work. Oh and took it on a Fringe Theatre tour, loaded up with Props, Set, Costumes and PA system. The van knows its own way to the local munipal tip etc etc.

I havent used it as much as Id like in recent years, the odd night camping in South East, North France last year, but after some basic maintenance am looking forward to going out and about again asap.

Ive contemplated trading up to a 5 year old T5 but its an expensive option for a van which (famous last words) just keeps going. Current issues: A few rust spots to clear up including windscreen stay so I need to look at that asap. Need to replace the leisure battery after checking the dual charging is working, Would like to get the blown air heating working, may just be the battery. Biggest concern is water coming in the one side, either from the high top window (which I did replace 8 years ago, so sounds very suspiciously like thats the cause) or perhaps its the rain gutter? Roller blinds have seized in a few cases, oh and that damn plastic has torn covering the rear side window (seen it happen on so many tridents). As regards the engine, I did the glow-plugs and new cam chain, but both about 10 years ago. Perhaps therefore its time the engine had a comprehensive overhaul. It does sound a bit rattlely but keeps going regardless. Fridge seems erratic and is has a damp patch at the front. But none of these sound like show stoppers to me. New snazzier wheels could be nice, but not silly money.

So there you go. Thats my introduction. I think all the issues will have been reported in your forums before. Id welcome any recommendations for a decent Sussex repairer who wont rip me off. Safe driving to you all and hoping the rain clears up soon and you all have a Happy Autosleeper Summer. Regards Huw