Re: What accessories are included with a new van?

by Dare-devil-dennis Sun Nov 18, 2018 12:23 pm

Two small points.

The fridge vent covers have little securing 1/4 turn clips to hold them in place. They fall out if you look at them hard. Check you have all four securing clips.

I always ask the dealer to make up an extra front and rear number plate set. Virtually no cost to them, but try and get a replacement number plate made up if you ever need one. Too many regulations. If you crack or damage one in any way it will be an MOT fail down the road. Take up virtually no space and weigh next to nothing.

Good luck

Dennis

by Guest Sun Nov 18, 2018 12:45 pm

It is covered by 17th edition wiring regulations.

721.55.2.6 The means of connection to the caravan pitch socket-outlet shall be supplied with the caravan and shall comprise the following:
(i) A plug complying with BS EN 60309-2, and
(ii) a flexible cord or cable of 25 m (±2 m) length, harmonized code designation H05RN-F (BS 7919) or equivalent, incorporating a protective conductor, with a colour identification according to Table 51 and of a cross-sectional area in accordance with Table 721, and
(iii) a connector, if any, compatible with the appliance inlet installed under Regulation 721.55.1. Table 721 - Minimum cross-sectional areas of flexible cords and cables for caravan connection
A721

by Sally Thu Nov 22, 2018 12:53 pm

Paulmold wrote:
HairyFool wrote:In order to comply with wiring regulations a van must include a 25m 16Af hookup lead as part of the mains installation, it is not optional.
Just out of interest - does that apply to used van sales from a dealer?.

Based on my own experience, I would have to say no.

I spent a very large sum of money on a used van from a large well known established dealer in the north of England (not Marquis). It didn't have a cable when I went to collect it. When I asked about it, he said that they don't come with one, and I had to go into their shop and buy one.

Funny thing about customer service; it may be legal, but I ended up feeling 'ripped off'.

Sally

by Guest Thu Nov 22, 2018 3:45 pm

Then your van did not have a "safe" electrical system. I don't know if sites stipulate it in their terms and conditions but I presume they require a compliant system before being plugged in to their power network.

Too late now but something to bear in mind with future transactions.

by Sally Thu Nov 22, 2018 4:00 pm

HairyFool wrote:Then your van did not have a "safe" electrical system. I don't know if sites stipulate it in their terms and conditions but I presume they require a compliant system before being plugged in to their power network.

Too late now but something to bear in mind with future transactions.

They used their own cables to test the van and do the handover. Then told me I had to buy my own cable for the van. That seems slightly different to what you’re describing above.

I think confused3

P.S. It’s fair to say that if I ever bought another van I would insist on a cable being supplied, as a part of the contract, even though it’s not a legal requirement. But as it was my first camper purchase, I didn’t really know what to expect. Like many things in life, the 2nd time is often so much better than the 1st.

by Peter Brown Thu Nov 22, 2018 4:14 pm

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Below is extract from document at link above.

The connecting flexible cable

The means of connecting the caravan to the pitch socket-outlet should be provided with the caravan. This must have a plug at one end complying with BS EN 60309-2 and a flexible cable with a continuous length of 25 m (±2 m). The connecting flexible cable must be in one length, without signs of damage, not contain joints or other means to increase its length, and have a connector, if needed, that is compatible with the appropriate appliance inlet. The cable should be to the harmonized code H05RN-F (BS EN 50525-2-21) or equivalent, include a protective conductor, have cores coloured as required by Table 51 of BS 7671:2008+A3:2015 and have a cross-sectional area as shown in Table 7.1 of BS 7671:2008+A3:2015.

by Paulmold Thu Nov 22, 2018 4:34 pm

All regulations I can find refer to a cable being supplied with a NEW caravan by the manufacturer. I can't find anything that refers to used caravans (or motorhomes). As for Sally, it just shows how good her dealer is (isn't).

by the wheelbarrow Thu Nov 22, 2018 5:48 pm

I don't think the supplier has done anything wrong, but I do agree it's very niggardly of them. For the sake of £25 or so they've left you with a very bad feeling toward them.

As the saying goes - experience is that thing you get just after you need it...

by Dbvwt Thu Nov 22, 2018 6:03 pm

If a dealer includes a new cable when purchasing a used van then that tells me a lot about such dealer as I’m sure most wouldn’t bother.
Back to my original question, I compiled a substantial list (thanks to everyone on here) that I took with me yesterday when I picked up my new van.
Pleased to say that absolutely everything on my list was ready and waiting as part of the handover.

Thanks for the input, I wouldn’t even have thought about some of the items the dealer should provide.

by Guest Fri Nov 23, 2018 11:24 am

No there is no requirement to provide the cable however the electrical installation on the van is only complete WITH the cable. It forms part of what certified as compliant with wiring regulations

In domestic wiring the lead is equivalent to the supply tails

by Kemerton-bath Fri Nov 23, 2018 8:02 pm

Dbvwt - pleased to hear your handover went well. This forum gave us invaluable advice on things to look out for when we changed our van earlier this year. From another thread I see you bought yours from Nick Whale. Our experience with them was equally good and we've had no qualms since. Enjoy your van, start putting it through its paces without waiting for next spring - you'll find it perfectly comfortable even in winter!

Tim & Ruth

by Dbvwt Sat Nov 24, 2018 2:49 pm

Kemerton-bath wrote:Dbvwt - pleased to hear your handover went well. This forum gave us invaluable advice on things to look out for when we changed our van earlier this year. From another thread I see you bought yours from Nick Whale. Our experience with them was equally good and we've had no qualms since. Enjoy your van, start putting it through its paces without waiting for next spring - you'll find it perfectly comfortable even in winter!

Tim & Ruth

Thanks,

As you say this forum is very helpful, I’ve got many questions but don’t want to start too many threads at once!
I will indeed be taking it out very soon, I would have been off somewhere this weekend but the girlfriend tells me I’m not allowed to go on the first trip without her and unfortunately she has prior engagements this and next weekend.
Must say, I’ve been very impressed with the Truma heating in the van, didn’t expect it to be anywhere near as quick at getting the van up to temperature (I guess having a Symbol helps).

David

by Globetrotter07 Mon Nov 26, 2018 3:56 am

Dbvwt wrote:
the wheelbarrow wrote:David - what are you planning in terms of alarm / tracker for your new pride and joy?

Once more, advice here would be welcomed.

I have been surprised that Motorhomes generally don’t come with alarms??
Until I work out a plan it will be parked on my drive with a Stoplock pro steering lock and Milenco wheel clamp fitted (I already own these from previous vehicles).

This is also included in the description, comments on this also welcome...

“Trackstar Leisure CAT6 Vehicle Tracker with 1 year free subscription”

Thanks , David

Negotiated an alarm price in the cost of our 2019 Warwick XL ... Ours won't be ready until April 2019, but my Mum and Dad did the same for their new Warwick XL that they took ownership of in August.

by Paulmold Mon Nov 26, 2018 8:24 am

Globetrotter 07 - I notice that was your first post. Take a minute to say hello here...

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