I'm quite new to the forum thing. I have a lot of pictures especially on the stripped down and after bit. I will ask someone to help me load some.

hi, sounds like you have been busy!

do you have any pictures for the before and after modifications. im really interested to see what the caravan looks like after your makeover. i think you can now classify for an industry expert :)

im sure you have the correct code licence before towing?

id recommend buying a pair of extended side mirrors, so you can see past the berth of the caravan for passing cars, and cars that you yourself will overtake on the roads.

Always keep a safe following distance, as with your caravan in tow, it takes longer to come to a complete stop in an emergency. the caravan magazine tow tests are quite interesting.

when packing your caravan, it is essential that you put most of the weight directly over the wheel axle. and partially the nose of the caravan. this will give you better stability on the road, and more than likely prevent the caravan from fish-tail-ing during side winds. i would recommend slow speed in wet, or windy circumstances.

make sure that your GVM (Gross vehicle mass) and tear is equipped to tow your caravan of choice,

have you considered taking insurance for this particular adventure, so you would have piece of mind?

otherwise where have you decided to go?
and which caravan are you testing it with?

let me know if you need any further advice.
im happy to help.

Hi. I have rebuild my 1980's Vw Autovilla interior completely. New framework, walls and roof. I've used ordinary treated pine brandering for the framework. 3 Ply Board for the walls and roof. I used ordinary pvc base wall vinyl that I glued to the 3 ply boards. Worked a charm. I installed a 60 l s/s water tank into the cavity under the bed on top of the right rear wheel. The tank was made to size. The pump is a Jabco 3 bar 10 l/min unit they fit to boats and other recreational craft. I build my own 8 L s/s geyser complete with non return and safety valves. This fitted into the cupboard under the zink. All the plumbing is std stuff you buy of the shelve. I've redone all curtains and blinds. The cabinetry was sanded down and re varnished. All aluminium was stripped from the cabinets, sanded primed and resprayed. This was refitted very carefully not to damage the new paint job. While the old girl was stripped down I replaced the old vinyl floor and replaced with a good quality vinyl floor. New wiring for all the lights and new surflex for all the plugs. Even a new DB board with charger. Took me 3 months. Selling her now for a new challenge.

Dear Lucas, I've got a Leisure Awn 3.5metre plus sides available. Still brand new, it slide into the Aluminium Extrusion. I don't know if I can give the details in the forum. If this is not allowed please forgive me, I'm new in this field. Thank you. Pastor W. Stols

Had a great experience at a caravan resort or campsite? Or had a terrible one?
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Vacancies at Caravan and Outdoor Life magazine

Position 1.
Junior to middleweight journalist. This person's duties will include testing new caravans, tents, motorhomes, tow vehicles, compiling buyers guides and maintaining monthly editorial columns. You must have a clean driver's licence (EB), your own vehicle, excellent writing and photography skills and you should live in Cape Town. Send your CV together with an example of your work to editor@sa4x4.co.za

Position 2.
Intern. The ideal position for someone looking to break into the magazine world. You need enthusiasm, reasonable writing and photographic skills, and an interest or experience in camping and/or caravanning. You must have a clean driver's licence, your own vehicle, and you should live in Cape Town. Send your CV together with an example of your work (if you have one) to editor@sa4x4.co.za

Enter our great new competition with Olympus and stand a chance to win an Olympus SZ-31MR digital camera + an 8GB SanDisk Cruzer Fit memory stick worth R 3 708!
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Did you have a look at the awning of the Sprite Tourer SP yet. I have this caravan and it has the type of awning that slides into the groove on the caravan body and it has the aluminium bar at the end into which the legs of the awning fit into

Hello community users,

I do apologise if this method of forum is a bit confusing for you, we have developed this “style” of presentation after the facebook version 1 website.
There are number of reasons we have done this, one of which is the security protocols of this website. It is almost impossible for someone to gain entry without permission from us directly.

Since you guys seem like you are regular forum members, I would appreciate it if you can inbox me (digital.content@caravansa.co.za ) a list of forums that you are already a member of and please let me know what you don’t like about this forum.

I know you don’t feel as if this is your responsibility, however as you have taken the time to bring this to my attention, I will take the time to adhere to your requests.

I will be removing this forum thread shortly, as it may hinder enthusiasm from other new community users trying to learn our community based system.
I trust you will understand.

Thank you for your statements, I will look forward to hearing your thoughts and improvements.

Does anyone read these complaints ? Not that I worry but such a shame to see a once good website collapse into a pile of rubbish…….

Its a struggle

Clint, what a broad question, which probably will attract a broad answer.

There are only 2 pieces of advice amongst the many others that I will give you now. If needed, you can pop me a private message for more assistance. No problem.

1) I guess the first thing you should look at is the towing capacity of your tow vehicle. This will narrow down your search category quite substantially. You can only tow what your tow vehicle allows you to tow. Anything heavier will post a serious safety risk to your combination and its occupants.

2) You buy what the government likes. Never go van shopping without your wife. If it ticks all the categories and she likes it, that is the one. You will know. It will be written all over her face.

Hope it helps.

Do you have a pic perhaps?

Mat,
You might get disappointed. People are already reserving sites for December.
Rather have peace of mind.

I bought a 2012 regal last year with no rear window as you correctly mentioned. There is only the kitchenette on that side of the caravan which transforms to a double bed when needed. The double bed runs parallel to the back wall, so there is no headboard of any sorts adjacent to the wall. The only reason I can think of for not having a back window, is perhaps a design requirement. There are currently 4 windows in the regal, so a 5th one might have perhaps affected the overall design strength of the van.

The problem of not being able to see what is going on behind the van, is quickly alleviated by clipping on towing mirrors. With these, I can practically see the tail of the caravan.

It's winter and chances are caravan parks wont be 100% full, so you can take a chance. The advantages of booking is that you could get a better stand rather than being squeezed into the only space left - next to the laundry

Dunkyd, After lots of experimenting, got this far.
Agree this is the worst forum ever.

Hello Michael I have a friend that wants to fit one to his Exclusive. Do you still have the mover?

yes the question is where in Mozambique, i have just come back from Ponto and Malangane and only off road caravans will do this trip totally beach sand roads all the way from Kosi Bay border

Dear Lucas

Take a look at the Howling Moon awning ( www.howlingmoon.co.za) - that should suit your needs. Our publisher will provide a more indepth response in the May issue of Caravan & Outdoor Life in our Caravan Clinic pages.