MaidenVoyage

[monkeygully]

We just bought a Korong brand 1960's vintage caravan from ebay which we are picking up next week.

What would your advice be for our maiden voyage - i.e when we pick up our new van? Is it worth getting a mechanical check or wheels balanced? It is out of rego so need to get a towing permit before re-registering in the Blue Mountains. We will be towing behind a Peugeot 307 touring wagon.

Im new to this - any info would be much appreciated. This is the link to our new van.

cgi.ebay.com.au/CLASSIC-VINTAGE-CARAVAN-BONDWOOD-ALL-ORIGINAL-4-BERTH_W0QQitemZ320126691403QQihZ011QQcategoryZ 32633QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Best Regards

[tinnie]

Hi Monkey Gully,
Having been mad enough to retrieve a few vans and tow home (a number of forum members will flat top or trailer them home) I have some suggestions, mostly along the lines of Col's suggestions.
From memory I saw that van was in Bendigo area, making it a considerable haul home for you. I recently sold a similar sized and aged van to someone from the Blue Mountains area. Before the he towed it the 1200km home the following was done (mostly by me): rewired with 7 pin flat plug, new wheel bearings and grease, removed old tow hitch (bolts and grind off welds) and fitted standard 50mm hitch, tied down roof hatch inside van, duck taped a couple of windows shut (had broken clips) and new owner brought two 13" holden rims fitted with brand new light truck tyres. New owner had arranged permit and also took the old wheels/tyres and old bearings with him as back up. He also brought a jack, wheel brace, bearing grease, towing mirrors, rope and numerous tools. In short, go with the old boy scout motto, "be prepared" and you will be fine, providing the van is actually towable.

Best wishes for the journey and restoration!

Gristy

[monkeygully]

Hi All - thanks for the responses and advice. We picked up the van yesterday outside of Bendigo and had it booked into a caravan mechanic for the afternoon to have the weel bearings etc checked and replaced.

Then drove to Jugiong via Violet Town where we spent the night in the nice rest area there and just arrived home in Blackheath safe and sound... Although now I have to contend how to reverse it down our winding drive!

Now for the real fun of the restoration!

Bye for now.

Dan and Ally

[sportsman 1]

Hi guys,

Glad to hear you arrived home ok. Long haul into the unknown is always a bit frightening.

Hope you enjoy the work ahead, keep us informed with the progress,

cheers,

Leigh.