yeh you can't win sometimes rich
In 'prep'for the 1st long trip, we did a couple of weekenders away around Brittany, also helped in gaining a little confidence after that 'near fire'. It's never nice driving in something you don't quite feel comfy with
These trips bought up a few 'issues'. The shower tap blew off! on re-fitting it , it was leaking. Nipped into a dealers near Vannes & they took it round the back (no not for destruction
). After a while the chap said, "Well I've done the best I can"
. It was still leaking but worse
. He said it is the cartridge that's knackered and he put one in that was the best 'match'. Clearly well out of any form of a 'match'. He said the ones I need are no longer available, so from now on you'll have to turn the pump off after each usage
. Don't you just love 'em..... The salesman overheard and suggested we should change the van for a better model
Yeh, like we can afford that. Can't blame him for trying I guess...
Once home I contacted Southdown Motorhomes in Portmouth. a Laika (amongst other makes) mainstealer. A short while later, Julie there emailed me pictures of cartridges for all three taps. Saying she had direct contact with Laika in Italy & she could get them sent out to me. I took all three so I would have them ready if the kitchen or bathroom sink taps failed. Upon arrival, it took a little over 5 mins to fit & no leaks, perfect. I did contact the dealer who fitted the incorrect cartridge informing them that the cartridges are indeed available, they offered me a 'good deal' on a service. I told them I had no confidence in them and declined....
Another issue was the loo's evacuation flap. That was 'letting by' nasty niffs. Suspected a dodgy seal on the evacuation flap. This has a marine loo' with a 40ltr 'holding tank, not the more standard 17ltr cassette type. More like on a US style RV I guess? Another part unavailable to the French dealers. But a further call to Southdowns secured the part. Planned to collect whilst over in UK.
During one outing, chugging up an incline just north of Redon, the turbo pipe 'blew off'. The huge jubillee clip holding it on had failed. Had to call out brakedown. The chap did a sterling 'get me home' fix using three zip-ties. Get us home it did. Once there I got a new clip & a spare! Fitted one and thats solved that issue.
Finally, I decided a service would be a good idea, before the 'off'. We had new cambelt kit done prior to purchase at a Renault garage paid for by the seller. He himself did an oil and filter change. It was only 2 or so months 'in' but thought an 'early' oil change wouldn't harm with it having been 'sat'
I took it back to the Iveco garage for this & also asked them to drain & refill the gearbox too.
There it is being done.