Hi, I'm now the proud owner of DWYNWEN the Dandy!!!
(Dwynwen-pronounced doynwen is the welsh equivalent of St Valentine!!! but is celebrated on Jan 25th.)
The journey up was pretty unremarkable, other than it was probably the hottest day of the year so far!!
On arrival all appeared fine. I had a quick check over, but all seemed ok. Didn't hang around, as needed to get home.
My first anxiety was on indicating onto the motorway, I didn't hear the audible indicator that my indicator was working!!! I had had a look at the lights, but had to rely on them checking them whilst I was in car. They nodded and said all fine whilst I was driving away. Turned off at 1st services to recheck lights, and had none!!!! Maybe a loose wire, they wouldn't let me drive away with no lights would they????
Two lovely gentlemen helped me out, and proved to me that there are genuine and kind people about. Between us we got the lights working, I needed one new bulb, and a bit of cleaning of contacts. All safe again to drive home.
Took her to my dad's house, as I still have the van on my drive. So have been unable to put her up again for a while.
Yesterday we went and put her up, after turning her round so I could open her along his drive, not across it, as not wide enough. We did ok, but it took a while, and I obviously need a bit of practice!!!
The negatives so far.............
The jockey wheel went flat, pumped it up with no joy, have replaced that already with a bit of tinkering by my Dad.
One of the shock cords is broken, so will need to replace that.
It's a bit rusty underneath, so may need to get a wire brush on it then seal it.
Small tear on inside of roof, all solid on outside, so not too worried.
Can't seem to work out how to make up sofa, there doesn't seem to be anything to support it in up position. Will have another look, as my Dad was fussing about trying to use awning poles to wedge it up!! I did wonder once home whether the metal frame pulled away from the centre, leaving the PVC 'struts to support the sofa, will look again.
The biggest problem so far? The back wall has detached from the hinge!! It all still went up fine, but the hinge is very rusty, and in putting the unit down the hinge won't bend so the wall has come off!! We put it in the right place and it all fitted together fine, but will need to buy new hinge strip. assume I can buy at most DIY retailers or builders merchants.
The positives.
The floor feels fine.
The battery seems to work ok, just needs a good charge.
The sink and cooker look ok, not used yet, but am hopeful.
The electrics look good, I'm no expert, but there is a RCD unit with trip switch, and it all appears to be well done.
Water and waste carriers included.
Handbrake and tow hitch damper work!!
Lights now work!!!
A Dandy awning, which I need to put up, but am again positive about.
Am hoping my sister will agree to let me take it up to her house (she has a bit of land) , so we can have a good try out and sleep in her tonight
The kids are dying to have a go, and as weather not too good, can come back pretty quick if we need to. Also if I need stuff can pop home easily to pick up.
She needs a really good clean, but a bit of elbow grease won't hurt me. Lets hope my sister will let us take her there.
Thank you everyone for all your advice and tips, will be annoying you for more I'm sure!!
I'm now officially a Dandy camper Whoop Whoop