Van not moved for 8 months (1 Viewer)

[steve69]

I am about to embark on my first trip of the season since August last year.
My 14 year old Elddis has not moved since that time.
In that time, the handbrake was left off and the wheels chocked.
The engine started OK recently (after charging the battery).
The fresh water system has been pressurised and checked for leaks - so far so good.
Tax, MOT, and insurance all taken care of.
I will check the tyre pressures when I fill up at the first port of call, 1 mile away.
The gas bottles are full and the system seems to work ok. No smell of gas at all.
Is there anything else I should consider before setting off on a 200 mile trip?

Don't worry about food, drink, clothes etc. Have I missed something that could be a problem arising from such a long time of inactivity?

 

[Jo662]

Have you been charging the leisure batteries in the 8 months it’s been stood ?

 

[meanders]

You might want some silicon spray around the slider and seal in the loo.

 

[steve69]

Have you been charging the leisure batteries in the 8 months it’s been stood ?

Ah.....I forgot to mention - just bought a new one yesterday.

 

[Winger]

Go steady for a few miles as the brake discs will be covered in rust and not as efficient as usual. After some braking they will clean up again

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[Jev88]

Burn the rust off the brakes - purposely get up to speed and brake a few times if you can away from traffic. If the MH hasn't moved an inch in all that time I would be a little concerned about tyre flat spots and corrosion to the wheel rim at the bottom.

 

[scotjimland]

after some miles, check wheel hub temperatures .. jus a walk round using back of hand

. I had a brake calliper stick on causing the brake to overheat .. I could smell it when we stopped for fuel ..

I've since bought a infrared thermometer for checking

 

[PP Bear]

Check for hidden mice or even bird nests, I’ve seen the robins nesting under one of the van in storage. Mind you, it looks like it hasn’t moved for a very very long time.

I was also going to say drive some miles, taking it gently up to temp, then stop and have a good look around, including under the bonnet as rubber seals fail or swell. Probably fine, but worth looking for leaks, damp spots etc.

Don’t forget to take it easy while the gearbox gets well soaked in oil.

 

[Richard n Ann]

If you had to charge the battery to start it, it will need a new one.