Wednesday, Aug 09, 2006 at 20:07
Don't know about this one but it wouldn't hurt to call Viscount and be honest with them and see what they tell you. I think they would be happy to direct you to their better models without necessarily owning up to a Lemon here or there.
Here is some feedback via a caravan site.
"Question: I just came across your website while surfing, and saw your Q & A column, which appears to give some great advice - I'm hoping you may be able to help me.
I have just acquired an old (86) Viscount Ultralite van (and subsequently read in the only comment I could find online that these are "awful" - I hope to find out why one day soon, hopefully not the hard way!), and an oldish Nissan Patrol to tow it with. The only trip I have made with it thus far is the 35 km tow from the dealer to
my home.
I read somewhere online that these vans have "override" as opposed to electric brakes. My question (please don't laugh - I'm a complete novice) is, should there be some connection (like a cable or hydraulic line) between the towing vehicle and the van, other than the electrical plug? I checked before I drove off that indicator and brake lights worked, but having read this, I'm not sure whether the van brakes are being operated at all.
Apart from the above, if you have any idea where I may be able to get more info, or even an owner's manual for this van, I would greatly appreciate your help.
Answer: I think all the 'awful' Aerolites have long since fallen apart and only the best are left. They had very light chassis that broke and many had new chassis fitted. They had very lightweight construction and our Australian conditions were not what European vans would expect (They were based on the European principles).
I see no reason why your Aerolight shouldn't give you good service if it's in good condition and you don't expect to take it across the
Simpson Desert or similar!
The brakes work without any connection - apart from the towbar of course. They rely on the tow vehicle slowing under brakes and then the weight of the van trying to push it compresses the van's brake actuating mechanism to apply the van brakes. That's why there is a little gadget you swing into place to stop this happening when you reverse. Don't forget to swing it back out when you've finished reversing or your brakes won't work at all.
I would doubt if there would be any handbooks about - van makers have never been good at producing them.
As you don't mention where you live so I don't know who to suggest for more info but any of the van repairers like ADP or Hardings in
Melbourne or Darios in
Adelaide should be able to help.
(Re-reading this reply I see I've confused 'Aerolights' with 'Ultralights' - a far better van!)"
AnswerID:
188214