Rust

Hi Angie,

The coupling would need replacing I would, think from your description, and perhaps the plate under it if it is deeply scored with rust.

Changing the coupling, the bit that drops onto the towball, would be a good idea anyway given its age and your lack of knowledge as to the vans history. This more or less dictates this especially in light of your description. This is a small task which your husband should be able to accomplish without much effort.

If that is the only thing that is detering you from purchase then I would suggest that the van is in reasonable condition, from your description. Not having pictures handicaps us from helping in a more precise way.

The big issue as advised previously is water leaks from the roof and around the windows. If the inside is still in original finish, namely the original plywood and coating then any discrepancies should be visible to some extent.

The next thing to check is the underside of the van to see if the chassis is still in good order and any rust is only surface rust. TLC and elbow grease can repair surface rust but deep rust on the chassis renders the whole a nightmare where it occurs under the van. If deep rust is found under the van then walk away as fast as you can.

Any rust of consequence on the point of the A frame can easily be repaired provided that it is not deep on the chassis itself under the coupling. The mounting plate that the coupling sits on can easily be replaced by a local engineering firm for about $100.

With caravans of that age the springs and wheels and axle have seen far better days unless they have already been replaced. So given your planned use for the van then I recommend a new axle and springs on whatever van you get from that era.

Hope this helps and is not too long winded.

Good hunting
Cheers, Bruce.

hi guys, it is hard looking at old vans eh, you have good instinct i would say as the "smell" factor is actually a big thing and what you are looking at on the "coupling" is nothing at all, 1978 is a really old van and it is going to have rust on the chassis and coupling, some of the metal parts are really easy and cheap to replace so dont worry about them, the shell and inside must be dry and water stain free and you have a winner .....
I have just got a 1974 van so i know what you mean ....
Cheers and good luck
Joe

sounds like a good on site van rather than a tourer

Angie M

I work on the principal of 'If in doubt don't'. I suspect that you may be keen on this van because it appears to be a good deal. If you don't have the experience in assessing the rust issue have someone who does look at the van. If that's not possible and you are still not comfortable with the situation then don't proceed. Rust is an insidious beast and can destroy the best laid trip plans. Bolts, nuts cables springs bearings and chassis are all susceptible to its effect. It may be better to pay a bit more and get a van that you are confident and comfortable with. Keep looking you will find your dream and have a great time. Remember you DON'T need all the bells and whistles to enjoy each others company in this great country in fact, less is more!

Hi Angie, take a wire brush & a sharp pointed tool to check rust . What is the weight
of the van ? Some old viscounts were fairly heavy, & you dont want to be anywhere
near the weight limit of your Jack..2500 kG...loaded...cheers....oldbaz.

Hi, I recently took a 1986 jayco caravan off site which had been static for at least ten to twenty years. I welded the new plate on the draw bar which I bolted a new coupling to as mine was a little rusty too! cost me around $100 for the coupling and $10 for the plate from a trailer place already cut to size. I replaced the tyres, bearings and greased all the suspension underneath. Towed it from melbourne to western australia, then a further 3000 km on a holiday without a single drama. Dont be scared by a van that has been sitting for a long time providing you replace all of the perishable items. That was the second caravan that I had taken from the caravan site and towed back to western aus and not a drama with either due to the preventative maintenance. Unles there is major rust or rot It sounds like a good thing!