Rust
Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 07, 2012 at 17:58
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Angie M
We are looking at a caravan, 1978 Viscount.
Looks pretty good, has a great awning, smells all good, feels solid, has rust that mainly seems to be surface.
Except for on the coupling (? not sure if right name - the bit that goes over the tow ball)
There is some rust on the horizontal plate where it sits on the A frame bit....
There doesn't seem to be any near the bolts but in between there is a gap that water has pooled in and created rust.... we cant really tell how deep.
I guess what I want to know if, that if this seems to be a definite reason to walk away. It is only 5,000 and the others in this range have been both stinky from damp, rotty, and either full of rust or painted over so we can't tell how deep it goes.
Is this something we could fix if needed without it costing too much?
Also is there any big things we should
check that would only cause great financial concern later?
Cheers
Reply By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Tuesday, Aug 07, 2012 at 19:00
Tuesday, Aug 07, 2012 at 19:00
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.
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Follow Up By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Tuesday, Aug 07, 2012 at 20:23
Tuesday, Aug 07, 2012 at 20:23
Angie I had a look at the photos but I cannot tell much from them, as you suggested.
If the inside is OK and there is no major rust you could be on a winner. What does your offsider think of it. Did he climb underneath it for a good look. Be prepared to get dirty looking. Overalls are the go.
I also note that it has an aluminium frame so that is a positive as
well.
I would not worry about the van being an older van provided that it is in good condition. There is plenty of life left in the old buggars provided they start with a sporting chance.
The main problems with taking older caravans around Aus. provided the van itself is in good order is the axles and bearings and coupling.
My last caravan was a reasonably modern van in that it was a 2000 model.
After traveling on some rough edged roads near
Gloucester NSW I had a spring snap on me. Luckily I was traveling with a mate and we were able to get a repair done 80Ks away so it was a round trip of 160Ks. No problem but the point is that these things can happen on newer vans also. This is why I recommend an upgrade when you get a van as age is against those sorts of things.
My first van purchased in 1974 was about a 1971 unit and we had that up till 6 years ago when we updated to the one before the current unit. So I know the type of van you are looking at and some of its pitfalls. People have dragged them all over the country without many problems.
It will all work out in the end Angie so try and keep positive. I know it is a trial looking sometimes but try and make it fun. Pack a lunch and turn it into a picinic when you go looking.
You have plenty of time on your side and we are all here with you and your husband for advice and remember that you are not commited till you hand over that hard earned cash.
Cheers, Bruce.
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Follow Up By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Tuesday, Aug 07, 2012 at 20:31
Tuesday, Aug 07, 2012 at 20:31
I should have added "Take a camera with you" so you can review your inspections when you get
home. Just in case you need to.
If you join up you can post your photos direct to ExplorOz pages so we can give clearer advice.
Cheers, Bruce.
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Follow Up By: Angie M - Tuesday, Aug 07, 2012 at 20:45
Tuesday, Aug 07, 2012 at 20:45
You certainly help to put the mind at ease!
My man, Dom, did get under and have a look, but we are pretty new to it so don't quite know or trust ourselves enough.
It has been good to just get out there and look at vans as it give you something to gauge the next one on, and of the ones we have seen this is definitely standing out above the rest.
Dom plans to have another look again in a couple of days, he will take his father along to give another opinion as I'm not the best help, plus I am usually too busy rounding up the kids.
But generally we do feel happy with it.
Great idea about taking some photo's, I will definitely do that!
We are having a good time looking at the moment, the first caravan we looked at was a 10 hour round trip away, and I think it was the road trip that excited us more! :)
But also we are worriers, I mean, we still worry about our tow vehicle we purchased several months back. haha!
Thanks again Bruce!
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Reply By: jacent - Friday, Aug 10, 2012 at 00:49
Friday, Aug 10, 2012 at 00:49
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!
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