First you will need the 'West Damp Meter' which you can purchase by clicking here.
Once you've got your damp meter it's a good idea to make a worksheet by drawing separate images of the two sides, front and back of yourcaravan or motorhome on an A4 sheet of plain paper (we're not talking 'Picasso' here, just a rough sketch will do).
Make sure the caravan or motorhome is free of condensation. The main areas to check are around SKYLIGHTS, ROOF MOUNTED VENTS, AERIALS, PANEL JOINTS, WINDOW SEALS, VENTS, PANEL TRIMS, GRAB HANDLES (caravans only) and LIGHT FITTINGS. When carrying out your checks keep moisture away from the damp meter probes (i.e don't touch the probe with your fingertips as this will give an inaccurate reading), keep a sheet of absorbent kitchen roll handy for drying the probes and don't stick the probes into places where the holes will be visble (i.e. carry out tests behind rubber/plastic window or door seals and in bed/top lockers).
Follow the damp meter instructions and record your results for each side, the front and back panels on your worksheet. The 'West Damp Meter' is supplied with guidelines for acceptable and unacceptable damp tolerances.
If excessive damp is found in any area it will require immediate attention by either using one of our range of sealants, or contacting your local workshop/dealer.
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Make sure the fridge is at operating temperature (this will usually take 2 to 3 hours when connected to the mains supply) and your vehicle is level. Use the 'West Fridge/Freezer Thermometer' to check that your food is being kept at an acceptable temperature. Due to the complexity of these pieces of equipment we would not recommend undertaking DIY repairs.
The most popular makes of fridge used in caravans and motorhomes are Electrolux or Dometic which are now the same company. If you suspect a problem Dometic has its own service engineers and you can find a list of these at www.dometic.co.uk
Use the 'Reich Battery & Charger Tester' to check the condition of your leisure or starter battery, battery charger and alternator. Using a series of LED's this simple to use, great value tester will accurately check that your batteries are in optimum condition, that your on-board/auxiliary battery charger is functioning correctly and that the vehicle alternator is keeping your starter and leisure batteries in top condition while on the move.
The 'Reich Battery & Charger Tester' comes with full, easy to follow instructions.
Due to complex nature of modern car electrics the fitting of towbars, or wiring any 12N/12S towing socket from scratch should be undertaken by a competent, reputable towbar fitting specialist. However, should you need to replace a worn or damaged plug/socket the connections are as follows:
12N - pin1 (yellow) = left indicator, pin 2 (blue) = caravan fog light, pin 3 (white) = earth, pin 4 (green) = right indicator, pin 5 (brown) = right hand tail light, pin 6 (red) = stoplights, pin 7 (black) = left hand tail light & number plate illumination.
12S (up to 31st August 1998 caravans) - pin 1 (yellow) = reversing lights, pin 2 (blue) = auxiliary battery charging, pin 3 (white) = earth, pin 4 (green) = permanent power supply from car battery, pin 5 (brown) = a sensing device, pin 6 (red) = fridge, pin 7 (black) = no allocation.
12S (after 31st August 1998 caravans) - pin 1 (yellow) = reversing lights, pin 2 (blue) = no allocation, pin 3 (white) = earth, pin 4 (green) = caravan lights etc. (engine not running) & auxiliary battery charging (engine running), pin 5 (brown) = a sensing device, pin 6 (red) = fridge, pin 7 (black) = fridge earth.
To view our range of towing accessories click here.
