Hi! I'm on the road with my avan and the roof seems to be getting stiffer every time I put it up. (either that or its me getting older)
I'm sure there must be somewhere I can spray some WD40. Can anyone advise me how to fix it?
It's mostly just the first little bit of pushing that's hard and I have a gadget to use to push it up high after that.
kit33r said
03:05 PM Aug 15, 2016
Could be that the bungee cord that assists with the lifting of the roof is fatigued. I had an Avan a few years ago the same problem. It was solved by a trip to Bunnings (or equivalent) and replacing the cord. Not hard to do.
Desert Dweller said
04:19 PM Aug 15, 2016
Sounds like you need new gas struts.
elliemike said
06:40 PM Aug 15, 2016
You need to replace the four roof springs,. One in each corner of the roof half section. Not a hard job but as long as you have the gear and a bit of help.
http://alinerownersclub.org/diy/roof-springs-and-bungees/ >have a look on here.
elliemike said
06:46 PM Aug 15, 2016
You need to replace the four roof springs,. One in each corner of the roof half section. Not a hard job but as long as you have the gear and a bit of help.
http://alinerownersclub.org/diy/roof-springs-and-bungees/ >have a look on here.
newhorizons said
08:01 PM Aug 15, 2016
@ all the nomads who've replied.
It sounds like either the bungees or the springs. I'm travelling atm so will have to keep persisting with it til I get back. It might be a job for the Caravan Doctor in Busselton I think as I don't have the skills myself to do that. I'll just have to hope nothing breaks before then. I had very strong winds and rain for two nights last week and it hasn't been right since then.
ps I joined the avan club before I left but can't access it yet as I haven't got a membership number.
ShortNorth said
09:08 PM Aug 15, 2016
When your roof is open, you'll see that the 4 corner springs slide inside a square section tubing fixed under the roof sides - get yourself a can of INOX MX-5 PTFE lubricant and spray liberally over the ends of the springs - it may take a couple of roof open / shut cycles to spread the Inox over all the ends of the springs - I do this about twice a year. Don't use WD-40, it attracts dirt, whereas INOX doesn't.
Another thing - when new, the very top outside faces of the rear roof has a pair of clear Teflon pads that slide against the inside flange of the front roof - sometimes these peal off and when they do, you have straight aluminium to aluminium contact as the roof slides up or down, which makes it just that bit harder to move - new pads can be bought as spares from any Avan dealer, and are easily fitted as they are self-adhesive backed.
Regards, Brian
-- Edited by ShortNorth on Monday 15th of August 2016 09:22:31 PM
ShortNorth said
09:10 PM Aug 15, 2016
Desert Dweller wrote:
Sounds like you need new gas struts.
Avan A-frame campers don't have gas struts (unless the owner has fitted them themselves).
newhorizons said
10:34 PM Aug 17, 2016
Thanks for your advice, Shortnorth, I'm at civilization atm so might be able to find a can of that & will start to use it asap....hope its not too smelly! I'm sure it must've been that rain that caused it as it seemed to get a lot worse very quickly and at one stage I had to pack it up wet. The bungee cords look to be working well and surely if it was the springs, the problem would be more gradual. Apart from that I'm finding it super-easy to set up so far. (first big trip!
NH
elliemike said
09:59 AM Aug 18, 2016
Avan Club WA are having a meet up in Mukinbudin 1st to 4th September. If you are around that way you will be very welcome. We will have a look at it for you. also Avan Agent now is Premier Motors Scarborough Beach Rd Osborne Pk, Perth. Also George Day Caravans Stock Parts. Our WA coordinator John Critchley is available/works there as well in Cara Spares. I have changed roof springs on various vans in recent times. Takes me Two hours with a helper.
Mike
newhorizons said
11:44 AM Aug 18, 2016
Hi Ellie & Mike, I saw about that meetup and wondered if it might fit in with my return trip. (live in SW). Trouble is, I haven't been able to get my joinup number as I'd left home before it arrived. Maybe they will send it to me by email if I explain the circumstances. I wouldn't mind watching someone put up the awning as well. If I can get there do I need to book or just turn up?
elliemike said
07:10 PM Aug 18, 2016
newhorizons wrote:
Hi Ellie & Mike, I saw about that meetup and wondered if it might fit in with my return trip. (live in SW). Trouble is, I haven't been able to get my joinup number as I'd left home before it arrived. Maybe they will send it to me by email if I explain the circumstances. I wouldn't mind watching someone put up the awning as well. If I can get there do I need to book or just turn up?
I have sent you a Private Message Look at your Inbox
You will need to book with the CP and the Club Coordinator. But whatever just roll up you will enjoy it.
SEPTEMBER 2016 Friday 2nd Sunday 4th (Fathers Day) MUKINBUDIN 25 Cruickshank St 08 9047 1103 www.mukinbudin.wa.gov.au email admin@mukinbudin.wa.gov.au approx. 250 Klms from Perth. BOOK WITH TANYA SPRIGG 0429 471 103. Mention you are with the Avan Club, also if you stay for 7 nights you only pay for 5 night. Avan discount is $22.50 per night. There are 30 powered sites. (see my message re this)
Fantastic kitchen in shearing shed style all stainless steel sinks & well equipped. New toilet block unisex - as well as old block. Separate BBQ area close to camp kitchen as well as an open fire. No ensuites, but cabins & self contained units available. Planned Friday night bring & share HOT DISH Saturday Rocky Road Bus trip with lunch. This trip will depend upon the number of takers as the bus has to be hired etc. Please contact Grace and Darryl if you are interested
Hi! I'm on the road with my avan and the roof seems to be getting stiffer every time I put it up. (either that or its me getting older)
I'm sure there must be somewhere I can spray some WD40. Can anyone advise me how to fix it?
It's mostly just the first little bit of pushing that's hard and I have a gadget to use to push it up high after that.
@ all the nomads who've replied.
It sounds like either the bungees or the springs. I'm travelling atm so will have to keep persisting with it til I get back. It might be a job for the Caravan Doctor in Busselton I think as I don't have the skills myself to do that. I'll just have to hope nothing breaks before then. I had very strong winds and rain for two nights last week and it hasn't been right since then.
ps I joined the avan club before I left but can't access it yet as I haven't got a membership number.
When your roof is open, you'll see that the 4 corner springs slide inside a square section tubing fixed under the roof sides - get yourself a can of INOX MX-5 PTFE lubricant and spray liberally over the ends of the springs - it may take a couple of roof open / shut cycles to spread the Inox over all the ends of the springs - I do this about twice a year. Don't use WD-40, it attracts dirt, whereas INOX doesn't.
Another thing - when new, the very top outside faces of the rear roof has a pair of clear Teflon pads that slide against the inside flange of the front roof - sometimes these peal off and when they do, you have straight aluminium to aluminium contact as the roof slides up or down, which makes it just that bit harder to move - new pads can be bought as spares from any Avan dealer, and are easily fitted as they are self-adhesive backed.
Regards, Brian
-- Edited by ShortNorth on Monday 15th of August 2016 09:22:31 PM
Avan A-frame campers don't have gas struts (unless the owner has fitted them themselves).
Thanks for your advice, Shortnorth, I'm at civilization atm so might be able to find a can of that & will start to use it asap....hope its not too smelly! I'm sure it must've been that rain that caused it as it seemed to get a lot worse very quickly and at one stage I had to pack it up wet. The bungee cords look to be working well and surely if it was the springs, the problem would be more gradual. Apart from that I'm finding it super-easy to set up so far. (first big trip!
NH
Avan Club WA are having a meet up in Mukinbudin 1st to 4th September. If you are around that way you will be very welcome. We will have a look at it for you. also Avan Agent now is Premier Motors Scarborough Beach Rd Osborne Pk, Perth. Also George Day Caravans Stock Parts. Our WA coordinator John Critchley is available/works there as well in Cara Spares. I have changed roof springs on various vans in recent times. Takes me Two hours with a helper.
Mike
I have sent you a Private Message Look at your Inbox
You will need to book with the CP and the Club Coordinator. But whatever just roll up you will enjoy it.
SEPTEMBER 2016 Friday 2nd Sunday 4th (Fathers Day) MUKINBUDIN 25 Cruickshank St 08 9047 1103 www.mukinbudin.wa.gov.au email admin@mukinbudin.wa.gov.au approx. 250 Klms from Perth. BOOK WITH TANYA SPRIGG 0429 471 103. Mention you are with the Avan Club, also if you stay for 7 nights you only pay for 5 night. Avan discount is $22.50 per night. There are 30 powered sites. (see my message re this)
Fantastic kitchen in shearing shed style all stainless steel sinks & well equipped. New toilet block unisex - as well as old block. Separate BBQ area close to camp kitchen as well as an open fire. No ensuites, but cabins & self contained units available. Planned Friday night bring & share HOT DISH Saturday Rocky Road Bus trip with lunch. This trip will depend upon the number of takers as the bus has to be hired etc. Please contact Grace and Darryl if you are interested