Dunmowin wrote:

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We have been in the van now for over three years, and decided (finally) that we should not put off lubricating our aerial.  We got no instructions with the van on how to do this, but found this on uTube.  Instructions made easy, and know we know what to do next time - and wont put it off for another three years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KATPS5bU0nY

Hope this helps others as well.

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Here's the manual

 http://caravansplus.com.au/catalog/pdf.php?pdf_id=286

Thanks for that.

Another job to do before I put the cover on the van later in the week.

ps.  My neighbour had terrible TV reception on his van & found that the problem was the 

 co-ax connection.

Serviced mine today ...  first time in 14 years  ...  

Bloody marvelous.

It used to rattle & shake as I wound it up, just like it was about to destroy itself.

Smooth as brand new.

Glad I was able to help some of us - including "us"  I have made sure it goes into my diary now as a regular maintenance thing - along with all the other maintenance things.

Phil C wrote:

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BTW

This is not an add BUT Sid Whiting of Grey Nomad 101 fame did a youtube on the same and many other maintenance subjects, may be worth a peek, for me its a squirt of WD40 on the gears, stuff pulling it apart.

I agree some caravan manufacturers need to learn how to seal off their openings.

Safe travels

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 The 'instruction' specifically said not to use WD40.

I used the silicon spray as suggested and because the plastic nut at the top of the mechanism was 'frozen', I did not try too hard to undo it.

So as you suggested I gave it a good spray of the lubricant & it worked very well.

ps. I always carry a can or Silicon Spray (as well as WD40) in the van.  It is good on the sail tracks when erecting the annex walls.  I give the WDH rubbing points a spray before hooking up too.  Stops them squeaking & creaking.

Phil C wrote:

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Opps thanks Cupie.. its silicon spray from now on, although Im not sure fish oil (WD40) will damage the plastic that much.

Safe travels

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 Sorry Phil, the WD40 being fish oil tale is false..  check here  and WD40 can cause some plastics to degrade over a short while. The common plastic ciggy lighter sockets that you buy for a few dollars can crumble within a couple of years if you treat them with WD40... so I found out in my boat..

03_troopy wrote:

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Is that Lithium grease you're referring to A K?

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Yes..

Well we use an electrical joint grease when we crimp alu cables to bi metallic crimps..

Use it on all sorts of things. studs in engine block.suspension, even behind brake pads to prevent squeaking..  Hand brake cables..

To wheel nuts..