FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions: -

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FAQ 1:    Water ingress into the engine compartment on Peugeot Boxers.

Ans 1:    There have been problems with earlier Boxers where the gearbox and/or battery can be damaged with rainwater ingress.  There is a manufacturer’s modification to cure this and also a simple DIY option.  See Ideas Sheet No.5.

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FAQ 2:      Terminology of batteries: engine; leisure battery & auxiliary and charging of the same.

Ans 2;    There are two main uses for batteries in a motorhome:

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FAQ 3:    My GRP bodywork is dull.

Ans 3:    The bodywork can be re-furbished using a very weak cutting paste designed for fibreglass.  One such product is Farecla who offers a range of polishes to maintain the condition of the fibreglass.  This is available through local motorhome showrooms or through the Auto Sleepers Service centre – see Service Centre on Technical Page.

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FAQ 4:    Removal of scratches on the acrylic windows.

Ans 4:    Farecla make a compound – see FAQ on GRP bodywork

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FAQ 5:    Roller blinds have an annoying rattle when travelling.

Ans 5:   Please see Ideas Sheet No. 46 on the Technical Page

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FAQ 6:    Value to sell my motorhome / Reasonable price for buying a motorhome.

Ans 6:    I regret that I cannot give guides to values for either buying or selling, there are too many variables.  I would suggest that you buy a few specialist motorhome magazines from your local main newsagent and study what is on offer.

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FAQ 7:  Black algae in the toilet flushing water. 

Ans 7:    A temporary solution can be achieved by flushing the system with Milton Sterilising Fluid.  Thetford is testing a more permanent solution and at the end of 2003 will evaluate the results of the trial and a new fluid should be available in the New Year (2004).  
   
Update May 2005:   
Thetford are now recommending using 2 or 3 times the strength of their concentrate to remove the algae.  (See also Ideas Sheet No. 111)

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FAQ 8:    What pressures should my motorhome tyre be?

Ans 8:   The tyre pressures for vehicles can be found on the label fitted to the door frame or by referring to the base vehicle manufacturers handbook.  The Auto~Sleeper conversion or the manufacturer of the tyre does not affect the tyre pressure, it relates to the load and speed rating only.
    Auto~Sleepers cannot make any recommendations about tyre specification or pressures because this information is the responsibility of the base vehicle manufacturer.

Update as a reply to the Questions & Answers at the 2007 National Rally - Open Forum:

A15a:    Post meeting note (dated 22nd May 2007) :

A15b:    Further post meeting note (dated 1st June 2007):

Copy of the article in the September Newsletter:

For ease of reference I repeat the more recent advice from Auto~Sleepers:-

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FAQ 9:    What in meant by a 'green field' rally site?

Ans 9:    A 'green field' site refers to a rally site on a field or hardstanding (i.e. school playground), that has the minimum of a drinking water supply and toilet emptying facilities.  It may have limited toilet facilities, e.g. toilets may only be available during specific times (e.g. pub/cafe or sports facility), or no toilets at all.

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FAQ10:    To what does ACCEO refer?

Ans 10:    ACCEO  is the Association of Camping and Caravaning Exempted Organisations.  A Camping or Caravanning Organisation is a club, such as the ASOC, which holds an Exemption Certificate allowing us to organise rallies for up to five days (120 hours) duration, without the need to seek planning permission.
    Individual members of ASOC can also become members of ACCEO for an annual subscription of £3.00, allowing members to benefit from a range of discounts such as ferry fares, insurance, accessories and some private site fees.
    Our specially appointed member, Ray Whiley, represents ASOC and attends the ACCEO Annual General Meeting.
    Further information can be found by visiting www.acceo.org.uk or www.oakwood-village.co.uk or by contacting via e-mail  ACCEO@oakwood-village.co.uk

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FAQ 11:    Do I need an MOT after one year if my motorhome is over 3.5 tonnes GVW.

Ans 11:    A commercial vehicle is required to have an MOT if it is over 3.5 tonnes GVW - after one year.  This is not, however, applicable to motorhomes.  If in doubt contact DVLA direct.

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FAQ 12:    How can I get guidance on running a rally?

Ans 12:    Guidance is available in the New Marshal page.

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FAQ 13:    What do the initials HDi mean on a Peugeot?

Ans 13:    High Pressure Direct Injection.  An electrically generated fuel supply pump known as 'common rail' achieving a pressure of 1350 bars.  This is due to a turbo compressor and cooling system which controls the intake of air.

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FAQ 14:    Where do I fix the beam adaptors on my new Peugeot Boxer for continental driving ?

Ans 14:    Although there are no markings on the headlights themselves the position for the adaptor is readily identifiable by referring to the adaptor manufacturer's instructions.  For instance 'Eurolites' show the position for the 'round adaptor' on the dipped headlight lamp, by referring to the position of the lamp itself.

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FAQ 15:    How should the radio isolating switch be used on my Boxer van?

Ans 15:    It is important that the radio isolation switch, fitted to the Nuevo/Talisman & Executive vans,  is always left in the "off" position when the radio is not being used, otherwise a very small drain may result from the vehicle battery to the detriment of starting the engine.
    NB    Earlier Boxer vans, without the radio isolation switch, can suffer from the radio switching off after 20 minutes.  Ideas Sheet No 63 (see
Technical) offers an way of obviating this problem.

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FAQ 16:    What fuel economy should I expect?

Ans 16:    Fuel economy depends on many factors including light/heavy right-footed, urban/long distance, etc.  However some guidance can be obtained from the fuel information gathered from members on "fuel information" page at Technical

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FAQ 17:    What does the 'symbol' seen on members' vans and on the Newsletter mean?

Ans. 17:    Details of 'Rita's Little Man' can be found on the Regalia page.

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FAQ 18:    Can the Club 'Ideas Sheets' be made available for downloading from the website?

ANS.     Unfortunately this is not an available, or desirable, option.  Reasons include:

If you have any other questions please contact me at Baz Wellard  and I will try to either answer them or seek help

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July 25, 2008