Canalsman
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A couple of months ago a significant fresh water leak developed whilst I was in Spain. My motorhome is a 2007 Autotrail Dakota which left the factory with two linked water tanks with a total capacity of 130 litres. Examination by crawling below the 'van pointed to the rear tank leaking but because it is all boxed in below the floor it was impossible to ascertain the cause. I approached a motorhome repairer in Bayonne on the way home in the hope of a quick fix. They didn't have the means to lift the 'van so were able only to confirm my thoughts by crawling beneath.
Knowing I was returning via Dover and with no time pressure I used Google Maps to look for a reliable and professional repairer along the south coast. I happened upon Reliance Caravan and Motorhome Services just to the west of Chichester who have outstandingly good feedback by a lot of customers. I made contact and arranged an inspection. They have hoists capable of up to 7.5 tonne capacity which is a great start and they're NCC approved unsurprisingly.
I had a good look around underneath with their technician Sean. He tried to pinpoint the problem with an endoscope and it seemed that the connection from the filler hose to the rear tank was the problem. We discussed various options but the main stumbling block was removal of the existing tanks. However Reliance have factory contacts at Autotrail who were able to advise how the tanks could be removed. Online enquiry of the Autotrail parts catalogue confirmed that the tanks themselves are no longer available.
I went away to consider the options. A second visit to Reliance was made to see if there was a better way forward. At this point Sean noted a large void between the AlKo chassis rails ahead of the existing tanks and amidships which would be good for weight distribution if we could find a tank to fit. I went away with the maximum dimensions in search of a single 130 litre (or thereabouts) tank. I found a tank from https://camperhappy.co.uk/ which was very reasonably priced and included free delivery.
Having confirmed the dimensions with Reliance I ordered the tank for delivery to Reliance. A third visit and lift on the hoist allowed them to offer up the tank and devise a suitable means of supporting the new tank. Reliance have an engineering workshop adjacent who can make up metalwork to order. This is very convenient.
The final visit was on Thursday with the 'van booked in for two days. During this time Sean, who did the entire job from start to finish, did the following:
1. Removed the old rear tank and all the associated wiring and plumbing. This revealed the cause of the leak. The connection to the tank with the filler pipe had been bodged with sealant whilst in the first ownership of the 'van and had held up for the ten years that I've owned it. There was a slight leak which I chose to ignore for most of that time because it wasn't significant and was obviously going to be hard to fix. (Photos of old tank and bodge follow.)
2. The existing old front tank was left in situ but unplumbed. The new tank was fitted between the chassis rails supported on two custom made cross members that bear on existing cross braces in the chassis. Wood blocks were affixed to the 'van floor above the tank to prevent upward movement of the tank whilst the new cross members incorporated brackets to prevent longitudinal movement. A sharp edge across the chassis in proximity to the leading edge of the tank was capped to prevent any chance of chafing occurring. Finally a board was affixed beneath the tank to protect against impact. All very carefully and neatly executed.
3. All the plumbing and wiring was replaced. The existing filling point was retained with a new and longer fill pipe leading to the tank. New pipework was installed and connected to the existing pump. This has been insulated which it was not previously. New tank water level sensors were fitted and connected with new wiring. A thermostatiic tank heater was fitted (no heater was fitted previously). Finally new drain and vent hoses were fitted.
So the entire fresh water system has been replaced.
I've also had a problem with the grey waste tank since it seems that the pipe draining the kitchen sink had come adrift leading to some water going into the tank and some running down the side of the tank. The tank was dropped and the pipe reconnected.
It's all been done to the highest standards and I can without question recommend:
www.reliancecms.uk
The front office staff of Becky and Geri are responsive and helpful and progress updates were given regularly. In addition there are two loan cars available, one of which can be used by dog owners. I used this and stayed in a dog friendly Airbnb nearby (details available if anyone would like a recommendation). The cars cost £15 per day plus VAT which seems reasonable.
This whole process has taken a while, about six weeks, but it has been worth it to get it the job done properly. And it was expensive, about £2,400, but given the amount of use my 'van gets I regard the cost as justifiable. When I come to sell the 'van I have a document wallet full of all the receipts for the work done over the years, plus all the base vehicle servicing details of course. This should help get a significantly better price when the time comes.
I will post a photo of the finished job tomorrow. I forgot to take it when the 'van was on the hoist but I've figured out a way to do it from ground level... hopefully!
Knowing I was returning via Dover and with no time pressure I used Google Maps to look for a reliable and professional repairer along the south coast. I happened upon Reliance Caravan and Motorhome Services just to the west of Chichester who have outstandingly good feedback by a lot of customers. I made contact and arranged an inspection. They have hoists capable of up to 7.5 tonne capacity which is a great start and they're NCC approved unsurprisingly.
I had a good look around underneath with their technician Sean. He tried to pinpoint the problem with an endoscope and it seemed that the connection from the filler hose to the rear tank was the problem. We discussed various options but the main stumbling block was removal of the existing tanks. However Reliance have factory contacts at Autotrail who were able to advise how the tanks could be removed. Online enquiry of the Autotrail parts catalogue confirmed that the tanks themselves are no longer available.
I went away to consider the options. A second visit to Reliance was made to see if there was a better way forward. At this point Sean noted a large void between the AlKo chassis rails ahead of the existing tanks and amidships which would be good for weight distribution if we could find a tank to fit. I went away with the maximum dimensions in search of a single 130 litre (or thereabouts) tank. I found a tank from https://camperhappy.co.uk/ which was very reasonably priced and included free delivery.
Having confirmed the dimensions with Reliance I ordered the tank for delivery to Reliance. A third visit and lift on the hoist allowed them to offer up the tank and devise a suitable means of supporting the new tank. Reliance have an engineering workshop adjacent who can make up metalwork to order. This is very convenient.
The final visit was on Thursday with the 'van booked in for two days. During this time Sean, who did the entire job from start to finish, did the following:
1. Removed the old rear tank and all the associated wiring and plumbing. This revealed the cause of the leak. The connection to the tank with the filler pipe had been bodged with sealant whilst in the first ownership of the 'van and had held up for the ten years that I've owned it. There was a slight leak which I chose to ignore for most of that time because it wasn't significant and was obviously going to be hard to fix. (Photos of old tank and bodge follow.)
2. The existing old front tank was left in situ but unplumbed. The new tank was fitted between the chassis rails supported on two custom made cross members that bear on existing cross braces in the chassis. Wood blocks were affixed to the 'van floor above the tank to prevent upward movement of the tank whilst the new cross members incorporated brackets to prevent longitudinal movement. A sharp edge across the chassis in proximity to the leading edge of the tank was capped to prevent any chance of chafing occurring. Finally a board was affixed beneath the tank to protect against impact. All very carefully and neatly executed.
3. All the plumbing and wiring was replaced. The existing filling point was retained with a new and longer fill pipe leading to the tank. New pipework was installed and connected to the existing pump. This has been insulated which it was not previously. New tank water level sensors were fitted and connected with new wiring. A thermostatiic tank heater was fitted (no heater was fitted previously). Finally new drain and vent hoses were fitted.
So the entire fresh water system has been replaced.
I've also had a problem with the grey waste tank since it seems that the pipe draining the kitchen sink had come adrift leading to some water going into the tank and some running down the side of the tank. The tank was dropped and the pipe reconnected.
It's all been done to the highest standards and I can without question recommend:
Home
www.reliancecms.uk
The front office staff of Becky and Geri are responsive and helpful and progress updates were given regularly. In addition there are two loan cars available, one of which can be used by dog owners. I used this and stayed in a dog friendly Airbnb nearby (details available if anyone would like a recommendation). The cars cost £15 per day plus VAT which seems reasonable.
This whole process has taken a while, about six weeks, but it has been worth it to get it the job done properly. And it was expensive, about £2,400, but given the amount of use my 'van gets I regard the cost as justifiable. When I come to sell the 'van I have a document wallet full of all the receipts for the work done over the years, plus all the base vehicle servicing details of course. This should help get a significantly better price when the time comes.
I will post a photo of the finished job tomorrow. I forgot to take it when the 'van was on the hoist but I've figured out a way to do it from ground level... hopefully!
