Adrian Tyldesley Caravan Service in Lancashire

07/09/2026

A service customer reported some cracks in the rear panel of his Coachman Pastiche.
Now before we go any further the ultimate solution to this is to fit a new panel with the cost into 4 figures.
I have customers that have been charged deep into the hundreds to plastic weld similar cracks which failed within months.
So this is what I do.😁
First of all I clean the area with solvent and then drill a 1.5mm hole at the end of the crack.
This relieves the crack of stress which would make it spread further.
A form that is rounded at its end is less likely to crack compared to a rounded edge.
That is why aircraft windows have rounded corners.🤓
Then I apply a highly flexible waterproof vinyl over the crack and then seal the edge where it meets the awning rail with a hybrid polymer sealant.
I choose clear as it allows me to track progress over the years at service time.
This method has proved pretty successful over the years.
😁

05/09/2026

I’m testing an eBay top cover on my own caravan over the winter so you don’t have to.
It was like trying to herd cats fitting it on my own in a strong wind but here we are.
Stay tuned 😁

https://ebay.io/m/kAr0rC

03/09/2026

Another Powrtouch auto engage single axle mover being fitted.😁
It is 20 years since I fitted my first Powrtouch mover!
Contact me directly if you would like to upgrade from your tired old mover to the super efficient and powerful Powrtouch that engages the rollers to the tyres at the touch of a button.
I will remove your old mover, wiring and control box from your caravan and fit a new Powrtouch which comes with a front to back five year warranty.
Thinking of changing your van in the next couple of years?
No problem,I can swap this mover to your new van and maintain the mover warranty.
07976 418093

01/09/2026

This mornings job is to carry out annual maintenance on this 2018 Swift challenger.
Unfortunately it is starting to suffer from the increasingly common Alko axle sag.
If you are looking to buy a second hand van from this period with an Alko axle it’s imperative to check the clearance between the top of the tyre to the inner wheel box.
There are a couple of options to resolve this but budget to repair is in the 2k range.

30/08/2026

Are new price’s getting out of hand.
When I started in caravans you could buy a new 5 berth Abbey Stafford for £7,500.😅😬
Do new vans represent good value ?

New caravan prices have reached another level—but would you really ...

29/08/2026

It’s worthy of a note that when you are towing the jockey wheel halves should be secured as per the 2nd picture.
If it’s as per the first picture it can unwind itself,particular at speed on the motorway and it will grind the wheel away on the ground with potentially catastrophic results.

17/08/2026

10/08/2026

More movers into stock 😁

03/08/2026

If you were looking to buy a 10 plus year old van with a good spec,alde heating etc,then something like this Swift Challenger SE would be my recommendation.
Not without generic faults but better than most for sure.
This example is well known to me 😁

20/07/2026

A stunning Hymer motorhome is having its annual habitation check this morning.
The build quality,fit and finish on these is next level.
😁