Van Update and Progress
Although no real conversion work has happened this week, we had our first little test trip with the pupper, the van has been into the garage for a few bits to get it ready and we had our first little hurdle.
Tyres, a service and a list of problems
The van (we still need a name) was desperate for some front tyres so we got it booked in at the local ATS for 2 tyres and a service (utilising my discount). It pains me to use garages but we do not really have the room to mess under the van on the roadside and it is convenient when somewhere is local. I know how the likes of these fitting places operate with inventing faults/upselling parts, however, the phone call they gave me and the “health report” was a big blow…key points:
- 4 Brake pads needed (almost to the metal the guy said but when questioned maybe 1000 miles left)
- NSF Suspension Spring leaking
- Both front Ball Joints excessive movement
- Both rear tyres close to legal limit
- Concerning Engine leak
- Washer Jets not working
It must be said, we were concerned by these findings but had zero intention of having any further work done with them before checking everything out with the garage we bought the van.
A few days later we had the van back at the garage we got it from, waving the health check and asking if they can have a look. To be fair they did agree on a couple of the points and the van had the following done free of charge.
- A Washer Jet unblocked
- NSF Ball Joint
- Jet washed the engine
The brake pads and tyres were absolutely fine (I agree) and the “Engine leak” which we feared the most looks to be from the filler tube/breather which to be fair on these is massive due to how low the engine is so is not concerning. They cleaned the engine and ran it for 3 hours without noticing anything, no smoke, no loss of pressure, no turbo issues, nothing on the floor (we hadn’t noticed anything either) etc etc. The van had a full check over and was given the ok, they did say though that if spot anything to go back, so that is good and I can’t grumble with the customer service one bit.
We will have to monitor and see what happens in the future but for now the van project is go go go.
We will have to monitor and see what happens in the future but for now the van project is go go go.
The first little family test trip
With the van ready for the road, we purchased a dog bed / seat to go in the middle of the van and took off for a small drive to a local walk.
Bohdie settled into his new dog bed / seat almost instantly which is the highest level of pupproval given how fussy he can be.
We travelled a couple of miles trialling a range of different roads and motorways to see how he deals with the increased road volume and bumps but he was not bothered one bit. A nice walk was had over the fields and he happily jumped into the back of the van for a drink of water before moving back to his seat and heading home without issue. This was a massive relief for us because we were really concerned how Bohdie would be in the van but now, we are really excited to get work done and go out on some longer trips.
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