Sunday 24 August 2014

A case for my special caravan tools

I was finding it a bit annoying having all the accessories for my Powrtouch mover and Al-Ko security clattering around the boot, even if some were in the bag that Al-Ko provide.  I had been looking for some time for a suitable box to make a fitted case for them, and found one by chance.  I've no idea what it was originally, but it was, uniquely, long enough to accommodate the two long-ish socket spanners, as well as the mover remote control and battery key, a spare 9v battery, the bolt, lock and bolt tool for the Al-Ko lock and the special adapter for the alloy wheel nuts..

After a quick measure-up, I ordered three pieces of foam from eFoam.  All were cut to fit the box exactly, one main slab 36mm thick and two 7mm thick.

I stuck one of the thin bits into the bottom of the box and one into the lid, using some spray adhesive that was left behind by a carpet fitter.  I then put the tools and things one by one onto the middle slab and cut round them with a sharp serrated knife.  Some of the cuts (the remote control, the spare battery etc) went right through, some only part way (the two spanners).  Finally I glued the rather shredded main slab into the box.  It is now much more convenient to store and easier to find everything.


Monday 19 May 2014

Some notes on caravan journey times and stopping places

Towing the caravan from Sheepcote Valley to Warwick Racecourse with no holdups took 3 hours Easter 2014. Aug 2014 reverse journey with delays at Oxford and M25 took 3.5 hours. April 2016 just over 2.5 hours.
From Warwick to Knutsford services 97 miles 2 hours.  There is limited caravan parking but, like most, not convenient to get to the fuel.
Knutsford services to Forton services 54 miles
Forton to home 55 miles
Total journey Warwick to home near Penrith 4hrs 20 including the Costa break at Knutsford.
Knutsford southbound has no caravan parking.  110 miles from home.
Sandbach south has an easy lorry area and reasonable filling station access about 122 miles.
A clear run from home to Chapel Lane 194 miles, exactly 4 hours including coffee at Sandbach.