GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #33 | Page 33

RV FEATURE Note the agi-pipe wrapped around the PVC plumbing. We also have a close look underneath the van where wires and plumbing enter through the floor. They should be well sealed with silicon to prevent dust entering through gaps between the pipes. 4 3 Dust ingress. It doesn’t matter how well sealed a caravan manufacturer says their vans are, there will always be open vents that will allow dust to get inside. Undoubtedly, a lot of caravanners cover their fridge vents and the gas vent commonly found in the door well (a van with no gas appliances won’t have this vent) to prevent dust ingress; however, doing so is not legal so we can’t recommend this. Dust will typically enter a van when the pressure inside is lower than the pressure outside. A number of aftermarket items, including bilge blowers, designed to pressurise the van to keep dust out are available – it may be worth researching the options. Scupper hatches, which allow air to enter the van from the roof to pressure it while it's under tow, are commonly fitted to offroad vans; however, though some people believe they work well, in my experience these hatches are pretty useless. Pack your van sensibly. When packing food and other items, you have to expect that they will be subjected to constant movement when driving along rough dirt roads. This constant movement causes packages to rub against other items, wearing holes in the packaging and spilling the contents throughout the van. Try to pack cardboard containers together and store metal containers in separate areas. Pack heavy items low and lighter items in overhead cupboards. Pack your fridge from the bottom up, filling the shelves as you go. Store liquid- filled containers in trays to help contain any leaks and spills. Pack sensibly! / 33