Hi from Martin

[martinw]

I would just like to say a quick hello to everyone,
and what a good site it is.
I will post some pics of my van (if thats ok) when I have made them smaller, too big at the moment.
As you can see it is rather late and I must get to bed.
speak to you later.

Martin

P.S I like the spell check -- 'cause I need it!!

[wendy]

Hi Martin and welcome to this friendly forum. Don't know if I'll be able to keep up with someone who is still awake and coherent at 2.25am. ;D
We are having an informal 'meet' at the end of October at C&CC site at Chipping Morton - see General Camping Discussion - if you would like to come and meet some of us.
Look forward to seeing the photos of your van.

[Pauline]

Hi Martin,

Big welcome!

Yes, please do post some pics, I've never seen a Romahome any colour than white! Did you repaint it yourself? You will certainly be easy to spot on the road!

I did hear once that Romahome did a green one especially for someone into conservation - can't remember the whole story.

I think we have a few 'night owls' on here so you will be in good company. Needless to say I'm not one of them (need my beauty sleep!)

re spell check: The downside to the spell check is that it is all American spelling, although Proboards are supposed to be updating that in the future and making an English version.

I wouldn't worry though, you won't get marked on your spelling or grammar on here, just post away - we will know what you mean!

[Pauline]

Oh, and I forgot to say.........

if you would like a picture of your own van for your avatar (rather than the white one) but don't have anywhere to host it just send me a picture and I can host it on our website for you.

I did one for Yamaha and I think it works OK

[viv]

Hello Martin
I have also never seen a red campervan so suppose you are a one-off. Hope you can make the meet and then we can all see it, would be nice to see you as well I may add.

Viv

[Graham]

Hi Martin

Glad you have found us, a red Romahome sounds great but I would rather have a black and white striped one (sorry I'm a sad football supporter).

Graham

[martinw]

Good morning all,

Just a point, my van isn't all red just the front, the camper part is the usual white.
I like, it but it does make it difficult to get/spray body parts as they are usually white.
Show you pics soon.

Martin

[martinw]

Hi all

Thanks for your welcome,and I've found a reasonable pic.

I've never done this before so I hope it works OK.

Martin

[martinw]

;D SUCCESS!!!

Quote-
We are having an informal 'meet' at the end of October at C&CC site at Chipping Morton

Looking into it now

Martin

[martinw]

Its me again,

Booked up for the 'meet' for the week.
see you all there

Martin

[johns1]

Hi Martin and welcome to the forum.
Glad to see that you have booked for the meet at Chipping Norton and I look forward to meeting you there.
Nearer the time I will be contacting the site to see if they can let us pitch together, so it would be helpful if you could pm me with your booking ref and name.

[lunnie]

Hi Martin,

Welcome to this very friendly site. I noticed that you have the re-tractable awning, did you have it done? or did you buy with already there?

Reason I ask, is I was interested in having one fitted, but Ant at Avon Motors said it was not a good idea, as the body of the hytop is curved and it would pull the bodywork or something. so wondered if you had noticed any problems.

Joan

[martinw]

Hi Joan

Thank you and everyone else for the warm welcome.

The Fiamma Caravanstore Awning, which I fitted myself, comes in an integral canvas bag which is flexible, and slots into the awning rail,also fitted by me, one each side so that I can put the awning ether side.

Yes the hytop is curved, but the awning rail will bend enough as it is fitted to the van, and not bend the fiberglass side, because of this curve it had to be fixed very firmly, so I glued and bolted it, not an easy job as the bolt heads have to be the correct fit and size to allow the awning to slid easily in the channel, you can see the nuts and washers inside but being plated they are not obtrusive.

The part of the awning that slots into the channel is flexible and will accommodate the curve OK.

My original idea was to put it on only when I needed it, but when not in use it got in the way,so I now keep it on permanently, and I put fixings on each end of the rail to make removal difficult for anyone who might want to have a quick grab and run. Also to stop it sliding out when traveling.!!!!

It has now been on about18 months and (touch wood) has given no problems at all.

The only drawback with this system is that the awning must be unrolled and rolled up manually,
I think that you would not be able to fit the type of awning that is in a rigid box and therefor is on spring loaded rollers because of the curve and don't forget that the fiberglass body will take only so much weight.

Hope this helps

Martin

P.S. To others out there, yes I know the you can get awning rail with bolt holes on the edge but at the time was unable to get any anywhere

[Pauline]

Hi Martin,

Glad the photos uploaded OK, your van looks great.

Look forward to seeing it, and you, at the meet.

[lunnie]

Hi Martin, Thank you for that info, you never know you may have a little DIY job to do here in the Midlands!!!

[martinw]

lunnie = Joan = lunatic, noun, driving like a lunatic maniac, madman, madwoman, imbecile, idiot, psychopath; inf. loony, nut, nutter, nutcase, head case, basket case, headbanger, screwball, psycho.lunatic adjective a lunatic idea|it was a lunatic thing to do mad, insane, foolish, stupid, foolhardy, idiotic, crack-brained, irrational, unreasonable, illogical, senseless, nonsensical, absurd, silly, inane, asinine, ludicrous, imprudent, preposterous; inf. crazy, daft. ;D

---------------------------------------------------------
Excerpted from Oxford Talking Dictionary
Copyright © 1998 The Learning Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

diy = job = WORK. WORK? WORK? Please help me someone I'm feeling faint at the thought of it.

To be honest, I will modify my own camper and if I mess up then thats my tough luck, but to modify other peoples campers then thats another story.

But If you do need any help let me know,and I'll show you how to do it/point you in the right direction

Martin

[lunnie]

Thanks Martin, now what will you do with the names Smith & Wild because I have been known previously by both!