While we were in Phalaborwa in December we took the van to have the tyre alignment done. While this was underway we discovered that one of the tyres had 4 slow leaks in it. Needless to say this led to checks of the spare tyre; The spare wheel ratchet mechanism was rusted shut and the state of the spare indicated that it had been that way for some time.

The dealership that sold us the van came to the party and we have a brand new spare and the van goes in on Friday morning to have the mechanism, which holds the spare up under the back of the van, replaced. Slow but good service and we are very satisfied.

While searching for on-line ideas we chanced upon window blinds to keep the sun out of the cab while the vehicle is standing. These arrived today and we happily put them up – they do need the sun visors to be in place to hold them up and we will review putting dark blackout on the inside to keep the van dark while we are camping. On the whole, we are happy with their effectiveness. The sun visors need new bolts to hold them in place but they have cleaned up well and will soon be back where they belong.

Next week is time to install the plywood floor, turn the double bench seat into a single seat – allowing access to the back of the van from the front, and installation of a ‘Lagoon’ table, between the two front seats, to double as a chair for our pooch