Although the switch over to Digital TV does not finish until 2012, in areas such a Cumbria, the analogue service is being terminated this year. For the last couple of years I have had a domestic Freeview box fitted permanently in the caravan. Whilst these devices are not specifically designed for caravan use, very many of them are 12 volt and just require the correct plugs and fuses from Maplins, to plumb into your caravan. Your status aerial is Digital compatible and whilst the signal is not yet strong in all areas, the Freeview gives you a second bite of the cherry, if the analogue picture is poor. Free view boxes can be bought from around £25 and give you 30 plus, crystal clear channels.

http://www.digitaltvadvice.com/site/map/

Maybe it is only me, but I have been treating the bed- board with absurd care for the last 18 months, worried that it looked too weak to stay the distance. Sure enough, Easter this year was the last straw and it broke at the weakest point. My initial reaction was to take the caravan back under warranty, but did I really want a replacement that was also destined to fail ?. A trip to the local metal shop saw me the proud owner of a custom cut 7mm thick plank of Aluminium. This plus another 'L' section of Aluminium and 1/2 inch thick plank of wood, were enough to create the Frankenstein Bed Board. By day it looks stock, but by night, no longer needs to be treated with kid gloves.

A number of members have contacted the web-site to express concerns about the blown-air heating in their caravan's. This issue seems to mostly affect owners of LV550 and LV555 caravans. 

These members have reported that both the volume off air and the warmth of the air coming from the butterfly vents is not comparable with that of previous caravans or friends caravans. 

The root of the issue seems to be two main factors: 

(1) External pipe runs under the caravan floor might benefit from additional lagging, retaining more heat. 

(2) LMC's practice of piercing holes in the heater pipes in the bed lockers, reduces the overall volume of air by the time it reaches the butterfly vents.

If you have any comments good or bad, about your blown-air heating, please contact Admin@GeistOwners.co.uk

If like many you prefer to make the bed with a duvet and fitted sheet, but find the sheet something of a chore to fit each night. This mattress pad protector from IKEA could make the evening routine a little easier. 

Going under the product name of BERGEK - this machine-washable cotton cover with polyester filling, is a perfect fit for the Geist's double bed. Secured in each corner by an elastic strap, the cover is easy to fit whilst the additional padding helps to smooth over the joins between the cushions. The correct size for the 485 and 535 is 140x200cm - ₤14.99. Four other sizes are available.

Elektrobloc Battery Chargers

This ability to vary the voltage means that it is not advisable to use the Elektrobloc unit to power 12volt appliances, unless a leisure battery is installed in the caravan. It is also essential to ensure that the battery type switch is set to Lead Acid rather than Gel Battery mode. 

This switch is labelled 'Batterie Wahl' and should be set to the 'Blei-Saure' position and not 'Blei-Gel'

All LV brand caravans have the necessary power, speaker and ariel connections, hidden behind a false wall board. The wooden facia board needs to be cut with a jigsaw to accept the standard DIN sized radio. As a wise man said - measure twice and cut once, as this is the most challenging part of the installation - It will show if you get it wrong !. 

Also remember to protect the surface of the facia with masking tape to avoid leaving marks from the sole-plate of the jigsaw.  It is strongly recommended that you view the planned location of the radio aperture in situ, before making any cuts,  this should ensure that you are happy with location of the radio and that access with not be hampered by any other fixtures.

You will need to source from a Halford's type motoring shop, an audio type Ariel connector and some screw down terminals for the speaker connections. 

CRiS Registration

However you as the owner can register your Geist as an imported caravan and gain the extra protection this scheme offers, should you be unfortunate enough to have you caravan stolen.

CRis can be contacted on 01722-411430 and will send you an import caravan registration application form. 

You will need to provide your caravans VIN number, a utility bill i.e. gas or telephone and proof of ownership. The registration will cost £34.50 - a £5 reduction can be obtained if you are a member of a recognised caravan club. In return you will receive 10 stencils and the tools required to chemically etch the caravans windows. You will also receive a microchip that needs to glued into a concealed part of the caravans body-shell. This micro chip can be scanned by the Police and is programmed with your VIN number. 

For more information, click on the CRiS logo to visit the NCC website