Newbie Forum Junkie

[Husky]

Hi All,

I hope I've got this thread in the right place, as the topic says I'm new here.

In October 2014 I picked up a 14ft caravan that had been sitting in a paddock for 19 years and was a bit worse for wear but after 7 months of nearly 7 days a week work on it I finally got it registered and have it decked out with a double bed, custom built (unfinished kitchen) custom built draws and 6 dog crates.

I should probably mention here that my partner and I race Huskies in Dry Land and Snow sledding and currently we have 15 dogs between us. During Winter we are out nearly every weekend camping, racing and having a ball. At the time of building the 14 ft i was single and there was just me and my 8 dogs

There is over 400 photos of that build and i'll put it up some time if people are interested and can direct me to the right place to put it

Now i am no longer single, we have a young bloke who turns 14 this year, a few more dogs and we are looking at attending some interstate races in a year or two the poor little 14 ft doesn't cut it anymore so the girlfriend went on the hunt and found my next project.

Today i picked up my second van. From the information provided by a member here i have discovered it's a 1974 Viscount Royal. Tandem Axle two doors. I would like to get that info confirmed and maybe a few pics of what the model looked like before it was gutted. What i can read of the Chasis number is R4727x. i know there is a number missing and that's because some bright spark decided to weld the Jockey Wheel mount over the last number. one of the first things i'll do is attack that so i have the full number.

And again if people are interested i will post regular updates as i enjoy reading feedback be it good or bad

Here we go again

[tasmillard]

Hi and welcome Husky. Of course we are interested, wouldnt be here if not! I personally like flickr as a place to store my photos, and you can link them to threads on here (as I do). I suggest that you now start a new thread in the Hall of Fame section, this is where most post up their build threads and the like. Perhaps you can do so for both (not asking much eh )

Looks like the new purchase is great. I really dont understand why people put on these massive sheets on caravans when proper maintenance and a reseal is better. I take it you will be touring on it, so means you will need to take them off and get to sealing the j-rails and hatches. Again, a build thread would be best if you are keen to share.

There are also LOADS of previous builds for similar vans on here so do a search and you will find these threads.

BTW - our first van was a 16ft Millard and we decided to go bigger and get the 20ft Viscount, so I know what you means when you say "here we go again"

Cheers,

[Husky]

Hi Millard,

I believe it might have been your thread on the history of the Viscount that came up when i googled information for the new project. I commented on it and the amount of information was unbelievable so thanks.

The 22 ft Viscount i believe, was a stationary van in a caravan park. When i was looking it over i noticed it has no leaf springs or suspension of any kind This could also be the reason for the corrugated iron sheets on the roof. i'll be getting some quotes today on duel roller rocker leaf springs, electric brake axle and free axle to lift it up to the same height as my Triton which will be the main towing vehicle. The sheets of tin on the roof will make some nice shade areas in my dog yard 

I'll get started on the two build threads later today and put links to them in my signature

Thanks again

[tasmillard]

Husky - this forum is all about sharing info/experience/knowledge, so its a great resource from the many members who have contributed over the years. You are correct in saying that the sheets are usually placed on site vans (wouldnt be legal on a registered van I recon). No springs also, this is a plus (although more expense) as you can fit new stuff there. My Viscount has a drop axle arragement and still sits pretty high, so just be mindful and measure because the leafs plus a straight axle can make the van sit too high and therefore handling (higher centre of gravity).

Look forward to your posts.

Cheers,

[Deleted]

Hi Husky,
Before you go changing suspension just check you haven't already got Alko type rubber suspension under there!
Viscount used to have it as an option,but most people didn't like it as it made the van much lower to the ground.
On site Viscount had no brakes,no 12 volt and all electric appliances,so your van is not one of those.
Hope this helps,
Cheers
hughdeani

[78466noM]

with the front and side shot of van looks like you have a van with good cladding if the back and other side are as good that is a good start the dent in front should pop out no worries if you go at it gently. Judging by your coupling it has over run brakes if so the size of the van would probably need electric brakes both axles. If it has the suspension that hughdeani has suggested and I would say he is right check it out if it is in good condition you can get an adjustable tow hitch for the trition and read up on the suspension it could be more stable than the leaf springs if so better to keep if not needing a million dollars thrown at it to repair it.
have fun looking forward to reading about your exploits.

[Mustang]

Hi Husky,
Here is a start to your history of interiors link

[Husky]

Thanks Mustang

That thread is the one that brought me to this forum when I google my new van. I was able to distinguish alot of information such as model year etc from it.

It's a fantastic thread too

[Mustang]

Your wind out windows seem the same vintage as ours? wonder if you have any catches, ours had none!