SHOWROOM STYLE

Our showroom facilities have recently had a major face lift. Apologies to any customers who visited us just before Christmas with this going on....looked like a scene from DIY SOS for a while, with not even a seat to sit on!!!... Rest assured, everything has been reinstated!

CELEBRATIONS FOR CHERYL

New Year congratulations to our longest serving member of staff Cheryl Aldis who is celebrating her 10th year working for Dolphin! We thank Cheryl very much for all her hard work and commitment over the years.

• SPRING OPEN WEEKEND - Friday 15th to Sunday 17th March 2013
• SHAMBA SUMMER SPECTACULAR - Friday 5th to Sunday 7th July 2013
• 2014 PRODUCT LAUNCH - Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd November 2013

'ESCAPE' TO SEE THE NEW LOOK

Its all new white exterior enhanced with features including sporty grey & blue graphics and a 2.3ltr engine, euro 5 diesel with 6 speed gear box or you have the option of 'Comfort-Matic' automatic gearbox for a more relaxed driving experience for those long journeys.

THE SKY'S THE LIMIT

You can now order either Tracker, Apache or Frontier model with either of these bodystyles, Lo-Line, Super Lo-Line & Hi-Line which each feature the new 'Skyline' sunroof as standard. We have a full range of the roof variants on display.

LOOKING FOR AN 'ISLAND' ADVENTURE?

The new Autotrail Tracker RB is unique to the Autotrail range as its the only one to feature a queen sized bed located transversley towards the rear (see pictures below) The Island bed offers full walk around capability which makes easy access for both partners including a quality mattress for those lazy mornings.

MAINTAINING YOUR MOTORHOME THROUGH THE WINTER

During the Autumn & Winter months, it is vitally important that you protect your vehicle for the frosts. Frost damage to your water systems can cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage & this will not be covered under any warranties or insurances. This includes water heaters, tanks, pipes, valves, taps & toilet systems.

• Fit your winter fridge vents (if applicable) & also your water boiler cover (Truma Ultrastore only)
• Ensure that all your windows, skylights, doors, outside lockers are all locked & secured.
• Remove all bedding, clothes, towels etc as the rapid drops in temperature can sometimes leave mildew & this may prevent it from appearing. Keep upholstery away from sidewall as these can also suffer the effects of mildew.
• Run your heating periodically during the winter months
• Do not leave flyscreens & blinds in the down position. Unless in use all blinds & flyscreens should be left in the up position to prevent them from losing tension
• Remember to book your vehicle in for its annual SMMT habitation check if applicable for this time of year. However, please ensure you read through the check list to see exactly what is carried on these checks, as a lot of the items on this guide may not be included.
• Keep all ventilation holes free, this is vital to keep a constant air flow through your motorhome & keep it dry inside.
• Make sure gas bottles are turned off at the bottle & stored in an upright position.

Batteries

We receive numerous telephone calls every year particularly after the winter period from customers reporting they have left their vehicles parked up for more than 2-3 weeks causing the engine batteries & sometimes leisure batteries to run flat. Therefore, it is very important to understand that both your motorhome’s engine & habitation electrics are running in a constant circuit even when everything is turned off. This can cause a natural drain on your battery & is enough to flatten within 2-3 weeks, plus the more a battery is left to go flat & recharged the quicker the life of the battery will deteriorate. To help avoid this issue there are a few ways of protecting the life & condition of your batteries both in the winter months & during anytime when your motorhome is parked up for a period longer than 2 weeks;-

Option 1:
Take your vehicle for a good drive (1 hour approx), this will recharge vehicle & leisure batteries at the same time & this should be done at least every 2 weeks.

Option 2:
Whilst plugged into mains your motorhome may have the ability to charge both your vehicle & leisure battery (consult handbook / dealer). If so we suggest you plug into mains every two weeks to charge both batteries for 24 hours each. However, please note you should not leave the charge constantly on as this may cause the batteries to over charge & sulphate.

Option 3:
Disconnect both your engine & leisure batteries & remove them from your vehicle before storing them in a dry, ventilated area sat on a piece of wood / carpet (i.e avoid leaving them on a concrete floor). These will still need a trickle charge every 4-6 weeks to keep them topped up.

PLEASE NOTE IF A BATTERY IS LEFT TO GO FLAT & STAY FLAT, REGARDLESS OF AGE IT IS COMMON LIKELY FOR THE BATTERY TO BE DAMAGED BEYOND A POINT IT WILL RECOVER

PREPARING YOUR MOTORHOME AFTER WINTER

Just as it is very important you prepare your motorhome for the winter, it is also vital you ensure the vehicle is checked over ready to get back on the road & for the season ahead. At the start of every season we receive a high volume of calls whereby the correct steps haven’t been taken prior to booked holidays, resulting in issues whilst away. As this is the last thing you / we would want whilst you are away, we strongly recommend following these steps;-

Water Systems

• Close off your drain taps for your fresh water tank, waste water tank & hot water boiler.
• Refill your toilet flush (if separate to main fresh water tank)
• Refit your strainer to the water pump (if applicable)
• Fill fresh water system, leaving all taps in the open position during this process to push air out of the pipes, this will help prevent any air locks.
• Turn on the water pump & leave running until you have a steady flow of water coming through

Batteries

• Reconnect both your engine & leisure batteries before charging them for 24 hours each or taking on a long drive for approximately one hour.

General
Check & run all appliances on gas, electrics, diesel heating (if applicable) until all functioning correctly.

• cooker hobs
• ovens & grills
• heater
• water heater
• fridge

Mechanical

• Check oil, lights & levels
• Check tyre pressures & general condition