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| Foreward |
A great deal of thought, effort and materials of excellent quality have gone into the construction of your Thomson Caravan, and it is hoped that the information contained in this folder will assist you to obtain the best service and greatest enjoyment from your investment.
Thomson "T-LINE" caravans have the benefit of over 50 years' experience in their manufacture and, although there is very little required by specialised maintenance, it is thought that some hints will be useful. |
| MANUFACTURERS' WARRANTY |
| The dealer from whom you purchased your Thomson Caravan will draw your attention to the application card which is supplied with your caravan. He, or you, should complete this card and return it to the manufacturers within seven days of purchase so that your ownership can be registered and the guarantee certificate issued to you. |
| CARAVAN SERIAL NUMBERS |
| The caravan serial number must be quoted in correspondence with dealers or the Factory. It appears stamped on a plate attached to the side of the chassis extension which forms the tow pole at the front of the caravan. On no account should this plate be removed. |
| TYRE PRESSURES |
Care should be taken to maintain the pressure as follows :
Size—5.20 x 13 (Glen) 30 Ibs.
5.90 x 13 (Glendale and Glenelg) 32 „
6.40 x 15 (Glenalmond) 34 „
6.70 x 15 (Gleneagle) 34 „
The stability of your caravan can be seriously upset by incorrect pressures, and it may be found advantageous to increase the pressure in the rear tyres of your car by about 2-4 Ibs. when towing. |
| TOWING COUPLING |
| Thomson caravans are equipped with BRADLEY DOUBLELOCK or B & B BETA couplings. These couplings embody various safety devices and will give trouble-free service with minimum attention. Greasing through the nipples provided should be done every 500 miles or three months, whichever is the sooner. Before setting out ENSURE that your coupling is correctly attached to the tow ball and that the safety lock has properly seated. Thomson "T-LINE " models are supplied with 50 mm. tow ball and couplings. The use of 50 mm. tow ball with 2" coupling MUST BE AVOIDED. The 50 mm. tow ball is so marked and the coupling has a similar mark cast into the casing. |
| WHEEL NUTS |
| Before any journey ensure that wheel nuts are fully tight. This is especially important during the first 500 miles of the life of the |
| GREASING POINTS |
| Grease nipples are fitted to each end of the road springs on earlier models—one at the forward end and two at the rear on the shackle plates. These should be attended to at 500 mile or three month intervals. Models fitted with RUBERY OWEN torsion bar suspension require the same treatment, but the grease nipples are situated on the axle tube, two at each end facing down to the rear. |
| HUBS |
| After removal of the wheel embellisher, the greasing of the hubs should be carried out by removing the hub grease cap. This is the large cup which is screwed or pressed into the centre of the hub. The cup should be filled flush with its rim and replaced. This should be carried out at 500 mile or three-month intervals. |
| BRAKES |
Thomson caravans are equipped with two types of brake - GIRLING or LOCKHEED - operated by cable or rod through the towing coupling. Adjusters for the GIRLING system are square end nuts located at the top of the backplates above the axle. In the LOCKHEED system the adjusters are inside the drum, accessible through the holes in the face of the drum. In both cases the principle is similar, viz. :—
1. Secure the opposite wheel by chocks.
2. Release parking brake lever.
3. Raise wheel off ground.
4. Tighten adjuster in clockwise direction until wheel is locked.
Release adjuster until wheel revolves freely. A similar opera¬
tion to the other wheel completes the adjustment.
NOTE : Due to " bedding down " of linings and linkage, this operation is recommended after the first 250 miles travel. |
| OILING |
Attention to any other working parts with a light machine oil will improve their performance and preserve their condition, e.g. :
Road Springs (if fitted): A coating of penetrating oil at 500 miles.
Corner Leg : Screw threads, joints and bearing surfaces.
Jockey Wheel : Shaft and brackets.
Door : Hinges and locks.
Parking Brake Handle : Pivots and pawl.
Broke Cable (if fitted) : Turnbuckle and pulley.
Brake Rod Linkage : All moving joints. |
| GAS SYSTEM |
| Is dealt with in a separate handbook issued by the butane gas distributors obtainable from your dealer. If a leakage is suspected, DO NOT seek it with a naked flame. Turn off the cylinder valve and seek assistance from a qualified dealer. Any discoloration of the gas fittings or adjacent panelling can usually be attributed to a wrong adjustment of the air control. Users therefore are recommended to have maximum air intake on all fittings. |
| ON THE MOVE |
Remember !—the law places a maximum speed restriction on even the best balanced outfit. In some continental countries much higher speeds are permitted and Thomson caravans are designed to take advantage of high-speed touring conditions. Tyre pressures are dealt with elsewhere, but at sustained high speed the pressure may build up and care should be exercised to ensure maximum pressure is not exceeded in particularly warm conditions. The balance of the caravan should always be heavy to the tow pole and, as a general rule, the nose weight should be not less than J cwt. for GLEN and GLENDALE, nor less than I cwt. for larger models.
When on the move, remember the increased length and width of your outfit, use a wing mirror on EACH SIDE and allow following traffic to overtake whenever it is safe to do so. |
| ON THE SITE |
| CORNER LEGS operated by wheel brace are fitted to all Thomson caravans and these are designed to stabilise the caravan. They are not intended to be used to lift the caravan and, if it is necessary to lift the caravan, a separate screw jack should be used under the road spring or drop arm close to and behind the axle. Use the telescopic jockey wheel to lift the coupling clear of the tow ball and, thereafter, to level the caravan. Wind the corner legs down until all are in light contact with the ground then a further full turn of the brace should give the required pressure. If the surface is loose or soft, a 2"-3" thickness of hardwood below the feet of the legs will be useful. |
Before moving off—and remember it will be easier to move downhill, so park accordingly—ensure :
1. All loose equipment is securely stowed. (Remember the
table and toilet.)
2. All cupboard and locker doors are closed.
3. The heavy equipment is stowed over the axle. (See " On
the Move.)
4. Gas cylinder control valve is " OFF ".
5. Roof Vent stays are perpendicular. (This locks the vent in
a "Closed " position.) With scissors type stays the wing
nuts should be tightened.
6. All windows closed and outer door locked.
7. Raise all corner legs.
8. Raise nose of caravan with telescopic jockey wheel above
level of tow ball and reverse car below coupling.
9. Couple up, ensure safety lock in position and retract jockey
wheel in its bracket.
10. Release parking brake and check reversing lock " off ".
11. Connect lights.
12. Anything left behind ? |
| ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR |
| Every Thomson " T-LINE " caravan is equipped with full road lighting and number plate, and an electrical connector for the car is supplied as standard equipment. The wiring of the connector on the car should be done in accordance with the diagram supplied with the connector. Thus full illumination by side and tail, stop and direction indicator lights is available. |
| GENERAL MAINTENANCE |
| Bodywork is finished with a synthetic hot lacquer and if " touching in " is required, suitable material can be had on application to your dealer. It is essential that the aluminium panelling of the body and roof be protected from the atmosphere and if any damage occurs to the paint surface, the metal then revealed should be coated as soon as possible. Likewise the steelwork of the chassis. The life of the paintwork will vary according to atmospheric conditions, but with reasonable care, can be expected to be five to seven years. The owner is therefore recommended occasionally to clean and polish his caravan. A mild solution of a branded detergent (e.g. "Teepol") in warm water is best for washing and fresh clean water should be used to rinse off any dirt or solution which may remain. Harsh detergents or washing powders must not be used. Thereafter, a complete polish of the dried bodywork with a proprietary car polish (e.g. "Autobrite") will give a satisfactory result. Thomson caravans produced since 1963 have been equipped with windows having anodised aluminium frames and such windows carry an identification label when the caravan leaves the factory. These window frames must not be cleaned with abrasives nor steel wool. Interior woodwork will respond to a domestic sili-cone-base furniture polish and interior walls to a light wash with warm soapy water. |
| LAYING-UP |
It will be appreciated that your interest will be best served if the caravan is stored under cover when not in service during the winter.
Dry covered space with fresh air circulation is best but, if this is not possible, PLEASE DO NOT COVER the body of the caravan with a sheet or envelope as dampness may then be trapped inside.
During storage, you should remove the upholstery and furnishings and store these in a dry atmosphere. Sink and cooker should be
thoroughly cleaned and all foodstuffs and perishables removed from storage lockers.
In extreme cold, the contents of the gas cylinder and pipes may freeze and, in any case, the control tap should be closed.
A light application of petroleum Jelly or grease will preserve the bright metal work outside, and the coupling/jockey wheel assembly
should be greased and covered to exclude dust and rain. The tyres must be protected from direct sunlight and pressures
maintained as recommended—if it is not possible to take the weight of the caravan off the tyres. Leave parking brake " OFF ".
Every opportunity should be taken to " air " the interior in suitable weather.
In your own interest, please remember that the industry usually faces its busiest period immediately prior to the opening of the
season, e.g. early MARCH. Any servicing should be arranged well in advance and preferably during months of October-January. |
| LOUVRED WINDOWS |
| When fitted (principally to Gleneagle and Glendale two-berth models) these windows give draught-free ventilation and are properly adjusted. However, during the life of the caravan, further adjustment might be required and this can be done quite simply. The operating lever is located on the right of the window and this lever is mounted on a control block which is attached to the frame by two screws. When these screws are loosened the control block will move upwards and downwards and this movement will increase or decrease the tension on the glass slats. When the desired tension has been obtained, the control block screws should be retightened. Care must be taken to ensure that excessive tension is not applied to the slats and, therefore, only a very slight adjustment of the control block will normally be required. |
For your convenience when on tour the names and addresses of our Dealers are listed below. They will be pleased to have the opportunity to be of service, especially in cases of emergency.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen Car Mart Ltd., 92 Crown Street
Balgownie Caravans, Ellon Road, Bridge of Don
Bedford
Southern Caravan Distributors (Bushey) Ltd., Pavenham
Birmingham
Birmingham Holiday Centre, Walsall Road, Perry Barr
Warley Caravan Centre Ltd., Hagley Road West, 32
Bishop Auckland
Elite Caravans Ltd., Tindaie Crescent
Carlisle
Border Caravans, Moorvitle
Coventry
A. J. Bayliss & Son Ltd., Meriden
Cricklade Lakeside Caravan Co. Ltd., Latton
Derby
Spondon Garage & Caravan Centre, Cross Roads, Spondon
Doncaster
Yorkshire Caravans of Bawtry Ltd., Great North Rd., Bawtry
Dorchester Chambers of Dorchester, London Road
Edinburgh
Thomson Caravans Ltd., Groathill Road South, Craigleith
Elstree
London Caravan Co. Ltd., Barnet By-Pass
Errol
Perthshire Caravan Co., Middlebank
Evesham
Evesham Vale Caravans Ltd., Harvington
Forres
Balgownie Caravans, Nairn Road
Garstang
Burlingham Caravans, Garstang By-Pass
Glasgow
Thomson Caravans Ltd., Cumbernauld Road, Millerston
Gloucester
Pearman Briggs Ltd., 224 Cheltenham Road
Harrogate
Harrogate Caravan Distributors, Spacey Houses, Pannal
Herne Bay
Arthur Fitt Caravans, Sweechbridge Road
Hindhead
Hindhead Caravan Co. Ltd., Surrey
Huddersfield
Stafford & Co. (Caravans) Ltd., Bus Terminal, Kirkheaton
Ilkley
Cara-Cars Ltd., The Caravan Centre
Inverness
Greig's Caravan Service, 12 High Street, Clachnaharry
Ipswich
Falcon Caravans, Kesgrave
Kelso
Rodger Fish & Son Ltd., Horse Market
King's Lynn
H. John Mallett Ltd., Hardwick Road
Knottingley
Wandahome, Great North Road
Llanelly
Ennis's Caravans Ltd., Cross Hands, Carms.
Loughborough
Times Caravans Ltd., Stanford-on-Soar
Lurgan
Roadside Motor & Caravan Co. Ltd., Dollingstown
Maidstone
Maidstone Caravan Co. Ltd., Harrietsham
Middlesbrough
Longlands Caravans (Middlesbrough) Ltd., Longlands Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
Wood & Storey, Forest Hall
Northampton
Northampton Caravans (Retail) Ltd., Kettering Road North
Northwich
Crabtree Caravans, Chester Road, Oakmere
Nottingham
Midland Counties Caravan Co. Ltd., Castle Boulevard
Oxford
Summertown Quality Caravans, Banbury Road
Portsmouth
Hants & Dorset Caravan Service Ltd., London Rd., Purbrook
Reading
Colin's Caravans of Berks. Ltd., Bath Road, Aldermaston
Romford
Rose of Romford Ltd., Eastern Avenue
Redhill
Rural Caravans Ltd., Brighton Road
Southampton
Lansdowne Caravan Co. Ltd., Milbrook Road
Stafford
Gailey Caravan Co. Ltd., Gailey
Taunton
Walford Caravan Distributors Ltd., Walford Cross
Teddington
Surrey Car & Caravan Co. Ltd., Waldegrave Road
Todmorden
M.G. Caravan Co. Ltd., Burnley Road
Wembley
Venture Caravans, Court Parade, East Lane
Denmark
Campi Import, Fredericiavej 44, Vejle
Germany
Wohnwagen-Fritz, Kirchhuchtinger Landstrasse 16-18,
28 Bremen-Huchting, Postfach 36, Bremen
Holland
Caravan Import, Julianalaan 257, Bilthoven
Norway
Caravans International A.S., Drammensveien I 14, Oslo
Sweden
Caravan i Karlstad, A.B., Box 5012, Karlstad |
| Vintage Chart |
1946-47
17'6" Kelvin, 14'6" Endrick.
1948-49
17' 6" Kelvin Star, 13' Avon, 8' 6" Swift.
1950
18' Deveron, 13' 6" Almond, 8' 6" Dart.
1951-52
22' Braemar, 17' 6" Clyde, 14' Almond, 10' 6" Carron.
1953
22' Solway, 17' 6" Annan, 14' Almond, 10' 6" Carron.
1954-55
22' Solway, 14' Almond.
1956
22' Solway, 16' Forth, 14' 6" Almond V and VII, II' 6" Leven.
1957-58
22' Solway, 22' Glendevon, 16' Gleneagle, 14' 6" Glenalmond, 11'6" Glendale.
1959
18' 6" Glenrosa, 16' 6" Gleneagle, Glenalmond 111 and IV, Glendale, Glen 10'.
I960
30' Great Glen, Glenrosa, Gleneagle, Glenalmond Ml and IV, Glendale, Glen.
1961
30' Great Glen, Glenrosa, Gleneagle, Glenalmond, Glendale, Glen.
1962
Glenrosa, Gleneagle, Glenalmond I 5', Glendale Two and Four, Glen.
1963-64-65
" T-LINE " range : Glen, Glendale Two and Four, Glenelg, Glenalmond and Gleneagle. |
| 5m/IO/64 |
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