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| Foreword |
| 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. However, you should not hesitate to contact the Dealer from whom you purchased your caravan if additional service is required. He is your link with the Manufacturer. |
| 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. Please be sure that the correct serial number of your caravan is quoted on this card (see below). |
| 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 10 (Mini-Glen) 30 lbs.
5.20 x 13 (Glen) 30 lbs
5.90 x 13 (Glendale, Glennevis and Glenelg) 32 lbs
6.40 X 15 (Glenalmond and Glenmore) . 34 lbs
6.70 x 15 (Gleneagle) 34 lbs
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 lbs 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. Since 1963, 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 caravan. |
| 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. Rubery Owen Torsion Bar Suspension requires the same treatment, but the grease nipples are situated on the axle tube, two at each side facing down to the rear. These should be attended to at 1,500 mile or three month intervals.
B & B Chassis employ a divided axle system of coil springs with shock absorbers and maintenance should be carried out in accordance with the instructions in the Manufacturers' leaflet. |
| HUBS |
| After removal of the wheel embellisher, the greasing of the hubs can 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 1,500 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 method 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 operation 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.
Broke 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 models up to 14', 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 very mild solution of a branded detergent (e.g. "Teepol") in warm water is best for washing and fresh clean water should immediately 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 or steel wool. Interior woodwork will respond to a domestic silicone-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 ". |
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.
Flintshire
Lloyds Caravans Limited, Tanlan Hall, Talacre.
Gloucestershire
Becketts Caravans Ltd., A38 Roundabout, Bristol Road,
Gloucester.
Glamorgan
Howell Caravans Limited, 509 Newport Road, Cardiff.
Hampshire
Hants & Dorset Caravan Service Ltd., London Road, Purbrook,
Portsmouth.
Green Pennant Caravans Ltd., 123 Somerford Road, Christ-church.
Southampton Caravan Centre, 23-27 Millbrook Road, Southampton,
Herefordshire
Wyeland Caravans, Belmont Road, Hereford.
Hertfordshire Cow Roast Service Station, London Road, New Ground, Nr.
Tring. London Caravan Co. Ltd., Stirling Corner, Barnet-By-Pass,
Elstree.
Inverness-shire
Balgownie Caravans, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness.
Kent
Maidstone Caravan Co. Ltd., Harrietsham, near Maidstone.
Otterham (Caravans) Limited, 333 High Street, Rainham.
Aldington Caravans & Boats Limited, Aldington, Ashford.
Arthur Fitt Caravans, Sweechbridge Road, Herne Bay.
Lancashire
Bolton & Sons, Page Moss Lane, Huyton, Liverpool.
Burlingham Caravans, Garstang By-Pass, Garstang, Nr. Preston.
Mayfair Caravans Limited, Gregory Street, Hollinwood, Oldham.
M. G. Caravan Co. Ltd., Burnley Road, Todmorden.
Lanarkshire
Thomson Caravans Ltd., 1565 Cumbernauld Road, Millerston,
Glasgow.
Lincolnshire
Lindsey Caravans, Spilsby Road, Horncastle.
Leicestershire
Times Caravans Limited, The Rushes, Loughborough.
Leicester Caravan Centre, 479/489 Aylestone Road, Leicester.
Monmouthshire
Arthur Alsop Limited, Corporation Road, Newport.
Morayshire
Balgownie Caravans, Nairn Road, Forres.
Midlothian
Thomson Caravans Ltd., Groathill Road South, Craigleith,
Edinburgh.
Middlesex
Venture Caravans, 27-31 Court Parade, East Lane, Wembley.
Surrey Car & Caravan Co. Ltd., Waldegrave Road, Teddington.
Northants
Whiteley & Creasy Limited, Lincoln Road, Werrington, Peterborough.
Whiteley & Creasy Limited, Blisworth. Venture Caravans, St. Leonards Road, Northampton.
Norfolk
H. John Mallett Limited, Hardwick Road, King's Lynn.
Norwich Caravans (City Centre), Ber Street, Norwich.
Northumberland
Wood & Storey (Caravans) Ltd., Central Garage, Forest Hall,
NewcastIe- upon-Tyne.
Nottinghamshire
Midland
Counties Caravan Co. Ltd., Castle Boulevard, Nottingham.
Oxfordshire
Summertown Quality Caravans, 285 Banbury Road, Oxford.
Perthshire
Perthshire Caravan Co. Ltd., Middlebank, Errol.
Roxburghshire
Rodger Fish & Son Ltd., Horse Market, Kelso.
Staffordshire
Gailey Caravan Co. Ltd., Gailey, Nr. Stafford.
North Staffs Caravans, Newcastle Road, Trentvale.
Stirlingshire
Overland Caravans, Carronvale Service Station, Main Street,
Larbert.
Suffolk
Falcon Caravans, Kesgrave, Ipswich.
Surrey
Mid-Surrey Caravan Co. (Guildford) Ltd. London Road, Burpham.
Mid-Surrey Caravan Co. Ltd. Portsmouth Road, Hindhead.
Rural Caravans Limited, Brighton Road, Salfords, Redhill.
Anthony Bruton Caravans, Station Road, Egham.
Shropshire
M. R. Pascal! Ltd. Oakengates, Shropshire.
Somerset
Walford Caravan Distributors Ltd., Walford Cross, nr. Taunton.
Sussex
Anthony Bruton Caravans, Warninglid.
Covells Caravans, Hurst Green.
Tees-side
Longlands Caravans (Middlesbrough) Ltd. Longlands Road,
Middlesbrough.
Ulster
Orchard Caravans Ltd Knocknagoney, Strandtown, Belfast 4.
Warwickshire
'Caravans' Birmingham, Walsall Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham
A. J. Bayliss & Son Ltd. The Meriden Caravan Centre, Meriden,
Coventry.
Warley Caravan Centre, 309 Hagley Road West, Birmingham 32.
West Lothian
Knowepark Caravans, Stoneyburn, By Blackburn.
Worcestershire
Evesham Vale Caravans Limited, Harvington, Evesham.
Becketts of Bromsgrove Ltd. Worcester Road, Upton, Warren,
Bromsgrove.
Wiltshire
Lakeside Caravan Co. Ltd., Latton, Nr. Cricklade.
Green Pennant Caravans Limited, Riverbourne, London Road,
Salisbury.
Yorkshire
Cara-Cars Limited, The Caravan Centre, Ilkley.
Yorkshire Caravans of Bawtry Ltd., Doncaster Road, Bawtry. Caravans (Hull), Craven Street, Holderness Road, Hull. Harrogate Caravan Distributors Ltd., Spacey Houses, Pannal,
Harrogate.
Wandahome Limited, Great North Road, Knottingley. Wilson Caravans (Bradford) Ltd., Furnace Road, Oakenshaw.
Stafford & Co. (Caravans) Ltd., Bus Terminal, Kirkheaton,
Huddersfield.
Caravan investments Limited, 326 Middlewood Road, Sheffield 6. Ebor Caravans, Harton Garage, Malton Road, Flaxton, York.
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Belgium Caravanes Huart, 21 Avenue de la Faiencerie, Jemappes.
Canada Thomson-York Limited, 10 Kelfield Street, Rexdale 604, Ontario.
Denmark Camp! Import, Fredericiavej 44, Vejle.
Finland Helsingin Moottoriliike, Runeberginkatu, Helsinki.
France S.F.C.O., 62 Rue des Plantes, 91 Montgeron.
Holland Caravan Import Ooms, N.V., Huis ter Lucht I, Maasland.
Norway Torleiv S. Corneliussen A/S, Bygdoy Alle 23, Oslo.
Sweden Caravan i Karlstad, A.B., Box 5012, Karlstad.
Switzerland Centre Specialise de la Caravane, 1032 Romanel/Lausanne. |
| 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 18', Glendale Two and Four, Glen.
1963-64-65
"T-Line" range: Glen, Glendale Two and Four, Glenelg, Glenalmond and Glen eagle.
1963-64
" T-Line " range : Glen, Glendale 2.B and 4.B., Glenelg, Glenalmond and Gleneagle.
1965-66
"T-Line": Glen, Glendale 2.B., Glen- nevis, Glenelg, Glenalmond, Glenmore and Gleneagle.
1967
"T-Line " as in 1966 and Mini-Glen 2.B and 4.B.
1968
" T-Line " as in 1967 and Glengarry.
1969
"T-Line" range: Mini Glen 2 berth. Glen, Glendale, Glennevis, Glenelg, Glen almond 7, Glenmore, Gleneagle. |
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