Frequently Asked Questions at Marcle Leisure - The five questions posted most recently:

I have fitted a split charge diode and its not charging my batteries?

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:12:00 GMT

What you need to do, is acquire a standard 12volt relay which will have four terminals, two for the coil and two for the normally open switch contacts. You need to wire the relay so that the normally open contact terminals are wired are across the diode. One to the alternator terminal, and the other to the starter battery terminal. With the coil contacts, one needs to go to earth (negative) and the other needs to go to the wire that runs from the ignition switch to the starter motor which becomes live when you start the engine. Basically the second or two that you engage the starter is enough to kick your alternator in to life, by shorting out the diode.

Hi I have A 2001 VW T4 with a double front passenger seat (bench seat), can I fit a swivel base to it and do you have one to fit.

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:11:00 GMT

I understand from other customers that it is sometime possible to fit a seat swivel plate to a bench seat. However you will need to check your set-up. Basically you need to check that the seat assembly can be unbolted from the seatbox, then rotate the seat keeping it central to the seatbox (use a bit of board between the two, to make it easier), if this is possible, you should be able to fit a seat swivel plate.

�

With regards to fixings, you need to visit your local industrial fixings supplier and get some 12.7 grade fixings to match the ones used to fix the seat to the seatbox plus some Nyloc nuts.

�

I want to have front seat swivel plates. Mercedes state there can be problems with the electrical wiring if swivels are fitted after leaving the factory. Can you help please. This would apply to a new van

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:58:00 GMT

�

I think Mercedes are a bit like Fiat etc where they'd prefer you to buy their seat swivels, hence their remarks.

All the swivels we sell have large enough holes in the centre to enable you to un-plug (after disconnecting the battery of course) any cables going to the seat (for safety belts, heating pads, air bags etc.) then fitting the swivel and seat in place and then threading the largest plug through first and reconnecting everything. It sometimes helps to do the threading before the swivel is finally bolted in place, as access can be tight. You may have to do away with some of the cable ties etc. to allow plenty of freedom for the cable when the seat is rotated, as you need to avoid the cables going tight or being strained when the seat is being rotated. The swivels won't allow you to rotate more than about 350 degrees, thus no danger of the cables being 'wound up'.

Can I carry out any maintenance to my air suspension system?

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:34:00 GMT

There are a number of things you can do, to maintain your system as shown below.

�

Listed below are items that can be checked when the vehicle is in for periodic maintenance. Never attempt to service
the air suspension on a truck or trailer with the air springs inflated.

Inspect the outside diameter (O.D.) of the airspring. Check for signs of irregular wear or heat cracking.

Inspect air lines to make sure contact doesn’t exist between the air line and the O.D. of the air spring. Air lines can rub a hole in an air spring very quickly.

Check to see that there is sufficient clearance around the complete circumference of the air spring while at its maximum diameter.

Inspect the O.D. of the piston for buildup of foreign materials. (On a reversible sleeve style air spring, the piston is the bottom component of the air spring).

Correct ride height should be maintained. All vehicles with air springs have a specified ride height established by the O.E.M. manufacturer (this generally applies to fully automatic full air suspension systems, but is still good practice). This height, which is found in your service manual, should be maintained within 1/4”. This dimension can be checked with the vehicle loaded or empty.

Leveling valves (or height control valves, only fitted to full air suspension systems) play a large part in ensuring that the total air spring system works as required. Clean, inspect and replace, if necessary.

Make sure you have the proper shock absorbers and check for leaking hydraulic oil and worn or broken end connectors. If a broken shock is found, replace it immediately. The shock absorber will normally limit the rebound of an air spring and keep it from overextending.

Check the tightness of all mounting hardware (nuts and bolts). If loose, retorque to the manufacturer’s specifications. Do not over-tighten.

CLEANING

Approved cleaning media are soap and water, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol.

NON-APPROVED

Non-approved cleaning media include all organic solvents, open flames, abrasives and direct pressurized steam cleaning.

The total inspection process described on this page can be done in just a matter of minutes. If you find one of the above conditions exists, please take corrective action to ensure that it is fixed properly. It will save you both time and money.
�

NEW INFORMATION on AL-KO suspensions systems. - ALKO AL-KO Al-Ko

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:08:00 GMT

Previously we've had nothing to offer for vehicles fitted with AL-KO (ALKO) suspension systems, however we're currently in discussions with Dunlop Systems and Components, as we've teamed up with them to supply their systems for motorhomes. And one of their kits is designed to overcome sagging AL-Ko suspension systems.�

When we have further news on this development, we will promote them on our website.