MCSA - Motorhomeclub of South-Africa.

Mike Hattingh needs HELP !

I am the owner of a Companion Mitsubishi L300, 1991 model, which we bought second hand from a reputable caravan dealer in Springs almost 3 years ago. I am researching technical advice on three issues :

1. I find this vehicle extremely under-powered, especially on uphills. To know where you stand you will have to take your motorhome to a place with a dynamometer tester, where they can tell you exactly what power the engine is delivering. If this is below manufacturer's spec, then it means that the engine needs attention. It could be trivial like carburettor or ignition setting, or the worst scenario would be an engine overhaul. It could be something silly like a binding brake. If engine performance is within expected parameter, taking account of its age, then the best advice is to relax, use the gearbox as you should, and enjoy the pleasure of the journey, rather than be anxious about reaching your destination. DO NOT COMPARE THE PERFORMANCE OF A MOTORHOME WITH THAT OF A CAR. Also, leave behind everything that you are unlikely to use, as this is unnecessary load, and some people take everything, and fill a huge water tank to the brim as well!. What I am looking for is a reputable motor engineering company who can advise on upgrading or replacing the engine to give the vehicle more power or torque within a reasonable price parameter. I have approached Mitsubishi but they don't understand my request. I am not surprised. Engine transplants and other aftermarket modifications (head-skimming, turbocharging etc) bastardise the whole mechanical system, can be successful if done very carefully by an expert, but more than often brings on new troubles. The gearbox and diff may then be loaded beyond design specifications, and reward you with premature failure, especially when you consider that the L-300 started off as a light truck chassis. I have no enthusiasm for the engine transplant option, unless, like with the Bedford CF series, there is no alternative, because the original is obsolete and unavailable.
2. I am not confident with the inverter system currently installed on this vehicle. After spending R3800 one year ago, an offsite electrical part time technician from WJ Caravans said he can sort it out, but all he did was cut some wires and replace the battery charger. Can anyone recommend a reputable campervan company who can evaluate the system and advise us on what needs to be done and repair the system ? By inverter, I assume that you refer to a device that is giving you 230 volts AC from 12 volts DC? These are fine on boats with huge batteries, but they are pretty useless in a smaller motorhome, as are solar photovoltaic panels. With mains electricity available at most destinations, they are hardly worth it. The average autoelectrician is unfamiliar with inverters; I would think it best to consult your local off-road shop, as these people play with this sort of stuff all the time. If you are referring to the original "power pack", namely the box that is the "brain" of the motorhome accessory electrics, charging the battery from the mains, and acting a bit like the distribution board in your home, the caravan dealers should know how to help you, if this is your worry (you have not explained exactly what the problem is).
3. Does anyone know where I can purchase rubbers, seals, etc for this version of camper ? Mike, Google for local suppliers. Pretoria has Rubberite, Rubbermet, and Sondor, but you surely must have local equivalents is your part of the woods. Take samples with you, to match with their stock.

Kind regards

Richard Clark (MOTOROMER Magazine editor)

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