Wandering Slaters

Hi Tony, our omnicharge 12 volt 60 amp looks like it has died (4.5 years old). Spoke to Kedron today they are now using the one you suggest. Rang the guy in perth and he is going to check into this for me. We are going away this weekend but the solar panels are charging the battery just fine as far as we know, free camp so no power anyway. Got on the website to search and see what others thought and did. Cross fingers it isn't the start of age related things dieing on us.

We are thinking of going to see the whales in August/September and will pass the Eyre Bird Observatory. Has anyone been with their van. From what I can work out you drive in to the lookout, unhitch and do the last part by 4wd - very steep from what I understand. Just wondering if it is worth the effort?

Hi Cheryl and Wayne, We lived in our van for two years and now travel for weekends every month and didn't have any problems with our mattress. I did at the beginning put an expensive wool underlay on so that might have helped. We do have a memory topper that I would like to try for when we go back on the road again. Not sure it will make a difference as I have to take the thick wool underlay off to put it on? But worth testing out to see. Stay tuned I will try it one day.

Hi Craig, Our first van was also a Kedron. We took delivery in July 2013 and went on a tour with other Kedrons who were all very helpful in May 2014. Lots to learn and they were all very encouraging and soon figured out we didn't have a clue. We now help others and pass it forward as other did to us. Enjoy Paul and Karen

Yes it is a shame when a well constructed plan goes to hell. Such a pity when you booked so far out. Hope you enjoy your time at Castlemaine.

Annie you really have to send the big fella back to work as he has too much time on his hands. Having said that, we have to admit to having a good laugh from Tony's message. We will be more daring and just wish everyone a safe and happy festive season. May your time be spent enjoying wonderful company and beautiful scenery. Best regards to all. Paul and Karen

Thanks for that. It does help to know the reasoning of others so that you know if you are going down the right road. We are away at present but I think next years project will be to do some pen and paper working on the differences etc. Great to see the new vans in person.

Thanks for that penny. Paul did tell me you went for an ATV I wondered why. We are in a similar position. Lots of thinking to be done

Today Paul and I called into the Kedron display center and spoke to Paul about the Topender 5. Who should pop in for a visit but Glen Gall. My goodness they have made some in roads into these new vans. So many choices my head spun. Fortunately we have time to decide which way to go. Those who recently upgraded what was the selling point that did it for you?

Currently worth $7.95 but worth its weight in Gold. Found many camp sites and avoided others with this. Sometimes you need to read several comments to get a true feel of any particular site. Also has the ability to update and save off line the sites in different or all states so that you can use it when there is no internet. Cheers Paul and Karen

When it is time to start planning your WA section give us a yell. We have done around 60,000km in our Kedron and came from Qld but live in Merredin Currently. Enjoy the journey

We did as you suggested tony and put the metho in the diesel heater. Made the world of difference. It is now cycling which it just didn't want to do before. Heater is coming up faster.

If it is checker plating like on the outside of the van would that aluminium purple and green stuff help? Or would that make it slippery (don't think so). If it is like the black marks you get on the wall perhaps a tennis ball rubbed against it might remove it (works on walls and worth a try).

I am testing the site now. Appears things are running OK. So frustrating but at least it is fixed now

Well you had me, I only got 3 even after a couple of tries.

But of course

We have used this company a couple of times for our major service and to have some repairs done (not major). They also helped us when we had problems with our batteries. State : Western Australia City / town : Perth - (Beckenham) Business / Contact name : Perth Caravan Repair Centre Address : 1606 Albany Highway, Beckenham Ph: 08 9258 9500 Web site: http://www.caravanrepairs.com.au/ Type of work : Repairs, service Comments : Have used several times for major service and some repair work. Just need to book in advance during peak season.

serve you right

For those who have a webber BBQ try this one. You will need the trivet for the second part. You will need Chicken Breast - Halve length wise Bottle Leggo's Napoletana (will make enough for 6) Cheese slices Alfoil tray and silicone baking paper Cook chicken breasts (lid down) until they are just done. Place on plate to rest and drain any juice. Place chicken halves in alfoil tray that has silicone baking paper on bottom to help stop sticking. On top of chicken spoon enough napoletana to cover and place cheese slices or grated cheese on top and put back into Webber on top of trivet. Keep temperature to approx. 180 degrees for approx. 10 minutes or until the cheese melts. If it requires much longer than this turn off gas and let the retained heat melt the cheese or the chicken will over cook. Enjoy

We have been getting our caravan serviced at Perth Caravan Repairs Cannington (08 9258 9500) for a couple of years now. The have done the major service twice and had them investigate when we had battery problem. Very good service, very busy in season so book well in advance if you can. We now live in the country and bring our van down in advance and come back for it a week or two later - no problems. Paul and Karen

We did this in June 2015 and although the Gibb River Road was good at that time we found the road to Drysdale Station was pretty bad, managed to break the door to the washing machine. Presume it was one bump to many and the washing machine has taped the door and we found it in pieces in the van. Just remember to tighten everything during the trip. Our kitchen tap also came apart (something we had never thought to tighten previously). Worse section was Drysdale to Mitchell Falls. Depends when they grade the road. Might be worth ringing the council to find out. We used our tent whilst at Mitchell Falls after the previous roughness I was glad we did. Even in the car it took us longer than we would have liked but well worth the effort. I have included 3 photos which show the condition of the road. - First section shows the constant corrugations you will find. Moving to the other side of the road offers little relief - Section to Mitchell River shows another section and its condition. Dust to be expected but rocks and corrugation on this section. - Close to end shows the condition as you near the end of the journey, very pretty but also corrugated road is narrow and goes up and down just requires you to be careful so you go at a slower speed.

We have covers supplied from the following www.4wdwheelcovers.com.au They will do anything you want and we have been extremely happy with their quality. Paul & Karen