Chris

This morning over here at Port Lincoln we are having new running boards (steps) put on the Landcruiser. It will make getting in and out of the car easier. Let’s be honest, it’s for me, not Val. He has no trouble getting into the car. I find after the Lovells upgrade, which raised the body of the car, it is a pain to haul myself up into the car. When the car door is opened the steps will lower, and when the door is closed they will raise. They are called Clearview Powerboards, and are not cheap. But will be worth it. I saw them on a friend’s vehicle and was super impressed. https://www.clearviewaccessories.com.au/powerboards/

Hi fellow travellers. we are now on the Eyre Peninsula in SA, and off on a trip to WA. So far we have been generally lucky with the weather despite a few hot days. The Eyre Peninsula is a cool area and a good place to be when it’s warm. Anyway, here is our latest report. Stage 1 January Eyre Peninsula.pdf

Hi Chris. Our panels are not flexible, but rather the fixed units which are on top of the van. They are Victron brand which we got from Trip Tracks (David Bellette). I am not sure about the longevity of the flexible panels. Are they proving satisfactory? (I hasten that I add nothing about them). But I do know it is always good to increase solar wattage and lithium capacity 😆 Chris(tine) PS I can always give you David Bellette's contact details but am not sure if he supplies flexible panels.

I have just realised that I hadn’t uploaded the final trip report for this year’s trip. The report covers the last stretch home through the states of NSW and (briefly) Victoria) back home in the Barossa Valley. Stage 5.pdf

I am so completely with you on this. A few times we have taken the camper trailer on short trips. You really are at the mercy of the elements so much more. I love that van. We plan to be in WA next year so might organise something together! Perhaps we should go to Mt Marshall rock together just like old times 😄😄😄

Hi fellow travellers. I am attaching our current trip report, and sending it from near Longreach QLD. Ahh the weather is glorious. I almost feel sorry for the folk back home! Chris Stage 1 April 2023 Barossa to Alice Springs.pdf

Rod, I am so sorry to hear this. She is going to have a bit of a fight on her hands but she will have the best of support while she deals with it. Give her our love! Chris and Val

All going well, we plan to leave here at home in SA on Friday, for our annual migration to warmer places. It has been a much later start this year as we had family related stuff to do here. Our plan is to head North to Alice Springs and then West across the Great Central Road to WA. Our itinerary takes us North up the Oodnadatta Track after a few days around Clare then the Flinders Ranges. We should head off from Yulara on the GCR on 27 June. I think we will stay the night at Curtin Springs before hand. The van's wheel bearings have been greased, the floors washed, bed made, and some food already in the van. I can't wait to enjoy warmer weather! Will we see any of you out and about on these roads?

I am going out on a limb here, but I assume you do not really mean “build your own Kedron” but rather, you are asking how long the Kedron factory is currently taking to custom build a van?

Does anyone know how easy it is to replace flooring? Our van is a 2009 Top Ender, and quite a few knocks and dents are making the floor look old and tired. I am guessing it’s a major job, and it’s not one the factory were keen to undertake. The floor is the vinyl wood-look. Has anyone had their floor replaced?

We removed the fridge door. Have done it a couple of times now. Yes, it’s a major nuisance!

We have just bought solar panels from a supplier who was wonderful to deal with. The panels arrived promptly and are of a high quality. They are Victron brand. We purchased from David Bellette (Trip-Tracks Inc) as we knew him from the Kedron Group, and he has impeccable credentials as a supplier and installer of all things solar and lithium especially. I think we had the panels within 5 days of ordering them. The usual disclaimer applies - I have no connection with the firm. Here are the details: David Bellette Trip-Tracks Pty Ltd Email : david@trip-tracks.com.au Web: http://trip-tracks.com.au Phone: 0411 288 463 Cheers Chris

We loved touring Tassie with our van. I posted trip reports here, (in 2018) so you might do a search in case you find it interesting or helpful. chris Stage 4 June 2018 Tasmania.pdfStage 3 May 2018 Tasmania.pdfStage 2 April to 2018 Tasmania.pdfStage 1 March to April 2018 Tasmania.pdf

Our van floor has a small burnt patch (size of a five cent piece) that needs to be dealt with. I hope it doesn’t mean a major taking out of the floor and replacing it.

Just a quick question; where do forum members buy their solar panels? We want to replace some old panels and want a recommendation for replacements. It would be good to hear why you chose the supplier, too. Thanks in advance!

Here is the last trip report from this year's trip. We got home a fortnight ago and it already seems a distant memory! I hope you all enjoy it! Stage 3 Norley Rest Stop (QLD) to Barossa Valley.pdf

Another instalment. In this trip report we get closer to SA, and catch up with fellow Kedronners. Stage 2 July 2022 Pine Creek to Norley.pdf

Karen, I see there is a help function on Invision’s website. https://invisioncommunity.com/news/invision-community/introducing-the-alert-system-r1254/ I note they also have a forum blog with helpful features. Are they of any use? chris

Hello forumites. We have moved on again (near Longreach now) and am posting the latest trip report which covers our trip from home in SA to the Top End in the NT, then back down through Mt Isa and onto Winton. I hope you enjoy the report, which includes Mary Kathleen freecamp, a delightful place to camp...and completely free. Stage 1 April 2022 Barossa to Pine Creek.pdf

I don’t think you would get any better! Aren’t we so lucky!

Today we travelled from Julia Creek to Winton, and are camped out on the Long Waterhole. It is super busy, so we abandoned any thought of a water view and went straight for a spot among shrubs and bushes. Peaceful down here. We see another Kedron up there on the hill…Phil and Gail.

We are on the waterhole at the Julia Creek RV freecamp. It’s to a lovely spot and the sites on the water are popular. We managed to snaffle one and set up camp only metres from the water’s edge. We are here for 4 days. Across the water is another Kedron with Royce and Sue from Tasmania. We told them about our plans to go to the fabulous hot springs At Yowah, and they told us for their plans to go to a rodeo at Saxby. I have never heard of Saxby but hopefully it will be great.

We are now just over the QLD border from the NT on our slow way home, and camping on the Camooweal Billabong. We chose the bottom billabong, as it’s less crowded. At a guess it’s 3 kms from the main highway to the bottom pool What a great spot. Lots of bird life, including egrets, whistling kites, a black swan, etc. This is a popular spot and by late afternoon all spots near us are taken. But no one is too close. The road in is a bit chopped up (they had recent rains, now dried out) but nothing we couldn’t handle with ease. I imagine it could get a bit dusty here but after the recent rains it is nice and fresh, In town is a good water point and dump point, so if approaching from the East, fill up before going out to the waterholes. And a bonus, last night we met up with other Kedronites who are on the forum, Liz and Gary Woods. It was great to chat!

I can’t believe I didn’t reply to this post, Tony, and thank you for it. Our unit is still going OK but will keep this in mind for the inevitable moment which will be soon I fear.

Yes Barry, there were other comments made, and generally they were innocuous. But one comment leads to another, and next thing we have a bun fight. Best we leave them to our own social media accounts. Thanks for being understanding.