John and Ann

Thanks Russ, Greatly appreciated, now to tackle the job. Safe travels... John

Hi Russ, Well I'm about to bite the bullet so to speak and dash off to EV Works to pick up some LiFePO4 batteries, undecided whether I do three or four at this stage. I'm doing everything I can to avoid having to buy a new vehicle. I have a couple of questions: Did you install a low voltage cutout device in the battery circuit as when talking to Tim from EV Works this afternoon it seemed to be the only thing he seemed concerned about when I asked whether I needed to consider full blown battery management modules as I've seen used in the Kimberley Caravan implementation?Where did you relocate your batteries to. I'm toying with the idea of under the van between the axle groups or under the lounge near the RH wheel arch, but, I would have to relocate the pressure pump accumulators that live there? I was thinking that I could use the alarm output of the Xantrax Link Lite to trigger an easily configurable low voltage cutout. Have you bothered or do you rely on your own management of the system, the downside of installing a set low voltage cutout is that if you hit the limit, no power, may be good for battery life but perhaps not practical from a user perspective. Thanks in advance. John

Hi Zolle (John), Thanks for those tips, we will be sure to follow your advice re fuel and rain as we head east late May. Am I right in saying you will pave the way for us all earlier in May? Enjoy the journey and thanks again. John

Hi Colin, We stayed in a unit in that park a number of years ago, thought we might get stuck there as the GCR was very wet, closed to all traffic. Thought we might get stuck there waiting for the road to re-open, thankfully after chasing all around town looking for answers the road did re-open. Thank goodness, the park was small and untidy, the pub had no windows, the supermarket was ordinary, nothing much going for this stopover as I recall. By the sounds of it from Chris and Russ, not much has changed for the better. We won't be stopping there, not even for fuel. We will stop at either Leonora or one of the free camps in that area and fuel up there, I'm told Leonora fuel is a bit cheaper when we pass through in late May. Russ' option sounds appealing to me Cheers John

Hi Alan and Jayne, I'm with Laurie and Helen we dragged ours all round the Kimberley and NT last year and ride them very little even when we were based in places for a number of weeks, shame really, but, that's as it was. So unless your a committed cyclist leave them home and save the weight and the problem. BTW I even changed the front storage box to a much slimmer rectangular one so I could fit a double Fiama bike rack and remain pretty much space and weight neutral. The question is what will I do this winter, to cycle or not.... tending toward not at this stage. Good luck with the decision

Hi Geoff & Pam, We have a 1ltr Sunbeam says it's 1700-1800w our inverter will run it, but, ours is 2000w. I don't use it with the inverter though, nor our toaster or my wife's hair dryer. Rather we have cheapy stainless steel kettle that we put on the gas stove or one of those cheap single ring portable burners. IMHO keeping the batteries at an optimum voltage can at times be difficult enough without extreme loads such as kettles, hairdryers, toasters or the coffee machine, better to get into conservative habits from the outset in my case.

Thanks Colin

Nice job Russ!! Just recently spent a few days on one of my windows. The screen/blockout would jam when going up and down, spring tension was not the problem, rather it was the frame warped by screw tension on the top and bottom of the frame which caused it to be too close to the rolled up screen or blockout. The design seems to me to be predisposed to this problem, but, by placing a few strategic pieces of 20x6 pine between the frames I seem to have overcome the problem, for now. Didn't fix anything to do with insects though, you may have the only viable solution for that. John.

Thanks for the posts Russ, Your blog is a delight to read, we (Ann and myself) always enjoy your travel tales a great deal. Not too sure where you might be now but if you're ever looking to base yourself near Perth for a bit be sure to give us a call, we've stacks of room. Glad to hear you have a new GoPro sorry to hear about the demise of your first, great piece of gear, particularly the newer Black Edition. Keep the stories flowing and enjoy the journey. John

Hi All, I agree the Staun Deflators are not ideal, as has been said they don't maintain good calibration. I've given up on them and now have the ARB EZ Deflator as shown in the pick in a previous post. On the plus side (could be a negative if not re-seated properly) with the ARB unit you remove the valve from the valve stem so deflation is fast flow, no restrictions. You get used to timing the sliding of the deflation valve to check the pressure, it's way faster than the Stauns even though you have to move from wheel to wheel. Enjoy the trip BTW, would have joined in but we are on the opposite end of the run. We will probably dash across the Great Central Road ourselves early May en route to the our winter break in Queensland, so I'll be sure to post any last minute issues you might encounter. John

Nice to hear a good story Gazza, Unlike another hitch maker that belted us all around unmercifully and unchecked in this forum not too long ago your story speaks heaps for a product that really does cut the mustard and is well supported in the event of a glitch. CheersJohn.

Hi Russ and Ash, I've heard the same thing as Russ mentioned before, hence reluctance for fitting during the build by Kedron. Can't say I have really ever experienced it myself. What I do notice is that there is a certain period of discharge during the float cycle before the charger comes back online, only something I have recently noticed so will grab the manual soon and go back through the settings. If I had my time over I would investigate an all in one and possibly do away with the separate PV controller, they're about and would hopefully eradicate the competition between two charging sources and technologies? One thing I do like is that with the remote you can set the draw on the mains/generator supply so no matter your circumstance or generator size you can tune your system accordingly. A couple of tips; be sure the DC cables are sized well, tend to oversize and to use the capacity of the inverter be sure to have enough battery reserve, so for the beez neez check out the batteries Russ mentioned. BTW I'm pretty sure I read last night the MultiPlus is Lithium compatible. John

Hi Ash, We had a Victron MultiCompact 12/2000/80 and remote Digital Multi Control fitted to our ATV when it was built 12/2010, it has been a dream to use, never missed a beat and is most always on, we always have our van switched over to 12v, never bothering with the 240v setting on the change over in the boot and turn the inverter/charger on/off with the remote as needed when we are free camping to manage battery draw. When connected to mains, it's always on and charging cycling through the 4 stages as needed to keep batteries at full charge. A very versatile unit, interestingly I had to insist it be fitted during the build, apparently some people had experienced problems in the past, but, my guess is the problem was more about settings and the unit doing exactly what it is supposed to do in the event of a bad power system you might be connected to. If you want any more info, I'd be happy to help, there are other units around that might be worth looking at as well, I'm happy with ours though. John

Hi Richard, My experience tells me you should focus on the flame sensor first, it easiest to do, it looks like a chicken wishbone in the flame chamber and has a single colored flexible spark plub like cable going to it. With some long nose pliers gently move it away from you a small amount each time until it ignites and remains burning. The warranty replacement door is obtained from Coast to Coast, trying your unit with the door open will give you a clue as to whether the flue is the problem or not. Now the Gibb River Road, well we spent 18 days on the road between Kununurra and Derby, we didn't do Elquestro, Tunnel Creek or Windjana Gorge as we had done them last year, we arrived in Derby 9/8. In all we covered about 2,200km beginning to end, the van was with us for 1,400km at a guess. The GRR itself is patchy some good some not so good, the parts with a stoney surface made me the most nervous as they all looked like a potential flat tyre. The corrugations were quite bad in places but generally they gave way to a more comfortable drive quickly enough. For us there were three speeds, 50kph, 70kph and then 80-90kph, most would have been at the mid speed. Where the driving can become a real challenge is when you leave the GRR. Here's a brief rundown of the ones we went on, they are my own impression and that can vary between drivers. Where I say Ok other people have said terrible, depends on what your expectations are. Home Valley, Ok.Ellenbrae, Ok.Drysdale River, Ok. This was the only stop we we left the van at for a while and ventured off camping out in our rooftop tent.Drysdale to Mitchell Plateau turn off (Kulumburu Road), Ok, graded just before we returned.Kulumburu Road to Mitchell Plateau, it's been done with a van but I'm glad mine was at Drysdale.Mitchell Plateau turn of to Kulumburu, the most testing drive, not much more than a track near Kulumburu, vans do it, but then they stay for the season and have been doing it for years. Be sure not to lob there on a weekend and if you do take your van make it worthwhile by staying for a while? We thought McGowans Island was the nicest camp spot if you can overcome the manager.Mt Elizabeth, first 10km badly corrugated, then Ok.Manning Gorge, Ok.Charnley River, Ok, lovely spot, you won't see much grass on the GRRMornington, OkSilent Grove (Bell Gorge), bad parts, not one of DEC's better maintained roadsWe had very few problems. No flat tyres and no mechanical disasters. A few loose screws, a battery in the LC that shook itself to the afterlife so I had to disconnect it. I caught the drop down step somewhere but managed to get it operating almost as new and luckily the cover for the A/C decided to finish the journey with us even though it had no screws holding it in place. Oh yeah and we have dust, not too bad though a quick whip around at ever stop keeps it at bay, will pressurise the van next time round I think. Saw and heard of plenty of misfortune, one car not towing, 7 flats?? Offload camper with one side of independent suspension snapped of the chassis. Car doing nothing special flicked up a rock and ruptured an engine oil line $3,700 recovery by the RAC. You see all kinds and hear a whole lot more, just take it easy, be vigilant and you will pop out the other end and say to yourself that you shouldn't have been so worried. Tyres seems the key, be good to them and be sure you have a good set, I have the same rims and tyres on the car and van so had three spares, thankfully I didn't need them, Goodyear Wrangler MT/R big lugs on the tread (which now have plenty of cut marks and bits missing) and Kevlar side walls. I ran them all at 28PSI except for the rear of the car which was 32PSI and we were at our maximum weight for car and van. I would not be so comfortable with the OEM tyres that were previously on the LC, tyres damage we saw seemed to be exclusively the realm of highway tyres coupled coupled with a lack of appreciation for the conditions and tyres pressures. Sorry for the ramble, I hope it is of some value, enjoy the journey, it's fun, we will be in Broome for a month so we might see you sometime soon. Drive safely John

Hi Pete, Sounds like the 240v power supply, left hand side tucked in beside the battery, not the charger. There is a switch directly above it to turn on the onboard charging of the breakaway, above that is a double power point into which the 240v power supply is plugged in. If that's on and has power you should hear the fan in the power supply running. Best of luck.John

Hi Richard, We had the same problem, very frustrating. Our van is about the same age. Replaced the flue cover with the new design under warranty but it did not make a great deal of difference. In the end it came down to the flame sensor for our problem, it was not faulty it was just positioned incorrectly, too much in the cool part of the flame it is easily moved, a gas fitter did ours and now we have ignition first time 99% of the time for the last 6 months of so. Just completed the Gibb enjoy the trip, it's fun out there. John

Hi Russ, There is a instal download link here http://www.nomadicsolutions.com.au/ns_home.html CheersJohn

Hi Ian and Sue,We'll be seeing John in Darwin on Saturday night, really looking forward to the show. They only had a few tickets left, but, are thinking of opening up the dress circle which will make a bunch more seats available. John

Hi all, Good question Russ, can't answer it myself as our ATV has TE running gear which of course is load sharing, trying one wheel won't work unless something has gone wrong, I thought they were all load sharing, just different component types/ratings?

Thanks for that tip Roger, gives me another project John

Hi all, For the record I am a qualified electrician and contractor, no surprise to some no doubt. My working career and businesses have been involved in the construction industry's since the early 70's, so I have been a part of the evolution of electrical safety initiatives in that industry and the workplace. RCD's and tagging of leads, hand tools and appliances in the construction industry has been around for many years, it's been embraced by most and does in fact provide a degree of comfort to workers and management alike that when you use electrically operated tools and appliances you are less likely than in the distant past of suffering an injury or death due to an electrical incident. In the end though electrical safety, as with all safety considerations, is first and foremost the responsibility of the end user/operator. I have read the article posted by Richard before and found it quite useful on the topic currently the subject of this thread. Here's my thoughts or food for your own on this topic and electrical safety in general. My use of the word caravan should be read to include motor homes, camper trailers and other portable buildings.: If caravan parks venture into the to tag or not to tag debate they should consider also that they may need to provide tagging and testing as a service, at least until it becomes a more widely accepted requirement.Will caravan parks actually be increasing their liability by posting a sign saying tagged and tested leads are required and then not policing that policy by inspection. What about the rest of your rig, perhaps there should be an annual inspection/compliance sticker attached.No amount of tagging and testing can prevent stupid people from using unsafe electrical equipment, I've cut many plug tops off leads, tools and appliances that have current tags. The tag and testing is only really valid until the next time the gear is used, after that it's up to the vigilance of the end user/operator.How many caravan parks, caravaners or home owners for that matter regularly test their RCD's, they can fail!How many older caravans don't have RCD'sHow many caravans have had an extra power point installed in them and are sure that the new and existing power points are all double pole.How many caravaners know that the power connected to their van is actually of the correct polarity, I do, I check it when we hook up, it can been wrong, that's why you need double pole power outlets.If tagging and testing becomes mandatory who will regulate the "competent people" no good relying on a small uninsured operator if you don't have any recourse in the event of an incident. The electrical contracting industry in every state is very accountable, the competent person falls through the cracks.I can't answer this one, but is it a requirement to have RCD's and smoke detectors fitted to used caravan that is sold, similar to homes in WA.When will it be a requirement to have all power leads suspended above the ground as this is when they are at greater risk of damage. Perhaps I should undertake a survey whilst on my travels, could be a scary outcome, a bit like weights I suspect. This is a can of worms, but, you are your best safety device, use common sense and take great care when operating or using electrical equipment. Regards John(on assignment in Kununurra, the travel this great land assignment that is)

Hi Colin, Sorry for the delay, been away for a couple of weeks overseas. Your right I have the GVM upgrade. SAs for the Lovells product as fitted to my car it's excellent, can't say I would do it any different, then again if you have a 200 Series you don't have any other option to get to 3800kg GVM (well at that time at least, don't know now). The ride is noticeably firmer so feels tighter on the road, a good thing! I'm sure their kits for the 100 Series would be of comparable quality. If you want to get some height in the front look at Snake Racing they have a kit for the front diff which my son fitted to get some bigger tyres under his 100 Series Sahara. Good luck with it all. John

Hi Brian, The knowledge in my case comes from a life in the electrical industry, as to the book, I suggest you would get much better value out of asking away in a forum such as this as your specific needs are more likely to be addressed, there's a wealth of knowledge out there which captures both the theoretical and practical side of the issue. Buying a book is less engaging and potentially might only serve as a means to an afternoon nap. You've got the tiger by the tail so to speak. Any sacrifice of DC load would be something you would have to create as all of your DC systems will continue to function as normal including the fridge. The trade off being a longer boost cycle as the batteries will not get the full charger output, it has to be shared around over the whole system. CheersJohn

Hi Laurie and Helen, Congrats on the early retirement, it's a good thing and very easy to get used to. Won't be too long before you wonder how you managed to have time to go to work. We've never travelled with a family member of the "pet" variety so can't offer first hand advice about how that might impact on your visit to our South West region. What I can say is that most of the areas that should and are likely on your itinerary are a part of a National Park, we have so many here, which is not a bad thing. I would think that it would be much more comforting to know you beloved companion is safe and happily awaiting your return at home with a trusted friend or family member rather that you and he/she being stressed by temporary (foreign, if available) accommodations fretting over your return. The process of determining where you can and cannot go with your companion is way too much stress when you undertake your well deserved retirement travels. Your pooch will love you no less if you indulge and travel solo. Enjoy, it'll be winter and cold so rug up, nice though all the same. John

Hi All, I'm sure I could learn a thing or two or three from you Russ about DC application, I enjoy reading your posts as they are very informative, we may in fact have a similar trade background (which may or may not be a good thing ). That said I'm tackling this issue from a different point of view, perhaps misguidedly. Simple and low tech is always the best option, but (there always is), sometimes the need arises to take advantage of the technology of the day to extend your options and that is where I'm coming from. I'm going to try not to seem defensive (which probably won't work). The truth is I'm just trying to advance a alternative point of view to that of Russ. The reality is the solutions are at the extremities of the possibilities that one could consider. It's up to the end reader to come to their own conclusion as to what suits their individual circumstances, that's the rub with opinions or advice, they are just that, in the end you have to decide what's best for you. So far I've seen nothing wrong with the opinions or advice, just a different way to skin the cat (apologies to the feline lovers). One extreme or the other or somewhere in the middle, know your needs and proceed accordingly. I'll admit to being a victim of technology, gadgets and quite often the luxuries that just can't be left behind, my DC load is probably best not spoken about, a 2,000VA inverter would be a clue, but, I do know what it is and manage things accordingly. Unfortunately what likely happens and it is a guess on my part, is that the general travelling community embraces some of what is promoted in the shows, magazines and the like without fully understanding what is needed back of house to support their investment. Even when advice is sought how best to incorporate a new toy there is a real risk that the advice is not all together on the money. We are not always blessed with fair weather when we travel and we are trying to cut down the amount of time we spend behind the wheel. All this means that in unfavourable conditions we rely heavily on the vehicle providing the boost charging to avoid the need to drag out the generator when free camping which I don't like to do, hence the choice to have a managed charge system such as a DC/DC charger for the van. The Landcruiser is a little more complicated, these batteries (2) are mounted inside the cab of he vehicle, one each side of the drawer set, so needed to be AGM or similar, the DC/DC charging option was no more expensive that any other automated system, but, has the advantage of charging at optimal boost voltage. Oh, I have redundancy built in by having a starter solenoid which at the flick of a switch parallel's the auxiliary batteries with the vehicle batteries (which I have used, flat battery, failure of under rated fuses to the DC/DC charger) I'm not particularly lazy, but, like things to just work without too much intervention on my part, We've invested so much in my van and the two vehicle, a little extra to make life easier and settle into Happy Hour knowing we have all bases covered provides us with comfort, plug and play, the easy way out works for us but then it was easier than it might be for others and it was all DIY, a real and tangible advantage I often forget about. Thanks again Russ for advancing the discussion, I don't disagree with you, I'm simply and hopefully respectfully posing an alternative solution. We'll be sure to swing by Cossack on our way back south later in the year to say g'day. Cheers, travel safely. John