Blinky Bill

Further to Chris and Val's post; http://www.snopes.com/autos/techno/battery.asp

Hi all, I've read this post with interest as to date I have not made any changes to my number plate but would like to make the following comments; Firstly I spoke to Kedron 3-4 months ago about this problem, they gave me a bracket the same as Jim has installed, but my research has revealed that in QLD at least this fix is more illegal than the problem it is trying to fix. The number plate is clearly obstructed by the spare tyre, in my case by two spare tyres. I will cut and paste below extracts from QLD government web site supporting my theory. This information came from the same page Jim previously posted. https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/registration/numberplate/replace-change/index.html#requirements Legible number plates are essential to ensure accurate identification of vehicles and this is based on a community need to trace stolen vehicles and those vehicles involved in crime and traffic incidents such as red light and speed camera offences. You can be fined if your plate details are not clear due to a drilled hole, cover or a frame or for not replacing damaged or illegible number plates. The characters on a number plate must be visible from 20m away at any point within an arc of 45 degrees from the surface of the plate, above or to either side of the vehicle. Plates must also be not more than 1.3m above ground level. This is shown in the diagrams below. Secondly; Only last week I caught the end of a call on the John Laws radio program where the caller had done what Chris has done, as this program originates from NSW I can only assume the caller originated from that state. In his situation he had changed the position of his primary number plate but replaced the old one with a plate reading "OLD FART". He was pulled over by police, and fined $415.00 and 3 points for having two number plates on the back of his van. He was not happy but was warning listeners of his experience.

Optima yellow top, expensive but good product.

Hi Graham, FYI, I replaced my 230 litre Vitrifrigo last week with another Vitrifrigo, when the old one died just as I was leaving to go away for a few days, plain black $2,200.00 from Camec in Brisbane. Removed doors from existing fridge and took through van door, same with new fridge, removed doors and easily fit through door, also took the opportunity to replace existing 3mm factory wiring with 6mm wire. Whole process took just over an hour. Delighted with new unit, appears more efficient than old one, but perhaps now there is decent wiring its not working so hard. Replacement done ten years to the day of delivery of van. Love the LED light on the new one also. I also previously fitted a switch above the fridge to turn it off and on rather than use the thermostat. In saying that seems such a waste to dump old one so if anyone is chasing parts, tray under freezer was cracked and I was going to replace it but was struggling with the $135.00 price tag, I also have a number of 24 volt festoon bulbs, had trouble getting them so bought half a dozen when I found them. Shelves are in good condition as are doors, they are silver in colour. Would prefer pick up from Gold Coast if anyone interested. John

Wow Tassie, Your comment has made me so very sad My interpretation of the original post is a gentleman who just happens to be a Bushtracker owner has on his own initiative set up a facebook page for all off road van users to contribute and share experiences and ideas, not make comparisons of brands, what type of van you own appears immaterial to this facebook page. It may also be an attempt to dilute the fierce rivalry between off road brands. I had no idea that your thoughts were the ethos of the "Kedron Family" if this is so, I must be adopted, and will hand my membership back immediately and look for a new family. You ask "Why would we"? Well I would think there is a wealth of knowledge and experience amongst the members here that could be shared with other less experienced offroad van users. I also know that I for one don't know everything and there is much I could glean from the input and experiences of other offroad users. Knowledge is power Tassie. Am I really adopted? John

Hi Colin, In Queensland any trailer or caravan with private registration and an ATM of 3,501-10,000kg requires an annual inspection from any approved inspection station, it is not necessary to have that inspection completed at a QLD transport inspection station. The link to QLD Transport Cathy put up confirms this if you scroll down to trailers. I also found a web site for a private inspection company, link attached confirming same. />http://www.mobilesafetyinspections.com.au/index.php?page=certificates-of-inspection Kedron should have advised you of this requirement at the time of the upgrade, I'm not surprised if they didn't though Proof of completed inspection is required to be presented when making payment, which means payment is required to be made at a QLD transport office or by mail, no more internet payments for you now I'm afraid.

Travel Plans for 2014 I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone. I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognises you there. I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my children, friends, family and work. I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore. I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often. I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm. Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older. One of my favourite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get! I haven't yet been in Continent, and I don't remember what country it is in. Apparently It's an age thing. They tell me it is very wet and damp there.

M.I.G.M. Engineering Unit 7/2-10 Hallam South Rd, Hallam, VIC 3803 Phone(03) 9702 4730 migmengineering.com.au

Hi all, For those of you that like your toys, like I do, found in my local Repco store today "Towsafe Trailer Ball Weight Scales" on special in their current catalogue for $59.00 a 25% discount of rrp. Bad news is sale finishes this Wednesday 15th January. John

Hi Ronnie, I'm no expert on Toyota's, however your question jogged my memory of extensive research I did two years ago when I was having a similar problem with my patrol. Your 1998 80 series would appear to one of the last 80 series manufactured with the 100 series being released March 1998, the 80 series has a braked towing capacity of 2500kg with the 100 series being upgraded to 3500kg. You are going to be hard pressed to even get a cross country that will fit within the limitations of the towing capacity of your 80 series. It may be prudent to look at your vehicle upgrade sooner rather than later. I solved the problem with a suspension, wheel and tyre upgrade, which specked the vehicle comparitivly to a 4.2 GU patrol which has a 3500kg towing capacity, then had the vehicle re-engineered to 3500kg. I have made this process sound very simple, but it wasnt. I doubt you would be lucky enough to be able to do the same as there are considerable differences between the 80 and 100 series. Regards, John

Hi Alan, I had the same problem last year while travelling from Birdsville to Innamincka, I solved the problem by removing the tongue from the lock and placing 2 small washers between the cupboard and the tongue under each screw and resetting to a perfect fit when the draw is closed with no movement, problem appears solved with no further broken locks since then, similarly with the fridge, I got an old plaastic hotel room card, cut it to the shape of the lock and packed the lock out from the door, in this case required two layers but solved the problem of needing to strap the fridge door closed while in transit. I have subsequently gone through and changed all the drawers the same way. Seems from the factory the tongue only just catches the top of the lock placing to much stress on the lock in harsher conditions and the adjustment of the tongue to the lock seemed to have a small amount of slop, allowing drawer movement wile in transit. Hope this helps. Regards, John

Hi John & Anne, I have an Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro hand held satellite phone on pre-paid. I purchased from www.satphonesonline.com a Gold Coast company. You cannot visit a showroom for these guys, apparently because of their military contracts and security. Their web site is quite comprehensive; you will find all the information on plans and costs, they also do iridium plans as well. Hope this helps. Regards, John

Hi All, I am in a similar situation to many of you having just purchased the new Apple i4s. I use the phone as both a modem for internet access and a phone, previousy I had an HTC desire with a spare case that had a patch lead glued to it and I just changed the case as desired. This was very effective. My research for an Apple alternative has lead me to a web site that has a few alternatives, I imagine this is what Glen has installed. I have attached a link and my options are between No.s 6,7 & 8 looking left to right that appear on this page. Just click on them for further details. Hope this helps. John P.S. I also carry a satelite phone for emergencies but find when I use it my callers become frustrated by the delay. />http://www.mobileextras.com.au/ProductList/tabid/64/ProductID/2005/CategoryID/63/Default.aspx

Hi Phil, Earlier this year I had the GVM of my GQ Patrol increased from 2,500kg to 3,500kg, I spoke to about 15 engineers who told me the GVM was set by the manufacturer and was unable to be increased. Not being prepared to take no for an answer I persevered and Jan at Kedron put me onto Lindsay Stone, who I had contacted a few years earlier on another matter and he never got back to me. He is very hard to contact but persevere, it is worth the wait and the several calls you will make before you get to speak to him. He is very knowledgable, I don’t know if there are any differenced between the states, I am sure there will be, but he will be able to advise you on that. He is situated in Townsville. His details are; Living Stone Automotive Lindsay Stone Telephone: (07)47748807 Facsimile: (07)47748807 E-Mail: lkstone@aapt.net.au Regards, John

Hi Guys, Thought I would add my bit here, I purchased Webby and Anne's cross country, selling a 22' onroad van with full ensuite and swivel toilet for the Kedron. I know it is an individual decision, but having enjoyed the full ensuite in the previous van its the only thing I miss. But if I had not had it in the past I doubt that I would miss it. The swivel toilet was quite sturdy, but wasn't necessary in the other van because of the ample space. If I were to order a new van in the future I would without a doubt order the full ensuite, regardless of the additional expense, but I would wait for reclining massage toilet option to be released :-). It may or may not make the van a more saleable item in the future, but, you don't ever miss what you have never had. John

Hi Laurie, Thats intersting information, when I did my research at the begining of this year the 2" lift was stated when pricing for both Poly air and Airbag man, both advised it was required information as one was supplied with the 2" spacer included in the box the other didn't. You didn't mention which product you installed, if it was either of the ones mentioned I can only assume they are now manufacturing a longer bag and have dispensed with the spacer. I will make some enquiries and find out. Chris, rather than post a lengthy reply to your question here and hijack this post I will email you my reply. Regards, John

Hi Dunmowin, I have a 1996 GQ Nissan Patrol 4.2 turbo diesel towing a Cross Country with ATV chassis ATM 3300kg. I have had the Patrol re-engineered to tow 3500kg from 2500kg, part of this process involved upgrading the suspension, I installed an OME setup with a 2" lift, in addition, although not required I also fitted airbags to the rear, fitting Airbag man air bags, I have in the past fitted Poly Air's to a previous GQ I owned, in comparison there is no real obvious difference apart from colour, however with the 2" lift a 2" spacer is required to be placed at the bottom of the bag to allow for the lift, in the case of airbag man they use a piece if plastic not unlike a milk bottle top, hollow in the middle where as Poly Air use a solid piece of circular rubber, I feel over time the plastic may compress requiring replacement, for this reason only I would in future favour the Poly Air product. Air bags are a very basic product and it would be very unlikely you have pierced the bag, the leak can only be in either valve or the piping from the the valve to the bag, or where the pipe attatches to valve or the bag it may be worth ensuring the valves are tight or replacing them, replacements can be obtained from any tyre shop as they are a car tyre valve, try inflating them to say 30 pound and spray some soapy water around with a small spray atomiser and check for bubbles. You have indicated heavier than standard springs are fitted, unless there is obvious sagging of these springs I would caution against replacing them, going too heavy can compromise the ride and comfort of the vehicle. I have a mate who owns a 4wd mechanical workshop here on the coast and it's a continuing problem I see in his workshop where people purchase springs elsewhere and bring then to him to fit against his advice, only to return and have them removed, bigger is not always better. I have a long range fuel tank and Outback rear drawers, 40 litre Engel fridge, 3/4 steel roof rack with an extra spare wheel and tyre and two jerry cans of water, on a trip we did in May/June from the Gold Coast out to Longreach, Winton, Boulia, Birdsville, Innamincka Tibooburra, Broken Hill, Bourke, Lightning Ridge Warwick Beaudesert and back to the Gold Coast, I weighed the Patrol with a full tank of fuel and just me onboard and it weighed in at 2900kg, I didn't weigh the van, for the trip two extra people were added plus plus plus. I ran the airbags at 15 pounds which I was happy with, however in negotiating some of the dips in the road between Tibooburra and broken hill, I did bend the brake proportioning valve on the rear diff which was extended to compensate for the 2 inch lift it was a simple fix to straighten, however the dips were more like v's and deeper than anticipated, I would be reluctant to run much more than 20 pound in mine, but my springs are fairly stiff. In my case I believe they add value and don't regret fitting them, you mention you notice the difference when they loose pressure, for this reason I would not consider removing for heavier springs. I am also running 285 75 16 BF Goodrich A/T tyres, for interest this trip was 5800km with average fuel consuption 21 litre per 100 km, the Patrol handles the van with ease, the fitting of a front mounted intercooler in two weeks may well improve that consumption as well. That's my thoughts, and my experience with my own Patrol, it may be worth looking for where the leak is, if its somthing as simple as loose valves, it would be a shame to spend money unnecessarily. I paid $300.00 for mine at the camping and fishing show in Brisbane April this year, plus fitting. Good luck with your decision and safe travels. Regards, John

Thanks Alan, Suggestions are appreciated, we leave this Saturday so it is getting close. John & Tess

Thanks Guys, We are quite looking forward to the trip, but we are fast running out of time to get things organised before we leave. Tess has a 19 y/o son working at "Marion Downs" a 1.4 million hectare station 60 km south of Boulia, so we will spend a few days there and we are looking forward to seeing him again. Any further suggestion would be greatly appreciated. John & Tess

Hi Robert and Jane For a number of years now I have been going to my local upholsterer and having him make my tyre covers for me. I provide him a tyre and rim, he measures and makes to size out of the same material used on ute tonneau covers, he will put different coloured piping in if I request. Because of the quality of the material they outlast store bought ones by many years. I also have them sign written which is a waste of money on the store bought ones. Just be sure you get them to put a round eyelet at the bottom, this allows any moisture that gets in to escape. I think the last one cost me $75.00 from memory with white piping, I am sure it would be less without the piping, but I think it adds a bit of class. Regards John

Hi all, It’s time I made myself known to the group, I am the proud new owner of Sue and Anne’s Cross Country, I have wanted a Kedron for many years and that dream is now a reality. The good news is the tow vehicle is a spect up GQ patrol which I have had uprated to 3.5 towing capacity. A few delays with the re-engineering have prevented the short trips I had planned to become familiar with the van before our first real trip, so expect a few calls Sue. We are leaving in a few weeks and heading out from the Gold Coast to Barcaldine, Longreach, Winton, Boulia, Birdsville, Innamincka, Cameron’s Corner, Tibooburra, Broken Hill and back to the Gold Coast again. This is my 4th van, having just sold a 22’ Kingdom to purchase the Kedron, so this is not new. I been an avid reader of this site for some time I have gleaned much interesting and useful information, hence now I would like to draw on the members experiences of the must sees and the don’t worry about on this trip. Any suggestions for the Strzelecki Track? We propose to free camp as much as possible and would also welcome any suggestions in this regard. Thanks in anticipation. John