Bas

Hi Rob Suggest you contact Kedron as it has some Dometic 218s in stock as of a few days ago. Cheers Bas

An elderly man in Queensland had owned a large property for several years. He had a dam in one of the lower paddocks where he had planted mango and avocado trees. The dam had been fixed up for swimming when it was built and he also had some picnic tables placed there in the shade of the fruit trees. One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the dam to look it over, as he hadn't been there for a while. He grabbed a ten-litre bucket to bring back some fruit. As he neared the dam, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee. As he came closer, he saw it was a bunch of young women skinny-dipping in his dam. He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end. One of the women shouted to him, 'We're not coming out until you leave!' The old man frowned, 'I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim naked or make you get out of the dam naked. Holding the bucket up he said, 'I'm here to feed the crocodile' Moral: Old men may walk slow, but they can still think fast

Hi Ross and Leah, welcome to the forum. What was the problem with your Vitrifrigo? Compared with the 215 Dometic, the 240 litres of the Vitrifrigo gave that great bit of extra room, and going to the 190 litres of a Bushman would be a real step back. Rob, are there any Virifrigo DP2600s (230 litres) available. The only complaint we had with the Vit was that it iced up quite quickly and did not have a defrost cycle like the Dometic. Perhaps that has changed with the later models. Bas

We were considering replacing our 215 with a 218 but Dometic gave us the same story as to you. Enquired about factory seconds, and was advised they are fridges which are replaced under warranty, there are none in stock due to discontinuation of the 218. Have you looked at the Thetford T1274E as a possibility? Cheers Bas

A bloody good, old fashioned poem - 'nuthin’ like ‘em This is particularly for those who remember what it was like to have a DUNNY! The Old Service Station The service station trade was slow. The owner sat around, With sharpened knife and cedar stick, Piled shavings on the ground. No modern facilities had they, - the log across the rill Led to a shack, marked His and Hers That sat against the hill. 'Where is the 'Ladies Restroom', sir?' - and the owner leaning back, Said not a word but whittled on - And nodded toward the shack. With quickened step she entered there But only stayed a minute, Until she screamed - just like a snake or spider might be in it. With startled look and beet red face She bounded out the door, - and headed quickly for the car Just like three gals before. She tripped and fell - pulled up her pants and then in obvious disgust - Ran to the car, stepped on the gas, And faded in the dust. Of course we all desired to know What made the gals all do the things they did - and then we found - the whittling owner knew. A 'Speaking System' he'd devised To make the thing complete, He'd fixed a 'Speaker' in the hole - just underneath the seat. He'd wait until the gals got set and then the devilish tike, would stop his whittling long enough, to speak into the mike. And as she sat, a voice below struck terror, fright and fear, 'Will you please use the other hole? We're painting under here'.

AN OLDER LADY An older lady headed to the bank to make a withdrawal. She handed her bank card to a bank cashier and said, “I would like to withdraw $10. The cashier told her, “For withdrawals less than $100 please use the ATM.” The old lady wanted to know why… The cashier returned her bank card and irritably told her, “These are the rules. Please leave if there is no other matter. There is a line of customers behind you.” The old lady remained silent for a few seconds, then handed the card back to the cashier and said, “Please help me withdraw all the money I have.” The cashier was astonished when she checked the account balance. She nodded her head, leaned down and told her, "You have $500,000 in your account and the bank doesn’t have that much cash currently. Could you make an appointment and come back tomorrow?" The old lady then asked how much she could withdraw immediately. The cashier told her any amount up to $3,000. “Well, please let me have $3,000 now.” The cashier then angrily went back to the vault retrieved stacks of $20’s and $10’s and spent the next ten minutes counting out $3,000. “Is there anything else I can do for you today?”, the teller asked sternly. The old lady put $10 in her purse and said, “yes, I’d like to deposit $2,990 into my account.” The moral of this tale… Don’t be difficult with old people, they spent a lifetime learning the skills.

The Brothel Parrot . . . A woman went to a pet shop where she immediately spotted a large, beautiful parrot. There was a sign on the cage that said $50.00. 'Why so little,' she asked the pet store owner. The owner looked at her and said, 'Look, I should tell you first that this bird used to live in a house of prostitution, so it says some pretty vulgar stuff.' The woman thought about this, but decided she had to have the bird any way. She took it home and hung the bird's cage up in her living room and waited for it to say something. The bird looked around the room, then at her, and said, 'New house, new madam.' The woman was a bit shocked at the implication, but then realized 'that's really not so bad.' When her 2 teenage daughters returned from school the bird saw and said, 'New house, new madam, new girls.' The girls and the woman were a bit offended, but then began to laugh about the situation, considering how and where the parrot had been raised. Moments later, the woman's husband Keith came home from work. The bird looked at him and said, 'Hi Keith'

Will we see you at Kilkivan?

If you are still looking for an 18 footer we have just listed our ATV for sale. Here is the link 2006 Kedron ATV-SSE-AD-6903532 - caravancampingsales.com.au

Hi Number one is the additional fuel filter as a pre-filter to get rid of the nasties before they get to the main filter. Apparently some additional filters are fitted after the main filter but there seems to be no logic in that. As the XC5 is lighter in weight than some other models other mods might be an overkill. Perhaps wait and see how it feels with the van in tow. Cheers Bas

If you are with KTA through CMCA, layup cover is not available. The answer was KTA provides cover for vans on the move!!! Bas

Hi Chris and Tony We have had an Altech for possibly 6 years without a problem. We are currently at Maroochydore (working our way slowly to Kilkivan) and by coincidence took a drive today to SatPlus at Noosaville where we bought one of its folding fibreglass dishes sometime back, and a satellite locator a few months back, both to replace fairly basic items. Today's purchase was the latest model Altech, only as it has a twin tuner, not because of a problem with the existing one. While there I talked to John the owner about problems with Altechs and he acknowledged early ones had a few glitches but a software upgrade fixed them and he said problems now are extremely rare. Our older Altech is for sale for $100. Chris, if you were interested it's a pity you are in SA.

Our van was fitted with a DO35 about 7 years ago and still going strong. Newer models have had a few changes over the years but the important basics are still there.

Hi Merv When at Cruisemaster/Vehicle Components a little time back, Keiran the service manager noticed that the brake safe cable attachment on my Cruiser is quite independent of the towbar, and he remarked that he rarely sees that. If the towbar goes, so does the cable. I have a stainless steel cable which runs in between the towbar and the bumper bar and attaches on to the vehicle chassis. The other end has a loop which attaches to the brake safe cable with a small D shackle. Cheers Bas

Hi Chris, I just spoke to Gemma regarding payment for my order and she advised that they have only received about one third of the orders required to justify another production run. Therefore whoever needs new covers, please order asap. Best regards Barry

A truckie walks into an outback cafe with a full-grown emu behind him. The waitress asks them for their orders. The truckie says, 'A hamburger, chips and a coke,' and turns to the emu, 'What's yours?' - 'Sounds great, the same,' says the emu. A short time later the waitress returns with the order 'That will be $9.40 please,' and he reaches into his pocket and pulls out the exact change and pays. The next day, the man and the emu come again and he says, 'A burger, chips and a coke.' - 'Sounds great, I'll have the same,' says the emu. Again the truckie reaches into his pocket and pays with exact change. This becomes routine until the two enter again. 'The usual?' asks the waitress. 'No, it's Friday night, so I'll have a steak, baked potato and a salad,' says the man. 'Brilliant idea, same for me,' says the emu. Shortly the waitress brings the order and says, 'That will be $32.60'. Once again the man pulls the exact change out of his pocket and places it on the table. The waitress cannot hold back any longer. 'Excuse me mate, how do you manage to always pull the exact change from your pocket every time?' 'Well, love' says the truckie, 'a few years ago, I was cleaning out the back shed, and found an old lamp. When I cleaned it, a Genie appeared and offered me two wishes. My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for anything, I would just put my hand in my pocket and the right amount of money would always be there.' 'That's brilliant!' says the waitress. 'Most people would ask for a million dollars or something, but you'll always be as rich as you want, for as long as you live!' 'That's right. Whether it's a carton of milk or a new car, the exact money is always there,' says the man. Still curious the waitress asks, 'What's with the bloody emu? The truckie pauses, sighs, and answers, 'My second wish was for a tall bird with a big bum and long legs, who agrees with everything I say.

Hi Kym We initially purchased a very basic and cheap dish and I regretted it every time we set up as it was difficult to get a good fix on a satellite and it was bulky. It was a relief when the pivot point between the dish and the frame broke and although it could have been repaired, we decided not to. We were in SA on our way East to Vic and some research on line found an Optima T2 which is made by Satplus at Noosaville (find it on Google). However, we purchased it in Edithvale in Vic which was close to friends who we were going to stay with. The dish is made of fibreglass, and hinges in half to make it compact. The stand is in two parts and they are pretty much precision made. A good quality bag is provided to pack each item in. Setup now takes minutes rather than the at times hours. We have a 2004 ATV and the dish and gear is stored in the left front beside the batteries etc. It is not cheap but quality never is. We paid $595 inc GST, two and a half years ago but not sure what the current price is. Cheers Bas

I received this from a friend. The ***SUMMARY FROM MYSELF*** is apparently from a person at Lovells. Cheers, Bas ***STATEMENT FROM LOVELLS AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS 22/08/2018 8:43AM*** On the 21st August 2018, the QLD Government over turned QLD TMR’s decision to release new vehicle modification codes (LS11 and LS15), which were due for release to the industry on the 4th September 2018. Changes in these Modification codes included the banning of Towing Capacity Upgrades on in-service vehicles, banning of axle capacity increases on in-service vehicles, banning of GVM Upgrades on in-service vehicles which had previously been upgraded by another jurisdiction/State and/or brand and banning of GVM Upgrades on in-service vehicles which had previously had active SSM Approvals, which are no longer manufactured (eg. Nissan Patrol Y61 and Toyota Hilux KUN125/126). The Government will now not introduce planned regulation changes on 4 September, but is not backing down from its position of re-instating GCM (Gross Combined Mass) revision on in-service vehicles. While GCM revision is still legally available on brand new vehicles in QLD (and all States) and legal/recognised on in-service vehicles for all other States except NT, towing upgrades will remain of virtually no use in QLD because the Government will not allow an increase in the GCM (combined weight of the vehicle and its trailer). Despite the Premier’s assurances on the morning of 21st August that the Government would absolutely reject any changes that disadvantage Queensland drivers, they are already enforcing a disadvantage. TMR QLD have advised that their stance on GCM revision will be discussed and reviewed in due course. Meantime, at a Federal level, Lovells wish to confirm the following which was uploaded to the RVCS website (Federal Dept of Transport and Infrastructure) on 3rd August 2018. Of note in this, which is listed at the following (infrastructure.gov.au/…/rvcu-2018-August-issue-3.as…) Administrator's Circular 0-4-6 (Issue 4 June 2018) Administrator's Circular 0-4-6 (Certification of vehicles which have undergone a second stage of manufacture) was amended in June 2018 following industry consultation. The circular was amended to include arrangements for Second Stage Manufacture (SSM) Light Vehicles that have been subject to a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrade under Clause 10—and formalise current business practice for GVM upgrades to light vehicles. Of note: • The guidance provided by the Circular 0-4-6 applies to NA (GVM up to 3.5 tonnes) and NB1 (GVM over 3.5 tonnes and up to 4.5 tonnes) category vehicles. • The revised circular only applies to new applications and new amendments to existing Identification Plate Approvals (IPAs). • The Circular will not affect the existing IPAs held by the second stage manufacturers. Existing IPA holders can continue to supply (to the market) vehicles covered by the approved Road Vehicle Descriptors (RVDs). This includes vehicles where the approved RVD has variants that exceed the first stage manufacturer's Gross Combination Mass (GCM) rating or Rated Towing Capacity or Maximum Braked Towing Mass rating. The second stage manufacturers need to ensure that the current approved RVDs refer to the current approved RVDs for the first stage manufacturer. • The option of GCM or towing capacity upgrade may be available to consumers in some state and territory jurisdictions, after the vehicle is supplied to the market. In conclusion, we confirm that there is no change to existing SSM Approvals. Any vehicles (as stated in current SSM Approvals and as noted on current RVDs) can still be plated with GVM Upgrades and Towing Capacity Upgrades (BTC upgrades) under the approved RVD. Thus Lovells SSM Approved kits can continue to be supplied. The implementation of Administrator’s Circular 0-4-6 is effective for all future IPA Approvals. That is, any SSM Approvals applied for beyond the current valid and active SSM Approvals. Lovells GVM/GCM/Towing Capacity or variants of these modifications remain 100% legal in all States and Territories for all vehicles in service/previously modified. Lovells GVM/GCM/Towing Capacity or variants of these modifications remain 100% legal in all States and Territories for all vehicles when modified prior to first registration (Federal Compliance). Lovells GVM/GCM/Towing Capacity or variants of these modifications remain 100% legal in all States and Territories, other than Queensland and NT, for all vehicles when modified after first registration/in service vehicles (State Compliance). State based GCM modifications are governed by the State Authority and their individual Type Approvals or Modification Codes. Lovells GVM/GCM/Towing modifications have always been legal and we have always strived to ensure compliance with the Federal, State and Territory Regulators. The whole point of GVM/GCM/towing upgrades is to ensure the ongoing compliance and safety of vehicles and occupants when carrying/towing heavy loads and thus ensuring the safety of other road users. Despite false reports in some forums and competitor press releases, safety is not an issue. SSM Approval holders can attest to and advise categorically that there is no evidence of any safety issues, accidents or fatalities due to or related to any GVM/GCM/Towing Upgrade. In Summary • PRE REGO there is no change in plating vehicles with GVM & Towing Upgrades. GCM as defined by the SSM manufacturer • POST REGO vehicles can be plated with GVM upgrade. The Towing and GCM upgrade would be supported and approved via State Authorities and state based signatories. • The implementation of 0-4-6 is for all future SSM approvals ***SUMMARY FROM MYSELF*** The GCM and BTC upgrades have been brought into the market because 1. A vehicle will exceed its GVM with the ball mass of a large towing apparatus added – and/or 2. The GCM of a vehicle will be exceeded because not all vehicles GCM are calculated with GVM+BTC – and/or 3. The axle capacities of a vehicle will be exceeded with the ball mass of a large towing apparatus added. Additionally, another key reason why the towing upgrade was brought into the market is due to caravan manufactures producing a caravan that has (for example) an ATM of 3500kg but its tare weight may be up to 3400kg or often above the issued ATM itself – which is a huge problem for a vehicle rated to 3500kg towing capacity. The fact is vehicles have been legally impractical (from a payload point of view) since vehicles existed, we can all agree that the older generation willingly knew and towed illegally because that is the way that it has always been. Times have changed, society is much more focused on safety, and insurance companies will always look for a way out of paying out a claim (as they should). Now people seem to be aware of this issue due to the publicity around it – which is fair enough people want to be legal. Everyone seems to have forgotten about the most significant loser out of this is the end-user. The retired generation, tax paying citizen with their dream car and caravan that want to be legal. These people want their $100,000 motor vehicle and $100,000 caravan to be legal which now solely due to TMR is not possible. We are aware of many members of the public that have placed orders for 3.5tonne towing apparatuses and/or 4.0tonne towing apparatus with the intent of utilising their current vehicle to tow these applications. These individuals have purchased their new caravan builds based on the fact that the Lovells GVM, GCM and BTC upgrades exist and now as a result are unable to tow legally or locate a replacement vehicle that can tow legally. This will cause huge financial hardship for the people affected by this which clearly is directly caused by TMR QLD. We also can’t imagine the impact to the tourism industry in Queensland when this group of people from other states who may not completely understand the impacts of the proposed legislation and possibly start avoiding Queensland as a destination. The list of problematic vehicles is across the board. To name just a few of the more commonly known vehicles – VW Amarok V6, Isuzu D-Max, Holden Colorado, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Prado, Toyota Landcruiser 76, 78 & 79 series. All of these vehicles state a maximum towing capacity of xxxx kg, however when attempting to use all of this towing capacity the vehicles GVM and/or GCM and/or axle capacities will be exceeded. The SSM accepts full liability and responsibility for all these modifications carried out and there is no evidence of an incident or fatality due to these upgrades. TMR QLD has been speaking of universalising State Legislation for over 20 years. The fact TMR are not allowing GCM upgrades post-registartion contradict practices in most other States and Territories where GCM upgrades are able to be carried out post-registration. They appear to be in direct contradiction to the Federal Government’s VSB14, which exists solely to allow GVM/GCM/towing upgrades to be undertaken safely.

Hi Liz and Graham The CP3 appeared to have a rear door. Cheers Bas

Hi Tony I started with ATZs and the almost identical tyre is now known as All Terrain Deegan 38. Deegan is/was an off-road racer who used MT tyres. The Cruiser has ATZs on the front and 38s on the rear, all with similar mileage/wear of course, and the ATV has ATZs all round. I have heard the claim about MTs and Coopers and it appears MT is one of the Cooper Tyre company's many brands. Bas

What about Mickey Thompsons? Have been using them for 10 years, had good mileage, the ones I have used are quiet, good in the wet and readily available. Bas

Melbourne Trailers at Chelsea Heights is the Australian Dexter agents and are recommended. Bas

As well as the latches, it could be the seal on the boot doors, and there is a small drain hole in the bottom edge of each door. I replaced the seals with a better product than the original (Bunnings has a huge range), put a small piece of fine plastic pipe into the holes (don't push in far), and at Kedron's suggestion, filled the gaps around the latches with a heavy grease. I used wheel bearing grease as it has a high melting point. It ain't pretty but it works! Bas

Hi Mike Tony nailed it pretty well. While at Elliott Heads a few years ago we had a/c problems and the fellow from Bundy that came out to resolve the problem, used a sheet of thick ply to spread his weight while removing the a/c cover and working on the unit. I have since used a sheet of ply when necessary to get on top of the van. Bas

Karen The IE/Chrome thing is something which I experience from time to time. I will have been using IE for years and then for no obvious reason it will not open a certain site. Regards Barry