Merv and Di

Please include some suggestions for the door vent. Cheers Merv

Thanks guys, the reason for me asking the question is because there have been numerous comments and stories of TE's and ATV's around the 3.8t+ mark when fully laden for extended trips. These weights exceed the 3.5t max towable by most of the vehicles in Australia and I know that some have tried and I am not quite sure if successful to have their tow capacities increased. Yes Steve, that is the way I have gone as well. Cheers Merv

We all know that our vans seem to be heavier than they should be and some of us have upgraded our tow vehicles specs in an attempt to counter this weight problem, but one question now comes to mind. How many have changed over their tow bar mounts (tongue) to either a 4 tonne or a 4.5 tonne mount or has this aspect been overlooked and people are still running with the 3.5t approved tow ball mount? Does the insurance aspect now come into it should something untoward occur? Cheers Merv

Could either be an air lock in the system or a blockage in the valve at the base of the mixer tap if you have one. Try having the pump on and a combination of hot/cold to see if it clears..otherwise you might just have to pull it apart. Cheers Merv

Hi Mal Just spoke to my son (Plumber/gas fitter) and definitely agree with Tony it will be the Thermocoupling. Usually pretty simple to change over. Cheers Merv

I hope you increased your towing capacity of your tug...? Or had one already that could legally tow above 3500kgs. Cheers Merv

Two words come to mind when reading this episode, 1/ Discipline. By the parents to control their kids and the supervisors of HV8 with their staff. 2/Service. Which appears to be sadly lacking. HV8 is supposedly a training facility, considering the amount of people that now frequent this establishment and considering the amount of advertising they have done on the various holiday/recreation shows in the various media. It would appear that this campaign is obviously working but the property's management cannot cope. It might be time to get the professionals in and run it as a resort that it has now become. I have never been there but it was on the list, I am now having second thoughts. Cheers Merv

Don't try to roll over Tony.....!

It is nice to be able to learn something new each day.......

We have never had a problem with the three panels/batteries and have been parked in part shade on more occassions than I would have like, just my opinion save your money on the extra panel and put it towards a 2+kva generator. Totally agree with the comments on Coopers, they are not a heavy tow tyre on vans or cars. Cheers Merv

Hi Bondy and Jenny We ummmed and ahhed about getting an extra solar panel but in the end we decided against it, we found that the 3x 135's with 3x 120amph batteries was more than enough, but it will come down to what you would like and just how much extended free camping you will be doing to justify it. Also look at the extra weight. We went for the 1800w inverter as well just in case. You are both going to have a lot of fun putting this together. Cheers Merv

Hi Barry & Shirley and welcome to the forum. I know that you will thoroughly love your new van and I don' t wish to put a dampener on it but I think you will have a weight problem. With the addition of the extra solar panel you will be getting up to Top Ender weight of 2.9 plus 300 kgs for water when full it is not going to leave you much. I hope I am wrong and some morE seasoned owners might be able to assist you. Cheers Merv

I remember trying this one last year and all I remember is the good sleep I had. Don't know what the cake tasted like but the sampling of the single malt was glorious.... Cheers Merv

I can't recall what Kedrons recommendation was for tyre pressures, tarmac 45psi and gravel 35psi? Someone else might be able to help. Chers Merv

Why bother, for the same price after rebate and cheaper calls ($1.00 per minute) get a real IsatPhone on Inmarsat. Apparently the Thuraya network has problems if you try to take one into Bangladesh. There was an article only recently of a businessman locked up over there for possession of a Sat Phone on that network which is used by the local terrorists.. Cheers Merv

Hi Ronnie We currently tow our 21ft TE with a Land Rover Disco4 (3500kg tow) and it tows it brilliantly but the weight factor of a big van is a concern for me. We are averaging 16.5lts/100 in fuel with this vehicle but as I said the weight is concerning me enough for us that we are currently looking into a Chev Silverado extra cab (4500kg tow) which is around the same price as the Disco It will be an interesting exercise for you to decide which way to go but saying that I wouldn't give up the TE for quids. Cheers Merv

WE had a twin bike rack installed on the 'A' frame of our Top Ender when we had the van built. We seem to use the bikes more when we are away than ever.. Cheers Merv

A little ditty from the ceiling of the Silverton Pub. "I am glad I am Australian and I am glad I am free. But I wish I was a dog and Julia a tree"

We spoke to Tom about this when we picked up our TE four weeks ago and was told not to connect to house batteries and just change the battery every six months. From what I have read on various forums the advice changes as much as the weather in relation to this. Do I love this van... you betcha, even she does. Cheers Merv/Di

Thanks Rod and Mavis, I will look at having one fitted aftermarket when we get back to Victoria. I am a little disappointed that Kedron either could not or would not or both fit one prior to hand over. Merv

Thanks Sue. Very interesting a apt reply as I have just heard back from Stan and he has recommended against fitting saying Kedron won't fit as they have had problems in the past with the unit but If I want one it will have to be done aftermarket. Cheers Merv

Thanks for the information, we pick up our new Top Ender in ten days so I have asked for a price and whether it can be installed prior to delivery. There appears to be a worthwhile benefit by installing a system such as this it is a pity it is not more widely advertised. Cheers Merv

"Catch of the Day" have one at the moment that is very similar for $14.95. These specials don't last that long but worth a look. Cheers Merv

Technically you are to arrange a permit for the van (cost and time allowed to tow back to your home state I am not sure of, I think it was $25.00 per day and there was a limit to the amount of days allowable) where you first register it, this also applies to motor cars. What is happening is a bending of the rules and is not endemic to QLD but also Victoria where you are right to say most vans are built. It is also a money spinner for the State of original registration. The best way around it has always been to registered in your home state very shortly after your return. Saves any hassles as you are now finding out about. Just make sure you have all your paperwork particularly the weigh bridge docket when first weighed. No State Registration Authority will register a vehicle etc sight unseen in another State this can and has lead to many undesirables getting involved in shonky deceptions.

It looks like it is going to be a busy time at the factory at the end of this month as our 21ft Top Ender is also going to be ready. After being away from vans for more than I would like to recall we are both looking forward to getting this one and enjoying retirement.