Michael J
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Posts posted by Michael J
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MJ, thanks for the interesting report. Makes me itch to get out there again.
Drawer latches. I have simply run a line of silicon from the wood, across the "nut" that vibrates lose and onto the body of the latch. Works for me. The silicon is easily removed if the need arises.
Regards
Colin
Hi Colin,
Tks, I was thinking along the same lines but Ted has added another part to the equation. Guess I will probably try the easy fix first..;((
Our planned trip for this year will test it...
MJ
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Good evening peoples,
We have returned from our initial trip, and very happy indeed with everything encountered..........boy you should have seen the 3-4metre croc we shared the river with for 4days;
)))))Anyway, we stopped at Clermont, QLD, for a few days and tried our had at gold prospecting. What a buzz, we hired the Mine Lab detector and spent a full day wandering around the designated prospecting area.
Yes we did find a tiny piece of gold (salted??? maybe, maybe not) I guess it was just enough to make us think, could we combine our love for travel in the van and our love for the outback and maybe, just maybe find a small 3kg nugget to offset costs>>>>
Have any, are there any KOGGERS out there that combine the two, and more to the point is it worth while.
Perhaps someone would care to share where they prospect (guess that's a silly question eh
))Just food for thought, comments ?????
Rgds
MJ
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It was good to hear your recent trip was such a success, Michael. You certainly covered a lot of territory and some interesting places. We look forward to the next edition!
Chris
Hi Chris,
See email.
Rgds
MJ
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Hi Maree and Peter
Over a year ago, I raised pressurising the van as a way of preventing or reducing dust ingress however, there was little or no interest in the method. I had seen a custom-built van with an air cleaner on it and the owner explained a bilge venting fan was used to suck through the air cleaner and into the van to pressurise it. It worked a treat for him and see no reason why it would not be a viable and permanent method of stopping the dreaded dust coming in, as an alternative to taping up vents, and using foam etc etc etc. The bilge fans draw very little electricity.
Regards
Barry
Hi Barry,
Your idea of pressurising the van indeed has heaps of merit. I too have seen campers/small vans that have been pressurised. Most, if not all, have been home made and appear to work well. Guess it is about cost v benefit to the manufacturer.
Must say that the amount of dust in our van was minimal considering where we went.
Like most things in life I guess, gotta put up with some small inconveniences to enjoy the majority of what life has to offer..
Regards
MJ
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Hi Michael & Gill,
Very good to see that you're out and about off the "beaten track" and enjoying yourselves
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The drawer catches on most vans are only made of plastic and will ocassionally, over a bit of off road bumping, fracture. This then allows the drawer to slide out onto the floor. We've got into the habit of removing our heavy drawers and placing them on the bed ,before a coming rough trip.
Even though the large plastic nut can be held in place with sic aflex(to stop it turning) the back of the catch will crack. I have strengthened the catches by screwing(before they break) a piece of plastic strapping across the back of the catch & fastened by two wood screws. Kedron was good enough to give us a couple of spares if they do break.
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If you happen to have any dust entering your hot water cabinet, check to see that it's not entering via the cabling condute coming along under your van from the batteries. This is a split condute and dust can enter it anywhere along it's length and be channelled into the cabinet. Sealing the cabinet end of the condute with sicaflex will stop the dust. We also always leave the waste plugs in the shower & handbasin.This will stop any dust while travelling as well as any crawling things from coming up when camped .
Good luck for the new year and see you on the road one day.
Ted & Hermy Mackedie
G'day Ted and Hermy,
Tks for taking the time to reply with a heap of good information. Your comments regarding the catches on drawers and cupboards was most interesting. I have spent a heap of time adjusting and tightening all the catches since we got back. Looks like I need to make some alterations too;(((
I am about to spend time under the van with a view to finding any holes that may let dust in and you comments make for a great starting base.
Yep, was dusty and corrugated but about what I expected and yes the van lived up to our expectations.
Kind regards and have a great year travelling.
MJ
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Good evening to all Kedron peoples, and anyone else reading.
After posting a somewhat inciting initial post, and honestly it was not my intention to do so, we are back from our first sojourn in our Kedron and, for what it is worth, would like to
put ‘pen to paper’ regarding our trip.
Travelled from South Australia to Broken Hill initially, just to reminisce as we lived there for 5 years. The CP as you approach BH from Adelaide is just adequate –IMHO
Anyway we toodled off to WCA but decided to turn left towards Tilpa and Louth instead of viewing the WCA historic buildings.
Tremendous history on this track and we had a ball…quite a bit of dust too.
Without boring youse lot, we made our way via devious means, to Brisbane to get the van serviced……………and it was done with minimum of fuss, and a great deal of care. I had expected nothing less to be honest. Another good reason to choose a Kedron.
Sapphires found at Sapphire and gold found at Clermont………good stories attached to both experiences.
Long story short, we tracked up to Undala and then across the Savannah Way through to Karumba. Turned around and made our way to Adels Grove –via an odd night or two;))
We had intended to go West, but circumstances have put that trip off until next year…anyway we took the dirt track direct from Adels Grove to Camooweal.
It was mainly tar until Glendambo, when we turned right and travelled down the dirt to Wirrulla. We then turned to Ceduna and then followed the coast road to Whyalla, visiting all the little bays on the way…….and fishing of course!!
Stayed with mum at Whyalla for a couple of days and then travelled back home.
To summarise…an enormous experience. Our van more than lived up to our expectations.
It was a tad rough in places, we lost two Kedron hub caps and one off the F250. The corrugations were so rough in places that we sheared off a spot light from the bull bar.
We also lost the anderson plug from the F250 to the caravan…….just ripped off;((
Anyway, for those that have stayed with us thus far, 10,000+kms, heaps of dirt/corrugated/dusty roads. The F250 took it all in its stride and returned good figures too. Good caravan parks, some not so good but heaps of
good free camping areas……….met some magnificent people too (have stayed in touch with a beaut couple –on the road full time, and with a ‘Bushtracker”)
Anyway peoples, again my apologies for my initial post. I will add that dust was not a problem. We used air conditioner pads between the flyscreen and outer door, also between the doors on the fridge and the water heater. All good. Hardly a spec of dust in the van,
Gill was more than impressed, me too. Did have problems with the drawer catches vibrating loose, guess a touch of ‘lock-tight’ will fix it..
If I can provide any info at all that may be of interest please let me know.
At this time we are planning for a trip from SA up to Darwin then across the West (GRR and Kimberly) –plus some gold detecting as an aside…….)))))) OH yessss bring it on…
Regards
MJ
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'Evening John,
I replied about 30 mins ago but it has vanished....Oh dear..
Anyway, to paraphrase what I wrote.... I was concerned about dust getting into the van through the drivers side vents for the water heater and the fridge. On reflection, the water heater area would not/should not be a problem however I thought that the fridge, being on 12v and 24x7 could suffer if ventilation was compromised...hence my initial post.
I have sourced some A/C filter and made up sections to fit the vents when we are on dusty/dusty roads. Guess it is just a matter of taking them out every night and washing then replacing in the morning. Trial and error I guess.
Will advise here if successful or not when we get back;)))
Thank your for your time
Cheers
Michael
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It would seem that I have upset many of the KOG by my comments to Pete and Mayzee re dust ingress. Out of order, yes. Certainly not designed to inflame, however what is done cannot be undone.
My sincere apologies to all KOGGERS that took offence.
I had indeed checked the archives, and like most forums they contain some relevant information and some that is quite old. Not what I wanted though. As a newcomer to this forum I guess I was looking for a tad of communication and interaction. Not to be told on the first post to check the archives.
I have re-read the post and concede that my comments were not what would have been considered acceptable. Sorry guys..
But I still love my Kedron..
-and Pete and Mayzee I owe you a beer.
Michael J
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Hello Michael J,
Kingfisher Camp is great. Camps 7 QLD 260 and, IMO, not to be missed. I agree re Robinson River and Adel's Grove. This time of the year there will be a lot of dust including Bull dust. If you can keep that out of your van, despite taking all the preventive measures, please let me know the secret.
Here in Cairns we have had a record dry month. It is the same west of us. So, Michael, it will be dusty. Don't forget to tap out you air cleaner filter on your tug every day.
Lastly Michael, often people ask questions on this forum and are simply and quickly told that there is a heap of previous discussion on the site and hence do a search. All those who have commented so far are, IMO, great Koggers and far from being rude will welcome you warmly.
The Savannah Way is great. We have often just found an isolated place where we can pull off the road and have a peaceful night. We have gone for 30 hours and not seen another car or person in the stretch between Hell's Gate and the Robinson.
Have a great trip and welcome to the Forum.
Regards
Colin
Thank you Colin for your time and information. With luck a nice Barra will be forthcoming too. Camps 7 is proving to be very useful, we are looking forward to this trip, should be good.
Safe travels
Michael
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Michael
I answered you're enquiry in good faith, I found your 'thanks for nothing' response offensive.
I have been helping people on this forum since it's inception, about 10 years. I don't recall any response to anyone by anyone in the way you did to me.
An apology would be nice.
Pete
Hi Pete,
Two questions from a new Kedron owner..."any problems if I seal around the fridge and water heater vents on dusty roads"?
Fairly simple. Check the archives you say. You do not know if I have, and give me some credit please. As you have helped people for the past 10 years then why not me? Would it not be easy to answer my questions......and then, maybe pointed me to the archives??
I do not know you Pete, and you are probably a very nice guy, but if I ask a fairly simple question on this forum please
do not give me a hard time.
End of story..I have a very good Kedron van and am very happy with it. I have joined the KOG forum site for general info and shared comadarie (spelling)
If you need really need an apology it is all yours, please accept it as such.
I just hope that you are not representative of all KOGGERS.
safe travels
Michael
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Tks Southy, never thought of the shower waste re dust coming in..ta
Michael
Have just checked out Robinson River and Adels Grove....both look heaps good.........
thanks Southy..
rgds
Michael
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Michael
I was only trying to help you.
This subject of dust has been discussed for many years, 5 or more years and there is a lot of information available. Since my initial reply to you I have looked up numerous responses on the subject that would more than answer your questions.
If you want help, don't shoot the messenger!!!!!!
Pete
Thank you Pete. It really does not take too much time to answer a newcomers questions. Only two, should I seal up the fridge vents and should I seal up the water heater vents.....sigh!! never mind.
Take care and travel safe
Michael
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The steel ratchet device is pressed into the alloy wheel and bonded. In my case the bond failed and the steel insert rotated within the Alloy wheel. The screw would not remove from the top of the male part of the McHitch, attached to my vehicle, other than by grasping the steel ratchet wheel, beneath the alloy wheel, with vice grips , to rotate and remove the pin.
Solution.....
Use a long socket 22mm to remove the assembly. Remove the steel ratchet from the Alloy wheel and repress in using a high strength Loctite or in my case Molytec 3277 Ultraloc, and drill a retaining hole through the bottom of the holes where the retaining removal pin locates and insert a ss bolt and nut (or a roll pin)as seen in close up photo 2014_12 11.01.11. This should be a permanent fix.
thank you Vagrant, not being familiar with this particular hitch, is there a possibility of the van leaving the tow vehicle??
rgds
Michael
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Michael
Thanks for nothing is not a really great response to someone who is trying to point you in the right direction to answer your query. That is not the KOGGERS way!
Think about your reply then Mayzee
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Put the plug in the shower waste and tape the vent for the range hood.
From Borralloola travelling east along the Savanah Way turn left and drive along the bank of the Robinson River for some great free camping and can highly recommend Adels. Grove great spot and currently not to crowded as they are having a very slow season and given how the weather is heating up it will be even quieter....hope this is of some use.
Tks Southy, never thought of the shower waste re dust coming in..ta
Michael
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Hi Michael
I would hope the Top Ender does not have any dust problems but I will offer my recent observations of the door on my van.
Check to make sure the door posts of the door frame are parallel to within -0 to +2mm if it is a Camec door, the width depends on the door fitted.
Check to make sure the fur seal is properly contacting the door post.
Check for any gaps in the rubber seals around the door and at door hinges.
As Pete suggested search this web site for posts on dust issues.
Cheers
John
Thanks John,
I have indeed checked around the door posts and all seems OK. I have sealed the vents on the door but was more concerned with the fridge vents (seeing as it is 12v all the time, and of course the water heater vents. Would not like to seal them up to find a problem later on;((
Thank you for your time.
rgds
Michael
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Hi Michael
This subject has been discussed numerous times over the years. I recommend you use the 'search' function on the forum to start your research.
Cheers
Pete
Thank you for your informative/qualified response. I had already researched the archives and it did not give me what I was after.
Thanks for nothing.
Michael
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Good evening peoples..
We are off, in the next couple of weeks, for our first "biggie" in the Kedron.
3yo Top Ender and very happy with it too.
As we are planning to travel the Savannah Way and GRR we expect a fair amount of dust.......
could even be a lot of dust!!!
Question to those that have been there and done that..whilst we have sealed the vents on
the door, what -if any- problems could be encountered if I seal the vents on the fridge and
heater???
-and would anyone care to share a few secret spots along the Savannah Way.....promise I will
keep them to myself;))
Stay safe
Michael
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Hello,
I am absolutely surprised that this thread has had so many hits, over 23,000, and that the number keeps growing. I can only assume that the reason people are still visiting the threads is to read the Trip Report. This morning I noticed that the link to the Trip Report had expired so I renewed it below.
/>https://www.dropbox.com/s/ckdrppy99agf3cj/Trip%20Report%20-Outback%20Way%202013.zip?n=119933804Regards
Colin
Thank you Colin for the link. As a 'new' Keddy owner it made for good reading and something to put on the bucket list.
Well done.
Regards
Michael
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Hi Koggers,
I am wondering if anyone has had their hitch pin break ? The hitch we are using at the moment is a McHitch 3.5t. The breakage came thankfully in a car park & not at speed. If we were on the road, it may of been catastrophic to say the least.
Regards Taka
Hi Taka,
Do you have some more info...anything such as a hitch pin breaking has me wondering as to the why's and how's.
Any chance of a photo??
Did it shear or what??
rgds
Michael J
Gold
in Public Forum
Posted
Tku Webby,
Don't want to make the same mistake twice;))
Will check my financials, and of course the archives..........
MJ