Yabbietol
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Posts posted by Yabbietol
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Have you thought of these, I have not used this company. So I cannot speak from much knowledge of them, but the flexible panels look interesting in terms of weight and mounting. I am sure there are many other suppliers of various quality flexible panels and they may be worth a look.
https://www.solar4rvs.com.au/solar-panels-flexible.html
Good luck, Regards
Terry
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Hi Chris,
Big test on solar today. Last night was fine with the charger switched off and the fridge running normally all night. Batteries showed SOC 88.6% and 12.6 V this morning. Full solar for a few hours only this morning and SOC is 98.5% and 13.3 V (was up to 14.3 V when the panels were pumping it in). So, all seems good and I'm now confident of travelling the GRR and all the side trips we may do.
As far as the 120Ah v 130Ah question is concerned, perhaps it is too mundane although in my ignorance I thought it would generate a little discussion at least.
Now we are back on track.
Chris how are the new batteries going after a few days of use, is the 450W solar keeping them charged OK?
Regards
Terry
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Thank you Tony and Lea.
I apologise for any offence I have caused.
Good management of forums like this is essential to keep them useful and interesting. Thanks again for your efforts.
Regards
Terry
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Hello cvtripper
You seem to be a bit negative about what other people are doing, rather than just fishing for information I suggest you provide some useful comment based on your knowledge.
if you are a fan of Lithium batteries how about some good solid information (or URLs) with brands and prices you know about rather than just bagging other peoples choices. Nothing wrong with a bit of discussion, but if you are going to be negative about peoples choices and actions I suggest you come up with some positive alternatives.
So far your comments are very general and lack specific useful information. Do you sell Lithium Battery systems? if so please provide some useful information about your systems. Or if you have experience installing and using a Lithium battery in a caravan system tell us a bit about it.
These forums are great for finding out stuff, but work best when people are positive to each other and exchange information.
Terry
PS cvtripper hope you are not just another boring troll, please tell us who would you buy your Li battery system from?
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We also struggled with the cost of the Lithium. We were originally going for two 120Ah AGM, but were concerned about the weight. We do have to work on keeping the weight down as we are towing the 16' XC3 Compact single axel with a Pajero and need to keep an eye on our ATM (under 2500Kg) and ball weight (under 250Kg). The Lithium battery set up also allows us to use a compressor fridge and do more bush camping. So it is expensive, but we are looking forward to use the Caravan for the next 10 years at least, so 200Ah Lithium batteries are also a long term proposition.
We won't be living in the van, but intend to be travelling for around 6 months per year. Always worry about being an earlier adopter of technology, but the system Kedron are fitting is proven technology from a good reputable company (Enedrive) with a lot of experience in Lithium technology. We also like the idea of having it fitted at construction. Time will tell if we have made the right decision.
Regards
Terry
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Thanks.
The 16' now comes with 300W (2 x150W) if you have the compressor fridge and one 150W if a 3 way fridge.
Regards
Terry
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That sounds like a good fix, well done.
I think 130Ah vs 120Ah should make little difference as long as SOC is calibrated, just about 8% more storage, a small difference easily overwhelmed by temperature differences.
Out of curiosity how many watts of solar do you have on caravan?
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Suggest have look at video in article, in demo backs boat down ramp with turning on to it. The steering wheel does move quite a bit in video so it looks great for tight twisty spots. Although the camera only sees your tow bar not the back of the tow, it appears to work well.
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New backing assistance technology coming to Ford in the US in 2016. Maybe here soon?
http://www.wired.com/2015/05/ford-makes-backing-trailer-easy-turning-knob/
Looks interesting.
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We have fitted Sensa tyre pressure monitors to our Pajero and have found them really good. They are the type that are mounted on a stainless steel band attached to the inside of the rim, battery life in the sensor is about 5 years and in this position they are well protected and give a good indication of the tyre and rim temperature as well as tyre pressure. In this position they are also hard for someone to steal and do not interfere with changing tyre pressures for rough roads.
It cost $20 per tyre to have them fitted and each tyre rebalanced. We have three additional sensors for our new single axel 16' Kedron (each wheel and spare). These sensors will be fitted to the caravan during assembly by Kedron. We just drove from Queanbeyan to Kedron in Brisbane and back and the sensors on our Pajero worked really well.
We will see in August when we do our pick up how they go on the caravan.
We bought them from these people and found them most helpful when I had a couple of questions.
https://hannibalsafari.com.au/index.php?page=sensatyre-2
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Hello Brian
Christian who runs the Stone Stomper is very helpful, I have had dealings with him in the past about a stone stomper for another brand of caravan. The product is well made in Australia and Christian stands by his product. When I get my new van I was planning on buying one to mainly to protect the back of my tow and reduce the dust on the back of the tow. The fitting you describe should still reduce the dust (on tow) and protect the back window of the tow, plus breakaway cable link.
Christian may be able to direct you to a Kedron owner who has fitted his product. Also I have seen a photo somewhere of a Kedron with a stone stomper fitted, unfortunately I can't recall where I saw it, it still however had the original Kedron factory stone guard.
I will be very interested in what you find out.
Regards
Terry
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If you have mould growing the first thing is to kill it, the best thing to do this cheaply and safely is a solution of ⅓ (cheap) vinegar with ⅔ water. Spray this on the mould and keep doing it until the mould stops appearing. This may take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how much mould is present. Once the mould has died cleaning with a mid non abrasive cleaner like Windex should work.
Alcohol (metho or isopropanol - rubbing alcohol) can be used to kill mould, but it smells, and be careful in a confined space. Alcohol is good for cleaning off mould build up, but vinegar is more effective and less smelly. Bleach appears to work, but often it only bleaches the visible spore growths and does not kill all the mould, bleach also can damage some surfaces. Be careful of many commercial cleaners as they can damage some surfaces and are often a mixture of some quite nasty compounds. Do not under any circumstance mix cleaners and use them in a confined space, they can liberate ammonia or in some cases very toxic chlorine.
The best way to keep showers mould free is dry them after use and occasionally spray with a vinegar solution. If black mould (aspergillus niger) appears spray with vinegar or wipe with alcohol as soon as you see any black spots. This will stop mould from building up.
Hope this helps, not sure how to remove the yellow stain, but it is likely caused by chemical damage to the surface from the "Exit Mould" which contains Sodium Hypochlorite which is quite a nasty chemical bleach and Sodium Hydroxide which is a strong alkali. Many plastics and resins discolour in contact with bleach and alkali, so more bleach or aggressive cleaners may only make the stain worse.
Below is a link to the MSDS for Exit Mould.
Be careful and good luck.
Regards
Terry
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Hello Sue
We have purchased the Pizzy and Knight app, you were right it is well worth the $50, we find it easier to use and more comprehensive than the Morcombe app. We have now used it a few times and really like the the ID feature. We recently spotted and ID a Golden Whistler in a reserve (Stony Creek nature reserve, Carwoola) near home, first one we had been able to ID.
I think it would be great for Birding beginners as well as those with some experience. Thanks for recommending it.
Good birding
Regards
Terry
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Tyre monitoring systems can give you the temperature of your wheel and tyre. The best kind for this are where the sensor is mounted on the centre of the rim by a stainless steel band, they have a sensor battery life of 5 to 7 years. I have a set on my car and they work very well. I have additional sensors for fitting to my new van, when we get it in August. The set up cost $700 for 7 sensors and monitor from a company in Qld. They are Sensa brand.
https://hannibalsafari.com.au/index.php?page=sensatyre-2
I spoke to the supplier and they suggested the steel band type sensor for 4WD and off road. It also cost me $20 per tyre to have them fitted which included balancing of each wheel after fitting the sensor. This type of sensor gives pressure and temperature and have adjustable alarms which let you know of pressure changes and temperature changes which are a bit abnormal. They probably would let you know if your bearings were hot enough to raise the temperature of your wheel rim.
They work great for tyres, not sure about bearings, but they should give you some indication of increased temperature.
Regards
Terry
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Hello
I agree with Tony, I would also suggest if you are near Brisbane and you do go ahead with the purchase, take the van to Kedron for a major service.
I believe these services cost about $500 (If no major problems detected)? This would be good reassurance and give you confidence in your new van.
Kedron do have a good reputation for standing by their vans.
Good luck
Terry
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Here is some more info on DSC I found on another caravan forum posted by a DSC user.
http://www.direclink.com/Sway%20Control ... e%204C.pdf
Regards
Terry
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Hello Sue
Thanks for the info, I am a keen birder, my wife is even keener. We are still learning since we retired and have more time. I did look at the Pizzy app, but have yet to buy it. I have been using the ebird site, but tend to do some research before a trip and then just go for it and record what we see, trying to make it a relaxed birding trip. We have the Thomas and Thomas, et al "The Complete to Finding the Birds of Australia" and have used it, but not enough, but intend to use it more.
We are picking up our new van in August and intend to make a trip to FNQ and Lawn Hill in September as our first Kedron trip and your blog has just made me get more enthusiastic about it. Birds Australia's Newhaven Station in the NT is on my list to visit one day, but have yet to find out if you can get a caravan into it, I have spoken to people who have been there and they said it was great, but a 4WD road. I need to do more research on Newhaven. However, we have been to gluepot a couple of times and can't wait to get back there with our new Kedron.
There are three camping areas in Gluepot and all are very basic, but nice, pit toilet and a couple of picnic tables. The visitor centre and shop are really good. I would suggest the camping area furthest from the homestead as it usually gets fewer visitors. Also the hides are great and you probably need a few days to see Gluepot as a birder.
I would like to see your Word doc. I will try to PM you for a copy.
Regards
Terry
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Hello Sue
I have really enjoyed your blog especially as a fellow birder, the pics of birds have been a great learning tool for me.
A suggestion that would help me a lot is a bit more info with each bird pic. The type of thing that would help me is rough time of day (e.g. early morning or afternoon) and type of vegetation you have spotted the bird in such as open grassland, thick forest, isolated clump of trees, etc. These couple of things plus the general location you already provide would be great to help myself and Ellie to spot some of your great birds.
I also have found the mobile phone app (both on phone and iPad) from Morcombe and Stewart "Australian Birds" really helpful especially the distribution maps and calls helping me with identification. I can also strongly recommend a trip to Birds Australia Gluepot in SA, it has about 60km of good dirt road (should be no problem for a Kedron unless it rains) to get there and good camping sites (no fires) and very well set up bird hides.
Keep up the good work, I looking forward to reading your next two birding instalments.
Regards
Terry
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Hello here is some more info on DSC
I asked Redarc if the Tow Pro was compatible with DSC and received a quick reply that is was compatible. This is an example excellent technical support for an Australian made product.
Note: The Tow Pro needs to have a resistor fitted as per below technical bulletin.
They also sent me a .pdf of the relevant technical bulletin with a list of other brake controllers and a wiring diagram. This .pdf is from DSC, so if you do not have a Redarc Tow Pro and want to get DSC here is a list of currently compatible controllers.
Regards
Terry
DSC bulletin Compatible Brake Controllers 02 2015.pdf
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Some useful info about DSC
I have been advised "Vehicle Components" in Brisbane can install the DSC in a Kedron for about $1500.
Regards
Terry
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Hello
I have used a Tekonsha and the older Redarc Tow pro and both worked well the best advantage of the the Redarc was that it could be put out of way with only the indicator and control visible and no knee knocking like my old Tekonsha. I have replaced my older Tow Pro with the latest model (with in built accelerometer), but have not used it to tow anything yet as we sold our old van and are waiting for delivery of our new Kedron.
I do notice that Kedron now offer it as an option when buying a new van, so this does tell me that at least Kedron like the new Tow Pro.
http://www.kedroncaravans.com/options.html
Note, It is at the very bottom of the web page.
Good luck Regards
Terry
PS Don't forget the Tow Pro is Australian Made with good local technical support, of which I have asked some technical questions and got good sensible answers.
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Hello Stu
I am very interested in stability control, because about a year ago off the Nullarbor Highway in very muddy conditions my Avan Cruiseliner (AGM ~1.2t) tried to overtake me at about 30km/hr. However, I managed to steer out of trouble and regain control, but it made me very aware of no matter how careful you are and how well your van tows sometimes it can get up a bad sway that is difficult to manage. The road was smooth and fairly straight, but with a very slippery muddy surface and occasional deep mud patches. The rain thad started to fall after we went down it and we were on our way back to the bitumen. The ESC on the tow vehicle helped, but it would have been nice if the van had helped as well. I have a lot of off road driving experience and training, and it certainly gave us a fright.
Interesting you have had it installed can you let us know what it cost all up?
I am not sure, but I think "Vehicle Components" the supplier of suspensions to Kedron, do you know if this is correct?
Good point about the current shut, I suppose that stops it from putting a drain on your van batteries when your van is in storage.
Really looking forward to hear what you think about the DSC after a bit of a trip. Who knows maybe one day Kedron might offer DSC as a factory fitted option.
Regards
Terry
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Hello
I have recently heard about a Dexter Stability Control (DSC), it is also sold in the US as Tucson brand. I believe it was released in Australia mid last year, it is different from the ALKO Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in that it operates both sides of the brakes on the caravan independently to reduce sway. Also according to their web site DSC automatically turns off on bumpy roads. The ALKO ESC has to be disconnected manually for rough roads and off road, often by unplugging power supply and ALKO will only fit their ESC to ALKO brakes.
The DSC also can be fitted to Dexter brakes without brake modification. I believe Kedron usually fit Dexter brakes. It is a similar price to the ALKO, but sounds like it might suit Kedron's better. The below article looks interesting.
http://www.melbournetrailers.com.au/Dexter%20Sway%20Control.html
Has anyone fitted (or planning to fit) the Dexter Stability Control (DSC) to a Kedron?
Also interested in any comments about stability controls in general as we are thinking of fitting one to our new Kedron, we asked Kedron and at this stage they do not fit stability control systems, so it would have to be done after pickup.
Thanks Terry
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Hello Richard and Tony
I would strongly suggest a careful read of the MSDS in the link above before using Oxalic acid based cleaners.
I am a qualified scientist (UTS and UNSW) and through bitter experience have learned to be very careful with chemicals. I have worked in chemical and biological labs for many years, both industrial and research. I have had chemical burns on my hands when I was working in a chemical factory when very young and ignorant and accordingly I am now am very cautious. My injuries could have been much worse if not for protective eye glasses and clothing. I have witnessed chemical burns in others that have required hospitalisation and left permanent scars.It is important to note Oxalic acid can cause blindness, if it gets in your eyes it will burn your corneas. It is a level 8 corrosive which is the same as most concentrated acids. It certainly will clean things, but it is dangerous. It will most likely will corrode your caravan if you do not completely remove all residual traces of it. It does have industrial uses as a paint remover and also works so well at removing stains by combining with metals such as iron in the stains, so it will readily combine with metals such as zinc and steel. It will also react strongly and dangerously with aluminium (and magnesium).
So I would suggest it is not used without full knowledge of the risks and protective equipment (googles, impervious gloves, overalls, dust mask) as described in the MSDS.
Regards
Terry
Tyre Pressures and driving speed when off-road
in Public Forum
Posted
Hello
How did the single axel cross country go with the 35 psi on the Gibb River Road?
Thanks in advance.
Terry