ATV42

Hi Steve and Kez. When towing on the blacktop we usually travel about 90-95kph and find that more economical. On the dirt etc, it varies greatly on the conditions. As you are probably aware conditions can change quickly and hence your speed. Cheers Pete

Hi Jim We have a standard 2011 GXL diesel, and tow a 2012 19ft 6in internal ATV2 with a 3500kg ATM. We record fuel and average our fuel consumption on completion each long trip. Recently we completed a 8500 km trip around Queensland. Travelling on the bitumen highways, dirt roads, over a few sand ridges and on muddy tracks over a period of 65 days, we averaged 21.3 litres per 100 kilometres over that distance. Cheers Pete

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

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

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

Hi Reece I don't know any on the south side of the Harbour. We go to Sydney a couple of times a year, and always stay at the lakeside Big 4 caravan park at North Narrabeen on the north side. Over the years we have seen people leave their vans etc there while they go on a cruise or fly out somewhere. Public transport is good in Sydney, and you can go all the way to the airport from there; but allow plenty of time. Cheers Pete

Hi John We had Kedron a 75 watt solar panel fitted in front of the aircon during the build. Shortly after we had them remove the Wynguard TV antenna and fit the 4th 140 watt panel. We always use the automatic roof mounted sat TV. That's how we found the roof space for all our panels. Cheers Pete

Hi Ian In our ATV we have four 140 watt and one 75 watt solar panels (635 watts total) and three 120 amp batteries (360 amps total). Our normal usage (lights, water pumps, compressor fridge, sat TV etc) is between 130 to 140 amps per day. As you can see by these figures, we need to put that power back into the batteries every day. In a normal day in Queensland we can usually do this. But there are circumstances we can't control ie clouds, short winter days, and the occasional tree that might block a bit of sun. In addition to the solar panels, we can charge the batteries via a 40 amp 240 volt charger on mains power or via our generator; we also have a 40 amp DC to DC charger. If there aren't many people around in a free camp, we usually run the gene for an hour while having breakfast, so we can use the toaster and to put a quick 40 amps or so into the batteries. We rarely let our batteries drop below 60 percent. The theoretical figure on the ratio of solar panel watts to battery amps might be impractical to implement as there may not be enough roof area on your van, bearing in mind the area taken up by hatches, aircon etc. Putting the batteries under the dinette seats sounds good, but if it were a solution, I'm sure Kedron would have done it. The batteries in the boot is an important factor in providing a ball weight of around 10 percentage of the van. If you move the batteries, you need to compensate for that weight being removed from the ball weight. By putting extra 'stuff' on the draw bar to compensate the repositioning of the batteries could result in the van exceeding its ATM. Hope this helps in some small way. Cheers Pete

Hi Colin Hope you and Gayleen enjoy your new tow vehicle. All the banter aside, they are a nice vehicle. Enjoy. Pete

Hi Chris The new premises are about 2 kilometres or so from the old one, still in Brendale area. They are not keeping the old one. Cheers Pete.

Hi Chris That's right, The Kedron factory has moved to new, but existing premises, I was around there the other day. It is a huge area they have. No doubt Glen will publish contact details shortly. Cheers Peter

Hi David I think I saw your blue Kedron out at the factory a week or so ago, it was there for a service. Congratulations to you and Jane on your new rig, enjoy. We'll have to catch up some time. Cheers Pete

Hi Colin The fact is, we were in the same dilemma mid 2011. I drove up to Performax in Gympie for a test drive of a Silverado. Stepping from a 1998 manual 100 series Landcruiser into the demo Silverado was fantastic. The salesman let me drive up along the Bruce Highway for about 20km, it was an awesome thing to drive. On the way back I asked to drive through the Gympie CBD; the vehicle was too long to fit into a regulated street parking space, and too wide and long to fit into a carpark space at Woolies. Since the Silverado was also going to be our daily drive, the parking experience turned me off. We would have had to buy a small town car. Paying 2 regos and insurances to drive each one 4 to 6 months a year didn't make sense. Hence, our compromise was an easy decision to suit our needs, In August 2011 we purchased our 200 series as our daily drive and to tow our ATV for two. It's booked in next week for a 100,000Km service, we don't travel much!!!!!! Cheers Pete

Hi Colin Big decisions !!!! Just a few thoughts. There is no doubt a Silverado has enormous towing and load carrying capacity, but it's not very good as your 'daily drive' around town. Depending on your house design, it may not even fit in the garage and so where do you garage it. Then there is the servicing issue, who can service them and where do they get the information from ie service manuals and parts. With the long wheel base, overall length and turning circle you might find it difficult in and around caravan parks, and we all use them from time to time. The 200 series Landcruiser the other hand, does have the power and torque the tow your Kedron wherever you want to go. It does have a weight issue, and there has been many discussions of various forums regarding this. The vehicle can be your 'daily drive', and is more user friendly around town and in caravan parks. Before a major trip we put our 200 series/ Kedron over the weigh bridge to ensure its within limits. As you know, there are Toyota agents dotted all over the country, so servicing and parts are not a problem. We have owned Landcruisers since 1980, and never had a major problem with any of them. They are like a faithful dog; look after them and they will do anything for you. It's all about compromise, and IMO the 200 series is the best compromise. Cheers mate Pete

Hi Jaap. That's a bit of bad luck. Sikaflex might be a fix to get you out of trouble, but I would replace them as a long term solution. Cheers Pete.

Hi Rod and Sue We're heading west now, and will be in Georgetown on Thursday. We'll wend our way to Mt Isa and then down to Birdsville. Margaret loves Birdsville (not). We're not too phased about missing out on the Cape, there's always another year, we hope!!!! As long as we are out and about with our Kedron and enjoying life, then it's all good. Cheers Pete.

Hi RodnSue. We have abandend our trip to the Cape. Despite hearing various "first hand" reports saying the road was passable. It is not when towing a van or even a heavy camper trailer. If you phone ahead for conditions, don't relay on info some backpacker working there may give. We got as far north as Hann River RH today, only 76km from Laura. The road was very wet, muddy and slippery, like driving through a foot of baby poo!!!! Those we spoke too at Hann said the conditions deteriorated further north and even worse from Musgrave to Coen. Officially the road is still open. Even as we started back to Laura it started to rain again. The traction control on our LC 200 was working overtime keeping us on the road, let alone in a straight line. It will probably take weeks to dry out, then there will be the ruts caused by the road trains, we had one coming towards us, leaving deep ruts behind him in the mud. It may take months!!! Apparently north of Coen is OK. So we erred on the side of caution and safety, and returned to Laura. We'll try again another year. Peter & Margaret

I and D The anode is replaced relative to its condition. It's condition is dependant on a variety of factors including the water used. For example, bore water in remote areas will eat through an anode quicker than mains pressure water in a city. In our ATV for two, we inspect its condition several times a year and then replace the anode, regardless of its condition, during the Christmas holidays when we are not travelling, as this is when we do our van maintenance. That way we always start our travelling with a new anode. If you explore this and other forums you may find further articles on the subject including diagrams of the anode during various stages of ware. If you go to the link Webby provided on 22 May, you will see such diagrams and read additional information. Cheers Pete

Hi Sue At this stage our plan is to head north from Laura about 13 June and south from Laura about 05 July. But we rarely stick to our plans!!!!! Pete

Hi RodnSue. We might see you on the track somewhere. We hope to be up there before the school holidays start Safe travels Peter and Margaret

Hullo Sue and Ian Sorry to here you have to go back over to the west on short notice. Travel safely. Peter and Margaret.

Hi Colin Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable trip in a wonderful part of the country. Margaret and I are heading north on Thursday, and may end up on an island by the same name. Travel safe and have fun. Pete

Hi Colin Enjoy the journey. Dinner at the Family Hotel in Tibooburra is good, check out the artwork!!!!!!! Travel safe Pete

Hi Chris We are still in Brisbane, but have been over at Redcliffe (Scarborough CP) for a week of looking after the grandkids; the things we do!!!! Heading north towards Townsville and maybe the Cape towards the end of May. Pete

Hi Chris Have a great trip heading north and enjoy all the places along the way. Travel safe Peter and Margaret