Chris

Yes I saw that Ann. I wonder if the weight saving is at the expense of say the chassis? I love the strength of our chassis....

Up until recently I had lived all my life in the NT's Top End (initially Kakadu, then various places including Darwin). I am used to the heat and humidity, but hate it. As I got older I became more intolerant. I have discovered I like the cold weather with the change of seasons. We have two fireplaces as well as ducted aircon. My brothers who still live in Pine Creek (south of Darwin) still say they have a good paIr of thongs for formal occasions. ?

Ah yes, tongue in cheek, Tolley! ? We too are enjoying shorts and t shirts now we have reached Moree. And headed into QLD later today. Bliss to leave the cold behind. ☀️☀️

You have organised the trip at the best time weather-wise, in my opinion. We have travelled through the outback QLD at this time of year a few times and it is invariably sunny and cool. This is the best time for the Flinders altho' it can be freezing at night. Literally. Chris

Great thanks Peter, I hope your trip North is smooth running. We are now at Nyah in Victoria, heading toward Echuca tomorrow. It has been cold at night but today at least has been sunny. So the solar panels have been ticking over nicely. Are you doing a trip report? I love uour reports.... Chris

While we have had two Vitrifrigos in our vans, and are more than happy with them (although we too had a hinge fail, but Val welded that so successfully the little sucker is like kryptonite now) but we have been told that the brand is not what it used to be. Apparently the compressors are now made in china and not Germany as perviously. This may or may not be accurate but it is what I have read on other forums. There has to be a good reason for Kedron changing to Waeco.

Hi everyone. We head off on our annual trip north out of the southern cold, first thing tomorrow. The van is almost packed full of food, clothes and the stuff you take on such trips. Initially we plan to follow the Murray River, bush camping along the way until Echuca, then head North by an inland route. As yet we don't know that path.... The plan is to be in Brisbane about the last week of May. As the night here is chilly tonight ( about five degrees) I am glad we have the diesel heater. If you see us on the road say hello! Chris

Colin, I am sure many others would appreciate seeing it too. Can you save it as a pdf document which will of course be much smaller, amd then put it up on the forum? Cheers Chris

We agree with everyone that Kedron's service is exemplary. We too have a second van from the Kedron stable and it is due to the quality of the product as well as the after sales service. We have a small matter which needs addrssing and not only did Glen refer the matter to Tom in Service for us but he followed up with an email to make sure we had been properly looked after. Well done Kedron.

I think you will enjoy staying at a couple of camp sites and basing yourself there for day trips to other spots. My suggestions would be Mardugal (near Cooinda) which has showers and toilets and is near Jim Jim Billabong, and perhaps at the caravan park in Jabiru township. See http://www.kakadunationalparkaustralia.com/Camping_in_Kakadu.htm There is a nice camp site at the Oenpelli Crossing, near Ubirr Rock. Well there used to be a nice spot there..... A spot to camp which is well worth a visit is Gunlom, which has a large plunge pool at the base of some falls, and lovely pools up above the falls which can be accessed by a walking path. Wherever you go, take heaps of mosquito repellent. Chris

Another great account of what it is like travelling. I always feel as though i am there with you, March flies and all! Chris

CVT, Val says he hasn't checked it lately (I suspect that translates as 'never') but will do so when he services the van shortly. Chris

Yes cvt, we installed the silencer on the intake. Val bought it online either from England or Turkey.... It recuces the noise considerably. As air goes into the foam sleeve and extends the intake, he thinks it reduces the sort of problem considerably.

Thanks Rick. I had not seen this thread as yet. Will contact Jabob privately. Chris

We are planning a trip to Kangaroo Island at the end of this week ( by which time the cool change will be here!), and are travelling with the offroad camper trailer. The costs of taking the van on the ferry are astronomical and is even dear enough for the trailer and car alone... We have done a bit of planning already and note there is a variety of camping options. I have looked at a couple of other planning threads on other forums (fori?) already and that information is of course useful. But we would like specific recommendations for a camp site which is likely to be peaceful ( not overrun with hordes) and scenic. We have a four wheel drive and know how to drive on rough roads so the road less travelled is no deterrent to us. Being near water like a beach or river would be great but a view is a priority, as is nice vegetation and shade. I hope I am not asking for too much.... At this stage we are considering Western River Cove, Murray Lagoon Campground and Stokes Bay. Does anyone have a recommendation?

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of us, whether we are on the road or merely wishing we were! Have a safe and enjoyable festive season and a productive year ahead. May your chequerplate stay shiny and your batteries stay at full charge! And stay tidy!

Twice we have had a shattered solar panel. In both cases (a few years apart) our insurance company paid for the replacement. Actually, I think the first one may also have been damaged on the Oodnadatta Track! Christine

I recall that another offroader who often posts on Caravaners Forum (Shazmacca)and previously commented on a trip through the same sort of country you are planning to visit. As he travels with a dog I thought this might be of some interest to you too. See here. You may have already seen his posts. And of course, he has a website which makes great reading. Happy planning! Chris

Great to see you on here Barramundi. I replied to another post of yours over on Caravaners forum. Great to see you decided to buy a Kedron. Good decision. I thought you were goi g for a much shorter van... I gather you are from my old home town of Darwin. I lived in the NT all my life up until a few years ago when we moved to SA. I love it here but miss the Territory too. Chris

Colin, I neither condone nor oppose the restrictions on dogs in national parks. I simply noted your inclusion of Arkaroola in the draft itinerary and commented about the ability to legally travel there with dogs on board. Yes, Clare is a fantastic region to relax and enjoy the finer things in life. As it is only a couple of hours from our home we do go there from time to time and I can recommend some lovely places to visit or to dine out. Chris

Colin, if you were taking your dogs along, be aware that they will probably not be allowed at Arkaroola village or in the nearby national park. Also the Flinders ranges NP excludes dogs. Apart from the exclusion the rangers can and do use 1080 bait for dingos and that alone would make it undesirable to take furry friends. Check for yourself, obviously but I am confident of these restrictions. Chris

We love our Eco Pot (same concept, different brand). We use it a lot for soups or stews. Curries are especially good. I often make my potato and leek soup in it as well as the pumpkin soup. Rice cooks really well in the smaller of the two pots. Vegetable curries are particularly good as the curry flavours develop well. The great advantage of the unit is that it uses no power to cook the meal, after an initial bringing the meal up to simmer for about 10 or 15 minutes. And of course, having a meal ready after a long days travel.

Hi Elle. It may help to put up a few details here such as internal length of the van, number of solar panels and batteries etc. Then folk know whether or not the van is likely enough to suit their needs before contacting you. Photos are always good too, if you can put them up. From memory the van is 2008? I hope it sells quickly for you! Chris

Hi Jim. I see some kind faerie has already done it for you! Welcome to the group. Tell us a little about yourself and your travel experiences. We love pictures, too! Chris