Chris

We drove that route (with a Troopy) about two years ago, and it was a bit rough in places but nothing that would keep you out, I don't think. We commented at the time that our ATV would have little trouble... But there were a lot of nuts and spikes on the road, from the old railway sleepers, which could wreak havoc on tyres. We had no problems however. It wasn't all that spectacular country that it would tempt me back. Interesting, yes, but not as spectatcular as other places. mostly flat country with mulga bushes. I did take a lovely photo that day, which later appeared in this year's ABC Calendar... Can't insert it here as i don't know how...this forum doesn't work like others i regularly post to! When I try to insert a picture here it asks for an URL!! Cheers Chris

Hi everyone. here is the latest trip report which we hope you will enjoy. It includes our attendance at Imbil - in a sanitised version! Chris Stage_23_Melbourne_to_Brisbane_.doc

It was wonderful to catch up with so many old friends, and to make some new ones at Imbil. The camaraderie has to be experienced to be believed. And what a wonderful location for the gathering; lovely green grass, and a river view! Val enjoyed seeing the new Top Enders and now has lots of advice and suggestions humming in his head. Look out Stan! Without people like Webby and Ann, who put so much time into organising the event, it would not be possible, so a big thanks to them, and the others who made it all happen. I will be downsizing some photos for Webby soon, and she will probably post them - it might be easier for me, as the reception is limited here. Val and I have stayed on, and yes it is very quiet here, now the vans have all deserted us. Chris

Thanks for the advice everyone. It turned out to be a dead battery, which fortunately had not had enough time to drag down the other 2. Luckily the regulator was OK also. It was thoroughly checked by Ashley, (he looked at what was coming in and what was going out, and all was well from that angle). All is now working well, a week later. We are staying on at Imbil, taking advantage of what is a beautiful spot. Chris

Jody and Eric, how wonderful that you are coming too! I look forward to catching up with you. Where are you right now? Chris

As some of you know, we had problems with our solar charger system. Kedron have checked it all out and fixed the problem - simply a rogue battery. Well, so far it looks like that's all it was. I feel secure when it someone like Ash does the work. So that means we are still coming to Imbil. I can't wait. I saw a photo of the place on the new Phoenix site - cheeky fellows over on that site, eh? In the nicest way, of course. It is great to see them setting up their own dedicated site. And on one of the other forums (Caravaners forum perhaps?) they complimented us on the professionalism of our site. Well done Webby. We are here at the Zillmere Road cp, which is nice enough, but not as nice as the bushcamps we left to get here. Cheers Chris and Val

Definitely, definitely not!!!! I just voted. Seems the majority say yes... Chris

Thanks Mark. Good to hear from you - where are you guys right now? We are at Moree, on our way back to Brisbane to have this looked at. Ash has booked the van in for Tuesday to check it all out. It may well be the controller. But now, the batteries are not holding their charge. Even after disconencting the charger at night, boosting the batteries with a run from the genny, by morning they were down again. So you had a similar problem with the Steca? Val can't remember all the details of your story, so we would appreciate hearing it again, briefly. Did Kedron put the new system in for you, or did you get it done elsewhere? Cheers Chris

Thanks for all the positive feedback. Webby, it is beautiful weather here right now; crisp, sunny days and cold nights for sleeping tightly under the doona. Autumn is coming in and the trees are starting to turn gold and red...quite lovely. But glad to head north. Chris

We cover the bottom vent when travelling on dusty roads. Doesn't seem to affect the fridge at all... Chris

Stage_22_Parnka_Point_to_Melbourne.docI have attached our latest trip report, which you may enjoy reading. We cover Mt Gambier, the Great Ocean Road, and Melbourne. This is being posted from Macquarie Woods, a forestry reserve near Blayney, NSW. Beautiful area and wonderful camp spot. As Webby can attest.... Travel safely, Chris

We have had a problem with our solar panel charge readout. We have four 130watt Kyocera solar panels, and three 110 amphour AGM batteries, as well as a STECA 30 amp solar controller. A week ago, in the morning, the solar charger was showing low voltage in the batteries (10.5 volts). On checking the battries individually they were showing 12.6 each, When disconnected from the solar controller. On giving it a power kick from the car for 5 minutes, the system was again showing 12.8 volts. It didn't drop below this higher reading for the rest of the day. Charging from the solar panels seemed fine. A week later (yesterday) a similar thing happened. And again this morning. The batteries when disconnected this morning from the solar regulator and separated showed 12.7 volts. We are trying to work out if this is a battery problem or a controller problem. Any suggestions we can try? We are currently camped near Orange in NSW... Chris

Josh, ditto our LC! Thanks for posting this, Rosco - that's one of the things which makes the site so good; the friendly sharing of information. Chris

Aire Inlet is mentioned in Camps Australia Wide 4 as site no.676 (West campground) or 677 (East), and the Western one which is where we stayed is GPS S 38 48 06; E 143 28 40. You will note that there are two campgrounds (East and West), which are on opposite sides of the river, joined by a bridge. You can approach from Sand Rd, off the Great Ocean Road. The road is a bit narrow, and if another vehicle approaches it would involve someone waiting or backing up... We had no problems. The other road suggested in CAW (closer if coming from Apollo bay) may be the better approach, but this involves crossing the old wooden bridge. It has a gross limit of 5 tonnes. We did go over the bridge, slowly and a little nervously, and it was fine. The Eastern campground allows fires but is smaller and has no view. Chris

Hi everyone. I have posted photos of the camping spot we were last at - a magic spot with space and a million dollar view. It is accessed off the Great Ocean Road, via a slightly windy road but no problems even for a weighty Kedron! Cheers Chris

Wonderful news! How exciting for you both. I look forward to meeting you on the road somewhere. Can you give details while we wait for the floor plans (eg internal length, type of seating and bed, etc)? Chris and Val

We have just arrived in Melbourne for a week. Staying at Ashley Gardens Big4. Our ATV is now four years old and has done some hard yards, but you are very welcome to come by if you wish. We love to talk about Kedron vans! Chris and Val

...and when we pulled into Peterborough on the Great Ocean Road, there was another nice new Kedron. Marilyn and Derek are enjoying their new van and it looks great. Lovely people, and we swapped some advice on spots to stay. I will try to remember to post a shot of the absolutely beautiful spot we stayed at in the Otway NP, right on Are Inlet. Mowed green grass, sites overlooking the water, drop toilets the only facilities, but completely free. And reasonably quiet. Chris

As Kimbo says we had real problems with the Honda running the aircon at temperatures of about 45 or 47 degrees (admittedly it WAS hot outside!). We referred to the manual and it says the ambient operating temperature is below 40 degrees. After having the unit thoroughly checked twice by Honda agents, and no fault found with it, we relectantly decided it must be the factor of the heat on that day. Had similar problems in hot weather at later times too. Julie and Neil have reported the same issue, and they tell me they removed the slide from their Top Ender so the Yamaha 245 would fit in there, and have no problems since in ANY weather. Chris

I'm wondering if its the pressure release valve. It could be worth seeing if its been put back properly. Just a thought... In our van its in the middle of the cabinet under the fridge, and has a yellow knob. Check that it's connected properly by seeing that all the pipes are in the right direction. Chris

This is very similar to our Top Ender on order. Yes, we too have noted that our current plans to have the sink near the stair well is not practical and we will be asking Stan to change that around. I think the queen sized bed would mean too little cupboard space, and I want some room to move around the bed. Alas, my clothes too are all shrinking and I can't yet blame it on the Kedron fitted washing machines! Must be something in the water we wash our clothes in....not possible that its due to some other factor, like too many devonshire teas. Chris

We met another Kedronning couple the other day - Neville and Kay Armstrong (from Cairns, I believe). Val and I had decided to visit a spot called "Little Blue Lake" near Mt Gambier. and got out of the car on a blustery cold day to look at it. Another couple turned up, and we got talking (as I do). I asked were they travelling with a van (the LC had towing gear). Yes, she said, we have an offraod van. I asked what brand. A Kedron Top Ender she replied. My giddy Aunt! What a surprise. We spent some pleasant time chatting. Back at the caravan park, there was another Kedron ATV pulling in just before us! Don and Colleen Rosson, from Brisbane. We spent a couple of lovely days right beside them in the park, and had lots of nice chats. It is so nice to run into other Kedronning folk - I think they are generally the nicest vanners you can meet. (Okay, I have to admit I have met nice folk from other brands too). Chris

Hi everyone. I have had a new trip report added to the section titled "Trip Reports" courtesy of Webby. Webby has put the report there for me as I seem to have used up nearly all my space allowance for photos or attachments, and that dratted MSN won't let me delete old stuff. I will persist with it. Anyway, enjoy the report - it is in a new format. Chris Also posted below for your convenience - Chris_ValsTripReportPt2.pdf

Kingy, I am sorry we won't be seeing you there. But I know you will be pleased to have the surgery out of the way and to be mending nicely at that time! Another time? Chris

Hi Elle and Shane. Yes, I did know that the extra bench space came from having a front kitchen (you do have a good memory!). But Stan has managed to work some magic somehow by moving the kitchen inwards about 5 inches so I can have the same effect in a rear kitchen. This makes the bathroom bigger by the same amount - otherwise you wouldn't be able to get the door open! So you see, this is all your fault! For having such a great layout. Thanks so much for taking the trouble to post your plans, they are great to see. Chris