The Camping Thread

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by blueoval

You're right Sam. Im one of those seasonal campers. Really it will be 3-4 times a year and not for long periods at a time either.

Im at the point where I want to have some camping luxuries without forking out mega dollars for big named brands. Kings seem to fit that criteria pretty well.

I want to run this unit if I can from the 100aH battery and if possible, the 1500w inverter

https://www.philips.com.au/c-p/LM801...coffee-machine


Power consumption brewing
1450 W
Power consumption stand-by
<0.5 W

Brewing time one cup
30 sec
Capacity water tank
1 L
Capacity water tank
up to 8 cups
Cord length
0.8 m
Frequency
50-60 Hz
Max. cup height
120 mm
Pump pressure
19 bar
Voltage
220-240 V
Water boilers
1
Brewing time two cups
<60 sec

Do you think the Kings 1500W inverter could handle this?

https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/kin...-campsite.html

Well if the inverter IS 1500w it should run 1450 w for up to about 30 mins on a fully charged 100AH battery

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Well if the inverter IS 1500w it should run 1450 w for up to about 30 mins on a fully charged 100AH battery

In theory thats what I thought. But based on what Prydey is saying, its best to have a bit extra up your sleeve in case its draws extra for whatever reason.

Originally Posted by prydey

Shav, can't really answer that however here is the discussion I started on caravanners forum
https://www.caravanersforum.com/view...66096#p1366096

not sure if you need to be a member to read it. There's not a lot of discussion there but those who say it can be done, recommend an inverter around 1600w to 2000w. I guess it allows for a bit of tolerance in case the appliance draws slightly more than advertised??

This brand got recommended by a couple of members who have used it successfully for a number of years
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Pure-Sin...frcectupt=true

Bit dearer than the Kings one but I can't say whether or not a 1500w would be big enough. I guess you could message 4wdsupercentre direct and hope for an honest answer rather than someone trying to push a sale.

Oh Im not worried if I need to pay a little extra, I just dont want to spend the money and realize its not going to cope. That would tick me off more. The battery itself, well I know I can just get a second one if I need to but want to see if 1x100aH will be enough to power the pod machine ok a couple of times a day plus potentially a small fridge with the addition of solar panels hooked up throughout the day.

[prydey]

Not sure about running a small fridge and a pod machine at the same time. Again, a question for someone much more knowledgeable than me.

[Tassie f100]

Looks good,only thing I would question is how will that extra weight on the back end effect towing?

[BENT_8]

Thanks guys.

Yes it is quite big and without weighing it individually, id say heavy.
The people we bought it from had quite a bit in it and were towing it with a late model Cherokee having recently done a trip to Darwin but didn't mention any towing issues despite what you'd expect to be reduced tow ball downforce.
When we got it home i started adding stuff we'd need and on towing it at highway speeds i noticed it felt unsteady within a few km's.
It was so bad that i couldn't travel over 80k/hr.
I discussed it with a few knowledgeable people and the plan was to either remove the box and return it to how it was originally, or, gradually remove and/or shift the contents forward to restore the correct weight distribution, at this stage we've gone with the latter of shifting weight as the box is very handy.
Its surprising how much crap you take with you that you dont really need.

Things gradually improved to the point where it now tows quite well and i have no trouble at 100k/hr.
Surprising what little it took to rectify really.

The plan moving forward is to have the springs reset, a wheel alignment and discuss an axle load upgrade by a company at Wingfield who specialise in that stuff.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Surprising what little it took to rectify really.

Yeah, the further you go from the axle, the less it takes to become an issue, especially rearward.

Originally Posted by BENT_8

The plan moving forward is to have the springs reset, a wheel alignment and discuss an axle load upgrade by a company at Wingfield who specialise in that stuff.

Sometimes it's as simple as getting the plate restamped so that the ATM is the same or close to the axle group max. A lot of van makers just pull their payload figure out of thin air with no science behind it. Jayco is 300kg for single axle and 450kg for dual axle. Then you can have 2 identical vans, except one had the options fitted at the factory, and then the van gets weighed and plated, the other had the options fitted by the dealer, but since the van was already plated by the factory, one van has much less payload allowance than the other. The system makes no sense.

Yes, you guessed it, all my awnings and bed end flys were clearly fitted after the van was weighed and plated, as even empty I only have about 100kg left. I'd like to get my ATM lifted as well but wingfield is too far for me to travel. Should be something down south.

[Trevor 57]

Looks good mate, a question and a tip:

Q: does that box on the back make it wiggle when towing?

T: Put a padlock through the chains and take off the D-shackles, the thieving bastards these days cross the chains and rest the hitch on them when they pinch vans. Then when clear of the owner they get stuck into stuff with 18v angle grinders. I also chain my van via the underneath chassis to a 100mm x 100mm lean-to pole with hi-tensile chain and an expensive lock - and my van is in the backyard behind double gates. I trust no-one, I spent too much money to buy it for some ****er to steal it

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

Looks good mate, a question and a tip:

Q: does that box on the back make it wiggle when towing?

T: Put a padlock through the chains and take off the D-shackles, the thieving bastards these days cross the chains and rest the hitch on them when they pinch vans. Then when clear of the owner they get stuck into stuff with 18v angle grinders. I also chain my van via the underneath chassis to a 100mm x 100mm lean-to pole with hi-tensile chain and an expensive lock - and my van is in the backyard behind double gates. I trust no-one, I spent too much money to buy it for some ****er to steal it

Hi Trev, it certainly did wiggle, unfortunately the people we bought it from lived relatively close and so the initial journey home with it was all sub 60k/hr roads so i didnt get to feel how it towed at speed as they had it packed.
Once we got it home we obviously tinkered with things to have it packed to our liking and then on our first trip it was discovered scared **** out of me and ive pulled some big vans in my time.
As ive said, at this stage we've shifted weights around and it seems yo have rectified the problem but im still in 2 minds as to whether it stays.
They took it to Darwin as is and i doubt you'd sit on 80k's all that way so it must have been reasonably stable as they had it.
As is the way with these things trial and error, trial carefully to reduce the impact of error.

Great tip, will get onto that, could you put up a pic of how you have it?

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Hi Trev, it certainly did wiggle, unfortunately the people we bought it from lived relatively close and so the initial journey home with it was all sub 60k/hr roads so i didnt get to feel how it towed at speed as they had it packed.
Once we got it home we obviously tinkered with things to have it packed to our liking and then on our first trip it was discovered scared **** out of me and ive pulled some big vans in my time.
As ive said, at this stage we've shifted weights around and it seems yo have rectified the problem but im still in 2 minds as to whether it stays.
They took it to Darwin as is and i doubt you'd sit on 80k's all that way so it must have been reasonably stable as they had it.
As is the way with these things trial and error, trial carefully to reduce the impact of error.

Great tip, will get onto that, could you put up a pic of how you have it?

damn mate, I just dragged it out, I will post some pics later if that is OK.

With the safety chains, I drag one from the front and the other from the back then put a really good quality (read expensive) padlock through them to lock them together over where the tow hitch bolts on

When I looked at thing hanging off the back and noted it was a single axle, it would have to wiggle, mine does with less weight than that on the back, like 2 jerry's of water and moves around - I use a WDH to reduce it

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

damn mate, I just dragged it out, I will post some pics later if that is OK.

With the safety chains, I drag one from the front and the other from the back then put a really good quality (read expensive) padlock through them to lock them together over where the tow hitch bolts on

When I looked at thing hanging off the back and noted it was a single axle, it would have to wiggle, mine does with less weight than that on the back, like 2 jerry's of water and moves around - I use a WDH to reduce it

Thanks Trev.

[BENT_8]

Ok, so suspension is independant swing arm on leaf pack with shocks, the left hand centre of hub to wheel arch is 20mm lower on left hand side.
The plan is to have the springs removed, cleaned up and repacked to match correct height, no need for a lift as already offroad heightthe right hand tyre is scrubbing on inside edge which im guessing is due to the laft side sag.
Hopefully getting the springs repacked and alignment will fix that.
The axle mass upgrade is in aim of getting an ATM upgrade as there isnt a lot of margin from factory.

[sgt_doofey]

I wonder if making it fold up so the weight is closer to the back of the van rather than hang out the rear if that would help?
You'd still have to look to pack light things in it but would help with the stability a little.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by sgt_doofey

I wonder if making it fold up so the weight is closer to the back of the van rather than hang out the rear if that would help?
You'd still have to look to pack light things in it but would help with the stability a little.

I doubt you could do it as the weight of adding strength for a hinge setup would counter any saving.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

I doubt you could do it as the weight of adding strength for a hinge setup would counter any saving.

That sounds familiar

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by prydey

That sounds familiar

That is very sharp Rob, didn't even consider that when i wrote it..

Might have to get the CofG measured too.

[prydey]

Looking at the compliance plate, GTM is already at axle group weight, so you'll have to look at an upgrade to the axle rating to increase your payload.

Bit like mine those numbers. Virtually impossible to keep it legal.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by prydey

Looking at the compliance plate, GTM is already at axle group weight, so you'll have to look at an upgrade to the axle rating to increase your payload.

Bit like mine those numbers. Virtually impossible to keep it legal.

Yes, thats the conclusion i came too, this has some good info on having it done.

https://rvdaily.com.au/how-to-get-a-...hats-involved/

[Tassie f100]

If it was me I would be taking it off and,if you need a bit extra storage put box only about 3-400 mm out and mount the spare wheel under the back of the van.If you can’t put the wheel under,maybe mount the wheel as close as possible to the van and have 2 smaller boxes either side of the wheel.If you have 2 boxes you could make them a bit higher for lightweight bits and bobs.PS I reckon if you stood on that bumper,you would lift the front off the ground because of the overhang

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

If it was me I would be taking it off and,if you need a bit extra storage put box only about 3-400 mm out and mount the spare wheel under the back of the van.If you can’t put the wheel under,maybe mount the wheel as close as possible to the van and have 2 smaller boxes either side of the wheel.If you have 2 boxes you could make them a bit higher for lightweight bits and bobs.PS I reckon if you stood on that bumper,you would lift the front off the ground because of the overhang

Cant change the box height as it has to stay below the level of the bed base when folded down, as it is theres onlt 2" between top of box and bed base which i put two lengths of 4×2 across for added support as the bed base isnt over strong.
Next time im away i'll take a few pics to help explain the situation when in use.

[FTE217]

BENT 8, what kind of shocks are on it ?
Small bore ?
Re setting the springs a given But having a larger bore shock will help stabilty at the same time.

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by FTE217

BENT 8, what kind of shocks are on it ?
Small bore ?
Re setting the springs a given But having a larger bore shock will help stabilty at the same time.

Actually shocks don’t have a lot of effect on leaf springs like that,in fact most trailers don’t have shocks at all

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Actually shocks don’t have a lot of effect on leaf springs like that,in fact most trailers don’t have shocks at all

yes and no on both comments Tf100.

BENT 8 did quote this hence my post :
The plan moving forward is to have the springs reset, a wheel alignment and discuss an axle load upgrade by a company at Wingfield who specialise in that stuff.

I'm not sure by the under carriage pic BENT could confirm - at the front shackle pin is that a "strut" shock that is painted light grey as per the spring pack mate ?

Considering there is the mention of "swaying" due to the additional weight of that steel box at the back - my mention of a heavier shock (if it has them) was purely a helper even though shocks are for damping control of the spring upgrading to a heavier shock will help a little when experiencing side winds etc....
Just helping out. IF I'm wrong with my assumptions all and good.

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by FTE217

yes and no on both comments Tf100.

BENT 8 did quote this hence my post :
The plan moving forward is to have the springs reset, a wheel alignment and discuss an axle load upgrade by a company at Wingfield who specialise in that stuff.

I'm not sure by the under carriage pic BENT could confirm - at the front shackle pin is that a "strut" shock that is painted light grey as per the spring pack mate ?

Considering there is the mention of "swaying" due to the additional weight of that steel box at the back - my mention of a heavier shock (if it has them) was purely a helper even though shocks are for damping control of the spring upgrading to a heavier shock will help a little when experiencing side winds etc....
Just helping out. IF I'm wrong with my assumptions all and good.

Maybe my eyesight,but I’m not sure there are any shocks there.I think that grey thing is a water pump surrounded by water piping fittings

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by FTE217

yes and no on both comments Tf100.

BENT 8 did quote this hence my post :
The plan moving forward is to have the springs reset, a wheel alignment and discuss an axle load upgrade by a company at Wingfield who specialise in that stuff.

I'm not sure by the under carriage pic BENT could confirm - at the front shackle pin is that a "strut" shock that is painted light grey as per the spring pack mate ?

Considering there is the mention of "swaying" due to the additional weight of that steel box at the back - my mention of a heavier shock (if it has them) was purely a helper even though shocks are for damping control of the spring upgrading to a heavier shock will help a little when experiencing side winds etc....
Just helping out. IF I'm wrong with my assumptions all and good.

Certainly worth consideration, so ill run that past them when i take it in.

[BENT_8]

Right side suspension


Left side suspension up close


Shock absorber


Compliance plate


Thoughts?

[Tassie f100]

Those springs look heavy enough for that size van.If you want to jack it up a fair bit,you could consider fitting the axle under the springs rather than on top,but it will raise the van around 100mm.

[Tassie f100]

Me Bent8 could you please post up photo of the suspension setup.You really have me intrigued as to what it looks like and how it works

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Me Bent8 could you please post up photo of the suspension setup.You really have me intrigued as to what it looks like and how it works

Will do, just knocked off for the day so will take a pic when im home.

[BENT_8]

So during my travels for wotk yesterday i decided to take my lunch break at a small campsite at Langhorne creek that ive been eyeing off for a number of weeks.
Got talking to some people who are regulars and decided to give it a go so when i got home i hooked the van up and off i went.

This is the first time ive had it out since removing the storage box but what a difference.
Not sure if its the removal of the box, change of tow tug or combination of both but for the first time in the 12 months weve had it, towing it was a pleasure and the Ranger did it with ease.

Campsite is ok, flushing long drop toilet cleaned regularly, 20 sites, $5/night, bit of traffic noise but not a deal breaker, would be 75% full, lots of wineries and places to see close by.

Expecting a bit of rain today so probably take a drive around, will get some pics and post up when i get home.

[Tassie f100]

Thanks for that Bent8.I have seen a few trailer suspension set ups,but never before seen and independent susp using a leaf spring.Anyway first time for everything.I would be thinking that the tyre wear will be caused by an alignment issue with that wheel rather than because of different ride height on the other side