WHAT’S UP DOWNUNDER MARCH 2024 – CARAVAN FACEBOOK GROUP
Vanners Helping Vanners, compiled by Alison Huth, Editor at Large alison@whatsupdownunder.com.au
Red Centre Caravan Owners and Enthusiasts
Top Tip!
Ann posted: Kmart have this crisper liner. Its 100cm long so goes a long way. We did the crisper, bottom of fruit basket and bottom of little benchtop green waste bin that we use for spuds and onions. It is like 1cm thick foam and can be washed and dries quickly. We find it really protects your produce from bumping up and down and bruising as you drive. Might use the left over to line the saucepan drawer.
Urban Caravan Group of Australia and NZ
Practice Makes Perfect!
Make posted: Can’t wait to work up enough courage to actually move it enjoy Ps Da Tuff Club rules
Just bash it!
Kevin posted: I’ve been wracking my brain for a reason one of our rear stabiliser handles has been bent like this. I reckon somebody has used it as a foothold to then use the rear bumper and spare wheel to get up on the roof. I can think of no other reason.
Answer: I reckon you hit something. I did the same to one of mine. Hit it on a rock. Got a big bar and straightened it.
Leader and Supreme Caravan Owners Group
A stitch in Time!
Kate posted: Stitching on awning. Thought I would share this. I’m sure others have experienced the stitching on their awning perishing through UV or rotting. It’s taking a while but restitching the bad spots using existing needle holes. Easy to do but takes time – especially in the WA heat. Using a curved upholstery needle and Guturmann thread (from Spotlight). Satisfying result. (Someone also suggested dental floss as the thread)
Crusader Caravan Owners Group of Australia
A Spare in Time
David posted: Our 7 year old swift hot water system decided to start leaking. It had me stumped for 2 days trying to figure out where the water was coming from. It was dripping from the solid metal roof part of the system. Finally realised that the hot water outlet plastic elbow had a minute pin hole. It was spraying a very fine mist upwards. Got a replacement part for $19 some plumbers tape and all sorted now.
Secret Boat Trailer.
Spin 421 posted: Hi fellow Spinners I thought I would post a photo of my mountings I made for my Almac alloy fold up boat trailer I hope it gives you some ideas.
Jayco Silverline Enthusiasts Australia
Water Saving’s Easy!
Kay posted: Enviro manufacturing Co. Ordered online. TSV2A Enviro Water Saving Valve. $180 plus shipping plus tax, total $210. Hubby fitted the valve himself.
On the Move Caravan Owners Group:
Smashing Solar!
Bernadette posted: Can someone tell me if damaging 1 solar panel will stop the whole system charging on an OTM Traxx2? We have taken a hit on one of our solar panels and it has cracked it.
Answers came in yes, no and maybe. End result – solar panel replaced.
Option RV Caravan Owners Group
Thanks to Police and Firies.
Barry Posted: Yesterday was a massive day for us due to the bushfires on the Eyre Highway in WA. When we reached Eucla we were told by the Police that the highway may be closed again over the weekend. We arrived at the Caiguna Roadhouse by 3 pm with a huge convoy of trucks, Cars and Caravans. We left at 5.30 with a police escort for the first 180 kls to the fire area then another wait till about 8.30 to be escorted again by Firies to the Balladonia Roadhouse, was a total of 400 kms. We arrived at our free camp about Midnight SA time. We travelled over 900 kms but all safe due to everyone involved in the bushfires.
Personalised Snowie
Leanne posted this photo showing how she has personalised her kitchen. The large drinking water container is a great idea.
Retreat ERV was the first
Phil posted a link to a talk by Andrew Huett from OzXCorp at the Victorian Caravan Camping Super Show in Feb. Andrew created the battery system behind the ERV. Is this the future of the industry? https://fb.watch/qt5g82sWX5/
Portable Power
Maddy posted: Hi all, we have just plugged a portable solar blanket into this Anderson plug on the side of our van but our system isn’t reading it. How do we check that it is running through the solar controller into the battery?
Alan replied: This one goes straight to the battery via ITS OWN regulator and doesn’t go through the vans control system.
Saving Lives!
Trevor posted: You may have already seen a post from yesterday where one of our members was getting a tingle from the van. He has now discovered the cause which was the parks supply pole itself. So, I’m posting a picture of a Fluke socket tester ST240+. At $60 it’s cheap insurance especially for human life. It will test the leads, the van power points, RCD tester for both the van as well as the parks RCD and verify that your polarity is correct.
Handy Hold
Doug posted: Before we picked up our new Phoenix, Michael got their workshop to fit this rail in the shower They bolted the rail to a plate they made, then stuck this plate to the wall. Next time you’re in the shower, pretend you’re going to slip over, go to grab something & you will quickly find, if you don’t have this grab rail, you’re on your way to the floor.
Royal Flair Caravan Club Australia
3D all the way
Cameron posted: Busted door latches, not a problem with a 3D printer!
Hidden Hoses
Brad posted: New hose bags, simple idea that works well.
Fingers Beware!
Irene posted: This coupling is not user friendly! Try’s to nip fingers, is awkward for a girl to handle. Any suggestions as to what I can change it to?
Mozzies Begone!!!
Margaret posted: To help keep your mozzie coils burning.
Caravan Lawn Bowlers Club Australia
Bad luck Tully
NOT GOOD NEWS- our green has been damaged again- twice in 2 months- this time we believe damaged beyond repair. Thus no bowls and no income until maybe June / July. We are researching to alleviate the drainage problem and will be applying for a grant to undertake this and replace our mat surface.. We will also be approaching neighbouring clubs to possibly utilise their facilities to play some of our events. ANY CLUB WITH A FEW DOLLARS TO SPARE or suggestions as to any assistance, we would be most appreciative
CREATIVE NOMADS – Sewing, Crafting and Cooking throughout Oz.
The Truth will out.
Bruce posted: Bahahahaha!
Part of the Women in War mural. By artists Tim and Sam Bowtell in Violet Town, Vic.
Poor Taste Photo