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Philip, whilst your method for checking works..
May I add its NOT approved, and can be dangerous - so people considering it do so at own risk of burns (cold) or other dangers - eg flames/sparks.
For those not willing to go this way there are gauges that can be fitted or stuck on that can be used to indicate gas liquid level.
Yeah, I know.
maybe I should list all the caveats for those who need them.
NEVER do this while standing in a hollow, or particularly say a well, dam or enclosed room
NEVER do this while having the odd fag, or stripping paint with a blowtorch
NEVER do this if next to the bogan neighbour revving his car. In fact don't do it within 30 metres or so of smoking bogans revving engines,or stripping paint.
NEVER do this while sitting in the drivers seat of your car, while idly pressing the brake pedal in fact do not do it near any running cars.
NEVER let your 8 year old child do this without close supervision. 9 year olds are probably OK.
Regards Philip A
My idea for our next trailer is to use a basic heavy duty box trailer (possibly a No. 5) which will have a roof top tent mounted on a raised frame so the total height is no higher than the tow vehicle. Under the raised frame and accross the back of the trailer will be a fixed bench/kitchen area with storage space under. Forward of the bench there will be enclosed lockable storage for water, extra fuel etc with much more height than a typical camper trailer.
A roll out awning will be mounted to extend over the rear cooking area or the side, depending on which way I decide to orientate the folding part of tent.
I think I can keep the total cost well under $5k.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PhilipA
Your right.. But remember the Internet is full of candidates for the Darwin Award!
The recent IOS8 "Wave" hoax being prime proof, that if people read it - without understanding there can be interesting results.
Some may just not realise what can happen.
I'd hate someone to just follow anything I've written without care.
Phillip touched on weight over the ball, this is very important when setting up a camper, something we looked at when we were looking and the camper we have was designed to have the minimum of weight over the ball without being too light, and it's all to do with drawbar length and where the axle is, and weight distribution.
Also a good mattress is paramount, we have an inner spring mattress in our camper, custom made 6" to suit, our camper has the walkway at the front.
BTW I check my gas bottles by picking them up, I also have bathroom scales in the garage, if they don't feel that heavy I'll weigh them, if they weigh around the 5kg mark that should be fine and will usually fill them when one runs out.
I too have the Mc Hitch, great hitch, no cluncks and easy to hitch up to the car.
Baz.
I saw this camper trailer on Facebook someone shared the other day just blew me away all the cool features and room it has, i know its quite expensive but wow some neat features and tricks.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2EOreX6j4w[/ame]
NEVER show women and children half-finished work:eek:;)Quote:
Originally Posted by PhilipA
The 'must have' list - only you can answer that. It really comes down to your (and more importantly your families) requirements.
This is what we have found (family of 6):
1. Electrical - most people under-estimate what they will use, and constantly worry about their state of charge. We run 2 x 100 amp batteries on the front of our Trak Shak. These are separated by a marine mechanical switch, with a gauge and a solar controller in a box between them.
We can charge them via the Defender, solar panels or 240V (generator or mains) using a battery charger that has an Anderson plug instead of terminals. The solar panels are mounted on the roof of the Trak Shak, but are removable and can be located quite a fair whack away via use of extension cords that have been made up.
It's all very simple and works well. Only ever use 240V at home or if we spend a night in a caravan park, as the vehicle and solar combination works really well.
2. Lighting - very important, and you can't go past LED.
3. Kitchen - keep it simple but functional. You aren't cooking at home, but what you cook at home is generally easily enough replicated out bush. A 2 burner stove is normally ample for most needs.
4. Water - I've thought about adding a proper water tank and electric pump, but never bothered. It would be nice, however we've survived on jerry cans for years easily enough. Even if I had a water tank, think I'd still have a couple of jerries as an 'emergency supply'.
5. Jerry cans - I hate seeing them on drawbars. Ours are mounted down both sides of the trailer equally either side of the axle. Weight distribution is excellent, and they are protected well there. I don't have to worry about storing fuel in or on the Defender at all, as the trailer automatically provides 4 jerry cans of fuel - gives me at least another full tank worth.
6. Hitch - proper rated off-road coupling with handbrake.
7. Brakes - IMHO nothing short of electric as this will go off-road.
8. Suspension - proper rated off-road - no preference between independent and leaf - much of a much as they both do the job.
9. Wheels/tyres - matching to your tow vehicle is a nice luxury. Works well but it isn't totally necessary.
10. Good awning, good canvas, and bloody good flyscreens with ventilation very important. All very understandable the first time you cop heavy rain, hot weather or any of the other weather conditions that make you wonder why you aren't home.....
But most importantly is the 'ease of use' factor.
If you can't throw some food in it, hook it up and go as a late minute decision then it isn't worth it.
If it is hard work, then it isn't worth it.
If you find reasons not to go away with it, then it isn't worth it.
It NEEDS to be easy, simple, does the job, no fuss - i.e. you don't even think of it.
P.S - Nat - one of those UEV's is what the missus and I want to retire with once the kids grow up. Absolutely love the set-up and already developing the Defender around towing one of them permanently.
Yeah I've never really looked or seen them before until someone shared the video on facebook!! But I love them such an amazing set up and the great features they have!!
Just to throw a cat amongst the pigeons...
I would argue that a sexy multi hundred dollar "off-road" hitch looks good but essentially unnecessary.
Between myself and half a dozen mates we would have towed trailers and boats across every road on the cape and in the gulf - all with a 50mm ball couplings.
None have ever been hampered by articulation - ever. None have ever failed, clunked or importantly been difficult to hitch and un-hitch.
I think the only trailer that would need more articulation than a 50mm ball gives would have to have the trailer axle <2m behind the tow hitch which would make it a fair pig of a trailer to tow/reverse and live with...
Just my observation from combined experience. I guess if it were me Id be spending the dollars on something else over an expensive hitch.
s