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Proven & Unbiased Information from Collyn Rivers
♦ caravans ♦ motorhomes ♦ camper trailers ♦ solar ♦
Important News
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is investigating the Caravan Industry
A media release was issued on 12 November seeking information about the industry in relation to Australian Consumer Law. The ACCC has received over 1300 complaints about the industry over the last 5 year, and they've finally decided to act. RV Books has been active in pointing out the shortcomings of the industry, particularly in the area of caravan safety, and we applaud their efforts.
The ACCC have set up two surveys - one for purchasers and the other for retailers. We encourage everyone caravan owner to respond. The survey is easy to complete and will only take a few minutes.
Click here to read the media release: https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/views-sought-on-caravan-industry
Click here to go straight to the survey: https://consultation.accc.gov.au/accc/new-caravan-survey-consumers/
As information becomes available regarding this investigation we will report it here. Discussion of the issues raised by this investigation can be found in our forum: https://rvbooks.com.au/forum/
Search our catalog of exclusive RV articles
Between 1959 and 1961 Collyn Rivers and Antony Fleming drove a Bedford QLR off-road truck twice the length and breadth of Africa studying road surface conditions.
A 43 minute film about their adventure, produced and narrated by Antony Fleming, has been viewed on YouTube more than 1.6 million times!
To view the film, and also read Collyn's telling of the tale, just click the button below.
The Camper Trailer Book. Free!
Not currently available as an eBook or paperback, RV Books is publishing The Camper Trailer Book on this site. Every week new sections will be released until the complete, fully revised, version is available.
Solar Success
Collyn Rivers is the author of Solar Success. Previously only available on a different website (solarbooks.com.au), you'll now find this book and a large selection of exclusive articles by Collyn Rivers dealing with the intricacies of setting up and using solar power to run your home, cabin, caravan or motorhome. Over the next few weeks all of the content from Collyn's second site will be brought over to RV Books to provide a more comprehensive coverage of a wider range of topics.
Featured article
Quietening caravan water pumps – easy and cheap to do
by Collyn Rivers - Updated 2021
Caravan Water Pumps
Quietening caravan water pumps is simple to do at no or trivial cost. This article from RV Books' Collyn Rivers shows how.
Most caravans and motorhomes use 12-volt pumps that have a rotating cam. This cam drives a flexible diaphragm up and down, typically feeding three separate chambers. These chambers draw water as the diaphragm moves downward and close as it moves upward. This action forces water outwards through further valves. Each chamber operates at about 60 times a second. Noise is created by various parts of the action.
Quietening caravan water pumps - how and where to start
The first step in quietening caravan water pumps is to ensure the pump has a truly rigid mounting. Knock on the existing or proposed base. If it sounds like a drum it’s going to worsen pump noise. Ideally have a truly rigid base, but if not place a small piece of carpet between the pump and its base.
The pump is normally attached via screws and small rubber mountings. Use the thinnest possible hold-down bolts that will adequately hold the pump (Shurflo recommend high-tensile 2.0 mm bolts) and tighten only just sufficiently to marginally compress the rubber mountings. Do not overtighten.
Flexible piping essential
Noise is also transmitted through the flexible hose connecting the pump to the various outlets. A surprisingly effective way of quietening caravan water pumps is to reduce this transmitted noise. This is readily done by having a full loop of truly flexible hose (never use rigid copper) between the pump outlet and the rest of the system. This loop should be allowed to hang as loosely as feasible - ideally in free space. Unless able to move freely a lot of noise will still be transmitted.
Avoid right angle elbow fittings. They cause turbulent water flow and back-pressure. Both generate noise. Use smooth curves instead. Another cause of the noise is the vibration of the piping and any fitting where the hose passes through a wall. Use soft plastic foam as an insulator. Plumbing can also vibrate against walls and drawers etc
Once installed, bleed all air from the system as any trapped air causes the hose to rattle.
Start off with one already quiet
A good solution is to start with a pump that is already very quiet - such as the Shurflo WhisperKing shown below - mounted as described above.
The Shurflo WhisperKing works as described above, but is a lot quieter than most such pumps. Pic: Shurflo
Another approach is to use one of the quiet (post-2010) constant flow pumps. These circulate unused water around an internal loop in the pump body. They are much quieter but draw up to twice the current of previous models. This not a major problem in an RV, but can be in (for example) an irrigation system that supplies low pressure to drip feeds over for long periods of time. Another more recent innovation is the variable speed pump. This seems likely to become increasingly popular.
Further information
This issue, and also a solution that provides totally silent operation nearly all the time, is described, in Caravan & Motorhome Electrics, Solar that Really Works!, and Solar Success. If you liked this article you will like my books. My other books are the Caravan & Motorhome Book and the Camper Trailer Book. All are written in the same plain English down to earth manner. They provide solutions that work.
Recently updated articles
Electric Vehicle Batteries
The market for quickly-rechargeable, light and compact batteries is huge. One or another battery will eventually evolve. When it does, electric-only vehicles are likely to have a range unthinkable using fossil-fuels. Moreover, in the meantime, hybrids are an excellent compromise. Furthermore, see also Electric Vehicles – Hybrids.
Electric Vehicle Home Charging
Many existing home grid-connect solar systems have excess capacity outside peak periods. Solar energy fed in during the day can be re-drawn during off-peak periods, for much the same price, to charge an electric car. This is because many grid networks have excess capacity outside peak periods. Furthermore, such charging extends battery life: all dislike ongoing deep discharges.
Electric Vehicle Motors
Updated 2020 Electric vehicle motors AC/DC Electric vehicle motors use one or other of the two main kinds of electricity: alternating current and direct current. Both are effective as electric vehicle motors. Alternating Current (AC) is where electric current...
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Globally, there is move to electric vehicles. Apart from minor rubber tyre particles they are virtually emission free.They are also about 80% efficient. If, however, their electricity is from fossil-fuelled power stations, their emissions are similar to year 2020 petrol-fuelled (or hybrid) vehicles.
Articles by Category
Electrical (general)
- 12 volts dc from 24 volts dc
- AGM batteries for caravans – they are still worth using
- Battery charging and battery chargers – how to do it properly
- Blade fuse problems in caravans – they may burn or melt
- Caravan fridge problems – how to fix the most common faults
- Caravan Fuses and Circuit Breakers – how to know which to use
- Dc-dc charging – how to speed alternator charging
- Electrical converter problems in caravans – problems when used for free camping
- Electrical converters in RVs – they’re unsuitable for free-camping
- Fast battery charging from generators – cheap, effective and relatively simply
- Grid connect solar modules for RVs – here’s how you can use them
- Imported RV electrics
- Interconnecting batteries in parallel or series – here’s how and why
- Inverters for caravans – and motor homes too
- LiFePO4 jump starters really do work – they power other things too
- Lighting for caravans – it makes every sense to install LEDs
- Lithium battery rival
- Make caravan fridges work as claimed – here’s how to do it
- Quietening caravan water pumps – easy and cheap to do
- RV Alternator Charging Problems
- RV Batteries
- RV electrical wiring – twin-wire or chassis return – here’s why twin-wire is usually better
- RV Fuel cells – great idea, but cost is too high
- RV supply cables – choices of current capacity and length
- Solar regulators with current shunts – how to fix misleading readings
- TV interference from LEDs – here’s what causes it
- Variable voltage alternator problems with caravans – how to fix
Batteries & Battery Charging
- 12 volts dc from 24 volts dc
- AGM batteries for caravans – they are still worth using
- Are Lithium-ion Batteries Worth Their Price – homes and properties
- Australian Battery Breakthrough
- Baghdad battery myth
- Battery capacity required for cabins and RVs
- Battery capacity required for home and property solar
- Battery charging and battery chargers – how to do it properly
- Battery ventilation is vital – why take any risk?
- Best Batteries for Solar Power Storage
- Blade fuse problems in caravans – they may burn or melt
- Connecting caravan batteries – there’s no magic way of doing it!
- Dc-dc charging – how to speed alternator charging
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Electric Vehicle Batteries
- Electrical converter problems in caravans – problems when used for free camping
- Electrolysis corrosion in vehicles – how to find and fix it
- Fast battery charging from generators – cheap, effective and relatively simply
- Generator Battery Charging – Quickly and Deeply
- How long can lead acid batteries last
- How to tell caravan battery charge – energy monitoring explained
- Imported RV electrics
- Interconnecting batteries in parallel or series – here’s how and why
- Lead acid batteries for caravans – they are still a good buy
- LiFePO4 jump starters really do work – they power other things too
- Lighting for caravans – it makes every sense to install LEDs
- Lithium batteries for caravans
- Lithium battery rival
- Lithium battery safety in caravans – are they all the same?
- Lithium-iron batteries in RVs – they are safe to use
- RV Alternator Charging Problems
- RV Batteries
- RV electrical wiring – twin-wire or chassis return – here’s why twin-wire is usually better
- RV Fuel cells – great idea, but cost is too high
- Variable voltage alternator problems with caravans – how to fix
- What Peukert really meant – but is so often misunderstood
Caravan/Tow Vehicle Behaviour & Suspension
- Caravan and tow vehicle dynamics
- Caravan suspension – it is mostly misunderstood
- Caravan Tow Ball Weight – how much
- Caravan weight safe to tow – depends on what tows it
- 10 Tips for Safe Caravan Towing
- Caravan design need for change
- Caravan Length and Stability
- Caravan nose weight – it’s vital for safe towing
- Caravan wheel placement
- Choosing a Caravan Tow Vehicle
- Do Not Trust Caravan Declared Mass
- Fifth wheelers are safer – here’s why they are
- Gross Combined Mass Upgrades
- How caravan and tow vehicles interact
- Is Caravan Independent Suspension Essential? – the answer is no.
- Loading a Caravan Safely
- Making caravans more stable – here’s how and why to do it
- Mechanical sway-control has little value at speed
- Motorhome and trailer tyres
- Need for a WDH – avoid using one if possible
- Overhung Caravan Hitches
- Overweight RVs – a police point of view
- Reducing caravan sway – here’s how to minimise the causes
- RV Accident Data (Australia)
- RV Industry Changes Needed
- Should I grease my tow ball?
- Tow Vehicle/Caravan Weight Ratio Explained
- Towing Without a WDH – Weight Distributing Hitch
- Trailer Dynamics Simply Explained
- Warning for Potential Caravan Buyers – how to buy a caravan
- Weight Distribution Hitch limits cornering
- Weight distribution hitch setup – how much correction is needed
- Wheels falling off trailers – and how to stop it happening
- Why caravans sway and roll over – how to prevent it
Cooling and Heating
- Caravan air conditioning – here’s how
- Caravan fridge problems – how to fix the most common faults
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Diesel heating in caravans and motorhomes – it’s easy, effective and safe
- Interconnecting batteries in parallel or series – here’s how and why
- Make caravan fridges work as claimed – here’s how to do it
- RV Fridge Basics
- Safe RV heating – use diesel or LP gas
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 14: Fridges
General
- Caravan suspension – it is mostly misunderstood
- 10 Tips for RVing Around Australia
- All solar house – self-building an off-grid all solar house
- Are Lithium-ion Batteries Worth Their Price – homes and properties
- Australian RV Road Rules – Summary
- Baghdad battery myth
- Buy a New RV in 5 Steps
- Buying used caravans – what to check
- Caravan air conditioning – here’s how
- Caravan design need for change
- Caravan facts and opinions – the nonsense so often on caravan forums
- Choosing a Caravan Tow Vehicle
- Choosing the right interior fittings for an Australian RV
- Convert to your own all solar home
- Driving across Africa – in 1956/60 the very last time it was possible
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Electric Vehicle History
- Electric Vehicle Home Charging
- Electric Vehicle Motors
- Electrolysis corrosion in vehicles – how to find and fix it
- Energy and Power
- Ensuring Successful Solar Projects
- Fuel savers do not work – almost all are scams
- Generators for Cabins and RVs
- Generators for Home and Property Systems
- Going off the grid
- Have portable solar in your rented home
- How much solar capacity do I need?
- How much solar energy available?
- How much solar input – here’s how to find out
- How to free camp legally in Australia
- How to stop paying for electricity
- Interconnecting batteries in parallel or series – here’s how and why
- Inverters for Homes and Properties
- Is a 4 wheel drive needed for motorhomes
- Is Napisan a Safe Toilet Chemical?
- Lightning risk in RVs – how to reduce that risk
- Living with solar – how make it all work
- Napisan and Look-Alikes safe for Septic Tanks – a professor’s view
- Our Solar Equipped RVs
- Overhung Caravan Hitches
- Problems with stand-alone solar – much applies also to RVs
- Quietening caravan water pumps – easy and cheap to do
- Retarding rust electronically – claims are exaggerated
- RV fault issues – who is responsible?
- RV forum common sense – a rare commodity?
- RV Layout – How to Choose the Best
- RV Solar and Alternator Charging
- RV Solar Basics
- RV Toilets – Which is Best?
RV Solar
- All solar house – self-building an off-grid all solar house
- Australian Battery Breakthrough
- Grid connect solar modules for RVs – here’s how you can use them
- How much solar input – here’s how to find out
- How to tell caravan battery charge – energy monitoring explained
- Interconnecting batteries in parallel or series – here’s how and why
- Lithium batteries for caravans
- Lithium battery safety in caravans – are they all the same?
- Living with solar – how make it all work
- Our solar equipped RVs – all proved a major success
- Problems with stand-alone solar – much applies also to RVs
- RV Batteries
- Solar input available for caravans – know what’s available and increase it too
- Solar regulators with current shunts – how to fix misleading readings
Travel
- Caravan Tow Ball Weight – how much
- 10 Tips for RVing Around Australia
- Australian Road Rules Confuse
- Australian RV and towing rules and regulations – a constantly updated general guide
- Australian RV Road Rules – Summary
- Best Way to RV Around Australia
- Buy a New RV in 5 Steps
- Caravan design need for change
- Caravan Length and Stability
- Caravan tare weight issues – some declared weights may not be correct
- Caravan wheel placement
- Choosing a Caravan Tow Vehicle
- Choosing the right interior fittings for an Australian RV
- Claims for dual-cab ute towing capacity mislead caravan buyers
- Do Not Trust Caravan Declared Mass
- Driving across Africa – in 1956/60 the very last time it was possible
- Electrical converters in RVs – they’re unsuitable for free-camping
- Free camp safely in Australia – this article shows how
- How to free camp legally in Australia
- How to Reverse a Caravan
- Is a 4 wheel drive needed for motorhomes
- Loading a Caravan Safely
- Microwave for RV oven power draw – it’s more than many users think
- Motorhome and trailer tyres
- Need for a WDH – avoid using one if possible
- Overhung Caravan Hitches
- Quietening caravan water pumps – easy and cheap to do
- Reducing caravan sway – here’s how to minimise the causes
- Retarding rust electronically – claims are exaggerated
- RV forum common sense – a rare commodity?
- RV Fridge Basics
- RV Layout – How to Choose the Best
- RV Toilets – Which is Best?
- Safe toilet chemicals – can Napisan be used in septic tanks?
- Sleep apnoea machines for camping – correct choice is vital
- Solar input available for caravans – know what’s available and increase it too
- Top 10 Australian RV Apps
- TV interference from LEDs – here’s what causes it
- Weight Distribution Hitch limits cornering
- What off-road really means
Health & Safety
- Caravan weight safe to tow – depends on what tows it
- 10 Tips for Safe Caravan Towing
- Battery ventilation is vital – why take any risk?
- Blade fuse problems in caravans – they may burn or melt
- Caravan Fuses and Circuit Breakers – how to know which to use
- Caravan nose weight – it’s vital for safe towing
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Claims for dual-cab ute towing capacity mislead caravan buyers
- Diesel heating in caravans and motorhomes – it’s easy, effective and safe
- Fifth wheelers are safer – here’s why they are
- Free camp safely in Australia – this article shows how
- How to Reverse a Caravan
- Is Napisan a Safe Toilet Chemical?
- Lightning risk in RVs – how to reduce that risk
- LP Gas risk in caravans – deaths & brain damage still occurs
- Making caravans more stable – here’s how and why to do it
- Mechanical sway-control has little value at speed
- Napisan and Look-Alikes safe for Septic Tanks – a professor’s view
- Overhung Caravan Hitches
- Overweight RVs – a police point of view
- RV Accident Data (Australia)
- RV Industry Changes Needed
- RV supply cables – choices of current capacity and length
- Safe RV heating – use diesel or LP gas
- Safe toilet chemicals – can Napisan be used in septic tanks?
- Sleep apnoea machines for camping – correct choice is vital
- Towing Without a WDH – Weight Distributing Hitch
- Using correct size cables for RVs is essential
Legal & Compliance
- Caravan and motorhome compliance – the Caravan Council of Australia explains all
- Australian Road Rules Confuse
- Australian RV and towing rules and regulations – a constantly updated general guide
- Australian RV Road Rules – Summary
- Buying used caravans – what to check
- Caravan design need for change
- Caravan tare weight issues – some declared weights may not be correct
- Gross Combined Mass Upgrades
- Imported RVs – there can be major problems re-registering private imports
- RV Compliance – Here’s how to know
- RV electrical work – Victorian exception
- RV fault issues – who is responsible?
- Tow Vehicle & Caravan Weight Definitions
The Camper Trailer Book
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 1: Camper Trailer Overview
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 2: Where to Go in Australia
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 3: What can be towed where
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 4: Tow vehicles
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 5: Trailer Chassis and Suspension
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 6: Trailer Hitches
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 7: Trailer brakes & braking
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 8: Wheels and Tyres
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 9: Batteries
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 10: Battery and Alternator Charging
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 11: Generators
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 12: Fuel cells
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 13: Energy monitoring
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 14: Fridges
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 15: Water
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 16: Internal and water heating
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 17: Lighting
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 18: Supplementing with Camper Trailer Solar
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 19: Solar – bringing it all together
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 20: Example Systems
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 21: Installing the electrics
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 22: Building and modifying
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 23: Preparing for the trip
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 24: Why things work loose
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 25: Communications and GPS
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 26: Safety
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 27: Vehicle Recover
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 28: Legal Issues
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 29: Stuff you may need to take
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 30: Tools and spares
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 31: Terminology Explained
Electric Vehicles *New*
Household Solar *New*
- Ensuring Successful Solar Projects
- Refrigerators for Home and Property Solar
- Solar Regulators for Home and Property Systems
- Battery capacity required for home and property solar
- Best Batteries for Solar Power Storage
- Going off the grid
- Vital things about solar in the USA
- TOP 10 SOLAR SCAMS
- Generators for Home and Property Systems
- Solar Modules for Homes and Properties
- Solar Shadowing – reducing the losses
- Grid connect solar problems – what vendors may not reveal
- Inverters for Homes and Properties
- How to stop paying for electricity
- Have portable solar in your rented home
- Convert to your own all solar home
- Fuel cells for homes and properties
- Upgrading solar system has unexpected traps
- Solar charge your electric car at home
Trending
Generator Battery Charging – Quickly and DeeplyBattery charging quickly and deeply by a generator is very possible but onl...
- Australian RV and towing rules and regulations – a constantly updated general guide
The current (February 2018) Australian RV rules and regulations are outline...
- Caravan Tow Ball Weight – how much
For safe towing, a must be tow ball heavy. This article explains why and h...
- RV fault issues – who is responsible?
Many RV owners complain that, when approaching the vendor with after-sale i...
- Battery ventilation is vital – why take any risk?
All lead acid batteries, AGMs and gel cells, generate explosive gas. Even t...
- Making caravans more stable – here’s how and why to do it
Making more stable is readily possible by design, loading, and tow vehicle...
Want to find out more? Our books cover all these topics and a lot more.
Whether you’re buying your first RV or updating to a bigger, more comfortable rig, there are a great many things you need to know and consider. How to Choose and Buy an RV breaks things down so that you can decide what you want and whether or not what you’ve found is right for you.
Solar That Really Works! explains every detail of designing and installing solar in boats, camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes.
Caravan & Motorhome Electrics covers every aspect of designing, installing and fault finding of the electrics in fifth wheel and conventional caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes.
The Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of camper trailer, caravan and fifth wheel caravan, campervan and motorhome usage.
Caravans and their tow vehicles rarely jack-knife and roll over - but when they do the results are catastrophic. The cause, and how to prevent it, is explained here. Why Caravans Roll Over offers solid advice for keeping yourself safe on the road.
learn more
Solar Success explains how to design and build home and property systems that ensures affordable solar success first and every time.
Whether you're buying your first RV or updating to a bigger, more comfortable rig, there are a great many things you need to know and consider. This book breaks things down so that you can decide what you want and whether or not what you've found is right for you. It's technically sound and comprehensive so that you can proceed with complete confidence. How to Choose and Buy an RV is the ultimate guide for those times when you want to, well, choose and buy an RV.
Caravans and their tow vehicles rarely jack-knife and roll over - but when they do the results are catastrophic. The cause, and how to prevent it, is explained here. Why Caravans Roll Over offers solid advice for keeping yourself safe on the road.
Caravan & Motorhome Electrics is the totally rewritten successor to the original globally selling Motorhome Electrics. The book's content now also covers every aspect of designing, installing and fault finding of the electrics in fifth wheel and conventional caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes.
Solar Success explains how to design and build home and property systems that ensures affordable solar success first and every time.
The Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of camper trailer, caravan and fifth wheel caravan, campervan and motorhome usage. Like all of Collyn Rivers' books it is technically sound yet written in plain English.
Solar That Really Works! explains, in clear English, every detail of designing and installing solar in boats, camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes. It is up-to-date, valid globally and technically accurate. It is clear, concise and easy to follow without sacrificing important detail.
This is Collyn Rivers' newest book. Building on his years of experience and extensive knowledge of engineering and all things caravan and RV, this is the book you need with you when shopping for an RV.
Collyn Rivers has done it again! – if you need to know anything about motorhome electrics, then this book is for you... Collyn must be, without doubt, the foremost authority in Australia on this subject.
Should be compulsory reading for everyone involved with Caravans: Design / Engineering, Marketing, Journalism (print & electronic), Regulations, Inspections, Driver-Training, Caravan Clubs, Towing and Modifications.
Collyn is an accomplished engineer who knows how to design and build successful systems. It is refreshing to see practical advice written in plain language when there is so little solar information around. . . this is an essential text . . . you won’t find a better guide.
Without doubt, this is the best book we have ever read . . . it will be treasured, and read on a regular basis.