Caravan suspension has requirements that are very different from tow vehicles. This is only too often misunderstood. Here’s why and what it should be.
Caravan suspension – it is mostly misunderstood
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General
How much solar capacity do I need?
How much solar capacity do I need This article answers how much solar capacity do I need. It's valid anywhere in the world that has enough sun. It can save you a lot of money. The map below shows the amount you typically have available in Australia. Generally, solar...
Generators for Home and Property Systems
A backup generator is close to essential for home and property stand-alone solar. You can choose to down without but doing so may triple the cost of that system.
Quietening caravan water pumps – easy and cheap to do
Quietening caravan water pumps is simple to do at no or trivial cost. This article from RV Books’ Collyn Rivers shows how.
Lightning risk in RVs – how to reduce that risk
Lightning frightens but lightning risk in caravans is very low. That risk however is far from random. Here’s how to reduce it yet further.
Ultra-light caravans – they are rare but feasible. Here’s how to do it
Ultra-light caravans and fifth wheelers are rare, but feasible. Here’s how it is be done using hi-tech materials. One, over 9 metres, was under 2000 kg (4400 lb).
How much solar input – here’s how to find out
Knowing how much solar input is coming in like measuring rainfall. It uses units called Peak Sun Hours instead of inches or millimetres. Here’s how and why.
RV forum common sense – a rare commodity?
Caravan common sense can be fine but used about things technical it’s likely to be based on misleading opinions that contradict the basic laws of physics. Engineering utilises long proven knowledge. This may be (for example) about voltage drop along an electric cable. It may be about the deflection of a spring under load (Hooke’s Law). Or the forces exerted by a caravan yawing or pitching (Newton) etc. All are based on long proven work and often centuries of proven practice.
All solar house – self-building an off-grid all solar house
We self-built our all solar house in Australia’s far north. It is beautiful and practicable. Living with solar alone is 100% possible. Here’s how and why.
Weight distribution hitch setup – how much correction is needed
Correct weight distribution hitch setting up compensates caravan tow vehicle front end lift but introduces instability if too tight. Here’s why.
What off-road really means
What off-road really means is terrain that necessitates a serious 4WD – but many RV vendors may define it as anything lacking a centre white line. Compounding this, many RV vendors make claims about what can go where that are close to absurd.
Living with solar – how make it all work
Living with solar successfully requires being totally aware of the energy you use. Here’s a general guide to how to make it all work.
Driving across Africa – in 1956/60 the very last time it was possible
Driving across Africa is now politically impossible. Our 1960 such two-way expedition across all Africa was the very last known. We started in mid 1959 – and exited the Sahara on 28 April 1960. The track was closed that night. It has never re-opened. Further, Africa’s centre, right down to Zambia, has ever since, been far too dangerous to even consider.
How to free camp legally in Australia
Camping in Australia has no national or state-based definition. In New South Wales alone, over ten government authorities regulate camping on their land. Even the definition of camping is inconsistent across the related Acts.
10 Tips for RVing Around Australia
That most popular is to follow the shortest route around Australia’s coastline. It is 13,800 or so kilometres (8,625 miles). Allowing for diversions (such as Tasmania or Alice Springs and Uluru), this distance may double.
With wind speeds as high as 60 km/h, and particularly if you are towing a caravan, fuel usage will be much higher. To minimise this, the coastal route is best done anti-clockwise. Start down south in spring or summer (from Melbourne or Sydney) and head north – following the sun before winter sets in.
Is a 4 wheel drive needed for motorhomes
Is four wheel drive needed for motor homes – what can travel where, with and without it. Here’s all you need to know if you decide to build or buy one.
Caravan facts and opinions – the nonsense so often on caravan forums
Caravan facts and opinions are not the same. People confusing one for the other cause ongoing and major misunderstanding. This article explains how and why.
Problems with stand-alone solar – much applies also to RVs
Problems with stand-alone solar include over-selling, vendor claims, poor installation etc. Here’s plain English answers to the most common questions.
RV fault issues – who is responsible?
Many RV owners complain that, when approaching the vendor with after-sale issues, they are told to consult the RV maker. That maker then advises consulting the vendor. Here is the legal situation – and your rights as a buyer.
Buy a New RV in 5 Steps
Buying a New RV in Five Steps – before you start, stop and think. Buying a new RV is a major investment. This buying a New RV in Five Steps article helps resolve issues early on. Following its advice saves later heartache:
Is the RV lifestyle right for you? Will you miss family and friends? What home comforts can you not do without? What type of touring will you be doing? How many will be travelling? How many drivers? Is everyone in your travelling party committed to the RV lifestyle? Do you intend to drive off-road?
Why Caravans Roll Over
and how to prevent it
Explains in detail every aspect of tow vehicle and caravan stability. This is what you need to know to be safe on or off the road.
eBook versions
Paperback version
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Why Caravans Roll Over. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-6-1
Caravan and Motorhome Electrics
The essential handbook for anyone with an RV of any kind. Everything you need to know to make the electrics in your rig work for you.
eBook versions
Paperback version
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Caravan & Motorhome Electrics. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-8-5
Solar Success
Whether you’re building a new home or adding solar to an existing structure, this is the one book you can’t afford to be without.
eBook versions
Paperback version
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar Success. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6487945-4-7
Caravan and Motorhome Electrics
The essential handbook for anyone with an RV of any kind. Everything you need to know to make the electrics in your rig work for you.
eBook versions
Paperback version
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Caravan & Motorhome Electrics. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-8-5