In the 1930s, German archaeologist Wilhelm Koenig claimed that whilst excavating an archaeological dig near Baghdad (Iraq), he uncovered a small clay jar. It had a plug that sealed the opening. That plug had a copper tube with an iron rod inserted into it. If filled with an acidic liquid, the device functioned as a basic battery. Koenig and others made similar versions that generated up to two volts per unit.
Articles
Motorhome Basics
by Peter Manins Motorhome Information: The Basics Motorhome basics for those who are occasional motor-homers, who live in a built-up area, and are considering changing to a different motorhome, or who are considering making some improvements to their present one....
Truck wind forces on travel trailers
This paper explains how overtaking a fast moving truck, or being passed by one can exert dangerous truck wind forces on travel trailers.
A Bit More About Collyn Rivers
A brief biography about Collyn Rivers by Chrissy Eustace It is hard to know how to describe the enigma that is Collyn Rivers, although the Sydney Morning Herald (in the 1990s) probably came close to describing him as ‘one of the few remaining...
Warning for Potential Travel Trailer Buyers – how to buy a travel trailer
Potential buyers of caravans need to be extremely careful to ensure that their proposed caravan is, in fact, fully compliant with Australia’s vehicle safety regulations, as stated in the national Australian Design Rules. The Federal government’s Vehicle Safety Standards branch has recognised the problems in the caravan industry. It is introducing a new Road Vehicle Standards Act in July 2021. This Act replaces the Motor Vehicle Standards Act, which has been in force since 1989.
Travel Trailer Length and Stability
For decades both travel trailer owners and vendors have emphasised the need for a laden tow vehicle to at least weigh as much as the laden travel trailer. Length and travel trailer stability, and where weight is distributed over that length, is now being seen as more significant.
Making stable travel trailers – here’s how and why to do it
Making travel trailers more stable is readily possible by design, loading, and tow vehicle use and choice. This article by Collyn Rivers explains how. It also provides practical guidelines for buying a travel trailer and tow vehicle, their loading and on-road usage. For a full technical explanation of why rigs can be unstable please see my Travel trailer and Tow Vehicle Dynamics/. See also Why Caravans Roll Over/
Solar regulators with current shunts – how to fix misleading readings
If connected incorrectly, solar regulators with current shunts can register twice your true solar input. Here’s why – and how you can to fix it.
Australian RV and towing rules and regulations – a general guide
The current (February 2018) Australian RV rules and regulations are outlined here by Collyn Rivers of RV Books. Those for trailers under 4500 kg (9920 lb) will change in late 2018 but details are not yet available. These rules often change and this article will be regularly updated to reflect those changes.
Travel trailer and tow vehicle dynamics
The complex interactions of travel trailer and tow vehicle dynamics are described here by Collyn Rivers. It is a precis of the rvbooks.com Why Caravans Roll Over – and how to prevent it.