Articles

Why the Move to Electric Vehicles

Why the move to electric vehicles? It is largely because in the past few years there has become an increasing realisation that it is impossible to totally remove emissions from petrol engines. This applies even more so to diesel engines (although to their shame, major European car makers used fraudulent methods to cover this up). It is now all but certain that diesel cars and diesel 4WDs will cease being made after 2030. Many makers are planning an earlier date for diesel as it is becoming clear that it virtually impossible to remove the major polluting components.

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Caravan and motorhome compliance

Caravan and motorhome compliance can confuse. Imports are often not 100% compliant. This article shows what is required. Total caravan and motorhome compliance is rarely an issue with locally-made product. It can be, however, with imported caravans. This was particularly so of fifth-wheel caravans. There can also be problems with private imports. They may legally be used but only by the original buyer. That buyer often truly (but wrongly) believes them to be 100% compliant. They must not be sold, nor even given away, unless brought to 100% compliance.

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Wheels falling off trailers – and how to stop it happening

Wheels falling off trailers, wheel studs breaking and wheel nuts loosening still happens. Here is why it happens, and how to prevent it. Wrecked wheel bearings and fractured stub axles are also common. That fastenings such as wheel nuts may be caused, not just permitted, to loosen is rarely covered in engineering training. The causes and prevention are however well known. This referenced article by Collyn Rivers explains how and why in rigour and detail.

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Lithium battery rival

Lithium-ion and lithium-iron-phosphate (a lithium battery rival) are two types of rechargeable batteries. They share some similarities but differ in high-energy-density, long life-cycles, and safety. Lithium-ion is used in smartphones and laptop PCs. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFEPO4) is that used in RVs etc.

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Information for Book Retailers

The entire range of books published by RVBooks is available in paperback form for sales by bricks and mortar book retailers. Worldwide distribution for all books in the RVBooks library is managed exclusively by the Ingram Content Group. Ingram Content Group has one of...

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Lead acid batteries for caravans – they are still a good buy

Lead acid batteries for caravans are still a viable buy. They are made in different shapes, sizes and capabilities. All work in a basically similar way. Energy is stored within them as a result of electro-chemical reactions between lead plates and a water/acid mix (called electrolyte). They are charged by imposing a voltage across them that is greater than the voltage ‘within’ them at the time. The greater that voltage difference the quicker and deeper batteries charge. When battery voltage reaches the charging voltage, charging ceases.

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Solar usage in the USA

ISolar usage in the USA is rapidly becoming cheaper and growing increasingly faster.

In 2004, the average price of an installed 10 kilowatt rooftop solar module was about US$3.50 per watt. As of early 2021 an installed 10 kilowatt system is likely to ranges from $17,750 to $24,000 ($1.77 -$2.40 per watt).

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Should I grease my tow ball?

Should I grease my tow ball is asked by caravan owners worldwide. A recent poll in Australia’s Caravanners Forum.com showed that slightly over half do so, but primarily to reduce wear. That seemingly overlooked by almost all respondents is that tow ball friction plays a vital role in reducing caravan sway. Those who grease them unwittingly prejudice safety for the possible need to renew the towball every ten or so years. 

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How caravan and tow vehicles interact

In the early 1900s, trailers with central axles, towed by trucks with overhung hitches, were unstable. This escalated as towing speeds increased. Fruehauf (USA) realised hitch overhang imposed lateral forces on tow vehicles. As trailers yawed clockwise, that overhang caused tow vehicles to yaw anti-clockwise. And vice versa. The longer that hitch overhangs, the greater the effect.

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How to Choose and Buy an RV

Collyn Rivers is uniquely qualified to provide advice to anyone who want to buy an RV.  He's travelled throughout Africa, towed a 40 year old from Helsinki (Finland) to the 700 km north of the Arctic Circle and crossed the centre of Australia 12 times.  He's...

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Upgrading solar system has unexpected traps

Upgrading an existing solar system has unexpected traps. It is often better to scrap, use elsewhere, or attempt to sell that existing, and install a new one. This is particularly so with grid-connect systems and doing so with stand-alone systems is still tricky.

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Fuel cells for homes and properties

Fuel cells for homes and properties provide clean silent electricity. High current prices hinder their acceptance, but this may soon change. Fuel cells enhance solar. Furthermore, they may all but eliminate our need for battery storage. Fuel cells hugely reduce harmful emissions.

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Convert to your own all solar home

This vital easy to read guide shows you how to convert to your own all solar home at minimal cost. You can readily do this in much of the world between 50-degree latitudes north/south. This easy to read article shows that doing so can save you thousands of dollars. 

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Overweight RVs – a police point of view

This article is a précis of my discussion with Sergeant Graeme Shenton (Orbost Police Station) about two years ago. Sergeant Shenton is a caravanner and is taking a leading role (via ongoing road side checks etc) in establishing accurate data on the extent of overladen RVs on Australian roads. Most rigs checked are caravans – as there are about six times more of those than campervans and motor homes.

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Have portable solar in your rented home

It is often feasible to have portable solar in your rented home. Here’s how to do it simply, safely, legally and cheaply using readily bought parts. It requires space that faces the sun for some daylight hours year-round. It must also be within 50 degrees latitude north or south. You use high efficiency maximum-size solar modules to maximise input

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How to stop paying for electricity

We always wanted to stop paying for electricity, and now we have.  It getting easier to free yourself from dependence on the grid. We decided against going off grid. Why waste excess electricity when someone is willing to pay for it!

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Inverters for Homes and Properties

Inverters for homes and properties convert the typical 24 or 48 volt battery bank’s output into grid-like 110 or 230 volt alternating current. Consider only those marketed as sine-wave (not modified sine wave etc). High quality sine wave inverters produce electricity that is ‘cleaner’ than the average grid supply. Other types do not. Their output  is likely to wreck sensitive electronics.

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Solar That Really Works!

Solar that Really Works! covers the design, installation and use of solar in cabins, camper trailers, caravans, fifth wheelers, campervans and motor homes.

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 Solar That Really Works!  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-3-0

The Caravan & Motorhome Book

The Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of campervan and motorhome usage. If you own a camper van or motor home, you'll want this book.

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 The Caravan & Motorhome Book. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-5-4.

How to Choose and Buy an RV

How to Choose and Buy an RV is the ultimate guide for those times when you want to, well, choose and buy an RV.

eBook versions

Paperback version

Prices for the paperback version including delivery can vary dramatically.  RVBooks recommends you shop around.  We've included a number of reputable booksellers you may wish to consider. Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of How to Choose and Buy an RV. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6487945-5-4.

Solar That Really Works!

Solar that Really Works! covers the design, installation and use of solar in cabins, camper trailers, caravans, fifth wheelers, campervans and motor homes.

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 Solar That Really Works!  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-3-0